Secretary for Development Carrie Lam stresses lowering the West Rail property development projects' development density has struck a balance between addressing public concerns about a wall effect and the supply of housing.

Mrs Lam told reporters today the scheme was agreed after much work over the years with the Mass Transit Railway Corporation. Complaints from district councils and the public about the height and 'wall effect' - where there is no breezeway and no visual corridor - were also taken into consideration.

"But I must also emphasise the other side of the story, that this is a very important supply of housing because they are above-rail property projects which make it very convenient for people to live and go to work," she said.

Noting an adequate and reliable supply of mass housing is necessary, Mrs Lam told environmental groups this is a right way forward and Hong Kong should move ahead.

On the Central-Wan Chai Bypass, Mrs Lam believed the proposed temporary reclamation will satisfy the overriding public need test, adding the alternative proposal has been taken to the district council and the Harbourfront Enhancement Committee, and is supported by harbour-advocacy groups.