State executive councillor Chow Kon Yeow in charge of Local government said the Penang Island Municipal Council presented the draft plan to the State Planning Committee (SPC) last month.

"We have given our views to be incorporated into the plan and the necessary adjustments will be made before the draft plan is again presented to the SPC next month," he said at a press conference here today.

The adjustments will include areas that have been identified to have higher density development.

"Certain areas along the public transportation corridor will have higher density so that public transport will have more passengers," he said.

The much awaited draft plan has been approved by the council and has yet to be approved by the SPC. According to Chow, it is hoped the plan will be approved in this year.

After the draft plan is approved, it will be put up for public display.

NGOs such as the Penang Heritage Trust and the Tanjung Bungah Residents' Association have been voicing their concern over increased density for developments on the island.

On another matter, Chow said the council is setting up a 'green lane' for speedy approvals of renovation and conservation works of heritage buildings within the George Town Heritage site.

"We hope to get that in place within a month," he said.

Chow said the George Town World Heritage Office, together with Penang Heritage Trust, Malaysian Architect Association and the council, will organise a heritage clinic to offer free consultation to heritage building owners who wish to restore and manage their premises within the heritage zone.

The George Town World Heritage Office, in cooperation with the council and other NGOs, will also organise education and outreach programmes through courses, workshops and seminars on the importance of conservation in the George Town World Heritage site.

"The state government is also considering offering a development incentive in the George Town World Heritage zone to encourage. -- theSun

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