Developments seen as homes for the rich

Southern District councillors are concerned that 14 planned government housing developments are targeted at the luxury market and will be out of reach for middle-class buyers.

At a council meeting yesterday, they said they were worried that the development would not benefit grass-roots and middle-class people, would worsen local traffic and damage the environment, as eight greenbelt sites were included in the plans.

Ten of the 14 sites are planned for private housing, including two near Regalia Bay in Stanley, one on Lee Nam Road in Ap Lei Chau, two near Ma Hang Estate in Stanley, four around Shouson Hill by Deep Water Bay and one in Red Hill Peninsula in Tai Tam.

The rest, all near Wah Fu Estate in Pok Fu Lam, are planned for public housing. But about 60 per cent of the 10,400 flats expected to be provided on all sites would be public housing units, according to the proposal.

Details such as the height of the development, its density and the traffic plans have not been disclosed.

Many councillors were upset that only four sites were set aside for public housing. They were also worried that the plans would only allow more luxury housing to be developed in Stanley, Tai Tam and Shouson Hill - areas known for expensive homes.

"I can't see how developing housing on these sites will help middle-class people to buy a home," said councillor Au Nok-hin, adding that typical property prices in Shouson Hill were high, with the lowest slightly under HK$30 million.