Hong Kong officials behind artificial beach plan slammed for forcing store owner to move out
Conservation group says government should wait for outcome of appeal, while owner denies occupying land illegally
A conservation group opposed to the government’s plan to build a man-made bathing beach in Tai Po has slammed lands officials for forcing a store owner to move before a judicial appeal has been settled.
Tung Shun Store, a popular self-serve barbecue and snack haunt, has operated on the western fringe of the Lung Mei shorefront for years.
Ho Loy, of the Save Lung Mei Alliance, said it was inappropriate for the government to move so hastily to resume land along the 9km stretch of Plover Cove’s coast where officials want to covert a 200-metre stretch into an artificial beach.
“We’re angry. We have not given up this judicial challenge,” Ho said. “It’s strange how the government is so persistent about going ahead with this beach, despite reports even from its own departments showing that it is not suitable for a beach.”
Ho previously lodged a judicial review in 2013 in the hope of blocking the plan to reclaim the waters, which boast more than 200 marine species including the “vulnerable” spotted seahorse.
