“The development was likely to have destabilised the slope and partly triggered the landslide. The public’s attention should go far beyond Redhill Peninsula.”
By comparing satellite images and government plot plans, the group identified eight major areas of luxury houses across the territory, finding what it said was 173 suspected cases of illegal occupancy of government land in the past few days.
According to the group, the property owners in question also did not apply for regularisation from the Lands Department, which allows illegal occupiers short-term tenancy instead of having to demolish structures immediately.
Hong Kong luxury house, evacuated after landslide, has illegal structures: minister
Hong Kong luxury house, evacuated after landslide, has illegal structures: minister
Most properties studied by the group had backyards built on government land, with an average area of nearly 600 sq ft.
Redhill Peninsula was found to be the most serious, with 21 properties suspected to have violated the law, followed by Seaview Villas in Tai Po.
Apart from occupying government slopes, such as in the Redhill case, some properties were said to have also been extended into the periphery of country parks or coastal areas.
The group said some questionable structures at the homes had already existed for more than two decades.
“These could be ticking time bombs that are putting public safety at risk,” Chan warned.
“The government should conduct a comprehensive investigation on all houses with high risks that occupy its land, take enforcement action, and let the public know the results within a reasonable time.”
The Lands Department has started emergency slope maintenance work on the site at Redhill Peninsula.
Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu earlier vowed action against homeowners responsible for unauthorised structures, warning they should expect to bear costs.
The controversy at Redhill Peninsula centres on three houses – No 70, No 72 and No 74 – damaged by a landslide following record-breaking downpours last week that triggered a black rainstorm warning for more than 16 hours.
The Buildings Department said unlawful additions were found at No 70, with a five-by-13-metre (16.4-by-42.6-foot) structure discovered on its lowest podium and a five-by-six-metre basement behind it.
Authorities confirmed that No 72 was found to have illegal structures and its occupants were evacuated due to safety risks posed by unstable soil.
Late on Thursday night, the department said a three-storey illegal structure was found at No 74 after officers entered the building with a court warrant. The lowest level was a basement measuring eight by nine metres, the middle section, situated on the garden terrace, spanned about eight by seven metres, and the top level was about four by 2.6 metres, it said.
The department concluded that although the structure did not pose any obvious danger, it nevertheless presented safety risks, and the building owners or occupants were instructed to temporarily seal it off.
Ex-Hong Kong leader loses row with building officials over illegal structure check
Ex-Hong Kong leader loses row with building officials over illegal structure check
Top government adviser Ronny Tong Ka-wah earlier urged the owners of the three homes to propose ways to repair the slope. Tong, a member of the key decision-making Executive Council, said they might otherwise be forced to bear “astronomical” construction costs.
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