Yes, in yesterday's (May 13, 2014) Apple Daily there was an article of Bobby Li's major plans on Lamma, including Lamma-1, Lamma Garden, or whatever it's called these days. Here's the entire story as photos:

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=636084576460301&set=pcb.636084736460285

Let me get a little translation, editing the very messy Google translation...

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Apple Daily, May 13, 2014, I've edited the Google translation. Please point out mistakes if you can read Chinese:

In the former ex-Lamma Quarry floor mansions to be built
Lamma to double its population

Bobby Li Jian Qiang which a parcel of land located next to the former quarry and cement plant, great development potential.

The HK government actively has planned for a long time to build 4-13 storey housing in the ex-Lamma Quarry, with a population of 5,000. The Baroque on Lamma, rejected by the Town Planning Board, intends a comeback to flex its muscles by the potential quarry development. Only the original, elderly households remain in Sok Kwu Wan's Tung O Village. Their Village Chief confirmed that the younger generation is planning to return and enjoy the right to build a small house; more than 20 new applications so far.

Reporter : Yuan Boen

The Government intends to use about 20 hectares of flat land in the ex-quarry, building a multi-layer 4-11 and 10-13-floor private buildings layer subsidized housing, totaling 1,900 units, with a planned population of 5,000, equivalent to the current population of entire Lamma Island. The Department will build a large shopping center and community facilities, hotel and activity center. The second phase of public consultation will end on Saturday. Although the Government has a strong case that Lamma can sustain this new population, the knock-on effect and the potential go far beyond these plans.

"Apple" reporters last week visited Sok Kwu Wan and the Tung O Wan area, which has long been the main plan on Lamma, said Bobby Li Jian-qiang, resuming the cooperation with Agile Development Chairman Chen Zhuo Lin on the Baroque on Lamma. There are a small number of rural land developments, commonly known as Ding, the South Lamma village at present has only a few elderly people living there, but in the near future new small houses will be built there.

Tung O village head Chan Wai-ming confirmed that the Government started about two years ago with heavy quarry planning, meeting the villagers included also small house research and development aspects. He revealed that more than 20 former residents had applied to build small houses, two have been approved so far.... He said the villagers are expected back later hoping to build developments together, saving construction costs.

At present, five small houses are subject to transfer restrictions, if transferred within the time limit shall apply for the Lands Department and the payment of premium and administrative costs. The latest figures provided by the Development Bureau to the Legislative Council last week show that last year allowed to revoke the transfer of the case to limit to 498 small houses, an annual increase of 24% since hitting a new 12-year high.

Asked whether the construction of small houses would be for resale, Chan Wai-ming said that many former residents wanted to return to the island to retire, but because of the lack of proper medical care and community facilities they had given up the idea. He believes that the former quarry development can help improve this situation. But he also admitted the lack of a market on Lamma Island.

Chan Wai-ming stressed that the development will not accept the destruction of the environment, but the former quarry development is considered a "high-rise", but it does not exceed the ridge line, so it is an acceptable range. The villagers hope for the development to proceed, because they hope to enjoy improved community facilities.

Ecological Education and Resource Center Environmental Officer Stanley Chan Jin-wei worries that the ex-Lamma Quarry development plans will open the housing floodgates....

The biggest beneficiary of the ex-Lamma Quarry development plans might be Managing Director Bobby Li Jian-qiang of the King Wong Group. Li Jian-qiang owns at least 2 million square feet of land reserves on Lamma. Chairman Chen Zhuo Lin, which partnered with Agile development " Lamma Kong" , TPB was rejected two years ago , but learned Lamma Port intends to modify the program in the year before the application into the paper .

Bobby Li not a resident of Lamma Island, but over the past 20 years has continued to buy land. He was interviewed by the media in 2008 when the owners had threatened his own two million square feet of land bank on Lamma Island. He intended to develop the Baroque on Lamma, a hillside and low-density luxury development and hotel, covering about 9.2 million square feet, including 4.63 million square feet at sea level. The land included coastal protected areas, nature reserves and agricultural land, asking TPB to rezone it into a Comprehensive Development Area. But the Planning Department considered the ecological impact and TPB ultimately rejected the project. It is reported that BoL has announced that they plan to reapply mid-year.

BoL's communications suggest a proposed development of an old village conservation project in Yung Shue Ha. They also recommended the establishment of an ecological farm and education center in a farmland nearby. But the planned position seems to be very close to a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Corrections on the proposed plan are up for an Environmental Impact Assessment after submitting modifications again. No real timetable.

Bobby Li owns approximately 170,000 square feet of land outside the ex-Lamma Quarry and it has been designated as a Comprehensive Development Area. Li has said that they hope to be able to meet the ex-Lamma Quarry developers. Next to Sok Kwu Wan's Tin Hau Temple, just next to the former barbecue area, the TPB approved the construction of a three-storey building, to be used as shops and restaurants in 2010. In Nai Chung, 80,000 square feet of land, Li said in earlier years that it will be used to build a five-star boutique hotel. But so far no sign of construction on these two projects; the latter doesn't even have a TPB application so far.

The most bizarre is the Nga Kau Wan luxury residential project in North Lamma, "Lamma-1". It has 11 3-storey bungalows of about 2,000 to 4,000 sqft. The project got the occupation permit in 2007, Bobby Li had announced, but the site is currently totally empty city. An estate agent said that the site has not been arranged for sale or rental.

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This is probably the most informative story in recent years about Bobby Li's plans for Lamma.
Having met all the people mentioned in the story above in person over the last few years, I'd say that the story is quite well-researched and mostly accurate. Time to have another friendly chat with these key players soon, I hope. Sok Kwu Wan's Tin Hau festival, dragonboating and Cantonese opera tomorrow, time to refresh some old acquaintances.

The final ex-Lamma Quarry public consultation ends this Sat, May 17. It looks like this development will probably go full steam ahead with maybe some minor modifications, dismissing the objections, alternate proposals and signature campaign.

Very little major opposition has been voiced out in public so far, unlike in most of the other major housing plans of the Govt. all over HK which usually face stiff opposition from many groups and residents.

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Here's one more, slightly better, automatic translation of the Apple Daily article, by Bing:

Apple daily reported former quarry building "Lamma port" built mansions on Lamma Island power 1 time times more people "Reporter" found by the Government, "the Sun" for some time the Lamma quarry was reopened into the planning, proposed 4-13-storey building, insert intensive population of 5,000. Plus the mansion plan earlier rejected by the TPB "Lamma territory of" intends to make a comeback through quarry power Playbook. Original remainder Sok Kwu Tung o village on the elderly, males are also ready, the Mayor confirmed that the younger generation is planning to incorporate a small houses return returning Ding Quan, has been more than 20 applications.
Series of the fear which will calm rioting on Lamma Island. Reporter: Yuan Baien proposed Lamma quarry about 20 hectares of flat land, build number 4 and 10 to 13 storeys to 11 storeys of private subsidized housing, a total of 1,900 units, population 5,000 budget, equivalent to the current population of Lamma Island, the Department will also build a large shopping centre and community facilities, hotels and sports centres, the second stage public consultation will end on Saturday.

Although the Government urged Lamma Island can afford this additional population, but the ripple effect, the potential is far more significant than this. Over more than 20 indigenous inhabitants have to Sok Kwu Wan of the Apple press conference last week to apply for small missions along Tung o Wan, as early as "Lamma Island," said Li jianqiang resumption, with agile Chairman Chen Zhuolin Lamma Hong Kong for development cooperation.

The few land belongs to village type development, commonly known as Ding, Tung o village is now more than a few elderly people, but more than small houses will be completed in the near future. Tung o village head Chan Wai-Ming queried, confirmed that about two years ago, the Government quarry, planning in advance, plus the Lamma project, villagers have also met to examine the small house developments. He disclosed that more than more than 20 indigenous inhabitants have to seek small, two have been approved. "We love basketball have advised his, you returned to Li, of course, the best, even if you don't return to Zuo Li applications".

He said villagers expect later collected interest on Lamma Island, the development of this application will be built saves construction costs. The existing small houses are subject to a five-year restriction, if within the time limit the transfer shall be applied to the lands and the payment of the premium and administration fees.

Development provided by the Bureau to the Legislative Council last week, the latest figures show that last year allowed to revoke the restriction amounted to 498 cases of small houses, annual 24%, since it hit a 12-year high. Being asked whether to build small houses for resale, Chan Wai-ming said that many indigenous inhabitants wishing to retire back to the island, but due to lack of proper medical care and community facilities and him eat, convinced former quarry development may help to improve.

But he also admitted that he didn't know each intent, only the estimated premium per seat cost 4 million Yuan on Lamma Island, the lack of markets.

Chan Wai-Ming stressed that it would not accept environmentally damaging development, but thought the former quarry development "buildings" does not exceed the ridge line, is within the acceptable, villagers expected development, who hopes to enjoy community amenities. Ecological education and resource centre Environmental Affairs Director Chen Jinwei worry, a former quarry in the planning for the development of Lamma Island open door. "If they really developed quarry, Lamma Hong Kong now points to balance the times interview you (without approval)? If Lamma apply again and building again. So suddenly, Lamma Island XI within a very short time, Zuo hundreds of hotels, ignoring that I know there are so many needs. Jones Lang LaSalle residential Wai!

"Together with the villagers will have small houses and bed and breakfast in development planning," and bury a cumulative effect, on the South of Lamma Island, really so great a great impact. " Hold 2 million sq ft "Lamma" benefit from "Reporter" Lamma quarry plans to develop, the biggest beneficiaries are expected to be "Lamma Island" title built Mong Li jianqiang, a Managing Director of the group. Li jianqiang total hold on Lamma Island to at least 2 million sq ft of land reserves.

In partnership with agile development Chairman Chen Zhuolin "Lamma", and two years ago the Board rejected, but it is learnt that the Lamma intends to modify the plans this year, and then into the paper application. Eco-Lamma Island, Lee was not residents or, but over the past 20 years I've been trying to buy land, when he was in 2008, media interviews, had threatened his hold on Lamma Island 2 million sq ft of soil reservoir. Which accounted for to most wide of Bo Liu Hong Kong plans, intends to in East o development yacht will, and according to mountain and built of hotel and low density mansion, accounted for to about 9.2 million sq sq ft, including 4.63 million sq sq ft sea range, development land are for coast reserves, and nature reserve and the agricultural to, must to city gauge will applications modified classified for integrated development district, only Planning Department year indicates that on ecological effects too big, city gauge will eventually rejected about project.

According to Bo Liao said Hong Kong had foreign plans years into applications. Lamma communications show in Hong Kong, it is proposed to Banyan tree the old conservation village development project, also proposed a farm to build eco-farm and Education Center. But its newsletter, and was listed as a site of special scientific interest East of Australia are quite close.

Lamma-port limited to correct environmental impact assessment on the proposed plan, to be completed will resubmit after modification of the programme, there is no firm timetable. Early Lee purchased a former quarry, about 170,000 square feet of land, has been designated as a comprehensive development area, Lee said he hoped to meet former quarry development. Original BBQ paradise next to the Sok Kwu Wan Tin Hau Temple in 2010 and received Board approval to construct a three-story building, used as shops and restaurants. 80,000 sq ft of land in Nai Chung, Lee has indicated that it will be used to build a five-star boutique hotel in its early years.

Two projects have not commenced, which TPB does not apply. The most bizarre is its luxury projects Nga Kau Wan "Lamma1", has 11 seats by about 2,000 to 4,000 sq ft three-storey houses. Project 2007 has made an occupation permit, Lee has touted, but site now like a ghost town, estate agents have said the site has not been scheduled for sale or for rent. (Translated by Bing)

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The full SCMP story from May 13 has been republished by somebody on Facebook, for most people who don't have paid access to the SCMP website:

Eco-tourism resort urged instead of Lamma project (click and paste entire line into your browser):
https://www.facebook.com/pages/南丫島話-On-Lamma/343952129006882/

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Here's the document text:



Lamma Island Concern Group
Our Views on the Development of the Ex-Lamma Quarry Site

1. The second stage of the public consultation on the “Planning and Engineering Study on Future Land Use at Ex-Lamma Quarry Area at Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island-Feasibility Study” is now underway. In our opinion the consultation process is beset with problems of maladministration and ill planning. Here below is a summary of our views on these problems.

First Stage of Public Consultation Process was Exclusive

2. The Planning Department put forth three concrete options already in the first stage of the public consultation, all proposing to use the Ex-Lamma Quarry Site mainly for housing with an anticipated population between 2,000 and 7,000. In the consultation process, the public was not given any chance to discuss planning principles or other options apart from the three proposed options. In spite of this, in the first stage of the consultation many people were of the opinion that the site should mainly be used for tourism and recreational purposes and that all housing plans should be scraped.

Outcome of First Stage of Consultation was Concealed from Public

3. The report of the Planning Department on the first stage of the consultation only mentions that 500 comments have been received and there is no mention on their content. The Planning Department has also refused to disclose the percentage of support for each option or the total number of comments that oppose any housing plan and demand for conservation and the building of a botanical garden. On the public forum hold on May 3, officials of the Planning Department said that they had no intention to “quantify views”. In our opinion the Planning Department is trying to conceal the fact that the majority of the comments are opposed to any plan for housing.

In Contrast to Outcome of Stage 1 Consultation, New Proposal Raises Buildings and Population Density Significantly

4. In the second stage of the consultation, officials of the Planning Department claimed that they had summed up the views expressed in the first stage of the consultation and decided to integrate the options of “housing” (1a and 1b) and “tourism and housing” (2). This is obviously a kind of “language disguise”. The plan proposed now by the Planning Department is in fact the option that had a housing plan for a population the size of which was opposed by many local residents in the first stage of the consultation. They thought that both the figure of 5,000 and 7,000 was too high. In a letter dated April 15, 2014 in reply to Legislative Councillor Leung Kwok Hung, the Planning Department admitted that most participants in the consultation supported the “tourism and housing” (2) option. In spite of this, in the new plan proposed in the second stage of the consultation, the plot ratio and building height have been increased from 2 times and 13 storeys to 2.7 times and 13 storeys, and a target population of 5,000 is proposed. Even though the CB(1)1491/13-14(06) newly proposed plan retains most of the tourist facilities, the Planning Department has completely ignored the outcome of the first stage of the consultation in which most participants supported Option (2) that had a plan only for a population of 2,000.

No Public Consultation Event Takes Place on Lamma Island

5. Unlike the first stage of the consultation, no public forum or workshop is hold at Yung Shu Wan or Sok Kwu Wan in the second stage. This inevitably excludes large number of local residents from taking part in the process. The only forum for public consultation that took place at City Gallery at Central District was hold on the morning of May 3, a Saturday. Again this made it difficult for many wage earners to take part in the forum. The host of the forum acted improperly when, as the forum began, she threatened that protestors would be liable to any damage caused by their protest, etc. Her long statement in this regard inevitably dampened participants’ motivation to speak. Two “experts” were invited to speak at the end of the forum, thus their views were made to appear as though they were summaries of views and opinions expressed at the forum. In addition, instead of making use of the opportunity to solicit more opinions from the participants, the forum ended half an hour earlier than scheduled.

Same People Being Consulted Repeatedly

6. The Planning Department has repeatedly consulted same groups of people, which is unfair for residents of Lamma Island as a whole. For example, members of the rural committees of Lamma Island have been consulted for at least four times as representatives of local groups, members of rural committees, district councillors and participants of public forums. The three district councillors of Lamma Island, who definitely have already expressed their views fully in other occasions, were all given a chance to speak again on the public forum on May 3.

Misleading Figures

7. To raise the percentage of “green area” in land use in the proposed plan, 9 hectares of land, which is on a slope that cannot be built on, is presented as “green belt” in Stage 2 Community Engagement Digest. The total area of land that can be used for building and construction is only 24 hectares and not 34 hectares as stated in the paper. In fact, the “Planning and Development Study on Hong Kong Island South and Lamma” commissioned by the Planning Department and completed in 2004 also uses 24 hectares as the base figure. In other words, the Planning Department is trying to deceive the public by playing with figures. The figures below are the percentages of various land uses when 24 hectares is used as the base figure. It could be seen that open space accounts for only 16% of the land use and there is no green area at all on flat land.

Land Use Area of Land (hectares) Percentage of Total Land (%)

Residential - 6 25%
Hotels - 2.5 10%
Recreational - 7 29%
Open Space - 4 16%
Government and Institutional or Community Facilities - 2 8%
Road, Ferry Pier and Landing Steps - 2.5 10%


Planning Study Proposing that the Site be Used only for Tourist and Recreational Purposes Concealed from Public

8. In both stages of the public consultation, the Planning Department has not mentioned at all the planning history of the Ex-Lamma Quarry Site. In fact, the Planning Department conducted the “Planning and Development Study on Hong Kong Island South and Lamma” (CE65/96) a decade ago and proposed that the quarry be developed only for tourism and recreational use, such as providing land for outdoor recreational centres, extreme sports centres and water sport centres. It was also proposed that the site be used as the entrance to the proposed Lamma South Country Park. This study has never been mentioned in both stages of the consultation and the public is led to think that the Ex-Lamma Quarry Site must be used for housing.
9. On the forum on May 3, our representative asked the officials of the Planning Department directly why the public had never been informed of the above study. We were astonished when the official replied that the study was only an “internal study” for the department’s own reference and that its proposals concerned only short-term uses of the site. The official further stated that the site had been planned for the use of the Strategic Sewage Disposal Scheme. This claim was totally misleading. According to the report of the above-mentioned study, long before the study was launched, a government report entitled “Final Report of the Rehabilitation of Lamma Quarry Planning and Engineering Study” published in 1995 had already proposed that the site be used for recreational purposes. The government had consulted and gained the support of local groups and environmental organisations in this regard. Apart from this, in the “Planning and Development Study on Hong Kong Island South and Lamma”, it was stated that the objectives of the study was to study all “short-term, mid-term and long-term” uses of the site. The study proposed to reserve 9 hectares of land for the construction of a sewage facility. Later, due to changes in the Strategic Sewage Disposal Scheme, it was no longer required to build the sewage facility at this site. However, it does not mean that the study should be ignored completely.


No Social, Economic and Environmental Impact Study has been Conducted on Lamma Island as a Whole

10. According to the proposed plan, there will be a new population of 5,000 which means that the population of Lamma Island would increase by nearly 100%. The site is located in the southern part of Lamma Island, which has only a population of about 500. In other words, the population in southern part of Lamma Island would increase tenfold. There has never been any kind of development of this scale on Lamma Island which is comparable to the development of a new town. In spite of this, the Planning Department had not undertaken any island-wide social and economic study on the possible impact on the life of local residents and on the business of local shops and restaurants.

11. According to the Eco-Education and Resources Centre, Lamma Island was put on the list of “Proposed Country Park” as early as 1967. In the “Southeast New Territories Development Strategy Review” published in 2001, the southern part of Lamma Island was again on the list of “Proposed Country Park and Marine Park”. The south of Lamma Island is rich in ecology. For example, it is the habitat and breeding ground of two precious species of wildlife, Romer’s tree frogs and green turtles. However the study on the use of the Ex-Lamma Quarry Site has not looked at the impact of the development of the site on the environment of Lamma Island as a whole.

Negative Impact on Tourist Industry on Lamma Island

12. Lamma Island is one of the outlying islands of Hong Kong renowned for their unique landscapes and attractions that draw large numbers of visitors on holidays. Tourists and visitors enjoy the small-town charm and the natural and ecological environment of Lamma Island. However the new development plan proposes a new population of 5,000 and the construction of 13-storey buildings the scale of which is close to a medium size new town. The implementation of such a development plan would not only severely undermine the unique attractions of Lamma Island, it would also destroy the environment of the island. The proposed plan for hotels is also incompatible with the current “hostel” style of accommodation for visitors on the island. Obviously no study has been undertaken on the preferences of tourists and visitors of Lamma Island. The signature campaign of the Eco-Education and Resources Centre against the housing plan collected over 5,000 signatures on the trail from Yung Shue Wan to Sok Kwu Wan in only a few days during the holiday. This shows clearly that tourists and visitors are very opposed to the construction of high-rise buildings on Lamma Island.

New Buildings May Remain Unoccupied

13. The Planning Department proposes a housing development plan for 1,900 flats of which 1,200 flats are to be built by private developers while 700 flats are to be built under the Home Ownership Scheme. It
is anticipated that many of these flats would remain unoccupied because owners find it difficult to adapt to living on the island.

14. According to the data published by the Rating and Valuation Department in 2012, the vacancy rate for large flats (i.e. 700 sq. ft. to 1,000 sq. ft.) was 6.12%. The 1,200 private flat that the Planning Department proposes are all large flats of 700 sq. ft. to 1,000 sq. ft. As Lamma Island cannot be reached by motor road, it has little attraction for buyers of luxurious flats. Problems of speculation and high vacancy rate are expected.

Living On Outlying Islands Does Not Mean Retirement

15. It is claimed that the 700 flats provided under the Home Ownership Scheme will attract retired people and young people. If this is what our planners think, a social resources mismatch can be expected. According to the 2011 Population Census, the percentage of retired persons among the residents of Lamma Island is only 11.5%, which is lower than the overall percentage of 14.8% for the whole of Hong Kong. It is not difficult to understand why. To move to the outlying islands, one would have to leave behind one’s community and support network. Most retired people would be reluctant to do so.
16. The price of the flats provided under the Home Ownership Scheme might be lower than flats in the city and young people may find it easier to own their flats under the scheme. However, due to the problems of long traveling time and high transportation fee, one doubts that young people would be attracted to live on the island. According to the 2011 Population Census, 13.7% of the current residents of Lamma Island are “free lance workers”. The percentage is two times that for the whole of Hong Kong.

Public Facilities are Unable to Sustain a Population of 5,000

17. While the proposed new population is 5,000, only a few public facilities have been planned. The Planning Department has reserved only a small plot for government and institutional or community (G/IC) facilities. The South Lamma Public Library (approx. 250 sq. m.) will reopen in the Ex-Lamma Quarry Site. A community health centre (approx. 700 sq. m.), an integrated service centre (approx. 290 sq. m.) and a SWD integrated family centre (approx. 40 sq. m.) will be built. It can be seen that the scope of service offered are very limited. The public library and the police station will be relocated from Sok Kwu Wan to the Ex-Lamma Quarry Site on the opposite shore and the residents now living in Sok Kwu Wan would be marginalised. In the meantime, no land has been allocated for “schools” which means that the children of the new community will have to travel to schools on Hong Kong Island everyday. There will not be any facility for town gas and residents will have to resort to electricity for cooking. The new plan has also not responded to the demand of residents of Lamma Island for a 24-hour clinic.

18. According to the new proposal, some new buildings will be 13-storeys high. A large number of fire engines and ambulances will have to be placed on the island which is completely cost ineffective. The fire engines and ambulances will have to be ferried to Hong Kong Island for maintenance or replacement but there is no plan for a vehicular ferry pier. In addition, the fire engines and ambulances will not be able to
serve other parts of Lamma Island because of road design. The planned fire station will be located up on the hill and no fireboat has been planned. In other words, if any fire should break out on the southern part of Lamma Island in the future, fireboats will have to be sent from Aberdeen, something that is really ridiculous.

Subsidy of Transportation Expenses of Lamma Residents Would Be a Long Term Burden on Public Fund

19. The government is currently spending over $100 million to subsidise the ferry service of outlying islands. A planned population of 5,000 at the Ex-Lamma Quarry Site would mean a substantial increase of spending of public fund in this regard. For example, the “Yung Shue Wan-Central” route serves about a population of 5,500, but up till today, the route is still operating with loss. Under the proposed plan, the future “Sok Kwu Wan to Central via Ex-Quarry” route will be serving a population size close to the “Yung Shue Wan-Central” route. It can be anticipated that the ferry service would also operate with loss.

Destruction of the No-Car Environment of Lamma Island

20. Currently there are only village roads on Lamma Island and there are no public roads for cars. In the plan for the Ex-Lamma Quarry Site, it is proposed that a single two-lane carriageway be built. In the proposal, it is also suggested that an “environmentally-friendly transport mode” be adopted as an “ancillary service”. In its reply to Legislative Councillor Leung Kwok Hung on April 15th the Planning Department admitted that it was planning to permit hotels or other users to use golf cars or other environment-friendly vehicles on Lamma Island. In other words, cars would be introduced for the first time to Lamma Island, which would mean changing completely the no-car environment of Lamma Island.

Our Demands
* To launch again a consultation that does not have any presupposition;
* To expand the scope of study to the whole of Lamma Island;
* To immediately list Lamma Island South as a country and marine park.

Lamma Island Concern Group
May 17, 2014

This is a very comprehensive, clear and well-written argument and I agree with most of the points made, having attended all the public forums, plus some green-groups-and-media-only forums on this topic.

But who's the "Lamma Island Concern Group"? Not Living Lamma, GreenLammaGroup, or any of the usual suspects?
No contact info of any kind, no Facebook or online presence, it seems?

Is it the same as the "South Lamma Concern Group" of mostly Mo Tat Wan residents? They're extremely low-key and publicity-shy, except Damon Wong who's writing mostly about HK-wide green issues these days for an NGO-sponsored blog, I believe.
We've heard from them only about the Baroque on Lamma and the ex-Lamma Quarry so far, what else are they fighting against or for?

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What I have felt for a long time is that this site would be perfect for the development of a co-housing community founded upon ecological principals. While cohousing seems to be unheard of in this part of the world it is really catching on in North America and Europe. Cohousing is primarily oriented towards healthy, human-scale, community living, but are usually also designed to be sustainably related to the natural environment of which they are a part.
http://www.cohousing.ca/cohousing.htm
http://www.cohousing.org/what_is_cohousing

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----- Margaret Mead

LegCo Panel on Development - Special meeting on Mon, 7 July 2014, at 2:30 pm in Conference Room 1 of the Legislative Council Complex

Agenda

Planning and Engineering Study on Future Land Use at the Ex-Lamma Quarry Area at Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island - Feasibility Study: Stage 2 Community Engagement and Draft Recommended Outline Development Plan
(2:30 pm - 3:40 pm)

LC Paper No. CB(1)1456/13-14(06) (issued on 20.5.2014)
- Administration's paper on Planning and Engineering Study on Future Land Use at the Ex-Lamma Quarry Area at Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island - Feasibility Study: Stage Two Community Engagement

LC Paper No. CB(1)1456/13-14(07) (issued on 20.5.2014)
- Paper on future land use of the Ex-Lamma Quarry Area at Sok Kwu Wan of Lamma Island prepared by the Legislative Council Secretariat (Background brief)

Relevant papers

LC Paper No. CB(1)1491/13-14(06) (issued on 26.5.2014)
- Submission from Lamma Island Concern Group dated 17 May 2014

LC Paper No. CB(1)1531/13-14(01) (Main text in Chinese version only, Annex in English version only; signatures not attached) (issued via e-mail on 29.5.2014)
- Submission from Eco-Education & Resources Centre

LC Paper No. CB(1)1531/13-14(02) (English version only) (issued via e-mail on 29.5.2014)
- Submission from South Lamma Concern Group

LC Paper No. CB(1)1531/13-14(03) (English version only) (issued via e-mail on 29.5.2014)
- Submission from Living Lamma dated 26 May 2014

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[
Relevant papers

LC Paper No. CB(1)1491/13-14(06) (issued on 26.5.2014)
- Submission from Lamma Island Concern Group dated 17 May 2014]

I love this: To immediately list Lamma Island South as a country and marine park.

Apple Daily article about the LegCo panel meeting 2 days ago:

南丫石礦場僅建千多個單位 議員斥浪費珍貴土地
Google translation:
Lamma Quarry was built more than a thousand units only denounced the waste of precious land Members

A number of Members of the Legislative Council Panel on Development opened the special meeting, criticized the government for Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Lamma former quarry development, planning misconduct. Albert dissatisfaction People Power Development Board to identify land for housing only, ignoring the most appropriate use of land, described the practice as "haphazard."

The Government recommended that the Department develop into a tourist and residential areas, the proposed construction of 1,200 and 700 private residential flats. But Albert criticism less housing, planning is a waste of precious land resources, it is recommended to participate in the United Kingdom, "Eden Project" to build a large-shaped greenhouse and conservation areas. DAB Leung Che also questioned the concept of Lamma put too much development, criticizing planning nondescript.

Assistant Director of Planning Christine Tse responded that there are plans to add "Garden of Eden" features, including the construction of an artificial lake, with organic farming and other sustainable development, but also means the completion of the first round last year to collect the views of community participation, reflecting the development of the public want to be able to acquire land balance.

"Eden Project" means the United Kingdom in 1998, spent 90 million pounds, the Cornwall (Cornwall) an early overdeveloped clay mining sites, the world's largest dome turned into a greenhouse, a collection of hundreds of thousands of the world's plants, attracted over one million visitors each year to attend, be considered a major achievement of green tourism.

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Letter to the SCMP Editor last week by famous HK nature photographer (and neighbour) Ed Stokes.

If you've got no access behind SCMP's paywall, or have used up your monthly quota of a handful of free stories yet, or don't know how to get around their paywall (clearing the cookies and/or cache might work?):

forget-tower-blocks-lamma-quarry-and-clean-village-areas

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LegCo Panel on Development visits Ex-Lamma Quarry Area

Hong Kong (HKSAR) - The following is issued on behalf of the Legislative Council Secretariat:

"The Legislative Council Panel on Development conducted a visit today (October 25) to the Ex-Lamma Quarry (ELQ) Area at Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma Island to receive an on-site briefing by the Administration on the draft Recommended Outline Development Plan (RODP) for the ELQ Area.

Panel members visited the ELQ Area and met with members of the Islands District Council, the Lamma Island (South) Rural Committee and local residents at the Rural Committee's Office to understand their views on the draft RODP.

Members participating in the visit included the Chairman of Panel on Development, Mr Tony Tse, Mr Paul Tse, Mr Albert Chan and Ms Chan Yuen-han.

In the draft RODP, it is proposed that private and subsidised housing to accommodate a planned population of 5 000, recreation/tourism facilities and a resort hotel be developed in the area. Moreover, external and internal transport networks for the area will be enhanced.

The Panel discussed the draft RODP at its meeting on July 7. The discussion paper can be found at:
http://www.legco.gov.hk/yr13-14/english/panels/dev/papers/dev0527cb1-1456-6-e.pdf"


My own photos of tagging along as Media during this visit, together with my interpreter Lamma-Por, are in processing...

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New flyover and fly-through computer-animation of "The Lamma Hub":

http://www.ex-lammaquarry.hk/index.html

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Submitted by 南丫島話 On Lamma:

Our Chance on Lamma Island - by LegCo Member Miss CHAN Yuen-han

Published today in am730
[Consolidated: http://www.am730.com.hk/column-258012]


Translation by Charlie Chiu. Many thanks!
兩天前入南丫島，希望就政府在索罟灣對開，前南丫石礦場的發展項目作更
深入了解。
I went to Lamma Island two days ago, hoping to know more about the SKW ex-quarry development project.

今次已是第四次因這個發展項目入南丫島，不過，所看的、所知的和所想的
，都跟前幾次有點不同。
This is my fourth trip to Lamma Island in relation to this project. But what I see, what I know and what I think are different from my previous visits.

其實，對於這個發展項目，我跟我的民間專業團隊，暫時都無具體概念。
Actually, me and my non-government professional team still have no concrete idea about this development plan.

然而我卻有很多問題，希望問政府、問居民甚至是問自己！
Yet I have many questions to ask the government, residents and myself!

我曾經試過以不同的位置去視察這個地方，包括乘政府安排立法會的考察船，以及由當地居民帶領我坐小船，沿著發展區的海邊視察。
I tried to inspect this place in different ways, including a LegCo inspection ship arranged by the government and small ship rides led by local residents. These trips were along the coast lines of areas included in the development plan.

不過，看得最清楚，還是登上石礦場後的山上，俯瞰整個區域的面貌，啟發而來的問題亦更多。
But the clearest view came when I reached the mountain behind the quarry, looking down to have a view of the whole area. Many more questions came to my mind.

到底，對於這片土地，政府該如何規劃呢？
How should we plan this land?

如此美景，政府最初當然想賣地用來建豪宅、建酒店，但這個為小撮人的享受而犧牲整個自然環境的做法，在立法會理性之同事也有不同意見，而我一班喜愛山水的人自然堅持反對！
With such a beautiful view, of course the gov't initially would want to send lands to build luxury housing and hotels. But sacrificing the whole natural environment for enjoyment of a few people received different opinion from rational colleagues in LegCo. Of course, nature lovers like us insist on opposing it.

政府顧問公司初步建議會建公屋、亦有居屋又或是青年旅社，目標是增加5千人口。
Gov't consultants initially suggest the building of public housing, housing under the Home Ownership scheme or youth hostels. The goal is to increase a population by 5,000.

聽起來好像不錯，但想深一層，為增加千多戶而犧牲一個不能取代、獨一無二、買少見少的環境，又好像不太划算！
Sound nice, but on second thought, it seems not a good deal to sacrifice an irreplaceable, unique, dwindling environment for 1,000 plus households.

抑或，政府索性「蒙著眼」，大規模地發展，又如何呢？性本愛丘山的當地居民一定跟你拼過！
Or, the gov't can turn a blind eye and develop in a large scale, what about that? Nature loving local residents are sure to fight against it.

那麼，不發展、保留原狀是否最好？
But then, is it the best to keep it as is and not develop at all?

但當地居民又未能因這個人口增加的機會，加強區內之基本設施和配套。
But local residents will be unable to grab this opportunity to strengthen basic infrastructure and supporting facilities in the area.

另外，又有居民建議，將南丫島發展成屬於香港人在大城市旁的一個假日休閒住宿旅遊點，但卻要經政府部門的五關六將，困難重重……
Besides, some local residents suggest to develop Lamma into a leisure tourist spot beside the big city. However, they need to go through all the obstacles in the gov't ...

眾多問題，未有答案。
Many question, no answers yet.

想來想去，按現時政府的規劃模式，任何方案都總是未臻完善，總是帶點缺失、帶點遺憾。
After much deliberation, based on the government's current planning model, any plan is always imperfect, there's always room for improvement and there's regret.

既然如此，我們是否有需要注入新的思維，棄掉舊有的一套觀念，將意想不到的、聞所未聞的，在這片土地作一個新開始呢！
That being the case, is there a need for us to inject new thinking, abandon the set of old ideas, and let the unexpected and unheard have a new start in this land.

你或許會問，那即是甚麼？即是不排除任何新概念！
You might ask, what is it then? That is not ruling out any new concept!In Lamma Island two days ago in the hope that outside Government in Sok Kwu Wan, Lamma quarry before development projects more in-depth understanding.
I went to Lamma Island two days ago hoping to know more about the SKW ex-quarry development project.

This is the fourth time for this development project to the Lamma Island, however, and want to read and understand by is a little different. This is my fourth trip to Lamma Island in relation to this project. But what I see, what I know and what I think are different from my previous visits.

In fact, for this development project, I talked to my private professional team, currently there are no specific concepts. Actually, I and my non-government professional team still have no concrete idea about this development plan.

Yet I have a lot of problems, and would like to ask the Government, asked the inhabitants even ask yourself! Yet I have many questions to ask the government, residents and myself!

I would have tried a different location to visit this place, including by government arrangements for the research vessel And by the local population lead me by boat, along the development area of the beach visits. I tried to inspect this place in different ways, including a LegCo inspection ship arranged by the government and small ship rides led by local residents. These trips were along the coast lines of areas included in the development plan.

However, most clearly seen, still after landing on quarry Hill, overlooking the entire region faces, inspire the question comes more. But the clearest view came when I reached the mountain behind the quarry, looking down to have a view of the whole area. Many more questions came to my mind.

Really, for this piece of land, how can Government plan? How should we plan this land?

Such beauty, the Government initially wanted to sell to build mansions, built hotels, but for a small group of people. At the expense of the entire natural environment practices, rational colleagues of this Council have different views, and ws, as a group of lovers of landscapes naturally object!
With such a beautiful view, of course the gov't initially would want to send lands to build luxury housing and hotels. But sacrificing the whole natural environment for enjoyment of a few people received different opinion from rational colleagues in LegCo. Of course, nature lovers like us insist on opposing it.

Government consultant initial proposals will build public housing and HOS flats or hostels, the goal is to increase the population by 5,000. Gov't consultants initially suggested the building of public housing, housing under the Home Ownership scheme or youth hostels. The goal is to increase a population by 5,000.

Sounds good, but thought one step for increased sacrifice thousands of households that cannot be replaced, the only non-
Second, the fewer environments, and isn't a very good deal! Sound nice, but on second thought, it seems not a good deal to sacrifice an un-replaceable, unique, dwindling environment for 1000 plus households.

Or, the Government simply "blindfolded", developed on a large scale, what about? Ài qiū shān, residents must have told you fight! Or, the gov't can turn a blind eye and develop in a large scale, what about that? Nature loving local residents are sure to fight against it.

So, not to develop, retain the status quo is the best? But then, is it the best to keep it as is and not develop at all?

But local residents have not been due to the population increase in opportunities, strengthening regional infrastructure and facilities. But local residents will be unable to grab this opportunity to strengthen basic infrastructure and supporting facilities in the area.

In addition, residents suggested that development as belonging to the people of Hong Kong, Lamma Island a holiday accommodation and leisure tourism in the big cities, but five of six government departments will be difficult ... but some local residents suggest to develop Lamma into a leisure tourist spot beside the big city. However, they need to go through all the obstacles in the gov't ...

A number of issues, no answer yet. Many question, no answers yet.

Want to go, according to the Government's planning approach is always room for improvement in any programme, is always a little bit short, lose, with a touch of regret. After much deliberation, based on the government's current planning model, any plan is always imperfect, there's always room for improvement and there's regret.

In that case, do we have the need to inject new thinking, discard old ideas, unexpected, unknown, in this piece of land for a new beginning! That being the case, is there a need for us to inject new thinking, abandon the set of old ideas, and let the unexpected and unheard have a new start in this land.

You might ask, which is what? That does not rule out any new concept! You might ask, what is it then? That is not ruling out any new concept!

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Feedback by Lamma-Gung on Facebook and here:

Lamma-Por & I met Ms. Chan Yuen-Han (4th from left below) when a LegCo panel visited the ex-quarry for a close walkabout together with YMCA, HK Electric and the YMCA, the current exclusive tenants of the entire ex-quarry who'd love to keep their Outdoor Centre and camps in there, attracting hundreds of children and parents most months.
It was great chatting with most of the dignitaries, collecting name cards. Lamma-Por loved meeting people she only sees on TV frequently.

Afterwards, we had a big meeting with Lamma's three district councilors, several South Lamma village reps, SKW business people, the visiting LegCo members, including Ms. Chan, pan-democrats Albert Chan (bold head, 3rd from left) and Paul Tse (centre, in black), etc.

The input from all the Lamma powers-that-be can be summed up as:
"Build the new town, build it asap! And we want more Govt. services in South (and North) Lamma!!"

LegCo members listened and some might have made an internal sigh of relief:
"Finally, we've found a location for new housing with very little resistance from the locals and stakeholders, with less barriers to build than almost any other location all over HK!"

But the govt. is busy preparing for the East Lantau Metropolis artificial island, planned to become bigger than all of Lamma Island, the 3rd runway, the bridge to the Mainland, MTR expansion, plus other massive construction projects, soaking up most of the experienced international consultant firms and construction industry resources, so the various Lamma projects, tiny in comparison, might get delayed by quite a few more years...

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