Hong Kong illegal structures: luxury-house owner in Redhill Peninsula scandal facing second prosecution for ignored orders on another home

Authorities will prosecute owner of Villa Cornwall on 85 Castle Peak Road in Tuen Mun over unauthorised blocks and additional roof installation

Orders against earlier case were issued six years ago, with owner fined in 2019 for non-compliance

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Villa Cornwall in Tuen Mun. Photo: May Tse

Published: 7:00am, 20 Sep 2023Updated: 10:42am, 21 Sep 2023

The owner of a luxury house in Hong Kong whose property is among others embroiled in an illegal structures scandal is facing a second prosecution by building authorities for ignoring orders issued six years ago over similar breaches at another home.

The Buildings Department revealed on Monday it would take legal action for a second time against the owner of Villa Cornwall on 85 Castle Peak Road in Tuen Mun, over unauthorised works spanning 4,843 sq ft, comprising two three-storey blocks, a two-floor structure and an additional roof installation.

A department spokesman said the owner was fined HK$24,900 (US$3,200) in August 2019, after removal orders issued in November 2017 for the illegal structures were ignored.

“As the relevant owner has yet to carry out the order, the Buildings Department has commenced prosecution proceedings for the second time,” the spokesman said.

The owner of Villa Cornwall is also linked to one of three houses found with illegal structures at the upmarket Redhill Peninsula in Tai Tam, the Post has found.

The unauthorised works at Redhill Peninsula were exposed after a landslide triggered by record rainfall, with homeowners found to have illegally occupied government land. The case at the estate has sparked public anger over what is perceived as lax enforcement on luxury properties.

Removal orders for illegal structures at Villa Cornwall were previously issued in 2017. Photo: May Tse

The Post has confirmed that Villa Cornwall is owned by Global Event Limited, a company registered in the British Virgin Islands, with Chan Tin-chi listed as its sole director. The firm bought the plot of land where the house is located for HK$22 million in 2007.