The Court of Final Appeal hearing on the Town Planning Board's appeal against the High Court's decision on the Draft Wan Chai North Outline Zoning Plan was concluded today.

The board said it is not its intention to save the Wan Chai North reclamation plan in total. It has already decided not to pursue the Harbour Park, and has asked the Government to conduct a comprehensive planning and engineering review on the Wan Chai Development Phase II and draw up a lawful minimum reclamation option.

The board appealed against the High Court judgment to seek a clarification of the legal principles behind the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance in view of the court's highly restrictive interpretation which could have far-reaching implications on future planning and development of the harbour front.

The board said it wishes to bring the harbour to the people by providing a well-planned, accessible and vibrant waterfront.

The board's Vision Statement for Victoria Harbour was published in 1999 to meet public aspirations for protecting and preserving the Harbour.