Luxury Hong Kong seaside homes to be targeted as illegal structures crackdown not limited to Redhill Peninsula, warns development chief
- Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn dismisses criticism officials had turned a blind eye to issue, saying earlier focus was on urban areas because of higher risks
- Saga sparked after landslide caused by record rainfall exposed breaches at three luxury homes in scandal-hit estate
A crackdown on illegal structures will not be limited to controversy-hit luxury estate Redhill Peninsula, with inspections to also target other seaside homes built along slopes, Hong Kong’s development minister has warned.
Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn Hon-ho on Saturday denied the government had turned a blind eye to the issue, saying authorities had in the past prioritised efforts on unauthorised structures in urban areas which could pose a higher risk to the public.
“The checks won’t be limited to Redhill Peninsula but also other detached houses in the city based on their risks … Such seaside detached houses built on slopes should be targeted because they may affect slope safety,” Linn told a radio programme.
“The landslide at Redhill Peninsula has served as a reminder that detached houses could also have safety risks if they have unauthorised extensions on slopes. We hope this wide action will demonstrate to society our determination to enforce the law.”