Several developers have dodged the newly announced Mid-Levels height restrictions by securing early approval for their plans.
Swire Properties won permission last year to develop a 50-storey residential building at the junction of Caine Road and Castle Road, and a 47-storey residential building at 25-35 Seymour Road last year, even though it had not acquired full ownership.
Flat owners at Merry Terrace in Seymour Road have also escaped the restriction.
When it disclosed plans to acquire the property last year, Henderson Land obtained building approval for a residential tower of about 270 metres - 155 metres higher than the new restriction.
United States-based Wachovia Corp and USI Holdings' residential project at 9A-9H Seymour Road has also escaped the restrictions. A 49-storey residential building has been approved for the site.