2023-08-17 20:30:44
Fanling Golf Course
The Hong Kong Golf Club objected to the Fanling Golf Course’s “Old Course” being used for housing construction. It had earlier filed a petition with the High Court for judicial review, requesting the court to overturn the decision of the Environmental Protection Department to conditionally approve the EIA report and apply for a temporary stay of the decision . The Columbia Golf Club applied to the High Court yesterday to temporarily suspend the execution of the decision involved in the case, pointing out that the old field is a recognized cultural heritage, and there are potential ancient and famous trees, rare and endangered wild Chinese pine, endangered moths and bats, etc. The site should be converted into public housing to destroy the ecological balance. The High Court will take time to consider and issue its verdict by next Friday.
The applicant for this judicial review is the Hong Kong Golf Club, the respondent is the Director of Environmental Protection, and the interested party is the Civil Engineering and Development Department.
Yu Ruohai, a senior barrister representing the golf club, first explained the historical value of the golf course at the hearing. He pointed out that the golf course is the oldest golf course in Hong Kong. It has a history of more than 100 years and has cultural heritage value. It was officially graded by the Antiquities Advisory Board , also recognized by the Environmental Protection Agency. He pointed out that the golf course has hosted international competitions such as the Hong Kong Golf Open, and he believes that the historical value of the golf course is no less than that of Queen’s Wharf. There are collective memories of the public, saying that they can’t see the golf course being used for the construction of public housing. Protect cultural heritage.
Yu Ruohai also pointed out that there are 80 old trees on the golf course, but because of the current policy, only old trees on government land that has not been approved for lease are included in the list of ancient and famous trees. However, he believes that the Environmental Protection Agency has not considered it, and the government is taking it back After the golf course land, the ancient trees inside have the opportunity to be included in the roster. He pointed out that some housing sites will overlap with old trees, and the old trees can only be removed. He believes that the EIA report is misleading and wrong, and that building houses on golf courses will violate the government’s policy of preserving cultural heritage and ancient trees.
Government: Even if the lawsuit is lost, there is no need to redo the EIA
Yuan Guoqiang, a senior lawyer representing the government, pointed out that this judicial review has no value and practical effect, because the relevant land is less than 50 hectares, and there is no need for an environmental impact assessment; he also pointed out that even if there is no environmental impact assessment report, the procedures of the urban planning committee will consider the environment factor of protection. Yuan pointed out that the housing problem in Hong Kong is serious, and the government should not delay housing development.
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