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Wang Chau housing saga
Hong KongPolitics

Pressure builds in Wang Chau homes row as DAB leader calls for timetable for 12,700 flats

Starry Lee Wai-king calls on government to come up with timetable, as villagers protest and the push continues for Legco investigation

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Wang Chau in Yuen Long. Photo: EPA
Tony Cheung

Planning officials have come under greater pressure to develop a brownfield site occupied by rural strongmen in Yuen Long.

Starry Lee Wai-king, head of the city’s biggest pro-establishment party, on Sunday called on the government to draw up a timetable for the Wang Chau ­public housing project.

Her comments came as villagers protested against the project and pan-democrat lawmakers continued to push for a formal ­investigation in the Legislative Council next month.

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Lee, chairwoman of the Beijing-loyalist Democratic Alliance for the Betterment and Progress of Hong Kong, was speaking days after Chief Executive Leung Chun-ying took ultimate responsibility for the partial suspension of the project.

He denied bowing to pressure, but admitted the bulk of the plan – 12,700 flats on a brownfield site – was deferred following strong ­opposition from rural leaders with vested interests.

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The building of 4,300 flats was shifted to a green belt that will see three villages destroyed.

Lee told TVB’s On The Record officials must reflect on their ­handling of the project.

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