To explore public perception and support of the develop conversion of nature conservation land to new land for development housing in Hong Kong

Abstract

Housing price has been skyrocketing raised to a new high level. Some blame on the short-sighted of previous Government during recession of economic period, lack of housing land reserve leading to imbalance of supply and demand and a result of housing price raised. Thus, the current Government put the focus on increasing land supply for development. In the light of this, starting from 2013, various controversial long term open up new land for development has been put forth for public discussion, such as sea reclamation, carven development, step into green belts and even the nature area Country Parks. There is quite clear message that public is reluctant to step into nature area, particular Country Parks, though we may encounter issue of shortage of land. However, there is no comprehensive study how people value the Country Parks and how they would trade-off when we do need land for development. This research aims to fill in the gap of public perception from the perspective of sustainability. For better planning ahead, it is worthwhile to assume we will population growth, how to balance economy development, social cost for developing of the land as well as the environment conservation. A public perception on this issue, would help better to minimize social dispersion cost.

Economic development is being act as backbone in our society for over a decade. Public tends put their focus on the value of social harmony and ecology in the sustainable development. The majority of respondents welcome made use of developed land, such as brownfield, rural areas in New Territories, conversion of some industrial land use into housing land use, and even increase the plot ratio other than conversion of Country Parks for developable land. However, some views are open for review of the Country Park Ordinance. Moreover, public see the efficient of Department in dealing of land provision and the developer hold land for development are parts of the reasons leading to inelastic performance of supply to housing demand. As such, majority welcome the Government take a proactive role in housing system. A long term and committed to the organized land reserve database and comprehensive assessment of nature environment are the keys as well as bridging for public engagement and policy formation.

One can sure is that the New Town development reference to 1970s could be not put on today’s planning. Both Town Planner, the Government, public require to adopt a new concept of space for looking into land for housing. To make economic development, social harmony and conservation sustain, a better town planning, better coordinate among various Department and openness to public engagement will definitively help.