A group of Hong Kong citizens are objecting to a proposed development in the popular tourist area of Soho , near the Central business district. Members of the Central & Western Concern Group have filed a petition with five key points outlining their objections. John Batten, who is leading the efforts, says that the Sino-Land planning application is not in keeping with the area, and that the proposed 24 storey building is too high. “It's crazy, because the developer for this site…talks about the heritage value for this area, particularly as a tourist node.”

Sino-Land disagree that the development will have a negative impact, saying: “effort has been made in the proposed development to preserve local heritage” and argue it “will add vibrancy to the SoHo district by attracting more local people and tourists to the area.” The case is the latest of controversies surrounding government urban planning policies, from the confusion surrounding the West Kowloon cultural district to the recent demolition of the original star ferry pier.

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