The Chief Executive in Council has approved the draft Shek Kip Mei Outline Zoning Plan with 54.9 hectares of land covering the foothills of Beacon Hill zoned as green belt.

The Town Planning Board today said the foothills are mainly well-wooded slopes providing a green backdrop to the area. Due to the steep topography the land is not suitable for development.

According to the approved draft about 43.1 hectares of land, mainly in the central part of the area, is zoned residential (Group A) for high-density private residential and public housing developments.

About 53.7 hectares is zoned government, institution or community for the provision of various facilities to serve local residents' needs. Two sites to the north of Cornwall Street have been proposed for the Multi-media Building and hostel development for City University.

About 38.6 hectares is zoned open space for the provision of outdoor open-air public space for active and passive recreational use. About 12.7 hectares of land is zoned other specified uses.