Hong Kong could follow Shanghai's lead in consulting residents on redevelopment schemes

Residents could say no to redevelopment in a pilot scheme launched in Shanghai, an example that Hong Kong could follow, Urban Renewal Authority chairman Barry Cheung Chun-yuen said after a study trip.

Asking residents whether they wanted their areas to be redeveloped could minimise social conflict, Mr Cheung said. 'It gives the authority the mandate it requires to start the project by gaining residents' consensus.' Shanghai's municipal government started a pilot scheme last year in Pudong's Xujia Lane. Under the scheme, which applies to projects that do not involve building infrastructure, a redevelopment project has to fulfil two requirements before obtaining a permit.

First, the developer must conduct a survey asking whether residents are willing to see their houses demolished. After gaining support from at least 85 per cent, the developer must have them sign a contract within two months. A permit will only be issued by the government if at least 75 per cent have signed the contract.

'Residents should be given a say,' Mr Cheung said. 'There are too many projects. We should go where we are wanted.'

The demand-driven approach adopted in Shanghai was initiated by the government to minimise social protests, but some mainland critics said the new policy should also include a more transparent redevelopment process.