By Staff
KAOHSIUNG — A major zoning overhaul for Zuoying District was halted on Tuesday, November 25, after multiple environmental groups protested at the Ministry of the Interior’s Urban Planning Review Committee, warning that the plan threatens Lotus Pond (蓮池潭) views, reduces green space, and leaves Zuoying Naval Base (左營軍港) exposed to surrounding high-rise development.
The proposal was sent back to the special review panel and did not pass.
Environmental organizations—including the Lotus Pond Protection Alliance (蓮池潭守護聯盟), Taiwan Forest City Association, Taiwan Arborists Association, and the Kaohsiung Citizens’ Supervisory Alliance—argued that the new zoning rules remove height protections around Lotus Pond’s lakeshore and hills, allowing towers of 50–60 meters or more.
They said such development would damage the iconic backdrop behind the Dragon and Tiger Pagodas (龍虎塔) and undermine Kaohsiung’s tourism appeal.
Concerns over green-space loss and underground excavation
Groups also criticized the plan for permitting up to 70% basement excavation, which they say could endanger old-growth trees.
They estimate the district will lose 3.92 hectares of green space, and possibly 8.59 hectares when earlier re-zoning of former Zuoying Junior High land is included, bringing Kaohsiung below the minimum 10% green-space ratio required under Article 45 of the Urban Planning Act.
Military security becomes a flashpoint
A key controversy centers on the absence of height limits around the Zuoying Navy Base, Taiwan’s most important naval port.
Environmental groups warned that clusters of tall buildings next to the base could become elevated vantage points—or even, in the event of conflict, positions for enemy attacks using small weapons or drones. They urged the government to restrict building height, window orientation, and rooftop design near the port to safeguard national defense.
Chuang Chieh-jen (莊傑任), chair of the Taiwan Forest City Association, said high-rises already encircle parts of the naval zone, calling the situation a “serious and avoidable security risk.”
Outcome: Plan returned for further review
Following the debate, the Interior Ministry committee declined to approve the change and instead returned the plan to the project task force for additional modifications.
The decision marks a temporary win for environmental groups, who say they will continue pushing for clear height limits, stronger landscape protection, and stricter safeguards for the naval base.
