The Penang government has come under fire for allegedly not following regulations in the George Town World Heritage special area plan (SAP) for approvals of hotels.

According to Penang Gerakan acting youth chief Jason Loo, such developments are prohibited in selected zones in the George Town World Heritage site.

He claimed that one unit on Church Street and two on King Street were previously residential premises but had been converted to hotels.

"According to the SAP, only certain traditional trades, religious and cultural activities and buildings are allowed on the areas so that the heritage outstanding universal values can be preserved...