Lai See | Only in Hong Kong would anyone consider building a 'boutique hotel' on Victoria Peak

Anyone who has walked along the picturesque Lugard Road around Victoria Peak will know that this is one of the more tranquil areas of Hong Kong. It is true that rich people live there but the road is open for all to enjoy and it forms part of the Hong Kong trail. It attracts hikers and tourists, who, at least for the few months of the year when it is not shrouded in pollution, are able to enjoy spectacular views of Hong Kong harbour.

But only in Hong Kong would anyone consider building a "boutique hotel" catering to 52 people in such a location. There is an application for such a building before the Town Planning Board. It doesn't take a genius to work out that a hotel at this location will lead to an enormous increase in traffic.

As the Alliance for a Beautiful Hong Kong (ABHK) says in its opposition to the proposal: "Instead of a relaxing walk, pedestrians will have to be on the alert to avoid cars, and the tranquility of the area will be disrupted by the need for cars to sound their horns to warn pedestrians and other vehicles."

The ABHK also warns in its paper of the damage to the environment arising from the need for sceptic tanks and soakaways, of which some aspects fail to comply with Environmental Protection Department standards.

The deadline for public comment on the proposal ended on August 2, having attracted 158 responses, of which 151 were against the development. However, towards the end of the period for public comment the developer submitted additional documents and the Town Planning Board deferred the hearing for the applicant for a month but did not extend the deadline for public comment on the new proposals. The idea of a hotel in this location is plainly absurd and should be thrown out by the board.