The Chief Executive in Council has approved the draft Peng Chau Outline Zoning Plan, which aims to protect the natural landscape, the rural character and car-free environment of the islands.

The Town Planning Board said residential developments in the area should be confined to the established development nodes and village areas. The existing low-rise low-density character should be retained and, to this end, future development or redevelopment should be up to the existing and committed intensities.

The plan, covering about 99 hectares, comprises Peng Chau and Tai Lei Island. About 70% of the total area is zoned "green belt" and "coastal protection area" and 8.2 hectares of land is zoned "village type development".

A total of 9.2 hectares of land is zoned for residential developments and about 4.5 hectares of land is zoned "government, institution or community" to serve the needs of the local residents and visitors.

Recreational facilities

Some 3.5 hectares of land is zoned "open space". It includes a planned open space system extending along the north-western coast of Peng Chau for recreational uses and a landscaped waterfront open space on the south-western coast.

About 1.8 hectares of land is zoned "other specified uses" which is intended for the development of a comprehensive residential cum commercial development.