The options proposed by the Council for Sustainable Development for enhancing urban living space are not mutually exclusive and each has a price to pay.

This was the message today from Land & Building Advisory Committee Chairman Yeung Yue-man who said the best strategy may be a combination of the three options.

Committee members were briefed today on the council's invitation and response document, Sustainable Development: Making Choices for Our Future, and discussed urban living space, one of the three pilot areas identified by the council.

Professor Yeung said: "Members consider the three options for enhancing urban living space, namely, New Territories-based development, revitalisation of old neighbourhoods and sustainable urban design, are not mutually exclusive and there are prices to pay in each option. Members generally think that the best strategy may be a combination of the three options.

"Members appreciate the council's effort in starting public discussions through an engagement process. They are looking forward to the early formulation and implementation of a sustainable development strategy for Hong Kong."

The committee was also briefed on the progress of the study on Comprehensive Environmental Performance Assessment Scheme commissioned by the Buildings Department, which aims to entice the industry and building owners to upgrade the environmental performance of buildings in Hong Kong.

The committee also noted findings of a Planning Department survey on Hong Kong people's experience of and aspirations for taking up residence on the Mainland.