Hotel development at Lugard Road, The Peak

The new landlord of 27 Lugard Road, a Grade II Heritage Building completed in 1916, has applied to develop this almost 100-year old single family residency to a boutique hotel:

http://www.info.gov.hk/tpb/en/plan_application/A_H14_75.html

The 900m footpath leading to the house is on average only 1.9m wide.  This footpath cannot support the extra motorised traffic generated by the hotel and the negative impact to the surroundings will be very significant.

The proposed development is not appropriate land use.  The location is special.  The proposed use is not compatible with the surrounding land uses within the country park environment.  This area is irreplaceable and is an iconic place for recreation and amenity for all citizens of Hong Kong and all tourists who visit Hong Kong.  It must not be degraded and commercialized for the private benefit of a selected few tourists.

This case will also set a precedent for the demolition of other old and beautiful houses in the area.

The property was fastidiously-maintained and is in pristine condition.  Developing it into a hotel cannot be used as an excuse to 'conserve' this building.

The Town Planning Board will hold a meeting on 16 August 2013 to consider this application (application no. A/H14/75).  Those who oppose this development may use the TPB link above to leave their comments, or write directly to the Secretary of Town Planning Board at: tpbpd@pland@gov.hk quoting the application number.  The deadline for public comment submission is this Friday, 2 August 2013.

More information is available at:

http://www.abhk.org/old-wine-in-a-new-bottle/

http://gwulo.com/node/5604

Thank you.

Joseph Yao

(Former resident of 27 Lugard Road)