Another Hong Kong homeowner convicted over illegal structures, fined HK$150,000
Owner of detached house in Redhill Peninsula pleads guilty to knowingly undertaking building works without prior approval from Buildings Department
A homeowner at the luxury Redhill Peninsula estate in Hong Kong has been fined HK$150,000 (US$19,230) after pleading guilty to carrying out unauthorised building works, marking the 12th conviction following a crackdown on illegal construction.
The owner of a detached home at the Hong Kong Island estate admitted at Eastern Court on Friday that he knowingly undertook building works without prior approval and consent from the Buildings Department.
“Investigations found that the owner of the house had knowingly carried out the [work] without the prior approval and consent,” the department said.
It added that the unauthorised construction involved structures to the garden, courtyard, living room and bedroom floors, as well as the rooftop, including the erection of a trellis and a swimming pool.
“Property owners should consult building professionals before carrying out building works to ensure compliance with the Building Ordinance,” a department spokesman said.
Under the law, anyone who knowingly commences or carries out any building works without approval and consent from the department commits an offence punishable by a maximum fine of HK$400,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment.