Having Planning Control doesn't mean they can't build - but of course, they may need to apply and go through the Town Planning procedures (can be long) and may frustrate some of the villagers.
The Government is pushing forward Development Permission Area (DPA) Plans and we are seeing an increased paced in the recent month (4 plans have been issued in the past two weeks). Po Toi is not in their "urgent" list (of contry park "Enclaves"), and fortunately there isn't yet a development threat / threat from environmental vandalism, so it may not happen for Po Toi in a short time. But eventually there will be one - when public would have many chances to make comments. However it is essential to tell government that the island is ecologically important, not only for endangered Romer's Tree Frog but also migrant birds. It will be better if they know that before drafting a plan for Po Toi.
If anyone is interested the village area may give an impression of a possible "limit" of village expansion.
http://www.had.gov.hk/vre/chi/images/village_map/T/LS/t-ls-04.pdf
May Geoff and other birders check regularly for the notice board on Po Toi (i forgot where is it) to see if there is any strange land applications - this may be the only way to know more about possible developments on the island, without proper planning control.
HKBWS conservation officer
