Permit requirement

As the closed-area permit requirement will not be enforced in the excised area, it is expected that over half the people residing there will no longer need a permit to enter or leave, such as those in the villages of Shan Tsui, Heung Yuen Wai, Chuk Yuen, Ta Kwu Ling, Sandy Ridge, Lo Wu, Liu Pok and Ha Wan Tsuen. Others who cannot access the excised area now may do so without the need for a closed-area permit.

With the revision, closed-area restrictions will apply mainly to boundary crossings.

"Sha Tau Kok town centre is where Chung Ying Street is located. Given its historical background, it is the only point where people and goods may cross the boundary, without all the measures and facilities at other boundary-control points, making it susceptible to illegal immigration and goods-smuggling problems," Ms Cheung said.

Nonetheless, the Government proposes to reduce the FCA around Sha Tau Kok northwards up to Gate One, the entrance to Sha Tau Kok town.

For the development of eco-tourism, the Government will allow organised tour groups to use Sha Tau Kok public pier to access outer islands and the east coast of the northern New Territories during weekends and public holidays. This may be put in place once agreement is reached with the Sha Tau Kok community.

Secondary fence

For most parts of the closed area, with suitable security enhancement measures, chiefly the erection of a secondary fence, boundary integrity can be maintained with the coverage of the closed area reduced, Ms Cheung said.

At present, the boundary patrol road is lined by a fence, mostly along its northern edge. The Government proposes to construct a secondary boundary fence on the other edge of the road to enclose it and protect the primary fence and its sensors. Estimated construction cost is $170 million. Construction will take about 18 months.

The revised closed-area boundary will take effect after the completion of the secondary fence, estimated to be about 2010.

Planning study

In parallel with the preparation for the secondary boundary fence, the Planning Department will embark on a planning study for the land to be excised from the closed area.

Deputy Director of Planning (Territorial & Sub-Regional) Jimmy Leung said the study, including a strategic environmental assessment, will examine the development potential and constraints of the area and identify suitable future uses with a view to formulating a planning framework to guide the conservation and development of the area.

The study will take about 30 months to complete and a dedicated webpage will be set up to collect public views and provide information for public discussion. The findings of the study will provide the basis for the preparation of statutory land use plans.