Hong Kong urged to rethink plan for Fanling golf course flats after court ruling

Hong Kong authorities should reconsider a plan to build public housing on part of the city’s oldest golf course, experts have said following a court ruling against relevant procedures, with one warning that filing an appeal could be an uphill battle.

They also called for improving an environmental impact assessment process after the High Court found authorities’ conditional approval for the development of 12,000 public flats on 9.5 hectares (23.5 acres) of the 172-hectare course in Fanling problematic for reasons such as insufficient public consultation.

The judge noted on Monday that quashing the decision could lead to the public consultation being reconducted and comments sought again from environmental advisers.

Lawmaker Doreen Kong Yuk-foon said the judge had detailed the grounds for the ruling.

“The chances of an appeal are relatively difficult,” she said.

Lawmaker Andrew Lam Siu-lo said the government should rethink the plan.