9 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACTS

9.1 Background

9.1.1 This section comprises an assessment of the landscape and visual impacts associated with the Improvement to Tung Chung Road between Lung Tseng Tau and Cheung Sha in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO). The assessment includes:

¨ a definition of the scope and contents of the study, including a description of the assessment methodology;

¨ a review of the relevant planning and development control framework;

¨ a baseline study providing a comprehensive description of the baseline landscape and visual character;

¨ recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures and associated implementation programmes: and

¨ identification of the potential landscape and visual impacts in both construction and operational Stages, and prediction of their magnitude and potential significance, before and after the mitigation measures.

9.2 Scope and Content of the Study

9.2.1 Project Description

9.2.1.1 The key elements of the proposed works that could have significant landscape or visual impact include :

¨ new carriageway between South Lantau Road to the east of Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen and the existing Tung Chung Road just south of the ridgeline at Pak Kung Au, with associated road structures, slope works, drainage, lighting and street furniture. A list of highway structures is given in Tables 9.1a and 9.1b below;

¨ bus-bay facilities at the junction of the new road with South Lantau Road, to the east of Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen.

¨ on-line widening of Tung Chung Road, predominantly on the up-hill side, running south from Lung Tseng Tau Village at Tung Chung to a point just south of the ridgeline at Pak Kung Au;

¨ vertical (sound absorbing) noise barriers of between 1.5 and 4.5 metres high will be required at the northern end of Tung Chung Road, and beyond the physical limit of the improvement works. These are intended to mitigate road traffic noise on the improved Tung Chung Road (to be confirmed by noise study);

¨ covered pipeline trench/cycle track running parallel to Tung Chung Road from Lung Tseng Tau Village to Shek Mun Kap Road;

¨ detailed ground investigation comprising bore-holes and trial pits along the length of the alignment;

¨ slope stabilisation works comprising the stabilisation of unstable boulders in the natural terrain above the new road, largely confined to the off-line sections of the road above the catchwater; and

¨ slope remediation works (minor trimming and soil nailing) to the existing section of Tung Chung Road from Pak Kung Au to South Lantau Road, which would be retained as a services corridor and emergency access.

Table 9.1a Schedule of Bridge Structures

Structure Ref.	HyD Ref.	Stream No.^(1)	Start Ch.	End Ch.	Max Height^(2) (m)	Length (m)	Span(s) (m)
							End	Middle	End
STR01	N302	10	2542	2545	1.8	2.60	-	2.60	-
STR02	N303	11	2613	2616	2.9	3.27	-	3.27	-
STR03	N304	12	2731	2733	1.8	2.45	-	2.45	-
STR04	N305	14	3023	3026	2.7	2.87	-	2.87	-
STR05	N306	15	3210	3215	3.7	4.62	-	4.62	-
STR06	(new)	22	3975	3995	3.8	20	-	20	-
STR07	(new)	25	4740	4760	4.9	20	-	20	-
STR08	(new)	26	4900	4968	19.6	68	21	26	21
STR09	(new)	27	5146	5166	4.6	20	-	20	-
STR10	(new)	28	5410	5450	9.7	40	20	-	20
STR11	(new)	29	5510	5534	6.3	24	-	24	-
STR12	(new)	31	5660	5680	5.8	20	-	20	-
STR13	(new)	32 & 33	5760	5850	14.7	90	15.75	3 x 19.5	15.75
STR14	(new)	34	5990	6010	9.6	20	-	20	-
STR15	(new)	35	6036	6060	3.3	24	-	24	-
STR16	(new)	gully	6180	6220	15.3	40	20	-	20
STR17	(new)	36 & 37	6340	6380	8.4	40	20	-	20
STR18	(new)	catchwater	6480	6484	2.5	4	-	4	-
STR19	(new)	39	6540	6564	13.7	24	-	24	-
STR20	(new)	40	6615	6635	6.9	20	-	20	-
STR21	(new)	41	7985	7005	2.7	20	-	20	-

Note (1) : Stream numbers shown in Figure 6.1, Section 6 of this report.

(2) : Measured from centre line of new road.

Table 9.1b Schedule of Proposed Retaining Walls

Retaining Wall Reference	Start Chainage	End Chainage	Length (m)	Max. Height (m)	Use
Online
RW001	1145	1520	375	7.5	C
RW002	1582	1856	274	8	C
RW003	1968	2023	55	3	C
RW004	2090	2526	436	5	C
RW005	2558	2614	56	8	C
RW006	2618	2734	116	6	C
RW007	2740	3028	288	6	C
RW008	3034	3130	96	3	C
RW009	3170	3195	25	1	C
RW101	1636	1700	64	1.5	F
RW102	3160	3202	42	3	F
Off-line
RW010	3270	3360	90	8	C
RW011	3480	3620	140	8	C
RW012	3905	3955	50	6	C
RW013	4312	4342	30	4.5	C
RW014	4568	4680	112	7.5	C
RW015	4844	4880	36	5	C
RW016	4882	4900	18	8	F
RW017	5176	5236	60	4	C
RW018	5246	5270	24	3	C
RW019	5350	5405	55	7.5	C
RW020	5450	5463	13	2.5	F
RW021	5464	5500	36	2.5	C
RW022	5501	5510	9	4.5	F
RW023	5534	5650	116	3	C
RW024	5692	5732	40	4	C
RW025	5980	5990	10	5	F
RW026	6062	6165	103	6	C
RW027	6302	6338	36	4	C
RW028	6382	8480	98	8	C
RW029	6564	6570	6	5	F
RW030	5602	5614	12	5	F
RW031	6636	6648	12	5	F
RW032	7015	7175	160	8	C
RW103	3628	3672	44	2.5	F
RW104	4047	4112	65	4	F
RW105	4362	4456	94	8	C
RW106	4526	4650	124	3	F
RW107	4582	4666	84	5	F
RW108	4652	4740	88	9	F
RW109	4760	4862	102	5	F
RW110	4872	4898	26	9	F
RW111	4968	5146	178	8	F
RW112	5166	5200	34	5	F
RW113	5230	5366	136	9	F
RW114	5396	5410	14	7	F
RW115	5450	5510	60	5	F
RW116	5534	5660	126	4	F
RW117	5680	5760	80	4	F
RW118	5850	5884	34	5.5	F
RW119	5968	5990	22	6	F
RW120	6010	6036	26	6.5	F
RW121	6082	6128	46	2	F
RW122	6150	6180	30	5	F
RW123	6220	6254	34	9	F
RW124	6297	6340	43	8	F
RW125	6380	6396	16	5	F
RW126	6490	6540	50	6.5	F
RW127	6564	6582	18	5	F
RW128	6594	6615	21	5	F
RW129	6635	6650	15	5.5	F
RW130	6914	6985	71	5	F
RW131	7005	7018	13	4	F

Note: C - Cut slope / F = Fill embankment

9.2.1.2 A full description of the scope and extent of the proposed works associated with the improvement to Tung Chung Road is provided in Section 2 of the EIA Report.

9.2.2 Limits of the Study Area

9.2.2.1 The limit of study for the assessment of impacts on landscape resources and character is 500m on either side of the limit of the road works. The limit of study for the visual impact studies are the zones of visual influence (ZVI's) of the works during the construction and operation Stages, which are illustrated in Figure 9.7A. A Key plan of the study area is illustrated in Figure 9.5.

9.3 Assessment Methodology

9.3.1 Landscape and visual impacts have been assessed separately for the construction, operational (opening day) and residual (Year 10) stages. The assessments take into account existing/planned/approved land uses as baseline conditions, and assess all direct and indirect impacts on existing/planned/approved land uses, and on future outlook of the area. Potential impacts are identified in terms of being beneficial/adverse, direct/indirect, short term/long term, and reversible/irreversible.

9.3.2 Impacts are determined in terms of significance thresholds, which are the product of the magnitude of change to baseline conditions due to the proposed Works and the sensitivity of resource/character/receivers. In general terms, magnitude of change relates to parameters of the proposed Works in the context of baseline conditions, and sensitivity refers to properties of resource/character/receivers:

9.3.3 Where appropriate the cumulative impacts of other development proposals is considered.

Landscape Impacts

9.3.4 The assessment of landscape impacts involves the following procedures:

¨ Identification of the baseline landscape resources (physical and cultural) and landscape character found within the study area. This has been achieved by site visit and desk-top study of topographical maps, information databases and photographs.

¨ Assessment of the degree of sensitivity to change of the landscape resources/character. This is influenced by a number of factors including

u quality and maturity of landscape characters/resources,

u rarity of landscape elements: whether is considered to be of local, regional, national or global importance

u ability of the landscape resource/character to accommodate change,

u whether there are any statutory or regulatory limitations/ requirements relating to the resource

¨ Identification of potential sources of landscape impacts. These are the various elements of the construction works and operational procedures that would generate landscape impacts.

¨ Identification of the magnitude of landscape impacts. The magnitude of the impact depends on a number of factors including

u scale of development, and the physical extent of the impact,

u compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape,

u duration of impacts i.e. whether it is temporary (short, medium or long term), under construction and operation phases,

u potentially reversible, or permanent and irreversible

¨ Identification of potential landscape mitigation measures. These may take the form of adopting alternative designs or revisions to the basic engineering and architectural design to prevent and/or minimise adverse impacts; remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of building features; and compensatory measures such as the implementation of landscape design measures (e.g. tree planting, creation of new open space etc) to compensate for unavoidable adverse impacts and to attempt to generate potentially beneficial long term impacts.

¨ Prediction of the significance of landscape impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. This achieved by synthesis of the above information leading to an evaluation of the degree of significance of the landscape impacts into thresholds of substantial, moderate, slight, or negligible. Impacts are classified depending on whether the impacts are adverse/beneficial, and irreversible/reversible. By synthesising the magnitude of the various impacts and the sensitivity of the various landscape resources it is possible to identify a series of thresholds to be used as a basis for the categorisation of the degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well reasoned and consistent fashion.

9.3.5 The rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely substantial, moderate, slight and negligible depending on the combination of large-intermediate-small-negligible magnitude of change, and high-medium-low degree of sensitivity is presented in Table 9.2.

9.3.6 The inclusion of a ‘negligible’ magnitude of impact is necessary because a negligible impact is different from a ‘small’ magnitude of impact. A ‘small’ magnitude impact will cause a varying degree of resultant impact significance depending on whether the landscape resource’s sensitivity is low, medium or high. However, a negligible magnitude of impact will always result in negligible significance, irrespective of the sensitivity of the resource.

Table 9.2 Relationship between Receptor Sensitivity and Impact Magnitude in Defining Significance

Impact Significance		Receptor Sensitivity (Landscape Resource or VSR)
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of to baseline conditions due to the Works	Large	Slight/Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight/Moderate	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial
	Small	Negligible/Slight	Slight/Moderate	Slight/Moderate
	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible

9.3.7 The assessment of visual impacts involves the following procedures.

¨ Identification of the ZVI’s during the construction and operational Stages of the improvement works. This is achieved by site visit and desk-top study of topographic maps and photographs, and preparation of cross-sections to determine visibility of the improvement works from various locations.

¨ Identification of the Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSR's) within the ZVI’s at construction and operational Stages. These are the people who would reside within, work within, play within, or travel through, the ZVI’s.

¨ Assessment of the degree of sensitivity to change of the VSR’s. Factors affecting the sensitivity of receivers for evaluation of visual impacts:

u value and quality of existing views,

u availability and amenity alternative views,

u type and estimated number of receiver population,

u duration or frequency of view, and

u degree of visibility.

Those who view the impact from their homes are considered to be highly sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook from their home will have a substantial effect on their perception of the quality and acceptability of their home environment and their general quality of life. Those who view the impact from their workplace are considered to be only moderately sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook will have a less important, although still material, effect on their perception of their quality of life. The degree to which this applies depends on whether the workplace is industrial, retail or commercial. Those who view the impact whilst taking part in an outdoor leisure activity may display varying sensitivity depending on the type of leisure activity. Those who view the impact whilst travelling on a public thoroughfare will also display varying sensitivity depending on the speed of travel and whether the view is continuous or occasionally glimpsed.

¨ Identification of potential sources of visual impacts. These are the various elements of the construction works and operational procedures that would generate visual impacts.

¨ Assessment of potential magnitude of visual impacts. This depends on a number of factors including

u scale of development;

u compatibility of the project with the visual context;

u duration of impacts under construction and operation phases;

u reversibility of change;

u distance of the source of impact from the viewer; and

u potential obstruction of view.

¨ Identification of potential visual mitigation measures. These may take the form of revisions/refinements to the engineering and architectural design to minimise potential impacts, and/or the implementation of landscape design measures (e.g. screen tree planting, colour design of hard landscape features etc) to alleviate adverse visual impacts and generate potentially beneficial long term visual impacts.

¨ Prediction of the significance of visual impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. This achieved by synthesis of the above information leading to an evaluation of the degree of significance of the visual impacts into thresholds of substantial, moderate, slight, or negligible. Impacts are classified depending on whether the impacts are adverse/beneficial, and irreversible/reversible. By synthesising the magnitude of the various visual impacts and the sensitivity of the various VSR’s it is possible to identify a series of thresholds to be used as a basis for the categorisation of the degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well reasoned and consistent fashion.

9.3.8 The rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely substantial, moderate, slight and negligible depending on the combination of large-intermediate-small-negligible magnitude of change, and high-medium-low degree of sensitivity of the VSR's is presented in Table 9.2. The inclusion of a ‘negligible’ magnitude of impact is necessary because a negligible impact is different from a ‘slight’ magnitude of impact. A ‘slight’ magnitude impact will cause a varying degree of resultant impact significance, depending on whether the receptor’s sensitivity is low, medium or high. However, a negligible magnitude of impact will always result in negligible impact significance, irrespective of the sensitivity of the VSR.

9.3.9 In addition, the following assumptions have been made in the assessment:

¨ It is assumed that the improvements to Tung Chung Road will only be undertaken if the widening of Tung Chung Road between Ma Wan New Village and Wong Ka Wai, by Territory Development Department, proceeds as planned, and that as per current agreements that the noise impacts and consequential noise mitigation measures will be considered under this study.

¨ It is assumed that most of the planned land uses described in the Tung Chung Valley Development Plan will not be completed and occupied prior to the commissioning of the Tung Chung Road improvement works. However, the assessment of operational Stage impacts has been carried out for all potential future VSR’s who would occupy the planned land use zonings.

¨ It is assumed that DLO will proceed with the sale of land at Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen for residential development, but that proposed Tung Chung Road improvement works would precede any building development on these sites. Future occupants would, however, be considered within the assessment of operational stage impacts.

¨ The night lighting of the route would be at a similar level as the present situation. The introduction of lighting along the new alignment would be off set by lighting no longer being required along the retained section of the road.

¨ There would an increase in volume of vehicular traffic on Tung Chung Road.

¨ All mitigation proposals in this report are considered to be practical and achievable within the known parameters of funding, implementation, management and maintenance. The proposed agents for the implementation (and subsequent management and maintenance, if applicable) are indicated in Tables 9.7 and 9.9.

9.4 Planning and Development Control Framework

9.4.1 Study Area

9.4.1.1 The northern section of the alignment will fall within road reserves under the Recommended Outline Development Plan for the Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study. The southern section of the alignment will fall within areas zoned "Green Belt" and "Residential (Group C)" on the South Lantau Coast Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) No. S/SLC/11 and the adopted Cheung Sha Layout Plan No. L/I-CS/1 (see Figure 9.1 and extracts in Figure 9.2A and 9.2B)

9.4.1.2 The majority of the study area is not covered by statutory OZP's and mainly falls within Country Park areas. The study area falls within the Recommended Development Strategy of the South West New Territories Development Strategy Review (SWNTDSR) which sets out the recommended land use planning and development strategy for the south west region of the Hong Kong S.A.R. to the year 2016. (See extracts in Figure 9.3A and 9.3B). The SWNTDSR has recognised the need to extend existing road network to improve the accessibility between north and south Lantau. This essential transport link would provide better access to South Lantau. However, the SWNTDSR emphasises that the road network should be assessed in light of local development constraints, infrastructure capacity, environment impacts and conservation / recreation objectives.

9.4.1.3 The planning intention under the SWNTDSR is to preserve areas with high landscape and ecological value. It has proposed to extend the North Lantau Country Park under the provision of the Country Parks Ordinance. Such areas are usually classified as "Landscape Protection Areas" or "Coastal Protection Areas". There is a general presumption against development within these areas. According to AFCD, the gazetted North Lantau (extension) Country Park is expected to be designated in mid 2002.

9.4.2 Existing Use and Potential Impacts

9.4.2.1 Tung Chung Road is currently a single-lane road connecting north and south Lantau Island. The road is currently a "restricted road" at all times. Only public transport and vehicles with permits are allowed to use the road. The alignment runs parallel with the Tung Chung Stream in a north-south alignment and the existing road passes through both Lantau North and South Country Parks. Several small villages are located along the alignment. For ease of reference, the study area has been divided into three discreet sections namely the Tung Chung Section, Country Park Section, and Southern Section.

Tung Chung Section

9.4.2.2 The Tung Chung Section covers Lung Tseng Tau village area to the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) Country Park Management Centre. The proposed road improvement comprises mainly on-line widening of the existing road, construction of noise barriers (ranging between 1.5 and 4.5m high), and a maintenance access track for the drainage pipeline which will double as a new cycle track along the eastern edge of Tung Chung Valley.

9.4.2.3 The road widening works would begin at the village of Lung Tseng Tau. The proposed alignment runs along the Conservation Area to the west, and the village area of Lung Tseng Tau and Countryside Conservation Area to the east. Under the Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study these areas have been zoned as "CA", "V" and "CCA", under the RODP. Both road alignment and maintenance access/cycle track will encroach onto these zones. Adjustment to the RODP site boundaries may be required. Online road widening and construction of noise barrier would encroach and create land use and visual impacts to Lung Tseng Tau villagers. Resumption, compensation, and mitigation measures would be required. Construction of works will however create impacts to the existing footpaths from Lung Tseng Tau Village to the surrounding areas e.g. Hau Wong Temple and cultivated land to the east. Provision of new footpaths would be required to connect the village with surrounding uses during construction and implementation stages.

9.4.2.4 The proposed alignment will affect the access to two existing monasteries (Tei Tong Tsai Monastery and Lo Hon Monastery) and a pavilion located nearby. Adequate access must be retained during construction and implementation period.

9.4.2.5 Burial Ground 18L is located at Wo Lin Tung Hill. Construction of the proposed alignment will not impinge onto the burial ground. However, access to the burial ground from Tung Chung Road would be affected. Construction of new footpaths would be required to maintain access to the burial ground. Under current planning, there is an extension to the western and south-eastern part of this burial ground. However, the works area will not impinge on the burial ground extension and there will be no land use impact during operation stage.

9.4.2.6 The proposed alignment will affect the access road to the existing Management Centre of AFCD. Road access must be maintained during construction and implementation of the alignment.

Country Park Section

9.4.2.7 The Country Park Section covers areas south of the Country Park Management Centre to the southern boundary of the Lantau South Country Park. This section includes both widening of the existing Tung Chung Road and the construction of a new off-line section of alignment.

9.4.2.8 The proposed alignment will not directly affect the existing Water Supplies Department (WSD) Tai Tung Shan Service Reservoir, located east of Tung Chung Road. However, the project will have to upgrade the adjacent slopes, but this would not affect the operation of the reservoir.

9.4.2.9 The Tai Tung Shan Header Tank and a pavilion are located to the east of Tung Chung Road. The header tank is currently managed by Water Supplies Department. The road widening work will not affect the footprint nor the access of the header tank.

9.4.2.10 There are two picnic areas (including barbecue sites and shelters)located along the alignment. Construction of the alignment may affect the access to these areas. Adequate access must be provided during construction and implementation period.

Southern Section

9.4.2.11 The Southern section covers the South Lantau Country Park (catchwater area and Lantau Trail) and the South Lantau Road. This section would require the construction of a new off-line alignment.

9.4.2.12 The proposed road alignment will intersect with both the Lantau Trail and the Catchwater Trail at grade, with pedestrian crossing facilities provided as part of the improvement works. There would be some impacts to the users of the trial and catchwater area especially during construction, and temporary footpaths would be required to maintain access during construction.

9.4.2.13 The proposed alignment will pass close to the YWCA Youth Camp on South Lantau Road. The OZP would be amended to incorporate the proposed alignment after it has been gazetted and authorised under the Roads Ordinance. The barbecue area to the southwest of the proposed roundabout would likely be affected. These sites are located south-west of the proposed roundabout and adjacent to YWCA sites to the south. Re-provisioning of access to these facilities may be required.

9.4.3 Existing Character of Adjacent Areas

9.4.3.1 The alignment will fall mainly within Country Parks. These areas are currently heavily vegetated and offer a valuable recreational resources for the residents of Hong Kong. The construction of the alignment would require some slope works and works areas, which would affect the existing natural setting and alter the landscape character area. It is therefore important to reduce the area required for works, and to minimise the landscape and visual impacts during the construction and implementation stages. The following sections will briefly summarise the area adjacent to the study area.

Tung Chung Section

9.4.3.2 The Tung Chung Fort, zoned "G/IC" under the RODP is located east of the Lung Tseng Tau and is accessed by a small road. It is currently a declared monument and is protected under the Antiquities and Monuments Ordinance. It would be important to maintain good access to the fort during construction and operational Stage.

Country Park Section

9.4.3.3 The proposed alignment is located in proximity to a “Special Area” at Lantau Peak (identified in the SWNTDSR Conservation Strategy) for conservation and natural landscape beauty. Road widening may affect the landscape setting of the Country Parks. Mitigation measures must be undertaken during construction and implementation period. The proposed alignment will also affect views to the surrounding area. The alignment will have permanent impacts on the walking trail and its surroundings.

Southern Section

9.4.3.4 The southern coast of Lantau has been designated as a marine conservation area under the SWNTDSR study and it recommended that the area should remain as conservation and water-based recreational area. Impacts should be minimised to the existing natural environs. However, since the proposed alignment is located away from the coast, it will have little or no direct impact to the area.

9.4.4 Planned and Committed Development

9.4.4.1 The following sections briefly summarise the proposed development in proximity to the study area.

Tung Chung Section

9.4.4.2 Extension of the Tung Chung Line and cable car link has been proposed under the SWNTDSR. Both of these works should not have major impacts to the proposed road-widening works. However, if the alignment of the cable car is amended to run in close proximity to the alignment, then there may be some interface issues. Planned developments also include the Tung Chung new town extension in Tai Ho area, aimed to accommodate the projected population for the SWNT. A Recommended Outing Zoning Plan is currently being prepared under the Remaining Development in Tung Chung and Tai Ho Comprehensive Feasibility Study.

Country Park Section

9.4.4.3 No planned or committed developments are proposed in this area. However, it has been proposed to extend the existing Lantau North Country Park boundary. According to AFCD, the gazetted Lantau North (Extension) Country Park is expected to be designated in mid 2002.

Southern Section

9.4.4.4 Most of the area has already been designated as green belt and coastal protection area. A few planned housing sites reserved in the area to the north of the proposed junction at Tung Chung/South Lantau road would affected by the proposed alignment. Amongst these sites Lot No. 734 in DD332 was scheduled to be disposed for sale in 2002, but it has now been deferred, and has no confirmed disposal date for this subject lot. The proposed alignment will encroach on the planned housing sites. The new alignment will impact onto the future housing development. The proposed bus lay-bys south of the roundabout and the vehicle turning circle will impact the South Lantau Coast Coastal Protection Area. There will also be visual impacts upon the users within the housing sites in future. Visual mitigation measures should therefore be applied.

9.4.5 Landscape Planning Destination

9.4.5.1 The SWNTDSR has developed a conservation strategy and a number of sites have been identified for their natural attributes, ecological diversity and high value landscape features. The following sections briefly describe potential areas for conversation and landscape destination as identified under current planning studies.

Conservation Area (Landscape Protection)

9.4.5.2 A potential Landscape Protection Area is proposed at Shek Lau Po Area on north Lantau and within its green belt zones on south Lantau. The planning intention is to protect the area due to its high landscape and ecological values. This potential Landscape Protection Area could be affected by the new alignment.

Country Park Extension

9.4.5.3 It was envisaged that approximately 2,360ha of land would be designated for potential extension of the Lantau North Country Park and that the designation process for the Lantau North (Extension) Country Park will be completed in 2002. The new alignment falls within the Country Park Extension area and could have adverse landscape and visual impact to the surrounding area.

Green Belt

9.4.5.4 The alignment falls within areas zoned "Green Belt" and "Residential (Group C)" within the South Lantau Coast OZP No. S/SLC/11. The area provides a good landscape setting for village type developments along the coastal area. The proposed alignment could pose adverse landscape and visual impacts to the natural setting of the area.

Inshore Water Protection Area (Coastal Protection Area)

9.4.5.5 The South Lantau coastal area has been identified as a potential inshore water protection / recreation area due to its valuable natural coastal features and other ecological features such as mangroves. However, the coastal protection area is located away from the study area and is unlikely to be subject to adverse impacts to the area.

9.4.6 Summary

9.4.6.1 The alignment will fall mainly within country parks areas. The majority of the alignment is not covered by statutory OZP's and therefore land use impacts are likely to be minimal and mainly restricted to affecting road access. The southern part of the alignment falls within the draft South Lantau Coast OZP. The current OZP would have to be revised under the provisions of the Town Planning Ordinance after the alignment has been gazetted and authorised under the provisions of the Roads Ordinance. It will be important to maintain access to the existing villages, monasteries and temples in the Tung Chung area, to Tung Chung Fort, the Tung Chung Country Park Management Centre, the WSD Tai Tung Shan Service Reservoir and the picnic areas located along the road. Alternative access to these facilities will need to be investigated if there is to be any disruption caused by construction activity. However, the alignment would create some adverse landscape and visual impacts to the existing natural setting of the country parks. The study area has been designated as a Conservation / Landscape Protection Area under the SWNTDSR and it is therefore important that the alignment should be designed to minimise the adverse impacts to the existing landscape setting.

9.5 Baseline Study

9.5.1 Physical Landscape Resources

9.5.1.1 Areas of sensitive landscape within the Study Area (considered to be a 500m area either side of the road alignment) include the South Lantau Coast, the Lantau Peaks and Uplands and The Upper Valleys. The alignment of the proposed Improvement Works is shown on the annotated aerial photograph in Figure 9.4. The principal physical landscape resources within these sensitive landscapes (as shown on Figures 9.6A - 9.6F) are discussed below.

Topography and Land Form (LR1)

9.5.1.2 The land forms of Lantau contribute significantly to its identity. Within the study area, lower slopes are generally gentle and soil-covered. These comprise loose material which is the result of landslides and ground slump. This is generally fairly unstable material. Upper slopes are generally steeper and more spectacular, comprising a topography of bare rock outcrop and boulder strewn hillsides resulting in an often dramatic and rugged appearance. The ridgelines and peaks are particularly significant topographic elements of this landscape adding to its distinctiveness. The major ridgeline within the study area is that which links Sunset Peak to the east with Lantau Peak to the west. There are numerous minor ridgelines running down off this major ridgeline. Given that the both topographic elements and land forms contribute significantly to the study, their sensitivity to change is considered to be high.

Soils and Geology (LR2 & LR3)

9.5.1.3 Lantau Island lies on what is principally volcanic rock. The Lantau Peaks and Uplands within the study corridor are composed of principally undifferentiated volcanic rock of the Repulse Bay formation. In western Lantau, pyroclastic rocks and lava are dominant, and a few of these occur as outcrops around Tung Chung Road. The area to the south of the central Lantau Uplands, lies on coarse tuff. The upper valleys, lie principally on typically thin layers of colluvium, the exposed location and the general instability of the soils in upland areas (LR2) has inhibited the development of vegetation resulting in soils of low fertility. Given their general abundance their sensitivity to change is considered to be low.

9.5.1.4 In the more sheltered, low-lying coastal areas of Tung Chung Valley and in limited areas immediately above Cheung Sha Beach deeper, more fertile soils can be found resulting from the presence of dense woodland cover and former the long term farming of arable crops and rice paddies. These sorts of soils in agricultural areas (LR3) are increasingly rare in Hong Kong and are considered to be of medium sensitivity to change.

Vegetation (LR4, LR5, LR6 & LR7)

9.5.1.5 Large areas of riparian, secondary woodland (LR4) exist in the more sheltered valleys. These are a significant element in defining the landscape character of Lantau Island. Secondary woodland develops slowly and its extent in Hong Kong has been greatly reduced by progressive development. It is an increasingly rare landscape resource, and is therefore of special value. As it is dependent on a complex relationship between soil vegetation water and fauna, it is highly sensitive to change.

9.5.1.6 Extensive areas of plantation woodland (LR5) have also been established on various hill slopes within the southern part of the study area as a result of re-planting works following hill fires. These typically consist of mono-cultural stands of rapidly growing exotic species such as Acacia spp. Although green, the size of the trees, the species, the lack of diversity and the distribution do not match the natural landscape pattern and as such are considered to be landscape resources of only moderate value and medium sensitivity to change.

9.5.1.7 Within the natural vegetation pattern there is a transition from secondary woodland in the sheltered valleys through tall shrub/shrubland-grassland mosaic (LR6) in more open valleys to grassland in the higher more exposed ridgelines. This pattern represents the natural development of the vegetation, and in time, without human interference, the grassland of the upper hill slopes would succeed to shrub and secondary woodland. The shrub is considered to be a valuable landscape resource. Although much more widespread and faster to establish than the secondary woodland, the shrub is considered to have a medium sensitivity to change. The grassland (LR7), too is valuable in landscape terms but its wide spread and rapid establishment give it only a low sensitivity to change.

Streams (LR8)

9.5.1.8 The study area contains numerous small streams with many being seasonal (ephemeral). The main water courses in the area comprise the Tung Chung and Cheung Sha Streams. These streams are often precipitous with steep sides and are associated with flora and fauna that are of conservation value. Many of these stream courses are also of particular landscape value as they are distinctive elements in the natural pattern of the landscape. The sensitivity of streams is considered to be high.

9.5.1.9 The drainage regime of the Tung Chung Stream within the Tung Chung Valley floor has been altered to suit (now largely abandoned) farming practices.

9.5.2 Human and Cultural Landscape Resources (LR9, LR10 & LR11)

9.5.2.1 The study area is largely devoid of human settlement or infrastructural elements. The existing Tung Chung Road and the catchwater on the south side, both form linear man-made features in a naturalistic landscape.

9.5.2.2 At the southern end of the study corridor, South Lantau Road running immediately above Cheung Sha Beach, is dotted with small scale residential developments, ranging from individual houses to small low rise estates, and low rise institutional facilities such as the former South Lantau Hospital site and the YWCA centre. At the Northern end of the study corridor the former Tung Chung Village and bay areas have been comprehensively transformed by large-scale transportation and residential development including the new Hong Kong International Airport, North Lantau New Town (Tung Chung West) and the proposed development of Tung Chung Valley.

9.5.2.3 Heritage features are dealt within a specific section of this report. However, there are a number of cultural and historic features along the Project route that have a significance in landscape terms. The Tung Chung Fort (LR9) and Burial Ground 18L (LR10) are notable landmarks on the hill slopes behind the old Tung Chung Village, though with a limited impact on the landscape. Due to the relationship between their use and the surrounding landscape both are considered to be highly sensitive to change.

9.5.2.4 The extensive (and largely abandoned) system of fields in Tung Chung Valley and around Tung Chung Bay is a significant cultural feature which characterises and gives distinctiveness to its landscape. The agricultural landscape pattern (LR11) is a naturally diverse and dynamic landscape, and is considered to be of only medium sensitivity to change. This area is, however, subject to future development.

9.5.3 Landscape Character Zones

9.5.3.1 The landscape of the study area includes three different types of landscape, as described below and indicated on Figures 9.6A to 9.6F.

Lantau Peaks and Uplands (LC1)

9.5.3.2 The landscape of Lantau Island, south of Tung Chung, is characterised by a high mountainous ridge running along the length of the island. This mountainous ridge is here referred to as the Lantau Peaks and Uplands. The peaks rise sharply from the sea to 869 mPD on Sunset Peak and 934 mPD on Lantau Peak, which lie to the east and west of the Tung Chung Road respectively. The uplands form rugged and dramatic ridges, peaks and spurs, angular in appearance and often given an undulating form by the numerous streams and gullies that run down them. Otherwise, the hilltops are large in scale, exposed and tranquil.

9.5.3.3 The lower slopes are characterised by shrub or woodland vegetation whilst the upper slopes are grass-covered with numerous rock outcrops and landslip scars. There are almost no human features in this landscape, except for occasional power lines, resulting in a landscape that is still highly sensitive to development. The high quality and sensitivity of this landscape are recognised by its designation as Country Park.

9.5.3.4 The study corridor follows two valleys that run approximately north and south across the island through a high point on the major ridgeline at Pak Kung Au, emanating at Tung Chung in the north and Cheung Sha in the south. The saddle of land between the two valleys is particularly sensitive in visual terms, as it defines the ridgeline in views from south and north. Though the more southerly of these two valleys is somewhat steeper, both are similar in character.

9.5.3.5 The upper valleys, lying generally above 100 mPD, are tightly contained, with steep, generally wood or shrub-covered sides. The valleys are characterised by small streams and watercourses, often lined with riparian shrub or woodland. The upper valleys possess few human features except Tung Chung Road itself, two power lines that run alongside the road and hiking paths and facilities associated with the Lantau Trail. Massive in scale, they possess a tranquil and remote character. The predominantly natural quality mean it is a landscape that is still very sensitive to development. The high quality and sensitivity of this landscape is recognised by its designation as Country Park.

South Lantau Coast (LC2)

9.5.3.6 South of the central Lantau Uplands, between sea level and approximately 100 mPD, lies the South Lantau Coast character area. This contrasts geologically with the uplands in that it lies on coarse tuff. Here the mountains fall steeply into the sea, leaving only a narrow strip of relatively flatter land along the coast. The South Lantau Road runs along the coast and much of this land has been exploited for scattered residential or public infrastructure development. A catchwater runs along the bottom of the mountains to the north, collecting run-off and directing it to Shek Pik Reservoir to the west.

9.5.3.7 Although very much maritime in character, the scale of the coastal landscape is surprisingly intimate, a quality provided by its covering of dense woodland, which helps to offset the impacts of existing development. The existing Tung Chung Road follows the steep contours of the coastal strip down to South Lantau Road. Only occasionally is human development intrusive, as in the case of new residential development around the former South Lantau Hospital. This is a landscape that still possesses its natural, intimate and unspoilt qualities largely intact. Though its woodland areas are capable of mitigating in part the impacts of development, this is still a landscape that is sensitive to human features. It is considered to be of medium sensitivity to change.

Tung Chung (LC3)

9.5.3.8 The Tung Chung Valley and the Wong Lung Hang Valley emanate in Tung Chung Bay, a shallow cove, into which a number of rivers discharge. The bay is contained to the south, east and west by the high hills surrounding it, while the land immediately around the bay is flat, open, low-lying and fertile, consisting of a small scale pattern of largely abandoned fields and paddies. Along the shoreline are small pockets of mangroves. The villages of Ma Wan and Ma Wan Chung are located at the flat marshy mouths of two of the rivers discharging into the bay. The villages of Lung Tseng Tau, Wong Ka Wai, Ha Ling Pei and Sheung Ling Pei are perched above the lower lying land overlooking the Bay. While, the bay still retains a remote estuarine character in places, this has been significantly compromised by ongoing development associated with the Hong Kong International Airport and North Lantau New Town. Thus, the bay still retains some sensitivity to human elements in the landscape, but this will be lost after the site is absorbed into Tung Chung.

9.5.3.9 The Tung Chung Valley floor lies less then 20 mPD and is flanked to the east and west by uplands which give a strong sense of containment. The valley floor has been settled and cultivated due to its flat topography, fertile nature and accessibility to water from the streams running down the valley. It consists of arable and pastoral fields, many now abandoned, with a number of small villages often set among woodland blocks, scattered across the valley floor. In character, the valley floor is tranquil and agrarian with an intricate texture of fields and settlements. The flat open character of the landscape and its generally unspoiled character mean that it is sensitive to the effects of development. Under the proposals for the development of Tung Chung Valley, the valley floor will be further developed for residential and institutional use. This is likely to decrease significantly the sensitivity of the landscape to change, to a low threshold.

9.5.3.10 The Tung Chung Development is a proposed development currently being constructed on low-lying and reclaimed land on the coast. Planned to accommodate 260,000 people, it will include residential commercial and retail developments in the form of high and low-rise buildings. The development will be separated from the surrounding area by a Countryside Conservation Area. Chek Lap Kok is now a largely reclaimed island lying 500 metres off the coast on which Hong Kong’s new airport is located. The landscape of these areas is currently flat, open and highly disturbed by construction works, and are therefore not considered to be sensitive to development.

9.5.4 Baseline Visual Conditions

9.5.4.1 The large-scale open nature of the landscape of the study corridor, make the existing Tung Chung Road and the future improvement works to Tung Chung Road highly visible. The existing road is visible from extensive areas within a broad visual corridor (some 3000 metres wide) contained by the lateral ridgelines emanating from Sunset and Lantau Peaks, and of unlimited length stretching out in the coastal waters to the north and south.

9.5.4.2 As the proposed improvement works includes the retention and upgrading of the existing alignment on the southern side, where the new sections of road go off line, the visual envelop of the proposed works will not be reduced in areas, simply being enlarged to cover more areas along South Lantau Road and the West Lamma Channel.

9.5.5 Key Views and Visual Receivers

9.5.5.1 The baseline visual envelope of the existing Tung Chung Road is shown on Figure 9.7A. Detailed locations of Visually Sensitive Receivers are shown on Figures 9.7B - 9.7F. The very large visual catchment of the existing Road is contained by the ridgelines of Sunset Peak and Lantau Peak to the east and west, and splays out as far as the horizon into the open sea lanes of the West Lamma Channel and Urmston Road, to the north and south

9.5.5.2 The locations of key views of the site are identified below and in Figure 9.7A. On the whole key views are notable for their ‘scenic’ qualities and are generally experienced by recreational receivers who deliberately go to a specific location in order to take in the view. The identity and characteristics of the key visual sensitive receivers are provided in Table 9.3 and data on key views is set out in Table 9.4 below.

Table 9.3 Identity and Characteristics of the Key Visual Receivers

Ref	Location of Receiver	Number of receivers	Type of view	Duration of view	Approximate Distance to site (metres)
Occupational Receivers
O1	Not Used
O2	Users of YWCA Centre on South Lantau Road	Few	Partial	Constant	10
O3	Users of WSD facilities along Tung Chung Road at Pak Kung Au and, just south of the AFCD Management Centre	Very Few	Partial	Constant	260
O4	Users of AFCD Country Park Management Centre	Few	Partial	Constant	120
O5	Visitors to Burial Ground 18L	Few	Partial	Constant	30
O6	Users of Tung Chung Fort	Few	Partial	Constant	40
O7	Users of Tei Tong Tsai - Monastery	Few	Partial	Constant	500
Recreational Receivers
C1	Recreational users of YWCA centre on South Lantau Road	Few	Vista	Constant	10
C2	Recreational users of BBQ Areas #1 and #2 on South Lantau Road	Many	Vista	Constant	50
C3	Recreational users of BBQ Areas #3 and #4 on Tung Chung Road	Few	Vista	Constant	160-220
C4	Recreational users of Lantau Trail, associated footpaths and the pavilion at Pak Kung Au	Few	Panorama	Constant	0-3400
C5	Recreational users of Catchwater Trail, and associated footpaths on the hill slopes above Cheung Sha Wan	Few	Panorama	Periodic	0-150
C6	Recreational users of Cheung Sha Beach	Many	Panorama	Constant	700-3200
C7	Passengers in the Proposed Tung Chung Cable Car	Many	Panorama	Periodic	1250-3500
Residential Receivers
R1	Residents of the villages of Lung Tseng Tau /Wong Ka Wai /Ha Ling Pei / Sheung Ling Pei /Fui Yiu Ha in Tung Chung Valley	Many	Panorama	Constant	10-50
R2	Residents of existing villages at Ngau Au, Tung Hing, Lam Che, Nim Yuen on the west side of Tung Chung Valley	Few	Panorama	Constant	600 - 2000
R3	Residents of high rise blocks in North Lantau New Town	Very many	Vista	Constant	800-1100
R4	Future Residents of Village areas to be developed in Tung Chung Valley (incl. Area 34)	Many	Panorama	Constant	70-300
R5	Tei Tong Tsai - Monastery Complex	Few	Panorama	Constant	1100 - 2000
R6	Shek Pik Au and Shek Mun Kap Villages within Tung Chung Valley (not affected by the future development in Tung Chung Valley)	Few	Panorama	Constant	300 - 1200
R7	Residents of Leyburn Villas / future residents of the former South Lantau Hospital Site	Few	Partial	Constant	300-800
R8	Residents of Cheung Sha Ha Tsuen	Few	Partial	Constant	350 - 700
R9	Residents of Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen	Few	Panorama	Constant	250 - 700
R10	Future Residents of Planned Housing Sites north SLR/TCR junction	Few	Vista	Constant	50 - 300
Travelling Receivers
T1	Motorists / travellers on South Lantau Road	Very many	Vista	Periodic	0-2500
T2	Motorists / travellers on Tung Chung Road	Very many	Panorama	Periodic	0-1000
T3	Marine vessels and Ferry Travellers in the West Lamma Channel (Macau Ferries)	Many	Vista	Constant	3000-6000
T4	Travellers using HK International Airport	Very many	Vista	Periodic	3000-5000
T5	Marine vessels in the Urmston Road Sea Lane (Pearl River Ferries)	Very many	Vista	Periodic	7500-10000

Table 9.4 Characteristics of Key Views

No.	Location	Type of View	Approximate Distance to Works (m)	Figure No.
PM1	View along Tung Chung Road from footbridge at Ha Ling Pei	Vista from future development to upland / Country Parks up Tung Chung Valley	0-300	9.16
PM2	View south along Tung Chung Road near AFCD Country Park Management Centre	Vista of natural upland landscape up Tung Chung Valley	250-500	9.17
PM3	View south from Pak Kung Au	Elevated, panoramic view of ridgeline, natural uplands and coastal areas of Lantau Island	0-300 m	9.18
PM4	View to the east from Tung Chung Road Near BBQ Site No.3	Typical vista and from the road of upland landscape and coastal areas	300	9.19
PM5	View from existing Tung Chung Road, immediately west of former South Lantau Hospital	Panoramic view of Lantau Ridgeline and uplands from the coast	700-1100	9.20
PM6	View from the pavilion on Cheung Sha Beach	Short range vista along catch-water footpath	70	9.21
PM7	View from the Catchwater Footpath, North of Cheung Sha	Panoramic view of Lantau Ridgeline and uplands from the village	250-1250	9.22
PM8	View along South Lantau Road from YWCA Youth Camp	Short range vista along South Lantau Road	10 - 200	9.23

9.6 Construction Stage Impact Assessment

9.6.1 Potential Sources of Impact during the Construction Stage

9.6.1.1 The nature and extent of the proposed works associated with the improvements to Tung Chung Road is described in detail in Section 2 of the EIA Report. In summary, the proposed works would comprise :

¨ new carriageway and elevated bridge structures;

¨ noise barriers and associated site furniture;

¨ formation of new soil and rock cut slopes and retaining structures;

¨ stabilisation of existing slopes along the whole of the current alignment;

¨ drainage works and culverts; and

¨ bus-bay facilities on South Lantau Road.

9.6.1.2 The proposed works would create varying levels of impact on the physical landscape and on the visual amenity of the surrounding areas during the construction stage. Potential impacts would result from the following activities:

¨ site clearance works involving the removal of existing vegetation;

¨ formation of construction accesses and temporary works areas;

¨ excavation works for road carriageway, slopes and structures;

¨ haulage off-site of some excavated materials;

¨ importation and storage of construction equipment and materials (including storage of existing topsoil for reinstatement works); and

¨ construction of roads, slopes, utilities and drainage.

9.6.2 Nature and Magnitude of Landscape Impacts during the Construction Stage

Physical Landscape Resources

9.6.2.1 Through careful and sensitive engineering the extent of disturbance caused by the road improvement proposals have been reduced to little more than the permanent width of the road.

9.6.2.2 In the northern section where the road followed the alignment of the existing Tung Chung Road the impacts on topography would result from the formation of new cut slopes on the uphill side. Slope remediation works are proposed along the retained section of the existing Tung Chung Road, including trimming works and soil nailing. In the southern section, the off-line section of the road would have greater impact on topography, cutting across a series of steeply sided valleys. Slope stabilisation works would be limited to some boulder stabilisation works in the uphill sections of the off-line sections of the new road above the catchwater. Overall, the impact on topography and landform (LR1) during construction is considered to be small.

9.6.2.3 The excavation for the widened road and off line road sections would result in the loss of existing upland soils (LR2) along most of the route. However in comparison to the total the magnitude of change on this landscape resource is considered to be small.

9.6.2.4 There would be no loss of agricultural soils (LR3) in lowland areas.

9.6.2.5 There would be a direct impact on areas of secondary woodland (LR4) at both the northern and southern ends of the route, through both road widening and the new off-line section. The magnitude of the impact on the natural woodland is considered to be intermediate.

9.6.2.6 There would be loss of plantation woodland (LR5) along approximately 2,100 metres (approximately 5.03ha) of the new road alignment between South Lantau Road and the ridgeline at Pak Kung Au, and the upper part of the on-line widening section immediately to the north of the ridgeline. Although the total resource of plantation woodland is substantial the loss to the new road alignment would still constitute as small magnitude of the change.

9.6.2.7 There would be a significant loss of tall shrub/shrubland-grassland mosaic (LR6) along approximately 800 metres (approximately 7.23ha) of the new road alignment and from around the edge of existing cut slopes within the on-line widened section (along approximately 2800 metres length), together with very localised impacts resulting from the stabilisation works on the retained existing section of Tung Chung Road. In relation to the total resource the magnitude of change on shrub within the area is considered to be intermediate.

9.6.2.8 There would be no significant loss of grassland (LR7) along any sections of the route.

9.6.2.9 Detailed ground investigation will also be required along the length of the alignment and in advance of the main construction works. The operation is considered to be small scale comprising bore-holes and some trail pits and the removal of small amounts of vegetation. The magnitude of change from this operation is considered to be negligible.

9.6.2.10 The road would pass over some 44 stream courses, 27 crossed by the new route alignment, and 14 which are already crossed by the existing Tung Chung Road in the on-line widened section, as shown in the General Layout drawings in Section 2. In most cases the road would be carried on single span bridges over the stream courses. Only a small number of streams would need to be culverted. A Schedule of culverts is given in Table 9.5 below. Potential impacts would arise through excavation of adjacent areas to form the new structures, and construction accesses, although disturbance would be localised to short sections to either side of the stream. In terms of the total resource of stream courses (LR8) the magnitude of change is considered to be small.

Table 9.5 Schedule of Culverts

Culvert Reference	Status	Stream No.	Chainage
CUL01	Existing	1	1114
CUL02	Existing	2	1220
CUL03	Existing	3	1340
CUL04	Existing	4	1380
CUL05	Existing	Cross-Road Drain	1540
CUL06	Existing	5	1562
CUL07	Existing	6	1795
CUL08	Existing	7	1825
CUL09	Existing	Cross-Road Drain	1860
CUL10	Existing	8	2025
CUL11	Existing	Cross-Road Drain	2002
CUL12	Existing	Cross-Road Drain	2340
CUL13	Existing	9	2420
CUL14	Existing	10	2530
CUL15	Existing	Cross-Road Drain	2820
CUL16	Existing	13	2940
CUL17	New	16	3362
CUL18	Existing	17	3380
CUL19	Existing	18	3400
CUL20	New	19	3586
CUL21	New	20	3635
CUL22	New	21	3900
CUL23	New	Cross-Road Drain	4365
CUL24	New	Cross-Road Drain	4420
CUL25	New	Cross-Road Drain	4565
CUL26	New	Cross-Road Drain	4635
CUL27	New	Tributary of 27	5038
CUL28	New	Tributary of 27	5252
CUL29	New	Tributary of 27	5288
CUL30	New	30	5590
CUL31	New	Tributary of 31	5688
CUL32	New	Cross-Road Drain	6300
CUL33	New	Tributary of 44	7020

Human and Cultural Landscape Resources

9.6.2.11 The proposed improvement works would have no direct impact on either the area of the Tung Chung Fort (LR9) or the Burial Ground 18L (LR10), although there would be alteration in the quality of the landscape setting to both these features through loss of vegetation and construction works. However, in both cases the magnitude of the change would be negligible. The areas of existing agricultural land in Tung Chung Valley (LR11) would not be directly affected by the proposed improvement works, so the magnitude of the change would also be negligible.

Landscape Character Zones

9.6.2.12 There will be a widespread impact during construction Stage on the landscape character of the Lantau Peaks and Uplands (LC1) from the presence of large scale construction machinery and partly completed structures on the site, introducing further human forms and artificial colours into the landscape. As these will be in marked contrast to the current landscape the magnitude of the change is considered to be large. The main impact would result from the construction of the off line section in the southern side, although carriageway and road structures formation and slope works in the northern section, and slope stabilisation along the retained portion of Tung Chung Road will have a significant impact on the landscape character of the two valleys.

9.6.2.13 There would be impact through loss of mature vegetation, disturbance of topography and drainage patterns and the introduction of large-scale man-made elements into a small-scale landscape, on the area around Cheung Sha Sheung Village from the construction of the new carriageway and the formation of the junction with South Lantau Road and the new bus-bay facilities. Within the context of the Character Area the impacts would be limited in extent to the area of the proposed junction area, and the new elements being introduced are of a similar scale and nature to those that currently exist along the South Lantau Road corridor. The magnitude of the change on the South Lantau Coast Character Area (LC2), however, is likely to be small.

9.6.2.14 Within the context of the current and proposed development within the Tung Chung Valley area (LC3) the scale of the impact arising from the road widening, the introduction of noise barriers and cable trench / cycle track, and the formation of new slopes on the up-hill side proposed improvement works is likely to be negligible.

9.6.3 Nature and Magnitude of Visual Impacts during the Construction Stage

9.6.3.1 The visual envelope of the improvement works is shown on Figure 9.7A, and would include all areas within the baseline visual envelope (as the whole of the existing Tung Chung Road is retained), and would additionally extend into a wider area of the South Lantau Coast below Sunset Peak, and the West Lamma Channel. It would also extend further into the Tung Chung area, around villages at the north end of Tung Chung Road. Key visual receivers are illustrated in Table 9.3.

Residential

9.6.3.2 Residents of the villages of Lung Tseng Tau / Wong Ka Wai / Ha Ling Pei / Sheung Ling Pei / Fui Yiu Ha (R1) at the very northern end of Tung Chung Road would have direct short range views of the construction of the noise barriers at the northern end of Tung Chung Road. Although the views are of the land reclaimed for the future Tung Chung Valley Development, the barriers would effectively contain these views still further limiting the visual environment to the garden areas around the properties themselves. As such the magnitude of change is considered to be intermediate.

9.6.3.3 Residents of existing villages at Ngau Au, Tung Hing, Lam Che, Nim Yuen on the west side of Tung Chung Valley (R2) would have direct long range views across the valley floor (reclaimed for future development) of the construction of the northern end section of road widening works and the noise barriers along Tung Chung Road. These would be partially screened by existing tree belts which would be retained below Tung Chung Road, and would be of a similar scale and extent as the existing spray concreted slopes along Tung Ching Road. The improvement works would be seen against a backdrop of the natural hillside above, but generally in the wider context of the high rise development at North Lantau New Town. The magnitude of change is considered to be small.

9.6.3.4 Residents of high rise blocks in North Lantau New Town (R3) would have oblique long range views of the construction of the very end section of the road widening works at Lung Tseng Tau, and of the noise barriers along the northern section of Tung Chung Road. Given the distance of these views and the panoramic nature of alternative views available from these properties the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible.

9.6.3.5 Future residents of village areas in Tung Chung Valley (R4), including future residents in Area 34 and occupiers of future educational establishments proposed, are not considered within the construction stage as the road is assumed to be built first. They are assessed within the operational stage.

9.6.3.6 Residents of Tei Tong Tsai - Monastery complex (R5) would have direct long range views down the valley to the northern end of Tung Chung Road, which is seen against the backdrop of natural hillside and the North Lantau New Town and Airport Developments. Clearance of existing trees and the excavation of slopes on the high side of the road would be visible in these views, but given the length of the views and the small scale nature of the works in the wider context, the magnitude of change is considered to be small.

9.6.3.7 Residents of Shek Pik Au and Shek Mun Kap Villages within Tung Chung Valley (not affected by the future development in Tung Chung Valley) (R6) would have direct medium range views across and along the valley to Tung Chung Road, which is seen against the backdrop of natural hillside and the North Lantau New Town and Airport developments, but is largely screened by existing tree belts around the village and along Tung Chung Road. Clearance of existing trees and the excavation of slopes on the high side of the road would be visible in these views, but the magnitude of change in view would only be small.

9.6.3.8 Residents of Leyburn Villas (and future residents of the former South Lantau Hospital site) (R7) would have oblique long range views of the construction works, mid-slope on the hillside well above the hospital site. There would also be long range views of slope remediation works on the retained section of Tung Chung Road and possible slope stabilisation works in the uphill sections above the off-line section of the new road. In both these views the improvement works would result in only a small magnitude of change.

9.6.3.9 Residents of Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen (R9) (Upper Village), including the proposed residential development / village sites on the slopes immediately above the existing houses would have short range views of the clearance of mature vegetation and construction works associated with the southern end of the route, on the hill slopes below the catchwater, the slope stabilisation works in the uphill sections above the off-line section, the bus-bay facilities, and the new junction with South Lantau Road. The works would be seen in the context of the predominantly grass / shrub vegetation of the slopes below the Catch-water and the well wooded slopes and the Lantau ridgeline around Sunset Peak, above. The improvement works would result in an intermediate magnitude of change in these views.

9.6.3.10 Residents of Cheung Sha Ha Tsuen (R8) (Lower Village) would have only partial oblique medium range views, owing to the secondary woodland surrounding the village. There would be partial views of the clearance of mature vegetation and construction works on the hill slopes below the catchwater. In these views the improvement works would result in only a small magnitude of change.

9.6.3.11 Future residents of the former South Lantau Hospital Site (R7) would have oblique long range views of the construction works, mid-slope on the hillside well above the hospital site. There would also be views of slope remediation works on the obsolete section of Tung Chung Road and slope stabilisation works in the uphill sections above the off-line section of the new road. In both these views, the improvement works would largely be screened by the intervening topography and mature woodland vegetation, resulting in only a small magnitude of change.

9.6.3.12 Future residents of planned housing sites north of the junction of the new road with South Lantau Road (R10), would have oblique views down into the construction area for the very end of the new road alignment and the junction. The loss of existing vegetation and the presence of construction machinery and operations would result in an intermediate magnitude of change in these views.

Occupational Users

9.6.3.13 Users of YWCA Centre on South Lantau Road (O2) would have direct short range views of the construction of the southern end of the route, the bus-bay facilities, and the new junction with South Lantau Road. As the works would occupy the larger part of available view, the magnitude of change is considered to be intermediate.

9.6.3.14 Users of WSD facilities along Tung Chung Road at Pak Kung Au and, just south of the AFCD Management Centre (O3) would have direct short range views of the on-line widening works, although the views down the valley and across to the natural hillside to the west would not be affected. The magnitude of change during construction is considered to be intermediate.

9.6.3.15 Although lying close to Tung Chung Road users of AFCD Country Park Management Centre (O4) would have only very partial views of the construction works, through the dense tree screen. The magnitude of change during construction is considered to be small.

9.6.3.16 Visitors to Burial Ground 18L (O5) would have direct views of the formation of a widened carriageway and new supporting slopes on the hillside immediately below the Burial Ground. Although there are panoramic and scenic alternative views the works would result in a intermediate magnitude of change.

9.6.3.17 Users of Tung Chung Fort (O6) have oblique medium range views of the construction of widening works and of the noise barriers along Tung Chung Road at the very northern end section of the road. Although panoramic alternative views out to the North would not be affected the magnitude of change is considered to be small.

9.6.3.18 Users of Tei Tong Tsai - Monastery (O7) would have direct long range views across the valley of the formation of a widened carriageway and new supporting slopes, seen within the context of the panoramic and scenic views of the Country Park and Tung Chung Valley below. Given the distance and relatively minor change in nature of the view the magnitude of change is considered to be small.

Recreational Users

9.6.3.19 Recreational users of YWCA centre on South Lantau Road (C1) would have direct short range views of the construction of the southern end of the route, the bus-bay facilities, and the new junction with South Lantau Road. As the works would occupy the larger part of available view, the magnitude of change is considered to be intermediate.

9.6.3.20 Recreational users of BBQ Areas #1 and #2 on South Lantau Road (C2) would have short range views of the construction of the southern end of the route, the bus-bay facilities, and the new junction with South Lantau Road. However these views would be partially screened by existing mature vegetation, and in consideration of the panoramic and scenic quality of alternative views the magnitude of change is likely to be only small.

9.6.3.21 Recreational users of BBQ Areas #3 and #4 on Tung Chung Road (C3) are likely to have very partial views of the proposed new section of road, the slope stabilisation works in the uphill sections above the off-line section, and the slope remediation works along the retained section of Tung Chung Road. The magnitude of change in these views is, however, likely to be negligible.

9.6.3.22 Recreational users of Lantau Trail, associated footpaths and the pavilion at Pak Kung Au (C4) would have uninterrupted views of the proposed works over some 4000 metres of the hiking trail. The works would be seen in the context of the natural hill slopes, with only the existing Tung Chung road as a detractor in a naturalistic landscape of very high scenic quality. As such, even though the scale of the road is relatively modest in relation to the landscape within which it sits, the magnitude of the change in the views is considered to be intermediate.

9.6.3.23 Recreational users of catchwater trail (C5), and associated footpaths on the hill slopes above Cheung Sha Wan would tend to have similar and more brief views of the proposed new road section. Given the partial nature of the views of the works the magnitude of change in these views is considered to be small.

9.6.3.24 Recreational users of Cheung Sha Beach (C6) would have oblique long range views of the clearance of mature vegetation and construction works at mid-slope above Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen and the possible slope stabilisation works in the uphill sections above the off-line section. The works would be seen against the backdrop of the hill slopes of the Country Parks. Given the panoramic and scenic quality of alternative views, the improvement works would result in only a small magnitude of change in views of these users.

9.6.3.25 Passengers of the future Tung Chung Cable Car (C7), are not considered within the construction stage as the improvement works are assumed to be built first. They are assessed within the operational stage.

Travellers

9.6.3.26 Motorists / travellers on South Lantau Road (T1) would have brief, but direct views of the construction of the new junction and the bus-bay facilities. Given the sequential and varied quality of the visual experience for motorists and travellers along South Lantau Road the construction works are likely to result in only a small magnitude of change.

9.6.3.27 Motorists / travellers on Tung Chung Road (T2) would have sustained and very close range views of the road widening works in the northern section, slope stabilisation works in the uphill sections above the off-line section, slope remediation works on the retained section of Tung Chung Road, and long range oblique views of the new road section in the southern side. The magnitude of change is likely to be intermediate.

9.6.3.28 There would be very long range views of the proposed works from marine vessels and Ferry Travellers in the West Lamma Channel (Macau Ferries) (T3). Most clearly visible would be the construction of the new road in the southern section, with the excavation being in sharp contrast with the colour of the natural hillside above and below. Given the panoramic and scenic quality of views generally available from this sea lane, the proposed improvement works would result in only a small magnitude of change.

9.6.3.29 Similarly travellers using Hong Kong International Airport (T4) and Marine vessels in the Urmston Road Sea Lane (Pearl River Ferries) (T5) would have only very long range views of the proposed road widening works in the northern section. As the works would be seen in the context of the existing Tung Chung Road and the concreted slopes above it, and the panoramic alternative views available, the proposed improvement works would have a negligible magnitude of change.

9.6.3.30 A summary of the significance of the landscape and visual impacts during the construction Stage is provided in Tables 9.6a and 9.6b for landscape and visual impacts respectively.

Table 9.6a Summary of Significance of Landscape Impacts during the Construction Stage

Ref	Landscape Receiver	Sensitivity to Change	Extent of Loss (in hectares)^(4)	Magnitude of Change before Mitigation	Magnitude of Change After Mitigation	Impact Significance before Mitigation	Impact Significance After Mitigation
LANDSCAPE RESOURCES
LR1	Topography and Land Form	High	14.52	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
LR2	Soils – upland areas	Low	14.52	Small	Small	Slight	Negligible
LR3	Soils – agricultural areas	Medium	0	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR4	Secondary woodland	High	2.14	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
LR5	Plantation woodland	Medium	4.99	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
LR6	Tall Shrub/ Shrubland -Grassland Mosaic	Medium	7.23	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
LR7	Grassland	Low	0	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR8	Stream courses	High	0.01	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
LR9	Tung Chung Fort	High	-	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR10	Burial Ground 18L	High	-	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR11	Agricultural land in Tung Chung	Medium	0	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LANDSCAPE CHARACTER
LC1	Lantau Peaks and Uplands	High	13.47	Large	Intermediate	Substantial	Moderate
LC2	South Lantau Coast	Medium	0.98	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
LC3	Tung Chung	Low	0.07	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible

Notes : (1) All impacts are negative / adverse unless otherwise stated

(2) Source of landscape impact on all resources / character areas would be earthworks, construction activity, and the formation of new roads / structures / noise barriers / slopes etc.

(3) Improvement works comprise approx. 4000m of new alignment, 2100 metres of online widening, and slope remediation works along 3600 metres of exiting Tung Chung Road

(4) Extent of loss is equal to the total area of the landscape resource that would be affected by the temporary and permanent works

Table 9.6b Summary of Significance of Visual Impacts During Construction Stage

VSR	Key Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Source(s) of Impacts	Distance Between VSR and Source	Receptor sensitivity	Magnitude of Change before Mitigation Measures	Magnitude of Change after Mitigation Measures	Impact Significance before Mitigation Measures	Impact Significance after Mitigation Measures
OCCUPATIONAL
O1	Not Used
O2	Users of YWCA Centre on South Lantau Road	New road / new junction / bus-bay facilities	10	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
O3	Users of WSD facilities along Tung Chung Road at Pak Kung Au and, just south of the AFCD Management Centre	New road / slope works	260	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Slight	Slight
O4	Users of AFCD Country Park Management Centre	Road widening / slope works	120	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
O5	Visitors to Burial Ground 18L	Road widening / slope works	30	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
O6	Users of Tung Chung Fort	Road widening / slope works / noise barriers	40	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
O7	Users of Tei Tong Tsai - Monastery	Road widening / slope works	500	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
RECREATIONAL
C1	Recreational users of YWCA centre on South Lantau Road	New road / new junction / bus-bay facilities	10	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
C2	Recreational users of BBQ Areas #1 and #2 on South Lantau Road	New road / new junction / bus-bay facilities	50	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
C3	Recreational users of BBQ Areas #3 and #4 on Tung Chung Road	New road / slope works	160-220	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
C4	Recreational users of Lantau Trail, associated footpaths and the pavilion at Pak Kung Au	New road / road widening / slope works	0-3400	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
C5	Recreational users of Catchwater Trail, and associated footpaths on the hill slopes above Cheung Sha Wan	New road / slope works	0-150	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
C6	Recreational users of Cheung Sha Beach	New road / slope works	700-3200	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
C7	Passengers in the Proposed Tung Chung Cable Car	New road / slope works	1250 - 3500	High	-	-	-	-
RESIDENTIAL
R1	Residents of the villages of Lung Tseng Tau / Wong Ka Wai / Ha Ling Pei / Sheung Ling Pei / Fui Yiu Ha along Tung Chung Valley	Noise barriers	10-50	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
R2	Residents of existing villages at Ngau Au, Tung Hing, Lam Che, Nim Yuen on the west side of Tung Chung Valley	Road widening / slope works / noise barriers	600 - 2000	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
R3	Residents of high rise blocks in North Lantau New Town	Noise barriers	800-1100	High	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
R4	Future Residents of Village areas to be developed in Tung Chung Valley (incl. Area 34)	-	70-300	High	-	-	-	-
R5	Tei Tong Tsai - Monastery Complex	Road widening / slope works / noise barriers	1100 - 2000	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
R6	Shek Pik Au and Shek Mun Kap Villages within Tung Chung Valley (not affected by the future development in Tung Chung Valley)	Road widening / slope works / noise barriers	300 - 1200	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
R7	Residents of Leyburn Villas / future residents of the former South Lantau Hospital Site	New road / slope works	300-800	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
R8	Residents of Cheung Sha Ha Tsuen	Road widening / noise barriers	350 - 700	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
R9	Residents of Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen	New road / slope works / new junction / bus-bay facilities	250 - 700	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
R10	Future Residents of Planned Housing Sites north of the J/O TCR and SLR	New road / slope works / new junction / bus-bay facilities	50 - 300	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
TRAVELLERS
T1	Motorists / travellers on South Lantau Road	New road / new junction / bus-bay facilities	0-2500	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
T2	Motorists / travellers on Tung Chung Road	New road / road widening / slope works / noise barriers	0-1000	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
T3	Marine vessels and Ferry Travellers in the West Lamma Channel (Macau Ferries)	New road / slope works	3000-6000	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
T4	Travellers using HK International Airport	Road widening / slope works / noise barriers	3000-5000	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T5	Marine vessels in the Urmston Road Sea Lane (Pearl River Ferries)	Road widening / slope works / noise barriers	7500-10000	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible

Notes: All impacts are negative / adverse unless otherwise stated

9.6.4 Mitigation Measures during the Construction Stage

9.6.4.1 Landscape and visual mitigation measures which should be incorporated within the permanent landscape design to ameliorate impacts caused during the construction Stage are described in Table 9.7, together with the proposed funding, implementation, and maintenance agencies. The mitigation measures are illustrated in Figure 9.14.

Table 9.7 Proposed Construction Stage Mitigation Measures

No.	Mitigation Measure	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Management Agency
CM1	Works areas to be confined to the Limit of the Road Works Areas to minimise impacts on existing features	HyD	HyD	HyD
CM2	Retention and protection of topography and rock outcrops*	HyD	HyD	HyD
CM3	Retention and protection of existing stream courses*	HyD	HyD	HyD
CM4	Retention and protection of existing secondary woodland*	HyD	HyD	HyD
CM5	Retention and protection of existing plantation woodland*	HyD	HyD	HyD
CM6	Retention and protection of existing shrubland*	HyD	HyD	HyD
CM7	Decorative hoarding along publicly accessible boundaries of the site.	HyD	HyD	HyD
CM8	Where trees are affected by the works, those specimens that are both of high conservation/amenity value and also stand a high chance of successful reestablishment should be transplanted to other locations within the works limit.	HyD	HyD	HyD
CM9	Topsoil stripped and stored for re-use in the construction of the soft landscape works**	HyD	HyD	HyD
CM10	Grass hydroseeding of slopes within 3 weeks of completion	HyD	HyD	HyD

* Retention and protection to include minimisation the extent excavation for temporary and permanent works and necessary physical measures to prevent access into areas outside the limit of works. Regular checks should be carried out to ensure that the work site boundaries are not exceeded, hoarding is properly maintained and that no damage is being caused to the these areas.

** the maximum height for the stockpile of toil soil is up to 2m

9.6.4.2 Full allowance for the mitigation measures listed should be made in the detailed design of all components of the scheme (or any section thereof), and should be adopted from the commencement of construction and should be in place throughout the entire construction period.

9.6.5 Prediction of Significance of Landscape Impacts during the Construction Stage

9.6.5.1 The potential significance of the landscape impacts during the construction stage, before and after mitigation, are described in Table 9.6a and illustrated in Figure 9.8. This assessment follows the methodology outlined in Section 9.3 and assumes that the appropriate construction stage mitigation measures identified in Table 9.7 above would be implemented.

9.6.6 Prediction of Significance of Visual Impacts during the Construction Stage

9.6.6.1 The potential significance of the residual visual impacts during the construction stage, after construction stage mitigation has been implemented is given in Table 9.6b and illustrated in Figure 9.11. This assessment follows the methodology outlined in Section 9.3 and assumes that the appropriate construction stage mitigation measures identified in Table 9.7 above would be implemented.

9.6.6.2 Illustrations of the likely impact on key views of the proposed improvement works during construction are given in the photomontages in Figures 9.16 to 9.23.

9.7 Operational Impacts

9.7.1 Potential Sources of Impacts in the Operational Stage

9.7.1.1 The extent of works for the proposed improvement works is indicated in the site layout plans, and again within the Landscape Mitigation Measures Plans shown in Figure 9.15A-E. The sources of impacts of the project at the operational stage would include the following:

¨ new carriageway;

¨ bridge structures;

¨ bus-bay facilities on South Lantau Road;

¨ soil and rock cut slopes and retaining structures;

¨ noise barriers and other site furniture;

¨ drainage works and culverts;

¨ utilities; and

¨ additional road traffic.

9.7.2 Nature and Magnitude of Landscape Impacts in the Operational Stage

Physical Landscape Resources

9.7.2.1 Throughout the route the impacts on topography from the formation of new cut platforms and structures for the road and cut slopes on the uphill side would permanently alter the topography of the steeply sided valleys. Even with re-grading of disturbed areas and access routes the magnitude of the impact on topography and land form (LR1) will remain small upon completion and in the long term.

9.7.2.2 The retention and re-use of soils stripped (LR2 & LR3) from the area of the works, in the landscape mitigation planting, will help to reduce the magnitude of change on this landscape resource to negligible levels by Opening Day and in the long term. For environmental monitoring and audit purpose, soil stockpiles should have a maximum height of 2000mm.

9.7.2.3 Extensive area of planting of native woodland plants is proposed, however, it is likely that this will take many years to form woodland of equivalent landscape value to that which would be lost. It will ensure that the soil / materials used for the works will not cause any contamination to the surrounding developments (i.e. water within the gathering ground). Infill planting of low shrub areas alongside the new and existing roads is also proposed with native woodland tree species, to mitigate for loss of landscape resource and character.

9.7.2.4 The magnitude of the impact on the secondary woodland (LR4) at Opening Day would remain at an intermediate level, but with the growth of the proposed planting the impact on this resource would reduce in time to a slight residual level.

9.7.2.5 The extensive area of proposed compensation woodland planting would in time mitigate the loss of existing plantation woodland (LR5), and the enhancement through active management is likely to have significant long term benefits. The magnitude of the impact, however, at Opening Day would be negligible, and would become an intermediate positive impact in time.

9.7.2.6 The proposed compensation planting would similarly compensate for the loss of shrub in the long term, with the magnitude of change remaining as intermediate at Opening Day and reducing to small levels over time.

9.7.2.7 Reinstatement of disturbed areas at the stream crossings (LR8) with grass, shrub and woodland planting will in time mitigate the impacts on existing streams. The magnitude of change on this resource would remain as small at Opening Day, but reduce to negligible levels in the long term.

9.7.2.8 The magnitude of change on the landscape resources: Tall Shrub/Shrub-Grassland Mosiac (LR6); Grassland (LR7); Tung Chung Fort (LR9); and Burial Ground 18L (LR10) would remain negligible level at both the Opening Day and in long term.

Landscape Character Zones

9.7.2.9 The reinstatement of works accesses and disturbed areas, the extensive compensation planting proposed, and the sensitive architectural detailing of structures and retaining walls would reduce the impact on the landscape character of the Lantau Peaks and Uplands (LC1). The mitigation measures proposed would reduce the overall magnitude of the impact on this landscape character area, to intermediate levels at Opening Day, and to slight levels in the long term.

9.7.2.10 The extensive replanting proposals would similarly be able to reduce the impact on the South Lantau Character area (LC2) in time. The magnitude of the change would on the character area is reduce to slight at Opening Day and to negligible levels over time.

9.7.3 Nature and Magnitude of Visual Impacts during the Operational Stage

Residential

9.7.3.1 The architectural treatment of noise barriers, and the reinstatement of disturbed areas would help to reduce the magnitude of change of views from existing villages at the Lung Tseng Tau / Wong Ka Wai / Ha Ling Pei / Sheung Ling Pei / Fui Yiu Ha (R1). However they would still be of intermediate levels upon completion of the works, but the growth of some screen planting alongside the barriers would help reduce this further in time to a slight level.

9.7.3.2 Architectural treatment of noise barriers, and the reinstatement of disturbed areas would help to reduce the magnitude of change of views from existing villages at Ngau Au, Tung Hing, Lam Che, Nim Yuen on the west side of Tung Chung Valley (R2), with the retained trees screening the carriageway and the traffic, and the planting reducing the visual contrast of the newly formed slopes with surrounding natural hill slopes. The magnitude of change in view at Opening Day would be reduced to negligible levels.

9.7.3.3 The impact on views for future Residents of Village areas in Tung Chung Valley (R4) are not likely to be substantive, as the widened section of road will have a similar appearance to the existing road, with the slightly large area of slopes compensated for by the higher proportion of vegetated slope surfaces. The loss of trees on slopes below Tung Chung Road to the construction of the new cycle track / cable trench is likely to be the only significant source of visual impact. The magnitude of change in these views at Opening Day is, therefore, considered to be slight, and as the opportunities for screen planting are very limited alongside the cable trench this level of change would persist in the long term.

9.7.3.4 Grass hydroseeding and woodland planting of newly formed slopes, and the retention of trees to screen the carriageway and the traffic, would effectively reduce the magnitude of change in the view from existing villages at Shek Pik Au and Shek Mun Kap Villages (R6), and views from the Tei Tong Tsai - Monastery Complex (R5) higher in the valley, to negligible levels at Opening Day.

9.7.3.5 Reinstatement of disturbed areas would help to reduce the magnitude of change of views from Leyburn Villas / former South Lantau Hospital site (R7), although the change is still likely to be of slight magnitude. Woodland planting would in time grow to screen the road in these views so the magnitude of change by Year 10 is considered to be negligible.

9.7.3.6 Woodland planting and grass hydroseeding of newly formed slopes and reinstatement of disturbed areas, together with screen tree and amenity planting at the bus-bay facilities and the new junction with South Lantau Road, would lessen the colour contrast between the new elements and surrounding vegetated natural hill slopes, and reduce the magnitude of change in views from Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen (Upper Village) (R9) and future residents at the planned housing sites to intermediate at Opening Day. With the growth of the woodland planting this would be further reduced to slight residual levels by Year 10.

9.7.3.7 Woodland planting and grass hydroseeding of newly formed slopes on the hillsides below the catchwater, would reduce the magnitude of change in views from Cheung Sha Ha Tsuen (Lower Village) (R8) to negligible levels by Opening Day.

9.7.3.8 Planting on the new slopes and adjacent property boundaries should help to screen the views of future residents of planned housing sites north of the junction of the new road with South Lantau Road (R10). Although this would have only limited initial impact the planting would grow in time to form a screen, thereby reducing the magnitude of change to a small level.

Occupational Users

9.7.3.9 Woodland planting of newly formed slopes on the hillsides below the catchwater, and screen tree planting around the bus-bay facilities would reduce the magnitude of change in views of users of YWCA Centre (O2) on South Lantau Road to intermediate levels by Opening Day. The growth of screen vegetation is likely to reduce this further to small levels in the long term.

9.7.3.10 Woodland planting of newly formed slopes on the hillsides below WSD facilities along Tung Chung Road at Pak Kung Au and, just south of the AFCD Management Centre (O3) would help to reduce the magnitude of the change in views to small by opening year and in time, would grow to form an effective visual screen, reducing the change to negligible levels.

9.7.3.11 The grassing of slopes and the reinstatement of disturbed areas is likely to reduce the scale of the change in view of Tung Chung Road for users of AFCD Country Park Management Centre (O4) but at Opening Day the impact would remain of small magnitude. Woodland planting alongside the road is likely to form a long term screen to the road and reduce the magnitude of the change to negligible residual levels.

9.7.3.12 Grassing of newly formed slopes immediately below the Burial Ground 18L (O5) would reduce the impact on views to a limited degree at Opening Day, but the magnitude of change would remain intermediate. The growth of woodland planting would serve to screen the road and traffic reducing the magnitude to small in the long term.

9.7.3.13 Screen tree and shrub planting alongside the noise barriers would reduce the scale of the impact to some degree at Opening Day but this would remain at a small level for users of Tung Chung Fort (O6). In time as it grows to form an effective screen the planting would further reduce the scale of the change to negligible levels.

9.7.3.14 Grass hydroseeding and woodland planting of newly formed slopes, and the retention of trees to screen the carriageway and the traffic, would effectively reduce the magnitude of change in the view for users of Tei Tong Tsai - Monastery (O7) to negligible levels at Opening Day.

Recreational Users

9.7.3.15 The magnitude of change in views of users of YWCA Centre on South Lantau Road (C1) would be reduced by the mitigation woodland planting of newly formed slopes, and screen tree planting around the bus-bay facilities, to intermediate levels by Opening Day, and with the growth of screen vegetation this is likely to reduce this further to small in the long term.

9.7.3.16 Screen tree planting around the bus-bay facilities, at the new junction, and along South Lantau Road, would help to mitigate the magnitude of the change in view for recreational users of BBQ Areas #1 and #2 on South Lantau Road (C2). At Opening Day the magnitude would be reduced to small, with a further reduction to negligible levels by Year 10.

9.7.3.17 Grassing and woodland planting of new slopes, and the reinstatement of disturbed areas should effectively mitigate the impact on views of recreational users of BBQ Areas #3 and #4 on Tung Chung Road (C3), with the magnitude in change of these views being reduced to negligible levels at Opening Day.

9.7.3.18 Although the proposed planting would reduce the colour contrast between the road carriageway / new slopes and the surrounding natural vegetation in the long range views of recreational users of Lantau Trail, associated footpaths and the pavilion at Pak Kung Au (C4), the magnitude of the change resulting from the works would still be Intermediate at Opening Year. Given the elevated nature of the views, there is likely to be a intermediate magnitude at Opening Day, reducing to small levels in the long term.

9.7.3.19 The architectural treatment of bridge structures, and the grassing of slopes and woodland planting would reduce the scale of the change in view for recreational users of catchwater trail (C5), at Opening Day, to a small level. The growth of the planting would help to reduce the scale of the change, but the magnitude of change is likely to remain as small in the long term.

9.7.3.20 Planting of the newly formed slopes would reduce colour contrast of the new road section against the well vegetated backdrop in views of recreational users of Cheung Sha Beach (C6) reducing the residual magnitude of change in these views at Opening Day to a negligible level.

9.7.3.21 Passengers of the future Tung Chung Cable Car (C7), would have very long distance oblique views of the proposed widening works along Tung Chung Road in the northern section as they climbed up out of The airport site. The panoramic nature of the likely view from the cable car and the very small scale nature of the road widening work within that view, would indicate a negligible magnitude of change.

Travellers

9.7.3.22 The proposed planting is likely to have only a slight mitigating effect on views of the new junction and the bus-bay facilities for motorists / travellers on South Lantau Road (T1). The magnitude of change would remain as intermediate at Opening Day, but with the growth of the screen tree planting, this would reduce to small in the long term.

9.7.3.23 Grassing and woodland planting of new slopes, and the reinstatement of disturbed areas should mitigate the impact on views of motorists / travellers on Tung Chung Road (T2), reducing the magnitude of change by Opening Year to small levels. The growth of the planting is likely to reduce this further in the long term to negligible levels by Year 10.

9.7.3.24 The grassing and woodland planting would lessen the colour contrast of the new road and slopes in very long range views of the proposed works from marine vessels and ferry travellers in the West Lamma Channel (Macau Ferries) (T3). The magnitude of change in view would remain slight at Opening Year, but in time would reduce to negligible levels.

9.7.3.25 Similarly the lessening of the colour contrast of the new road and slopes with the implementation of grassing and woodland planting would reduce the magnitude of change in very long range views of the travellers using Hong Kong International Airport (T4) and marine vessels in the Urmston Road sea lane (Pearl River Ferries) (T5) to negligible levels.

9.7.3.26 A summary of the significance of the landscape and visual impacts during the operational Stage is provided in Tables 9.8a and 9.8b for landscape and visual impacts respectively.

9.7.4 Mitigation Measures During the Operation Stage

9.7.4.1 Landscape and visual mitigation measures which should be incorporated within the permanent landscape design to ameliorate impacts caused during the operation stage are summarised in Table 9.9, together with the proposed funding, implementation, and management and maintenance agencies. The mitigation measures are illustrated in Figure 9.15

Table 9.9 Proposed Operation Stage Mitigation Measures

ID No.	Mitigation Measure	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Management Agency	Maintenance Agency
OM1	Planting of native shrub species on newly formed and upgraded roadside slopes and areas disturbed by the Works to compensate for shrub vegetation lost during construction.	HyD	HyD	AFCD (within CP / CPEx) DLO for land management only LCSD (For roadside planting outside CP/CPex) HyD (for non-roadside planting outside CP/Cpex)	AFCD (within CP / CPEx) LCSD (For roadside planting outside CP) Designed to be maintenance free for non-roadside planting
OM2	Planting of native woodland species on newly formed and upgraded roadside slopes and areas disturbed by the Works to compensate for woodland vegetation lost during construction.	HyD	HyD	AFCD (within CP / CPEx) DLO for land management only LCSD (For roadside planting outside CP/CPex) HyD (for non-roadside planting outside CP/Cpex)	AFCD (within CP / CPEx) LCSD (For roadside planting outside CP) Designed to be maintenance free for non-roadside planting
OM3	Infill planting of native trees in previously disturbed bare ground or areas of existing low shrub adjacent to the road, to mitigate for loss of landscape resource and character, for visual screening and to enhance ecological diversity	HyD	HyD	AFCD (within CP / CPEx) DLO for land management only LCSD (For roadside planting outside CP/CPex) HyD (for non-roadside planting outside CP/Cpex)	AFCD (within CP / CPEx) LCSD (For roadside planting outside CP) Designed to be maintenance free for non-roadside planting
OM4	Tree and shrub planting to screen the road, to provide visual interest and to provide shade and shelter.	HyD	HyD	AFCD (within CP / CPEx) DLO for land management only LCSD (For roadside planting outside CP/CPex) HyD (for non-roadside planting outside CP/Cpex)	AFCD (within CP / CPEx) LCSD (For roadside planting outside CP) Designed to be maintenance free for non-roadside planting
OM5	Sensitive architectural and chromatic treatment of new road structures, bridge structures, abutments, retaining walls	HyD	HyD	HyD	HyD
OM6	Sensitive architectural and chromatic treatment of noise barriers	HyD	HyD	HyD	HyD

CP Country Park Area

CPEx Proposed Country Park Extension Area

HyD Highway Department

AFCD Agriculture Fisheries and Conservation Department

LCSD Leisure and Cultural Services Department

Note 1: The division of management and maintenance responsibilities above are in accordance with Works Bureau Technical Circular 18/94. The boundary of roadside planting to be maintained by LCSD will be confirmed with LCSD at the detailed design stage when the detailed design of the proposed planting is available.

Note 2: Works Bureau Technical Circular 18/94 is being reviewed by Works Bureau and relevant departments. It will soon be superceded by a new circular. The management and maintenance responsibilities of soft landscaping works will need to follow the new circular instead of the above table after the new circular is issued by Works Bureau.

Planting Proposals

9.7.4.2 Planting proposals are shown on the Landscape Mitigation Measures Plans, Figures 9.15 A-E. The compensation planting proposals are included in Appendix I. The planting has three objectives :

¨ to compensate for the loss of existing vegetation,

¨ to screen sensitive views, and

¨ as an environmental benefit to local residents, workers, recreational users and tourists.

9.7.4.3 All land disturbed during the course of the works, that will not subsequently be occupied by the permanent works, will be planted with either native woodland or shrub species. As a general approach, where these areas lie within or alongside areas of existing woodland then woodland species will be planted. In areas bordered by tall and low shrub, then appropriate shrub species will be established.

9.7.4.4 The steepness of slopes poses a constraint on the species that can be planted. Slopes with a gradient of more than 35 degrees would only be suitable for the establishment of small tree and tall shrub species (not tall tree species). Slopes with a gradient of more than 45 degrees would only be suitable for the establishment of shrub species. Soil cut slopes in excess of 55-60 degrees would not be suitable for the establishment of woody vegetation, but would be hydro-mulched with grass, climbers and groundcover species to provide a green appearance.

9.7.4.5 The limit of disturbance has to be contained as far as is practical to the alignment of the new and widened carriageways. This results in only a very limited amount of space for re-planting.

9.7.4.6 As the road is bordered for the most part by shrub or woodland habitats there are very few opportunities for additional planting in areas outside the limit of disturbance.

9.7.4.7 Additional infill planting is also proposed in several open areas alongside the new or existing road corridors, where existing low shrub vegetation would be enhanced with the addition of native tree species.

9.7.4.8 In determining the quantity of the compensation planting for ecological mitigation, reference has been made to the area of land available for planting, and it's ability to support different types of vegetation (especially restriction of tree planting on steep slopes). Approximately 14.5ha of habitat will be lost as a result of the Tung Chung Road Widening project and a general approach of providing compensation planting more than the area lost has been proposed.

Table 9.10 Summary of Planting Proposals

Planting Type	Area (ha)	Description
Native woodland planting	12.0 ha	Newly formed slopes and reinstated disturbed areas alongside existing areas of secondary woodland, plantation woodland or tall shrub. Grass hydro-seeding with native grass seed mix and groundcover plants, with pit planting of native tree species at 1.5 metre centres
Infill planting	12.5 ha	Planting of native trees in previously disturbed bare ground or areas of existing low shrub adjacent to the road, to mitigate for loss of landscape resource and character, for visual screening and to enhance ecological diversity. Estimated that some 2000 no. new trees per hectare could be planted in this manner
Grass hydroseeding with Groundcover plants, or hydro-mulching	0.55 ha	Rehabilitation of existing steep slopes by grass hydro-seeding with native grass seed mix and groundcover plants or by hydro-mulching
Individual trees	321 no.^*	Heavy Standard trees planted in flat ground, or pavement tree pits alongside the road
Amenity shrub planting	0.4 ha	Ornamental shrub planting in planter beds alongside the road.
TOTAL	25.45ha

*not included in area total

Architectural treatment of structures

Retaining Walls

9.7.4.9 To minimise the footprint of the road, extensive lengths retaining walls have been used in short sections both above and below the new carriageway, and alongside the widened section of Tung Chung Road, ranging in height from 1 to 9 metres. The retaining walls would be either reinforced earth or reinforced concrete structures.

9.7.4.10 The high quality natural landscape setting of the road, suggests the use of naturalistic surface materials wherever possible in construction, although the walls will be seen for the large part at distance or at speed, in which colour would be more influential in toning down their appearance rather material.

9.7.4.11 Due to the extent of surface finishes it is considered impractical (and environmentally insensitive) to apply natural stone facing to the wall, so it is proposed to use pre-cast concrete panels with a masonry effect finish to give the appearance of warm grey / yellow granite blockwork. As the panels would be fabricated off site, a high degree of control over the quality of the finish is possible, and would be easier to construct than an in-situ finish.

9.7.4.12 A strong coping feature is proposed to give the wall definition and a sense of scale and proportion. The styling of the coping would be consistent with that proposed for the bridge parapets described below.

9.7.4.13 Disturbed areas above and below the walls would be reinstated with native grass, tree and shrub planting, with climbers introduced below the wall to help add greenery and screen the structures.

Bridge Structures and Abutments

9.7.4.14 The bridges are all short typically single span with only five multi-span bridges. These would be located for the most part along the section of new road on the southern end of the study corridor.

9.7.4.15 Prefabricated bridge construction is considered to be impractical, due to the access problems as large scale units would require substantial temporary haul routes to be formed in very sensitive landscape. It is proposed that the bridges be in-situ concrete structures.

9.7.4.16 The typical cross section for the bridge includes a footpath on the upper side only, running over a services trench. Street lights would be located in the vehicle barrier between the carriageway and the footpath, also on the uphill side. Surface water would drain via gulleys, through the structure to drains running along the new road.

9.7.4.17 Many bridges on a slight curved alignment giving them a better fit to the local topography, also typically located in side-long ground with the upper side of the deck very much closer to the ground than the lower side. This will render most of the underside of the deck and the supporting columns and abutment structures in shadow

9.7.4.18 As with the retaining walls the bridges will be seen almost exclusively in long range views. The only exception to this is structure just to the north of the crossing of the Catchwater, where the bridge will be seen at close range from below .

9.7.4.19 The design approach for the bridge structure is to keep the elements as simple as possible, using rounded forms for the parapet, the junctions between the soffit faces of the underside of the deck and columns which have been widened out to form leaf piers to give the structure more visual support and to assist in the replacement of bearings.

9.7.4.20 The abutments would be a continuation of the retaining walls with precast concrete facing panels. The facing on the abutment wall would be extended up to mirror the shape of the underside of the deck, to give the bridge a more solid appearance. The extension of the side walls of the abutment would also serve screen views along the bearing shelf.

9.7.4.21 To achieve a high quality of finish it is proposed to use a pre-cast parapet unit. This would also allow an exposed aggregate finish to be used, reducing the potential visual contrast with the surrounding landscape that a plain concrete unit might.

9.7.4.22 The parapet on the bridge has been deepened to create more shadow effect on the deck structure below. The parapet is proposed to be curved in cross-sectional profile to give a flowing appearance, with two grooves parallel to the ground run along the face of the elevation dividing into three parts to allow. The position of the grooves relates to the depths of the three forms of parapet, and thereby allows visual continuity between the different depth sections of parapet. The surface would be further divided by regular vertical joints.

Noise Barriers

9.7.4.23 Vertical noise barriers are proposed to mitigate noise from the widened Tung Chung Road along a length of some 244 metres at Lung Tseng Tau, varying in heights between 1.5 and 4.5 metres. They would be set at the back of the narrow footpath, immediately out side the line of existing / proposed services. The barriers would be between 10 and 50 metres from the houses, thereby allowing much of the existing belt of vegetation between the village and the road to be retained. The possibility of retrofitting a section of barrier at Wong Ka Wai of between 3 and 5m has also been highlighted and this is also shown in Figure 9.16.

9.7.4.24 The barriers would be seen both from the adjacent road, and from the existing village houses to the south and east, and in the future by from the developments within the Tung Chung Valley. In all these views the barriers would be seen largely against a well vegetated backdrop.

9.7.4.25 To minimise their visual appearance and to help blend them into the texture of the landscape backdrop, it is proposed that the barriers be constructed of clear vision panels within a square section GMS supporting frame. Vision panels would allow views out from the village houses, and views of the vegetation from the road to be maintained.

9.7.4.26 The barriers would be set on a low wall to protect it from vehicle impact, and to reduce the visual depth of the barriers. It is proposed that the wall be masonry faced, using yellow / grey colour local Chinese granite to compliment the finishes on the retaining walls elsewhere within the scheme.

9.7.4.27 The GMS frame would be painted dark green to blend with the vegetation behind, and the vision panels would be un-tinted transparent acrylic / polycarbonate with a vertical black string inside to reduce bird strike.

9.7.4.28 Native tree and shrub planting is proposed in the disturbed area immediate behind the barriers and alongside the redundant section of road to screen views from the existing villages, and to increase the extent of the vegetated backdrop when seen from the road.

9.7.4.29 The design of the foundation of the barriers would need to allow sufficient space for planting and drainage. The arrangement of the planting would conversely have to allow suitable access to either side of the barriers for cleaning and maintenance inspections and repair.

9.7.4.30 Allowance for the measures listed should be made in the detailed design of the improvement works (or any part thereof) and should be fully implemented as part of the construction works so that they are in place at the date of completion. However, it should be noted that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures (woodland tree and shrub planting) would not be appreciated for many years.

9.7.4.31 Advice from the Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures (ACABAS) has been incorporated into the architectural treatment of retaining walls, bridge structures and abutments, and noise barriers as described in the above paragraphs. Figures 9.24 and 9.25 provide indicative cross sections of both the bridge structures and retaining walls.

9.7.5 Prediction of Significance of Landscape Impacts in the Operation Stage

9.7.5.1 An assessment of the potential significance of the landscape impacts during the operational Stage, before and after mitigation is provided in Table 9.8a, and illustrated in Figure 9.9. This follows the methodology outlined in Section 9.3 and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 9.9 had been fully implemented.

9.7.6 Prediction of Significance of Visual Impacts in the Operation Stage

9.7.6.1 An assessment of the potential significance of the visual impacts during the operational stage, before and after mitigation is provided in Table 9.8b, and illustrated in Figure 9.12. This follows the methodology outlined in Section 9.3 and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 9.9 had been fully implemented.

9.7.6.2 Illustrations of the likely impact on key views of the proposed improvement works at Opening Day are given in the photomontages in Figures 9.16 to 9.23.

Table 9.8a Summary of Significance of Landscape Impacts in Operational Stage

Ref	Landscape receiver	Sensitivity to Change	Extent of Permanent Loss (hectares)	Magnitude of Change before Mitigation	Magnitude of Change After Mitigation (Day 1)	Magnitude of Change After Mitigation (Year 10)	Impact Significance before Mitigation	Impact Significance After Mitigation	Residual
LANDSCAPE RESOURCES
LR1	Topography and Land Form	High	12.99	Small	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	Slight
LR2	Soils – upland areas	Low	12.99	Small	Negligible	Negligible	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
LR3	Soils – agricultural areas	Medium	0	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR4	Secondary woodland	High	2.14	Intermediate	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LR5	Plantation woodland	Medium	3.98	Small	Negligible	Intermediate (+ve)	Slight	Negligible	Moderate (+ve)
LR6	Tall Shrub/ Shrub – Grassland Mosiac	Medium	6.98	Intermediate	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LR7	Grassland	Low	0	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR8	Stream courses	High	0.01	Small	Small	Negligible	Slight	Slight	Negligible
LR9	Tung Chung Fort	High	-	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR10	Burial Ground 18L	High	-	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR11	Agricultural land in Tung Chung	Medium	0	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LANDSCAPE CHARACTER
LC1	Lantau Peaks and Uplands	High	12.39	Large	Intermediate	Small	Large	Moderate	Slight
LC2	South Lantau Coast	Medium	0.6	Small	Small	Negligible	Slight	Slight	Negligible
LC3	Tung Chung	Low	0	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible

Notes : (1) All impacts are negative / adverse unless otherwise stated

(2) Source of landscape impact on all resources / character areas would be the new roads / structures / noise barriers / slopes etc.

(3) Improvement works comprise approx. 4000m of new alignment, 2100 metres of online widening, and slope remediation works along 3600 metres of exiting Tung Chung Road

(4) Extent of loss is equal to the total area of the landscape resource that would be affected by the permanent works

Table 9.8b Summary of Significance of Visual Impacts in the Operation Stage

Ref	Key Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Source(s) of Impacts on VSR	Distance Between VSR and Source	Receptor Sensitivity	Magnitude of Change before Mitigation	Magnitude of Change After Mitigation (Day 1)	Magnitude of Change After Mitigation (Year 10)	Impact Significance before Mitigation	Impact Significance After Mitigation (Day 1)	Impact Significance Residual Impact (Year 10)
OCCUPATIONAL
O1	Not Used
O2	Users of YWCA Centre on South Lantau Road	New road / new junction / bus-bay facilities	10	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
O3	Users of WSD facilities along Tung Chung Road at Pak Kung Au and, just south of the AFCD Management Centre	New road / slope works	260	Low	Intermediate	Small	Negligible	Slight	Slight	Negligible
O4	Users of AFCD Country Park Management Centre	Road widening / slope works	120	Medium	Small	Small	Negligible	Slight	Slight	Negligible
O5	Visitors to Burial Ground 18L	Road widening / slope works	30	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
O6	Users of Tung Chung Fort	Road widening / slope works / noise barriers	40	Medium	Small	Small	Negligible	Slight	Slight	Negligible
O7	Users of Tei Tong Tsai - Monastery	Road widening / slope works	500	Medium	Small	Negligible	Negligible	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
RECREATIONAL
C1	Recreational users of YWCA centre on South Lantau Road	New road / new junction / bus-bay facilities	10	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
C2	Recreational users of BBQ Areas #1 and #2 on South Lantau Road	New road / new junction / bus-bay facilities	50	Medium	Small	Small	Negligible	Slight	Slight	Negligible
C3	Recreational users of BBQ Areas #3 and #4 on Tung Chung Road	New road / slope works	160-220	Medium	Small	Negligible	Negligible	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
C4	Recreational users of Lantau Trail, associated footpaths and the pavilion at Pak Kung Au	New road / road widening / slope works	0-3400	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
C5	Recreational users of Catchwater Trail, and associated footpaths on the hill slopes above Cheung Sha Wan	New road / slope works	0-150	Medium	Small	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	Slight
C6	Recreational users of Cheung Sha Beach	New road / slope works	700-3200	Medium	Small	Negligible	Negligible	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
C7	Passengers in the Proposed Tung Chung Cable Car	New road / slope works	1250 - 3500	High	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
RESIDENTIAL
R1	Residents of the villages of Lung Tseng Tau / Wong Ka Wai / Ha Ling Pei / Sheung Ling Pei / Fui Yiu Ha along Tung Chung Valley	Noise barriers	10-50	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
R2	Residents of existing villages at Ngau Au, Tung Hing, Lam Che, Nim Yuen on the west side of Tung Chung Valley	Road widening / slope works / noise barriers	600 - 2000	High	Small	Negligible	Negligible	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
R3	Residents of high rise blocks in North Lantau New Town	Noise barriers	800-1100	High	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
R4	Future Residents of Village areas in Tung Chung Valley (incl Area 34)	Road widening / slope works / noise barriers	70-300	High	Small	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	Slight
R5	Tei Tong Tsai - Monastery Complex	Road widening / slope works / noise barriers	1100 - 2000	High	Small	Negligible	Negligible	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
R6	Shek Pik Au and Shek Mun Kap Villages within Tung Chung Valley (not affected by the future development in Tung Chung Valley)	Road widening / slope works / noise barriers	300 - 1200	High	Small	Negligible	Negligible	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
R7	Residents of Leyburn Villas / future residents of the former South Lantau Hospital Site	New road / slope works	300-800	High	Small	Small	Negligible	Slight	Slight	Negligible
R8	Residents of Cheung Sha Ha Tsuen	Road widening / noise barriers	350 - 700	High	Small	Negligible	Negligible	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
R9	Residents of Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen	New road / slope works / new junction / bus-bay facilities	250 - 700	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
R10	Future Residents of Planned Housing Sites north of the J/O TCR and SLR	New road / slope works / new junction / bus-bay facilities	50 - 300	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
TRAVELLERS
T1	Motorists / travellers on South Lantau Road	New road / new junction / bus-bay facilities	0-2500	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Small	Slight	Slight	Negligible
T2	Motorists / travellers on Tung Chung Road	New road / road widening / slope works / noise barriers	0-1000	Medium	Intermediate	Small	Negligible	Moderate	Slight	Negligible
T3	Marine vessels and Ferry Travellers in the West Lamma Channel (Macau Ferries)	New road / slope works	3000-6000	Low	Small	Small	Negligible	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
T4	Travellers at HK International Airport	Road widening / slope works / noise barriers	3000-5000	Low	Small	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T5	Marine vessels in the Urmston Road Sea Lane (Pearl River Ferries)	Road widening / slope works / noise barriers	7500-10000	Low	Small	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible

Notes : All impacts are negative / adverse unless otherwise stated

9.8 Residual Impacts

9.8.1 Residual impacts are those that persist after the mitigation planting works have become fully effective. This is assumed to be at a nominal point ten years after the date of completion. The residual impacts represent the long term effect on the landscape and visual context of the area that would be a direct consequence of the proposed improvement works.

9.8.2 The significance of residual landscape impacts is provided in Table 9.8a and illustrated in Figure 9.10. This assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 9.9 would be implemented, and that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures had been be realised.

9.8.3 The significance of residual visual impacts is provided in Table 9.8b and illustrated in Figure 9.13. This assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 9.9 would be implemented, and that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures had been be realised. Illustrations of the likely impact on key views of the proposed improvement works at Year 10 are given in the photomontages in Figures 9.16 to 9.23.

9.9 Conclusions

9.9.1 The proposed works include on-line widening of the existing road carriageway in the northern half and construction of a new route off line in the southern half, with the rehabilitation of slopes along the remaining section of the existing Tung Chung Road. The works would include a large number of new bridge structures, and retaining walls, together with lengths of noise barrier at the northern end.

9.9.2 The landscape resources and character of the Study Area is of the highest quality and is sensitive to change. However, with the sensitive engineering of the proposed improvement works, the extent of disturbance has been reduced to an absolute minimum, which has resulted in relatively limited landscape impacts on landscape resources and character.

9.9.3 The project would result in some significant impacts on existing landscape resources on site. There would be moderate impacts during construction on secondary woodland (permanent loss 2.25ha) and tall shrub/shrub grassland mosaic vegetation (6.98ha), although all of these would be reduced to slight long term impacts with the growth of proposed woodland and shrub planting on newly formed slopes and disturbed areas, and the infill planting of native woodland tree species in existing areas of low shrub, adjacent to the new and existing road corridors.

9.9.4 There would also be slight impacts during construction on plantation woodland (permanent loss 4.02ha) but with the proposed native woodland planting, the works would result in a moderate positive impact on this landscape resource. There would also be a slight negative long term impact on the topography, and rock formations of the valley (area of loss 12.99ha) due to the excavation for the new road carriageway.

9.9.5 There would be a moderate impact on the character of the Lantau Peaks and Uplands (area 13.47ha) and a slight impact on the South Lantau Coast Landscape Character Area (area 0.98a) during construction stage. Both these impacts would reduce to slight and negligible in the long term.

9.9.6 The undeveloped, natural upland character of much of the Study Area, means that there are very few visually sensitive receiver groups that would be affected by the woks, and many of these have partial or oblique views of medium to long distance.

9.9.7 There would be moderate visual impacts during construction on residents of significant impacts on villages of Lung Tseng Tau / Wong Ka Wai / Ha Ling Pei / Sheung Ling Pei / Fui Yiu Ha at the northern end of Tung Chung Road from the proposed noise barriers, and on recreational users of Lantau Trail, along the ridgeline from Sunset Peak to Lantau Peak, through the Pak Kung Au Gap.

9.9.8 There would be further moderate visual impacts during construction on residents of Cheung Sha Sheung Tsuen, and the Planned Housing Sites north of the junction of the new road with South Lantau Road, as well as recreational users and workers at the YWCA Centre on South Lantau Road, visitors to Burial Ground 18L, and motorists/ travellers on Tung Chung Road.

9.9.9 The proposed grassing of new slopes and disturbed areas would reduce the significance of these impacts by Opening Day, but the growth of the proposed shrub and woodland planting would further reduce all these impacts to slight or negligible levels by Year 10.

9.10 Recommendations

9.10.1 If the improvement works are to proceed it is recommended that all the landscape mitigation measures described for both the construction stage, Table 9.7, and the operational stage, Table 9.9, be adopted in full.

9.10.2 It is further recommended that the following procedural measures be adopted :

¨ all landscape mitigation measures, including planting works, hard landscape treatments, and the architectural finishes to building and engineering structures be supervised by site staff who have suitable qualifications in horticultural, landscape architectural or architectural qualifications.

¨ requirements for monitoring the implementation of landscape mitigation measures set out in the Environmental Monitoring and Audit Manual be fully implemented, and verified by persons independent of the design or site supervisory team.

9.11 Environmental Monitoring and Audit

9.11.1 In light of the landscape and visual impacts predicted, it is recommended that the EM&A during the design, construction and operational stages is undertaken. The design stage EM&A will consist of auditing the detailed landscape designs. Construction and operational stage EM&A will comprise audit of the EIA recommendations together with planting and planting establishment in the form of site inspection. The operational stage auditing will be undertaken for one year during the Contractor's maintenance period. Further details of the specific EM&A requirements are detailed in Section 13 of this report and in the EM&A Manual.