4. LANDSCAPE aNd VISUAL IMPACT

Introduction

4.1 This section assesses the potential landscape and visual impacts arising from the landslide preventive works on the natural hillside located above Po Shan Road, in accordance with the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM). Landscape and visual impacts of any above ground structures and work areas associated with the project during both construction and operation stages within the study area will be assessed. Key elements of the proposed works are described below:

· Installation of about 700 numbers of soil nails and about 60 numbers of raking drains. The length of the soil nails is about 20m with a spacing of 2m horizontally and 3m vertically. The length of raking drains is about 10m with a spacing of 5m horizontally and 15m vertically (Figure 1.4);

· Rock slope stabilization works for rock outcrop / boulders at the upper portion of the natural terrain. Measures such as scaling, rock bolts / dowels, concrete buttress and wire mesh protection will be provided where necessary.

Project Overview

4.2 Following a shallow landslide on the hillside in June 2005, CEDD carried out a natural terrain landslide risk assessment at Po Shan, Mid-levels. The assessment concluded that natural terrain risk mitigation works is necessary on the hillside above Po Shan Road. On 28 November 2005, CEDD entered into agreement with MGSL for carrying out the design of the natural terrain risk mitigation works.

4.3 The proposed works are scheduled to commence in August 2007 with construction periods of 10 months. Preliminary construction programme is shown in Table 2.1.

4.4 The proposed landslide preventive works is located in the country park which is considered as a designated project (DP) under item Q1 in Schedule 2 of the EIAO – all projects including earthworks and other building works partly or wholly in an existing or gazetted proposed country park.

Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

4.5 A review of the existing and planned development framework of the proposed works and surrounding area are undertaken as input to the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA). The aim is to identify any issues within the neighbouring planned land uses, and therefore to identify potential VSRs, and to ensure a high compatibility between the proposed project and the surroundings.

4.6 Reference is made to the Mid-levels West OZP No. S/H11/13 and the site layout plan of the proposed landslide preventive works.

4.7 The project is located above the Po Shan Road which is zoned “Green Belt” on the Mid-levels West Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) No. S/H11/13.

Environmental Legislation and Standards

4.8 The methodology for undertaking the LVIA takes reference from Annexes 3, 10 and 18 of EIAO–TM, and in accordance with EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2002.

4.9 Other landscape documents relevant for the preparation of the LVIA include:

· Government General Regulation 740 – restrictions on the preservation and felling of trees in Hong Kong

· The Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap96) – prohibits felling, cutting, burning or destroying of trees and growing plants in forests and plantations on government land. Its subsidiary regulations prohibit the picking, felling or possession of listed rare and protected plant species

· The Forestry Regulations – made under Section 3 of the Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96), defined the list of protected species in Hong Kong

· ETWBTC No. 2/2004 – sets out the government departmental responsibilities for maintenance of vegetation and hard landscape features

· WBTC No. 3/2006 – Tree Preservation, which defines and outlines the management and maintenance responsibilities for natural vegetation and landscape works, and the authorities for tree preservation and felling

· WBTC No. 25/93 – Control of Visual Impact of slopes, outlines the design principles recommended to be used in designing man-made slopes for Public Works projects in order to reduce their adverse visual impact

· WBTC 17/2000 – Improvement to appearance of slopes, outlines the principles and procedures recommended for all departments involved in new slope works and maintenance of existing slopes for improving aesthetic and environmental impact of slope works

· WBTC No. 7/2002 Tree planting in Public Works, affirms the advocated policy on tree planting which adopts a flexible and balanced approach in the planning and design of public works

· WBTC No. 29/2004 Registration of Old and Valuable Trees, and Guidelines for their Preservation

· GEO publication No. 1/2000 ‘Technical Guidelines on landscape treatment and Bio-engineering for Man-Made Slopes and Retaining Walls

· AFCD Natural Conservation Practice Note No. 02 – Measurement of Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) which provide technical guidance on the tree trunk measurement

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines Chapter 4, “Open Space”

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines Chapter 10 “Conservation”

· Technical Reports of Landscape Value Mapping in Hong Kong by Planning Department – establishes the essential landscape baseline information which provides a systematic reference framework to facilitate landscape assessment

Assessment Methodology

4.10 The Project is a designated project (DP) under the EIAO and the methodology adopted for the Project conforms to the requirements of the EIAO. The methodology consists of the following tasks:

· Baseline study of landscape and visual resources

· Landscape impact assessment

· Visual impact assessment

· Recommendation on landscape and visual mitigation measures

· Identification of residual impacts

Baseline Study of Landscape and Visual Resources

4.11 The study area for the landscape impact assessment shall include all areas within 500 meters from the Project. The study area for the visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope of the Project. The defined visual envelope is shown on Figure 4.4.1.

4.12 The baseline study identified and examined the existing landscape and visual resources within the study area. An aerial photograph is used to show the overall study area and labelled to indicate the Landscape Character Areas (LCAs), while photographs would be given to demonstrate the Landscape Resources (LRs).

            Landscape Resources (LRs)

4.13 Landscape Resources (LRs) considered the following elements:

· Natural and secondary woodland

· Amenity planting

· Scrubland and grassland

· Natural topography

· Significant planning designation, e.g. Country Park, Green Belt

· Heritage or cultural features

          Landscape Character Area (LCA)

4.14 Field and desk surveys of topographical maps, information databases and photographs would identify the landscape character (LCA) of the study area. The character of the landscape is derived from its physical components related to its visual amenity, cultural association and heritage value. Elements to be considered include:

· Land use

· Public use of land

· Extent of vegetation

· Age of landscape

· Cultural, heritage and religious elements

· Scale and type of buildings

· Pattern of settlement

· Location and topography

· Extent of natural vs manmade

4.15 The baseline study describes the LRs by identifying broadly homogenous Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) of a similar character. The sensitivity of LR / LCAs are rated low, medium or high. This is influenced by a number of factors including whether the resources / character is common or rare, whether it is considered to be of local, regional, national or global importance, whether there are any statutory limitations / requirements relating to the resource/ character, the quality of the resource / character, the maturity of the resource, and the ability of the resource / character to accommodate change.

Sensitivity	Definition
High	Important components of landscape of particularly distinctive character susceptible to relatively small changes
Medium	A landscape of moderately valued characteristics reasonably tolerant of change
Low	A relatively unimportant landscape, the nature of which is largely tolerant to change

Visual Resources

Zone of Visual Influence/ Visual Envelope (ZVI)

4.16 Visual resources are considered as typical viewpoints, with location and direction of views towards the proposed works. A Zone of Visual Influence/ Visual Envelope is established which approximately defines the extent of visual influence of the proposed works, and therefore, of the potential visual impacts. 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 project from various locations.

Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

4.17 Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) who would be present at typical viewpoints and key views, and likely to be affected by the proposed works, are identified within the visual envelope. VSRs are defined as individuals or groups of whom are sensitive to changes in the visual environment. Residents, users of open space/recreational facilities, road users (private and public transport users), schools, tourists and people working within the visual envelope shall be considered as VSRs.

4.18 Each type of VSR is assigned with a number. Description of the view from each VSR towards the proposed works in terms of location of VSRs, type of VSRs, and direction of view towards the proposed works, are given and assigned in accordance with the relative tolerance to change of the VSRs.

4.19 The sensitivity of VSRs are determined by considering:

· Value and quality of existing views, e.g. urban high-rise, natural hills, sea view

· Presence of alternative views

· Type and estimated number of receiver population

· Duration or frequency of view

· Degree of visibility of the proposed project, e.g. no view, glimpse, partial view, vista, open view, and panorama view)

4.20 The ratings of sensitivity are High, Medium and Low, and illustrated as follows:

Sensitivity	Definition
High	Important views from e.g. residential areas, open space, etc. with open views over the sea or of natural areas. These views would be of particularly distinctive character susceptible to relatively small changes
Medium	Views from commercial areas with some visual amenity, which would be able to tolerate a moderate level of change
Low	Relatively unimportant views from viewers whom are largely tolerant to change

4.21 Both present and future VSRs, i.e. from planned developments, would be considered. The survey information shall be tabulated in a table and summarised in the text. Drawings to show the location of VSRs and photographs showing typical views would be included.

Assessment Methodology - Landscape Impacts

4.22 The assessment of the potential landscape impacts would result from:

· Identification of the source of impact, their magnitude, that would be generated during construction and operation of the project; and

· Identification of principal impacts, primarily in consideration of the degree of change to the baseline conditions.

4.23 The magnitude of change for landscape impact assessment would be determined by the following factors:

· Compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape

· Duration of impacts under construction and operation phases

· Scale of the impact

· Reversibility of change

4.24 The impacts are considered systematically as a product of the sensitivity of the LCAs and the magnitude of change of the impacts to the landscape. The magnitude of the change in the landscape is rated large, intermediate, small and negligible as follows:

Magnitude of Change	Definition
Large	Notable permanent change in the landscape characteristics over an extensive area ranging to very intensive changes over a more limited area
Intermediate	Moderate changes in a localized area
Small	Virtually imperceptible change or temporary change
Negligible	Virtually no changes in the area

4.25 The following factors are considered to the judgement of the overall landscape impacts:

· The landscape character and its quality

· The sensitivity of the landscape in accommodating change

· Source, nature and magnitude of potential impacts

· Construction and operation phases impacts

· Degree of change caused by each of the impacts to the existing LCAs

· Significance of this change in the local and regional context and in relation to other developments

· Cumulative effects on the landscape of this and neighbouring projects

4.26 The overall impact likely to occur to LCAs, is derived from the magnitude of change which the project would cause to the existing landscape and ability to tolerate the change. A matrix shall be used to demonstrate the relationship between receptor sensitivity and impact magnitude in defining significance:

		Sensitivity / Quality of the landscape
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Large	Slight / moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate / slight
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

4.27 Furthermore the impacts need to be identified as Adverse, Beneficial or Neutral, which indicate the impact on the existing landscape context as follows:

Identification of the Landscape Impact	Definition
Adverse	An impact which will be detrimental to the existing landscape context
Beneficial	An impact which will improve the existing landscape context
Neutral	An impact which will alter the existing landscape context but not to improve or destroy it

4.28 The product of the LIA is termed the Significance Threshold, and shall be considered as follows:

Impacts	Definition
Substantial	Adverse/beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality
Moderate	Adverse/beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality
Slight	Adverse/beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in the existing landscape quality
Insubstantial	No discernible change in the existing landscape quality

Assessment Methodology - Visual Impacts

4.29 The baseline survey forms the basis of the visual impact assessment, and shall result from:

· Identification of the source of visual impacts, their magnitude of change and sensitivity of the receivers, that would be generated during construction and operation of the project, and;

· Identification of principal visual impacts, primarily in consideration of the degree of change to the baseline conditions

4.30 The magnitude of change for visual impact assessment would be determined by the following factors:

· Compatibility of the proposed project with the surrounding landscape

· Duration of impacts during construction and operation stages

· Scale of impact and distance of the source of impact from the viewer

· Reversibility of impact

· Potential blockage of the view

4.31 The impacts are considered systematically as a product of the sensitivity of the VSRs and the magnitude of change of the impacts to the visual quality. The magnitude of visual impacts are rated large, intermediate, small and negligible as follows:

Magnitude of Change	Definition
Large	Majority of viewers affected or major changes in view
Intermediate	Many viewers affected or moderate changes in view
Small	Few viewers affected or minor changes in view
Negligible	Very few or no viewers affected or visually no changes in view

4.32 The overall impact likely to occur to VSRs, is derived from the magnitude of change which the project would cause to the existing visual context and its ability to tolerate the change. A matrix shall be used to demonstrate the relationship between receptor sensitivity and impact magnitude in defining significance:

		Sensitivity / Quality of the Visual Receivers
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Large	Slight / moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Slight / moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

4.33 Furthermore the impacts need to be identified as Adverse, Benefit or Neutral, which indicate the impact on the existing visual context as follows:

Identification of the Visual Impact	Definition
Adverse	An impact which will be detrimental to the existing views
Beneficial	An impact which will improve the existing views
Neutral	An impact which will alter the existing views but not to improve or destroy it

4.34 The product of the VIA is termed the Significance Threshold, and shall be considered as follows:

Impacts	Definition
Significant	Adverse/beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing views
Moderate	Adverse/beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing views
Slight	Adverse/beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in the existing views
Insubstantial	No discernible change in the existing views

Identification of Potential Landscape and Visual Impact Mitigation Measures

4.35 After assessing the landscape and visual impacts of the proposed works which likely to occur and how significant these impacts would be, recommendations would then be formulated to reduce or alleviate these impacts both during the construction and operation stages. Identified impacts would be described and mitigation measures recommended. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures have been identified and their approval-in-principle will be sought.

Identification of Residual Impacts

4.36 This is a further assessment to establish residual impacts that persist after the implementation of mitigation measures.

4.37 The principles for undertaking the residual impact assessment are similar to the landscape and visual impact assessments. Significance threshold for the residual impacts would be established to consider the impacts against the successfulness of the recommended mitigation measures to alleviate such impacts.

Baseline Study

Landscape Resources (LR)

4.38 Landscape resources are identified and mapped in Figure 4.2.1. Photo views illustrating the landscape resources are illustrated in Figures 4.2.2 and 4.2.3. This has been achieved by site visit and desk-top study of topographical maps, information databases and photographs. Landscape resources (LR) are listed and a description of each LR is summarized in Table 4.1 and as follows:-

LR1 – Woodland (including tall scrub)

4.39 Woodland areas are located within the Pok Fu Lam Country Park / Green belt above the Po Shan Road. These woodlands, together with the grassland / shrub area create a lush green backdrop to the whole mid-levels district and are an important visual amenity. Much of the woodland in the lower Green Belt areas above the Po Shan Road is interspersed with low-density residential development and their associated slope stabilization works. Typical tree species identified include Acacia confuse, Celtis sinensis, Mallotus paniculatus, Litsea glutinosa, Sterculia lanceolata, Ficus variegata, Macaranga tanarius and Schefflera octophylla. These woodlands contribute significantly to the country park character within the mid-levels district. The landscape sensitivity to change of this area is judged to be high.

LR2 – Pocket Open Space

4.40 There are several public open space within the study area, which are located 1) in the Kotewall Road next to the Kotewall Fire station, 2) in the Conduct Road Children’s Playground next to the Scenic Garden. All are formed by hard paved area with small planters for amenity trees. Typical tree species includes Aleurites moluccana, Bombax malabaricum, Cinnamomum camphora, Garcinia spicata, Delonix regia. The landscape sensitivity to change of this area is judged to be medium.

LR3 – Manmade Slope

4.41 There are many manmade slope within the study area, which are located along the Po Shan Road on the southern side of Po Shan Mansions and Piccadilly Mansion. The manmade slope close to the Po Shan Mansions has both hard and soft cover, whereas the manmade slope close to the Piccadilly Mansion are covered with sprayed concrete. Semi-natural vegetation and some isolated trees in tree rings in sprayed concrete on face are identified. Typical tree species includes Acacia confuse, Mallotus paniculatus, Schefflera octophylla, Sapium discolour. The landscape sensitivity to change of this area is judged to be low.

LR4 – Residential Development

4.42 High classed residential development consists of small house and low-rise to high-rise residential blocks. The character of mid-levels high classed residential development is represented by its low density and plot ratio development, which are built in 70s or 80s. Those within the landscape study area include Hatton Place, Piccadilly Mansion, Hamitton Court, Po Shan Mansions which along the Po Shan Road and the Skyline Mansion, Skyview Cliff and Mirror Marina located along the Conduit Road. Besides, the Stone House located in 15 Kotewall Road are classified as Grade III Historical building and structure, which also contribute to the mid-levels residential development. Typical tree species includes Bauhinia blakeana, :Ficus heteropleura, Juniperus chinensis, Thuja orientalis and Caryota ochlandra. This result in sharp contrast to the high-rise, modern and high classed residential tower along Robinson Road and Bonham Road. The landscape sensitivity to change of this area is judged to be medium.

LR5 – Roadside Planting along Kotewall Road, Hatton road and Po Shan Road

4.43 Mature roadside planting are located along the Conduit Road, Kotewall Road and Po Shan Road. Typical tree species includes Aleurites moluccana, Cinnamomum camphora, Livistona chinensis, Bombax malabaricum, Ficus microcarpa and Ficus elastica. The combination of these mature vegetation and topography act as a transition to the Pok Fu Lam Country Park and Lung Fu Shan Country Park. The mature roadside tree planting also contribute significantly to the mid-levels low-rise residential character of this area. The landscape sensitivity to change of this area is judged to be high.

Landscape Character Area (LCA)

4.44 The study area consists of four distinct landscape character zones. These are described below and indicated in Figures 4.3.1 and 4.3.2. A summary is provided in Table 4.1.

LCA 1 – Greenbelt / Country Park Character Area

4.45 The greenbelt / country park area are characterised by the natural slopes primarily vegetated by woodland species. The natural quality of this character area is mixed with the country park walking trail linking to Lung Fu Shan Country Park, High West and Pok Fu Lam Country Park, which is part of the Peak Trail. This district also famous for the Hong Kong Eagle’s Claw, Hong Kong Camellia, Liverworts and Mosses. This LCA forms a scenic backdrop surrounding the Pok Fu Lam and are an important visual resource. The landscape sensitivity to change of this LCA is judged to be high.

LCA 2 – Mid-levels Residential Character Area

4.46 This character area is characterized by the low density, high class residential developments with low vehicular traffic flow and mature roadside tree planting along Po Shan Road, Hatton Road, and Kotewall Road. These high-class residential developments are located along Po Shan Road, Hatton Road and Kotewall Road. These include: Hatton Place, Piccadilly Mansion, Po Shan Mansions, No. 23 Po Shan Road, No. 24 Po Shan Road, Wisdom Court, Hatton House and the University Lodge. The landscape sensitivity to change of this area is judged to be high.

Table 4.1 List of the Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Area affected during Construction & Operation Phases

LR	Landscape Resources	Dominant Tree Species	Area(Ha) within Study Area	Sensitivity
LR 1	Woodland ( including tall scrub)	Acacia confuse, Celtis sinensis, Mallotus paniculatus, Litsea glutinosa, Sterculia lanceolata, Ficus variegata, Macaranga tanarius and Schefflera octophylla	16.4	High
LR 2	Pocket open space	Aleurites moluccana, Bombax malabaricum, Cinnamomum camphora, Garcinia spicata, Delonix regia	0.2	Medium
LR 3	Manmade slope	Acacia confuse, Mallotus paniculatus, Schefflera octophylla, Sapium discolour	3.1	Low
LR 4	Residential development	Bauhinia blakeana, Ficus stenophylla, Juniperus chinensis, Thuja orientalis and Caryota ochlandra	1.7	Medium
LR 5	Roadside planting along Kotewall Road, Hatton Road and Po Shan Road	Aleurites moluccana, Cinnamomum camphora, Livistona chinensis, Bombax malabaricum, Ficus microcarpa and Ficus elastica	0.8	High

LCA	Landscape Character Area	Area(Ha) within Study Area	Sensitivity
LCA1	Greenbelt / Country Park Character Area	20.0	High
LCA2	Mid-levels residential development	2.7	High

Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

4.47 The Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) does not vary between construction and operation phase. The ZVI for both phases is indicated in Figure 4.4.1. Due to the steep area, the ZVI is quite extensive and is generally defined by the following:-

· In the south by the ridgeline of High West;

· In the north by the high rise institutional complex;

· In the east by the High rise residential development along Babington path and Kotewall Road.

· In the west by the ridgeline of Lung Fu Shan.

4.48 Table 4.2 indicates the key Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) found within the ZVI’s for the construction phase and operation phases. For ease of reference, each VSR is given an identity number, and mapped in Figure 4.4.1 and with photographic record in Figures 4.4.2 & 4.4.3.

Table 4.2 Identity of key Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) during construction and operation phases

VSR	Location of Receiver	Type of viewer	Number of Receivers (very few / few / many / very many)	Duration of View (Constant / Periodic / Infrequent)	Approx. Minimum Distance to Site (meters)
Residential Receivers
R1A	Po Shan Mansions	Resident	Many	Constant	10
R1B	Piccadilly Mansion	Resident	Many	Constant	10
R1C	No.23 Po Shan Road	Resident	Many	Constant	50
R1D	Hatton Place, Hatton House, Wisdom Court	Resident	Many	Constant	50
R1E	Skyline Mansion, Skyview Cliff, Medallion Heights, Haddon Court	Resident	Many	Constant	50
R1F	University Heights, Emerald Gardens, Greenview Gardens, Kingsford Height	Resident	Very Many	Constant	120
R2	No. 21, 24, 30 Po Shan Road and No. 41B and 43A Conduit Road	Resident	Few	Constant	30
R3	Alpine Court, Belmont Court, Scenic Garden, Villa Veneto, Richmond Court, Imperial Court, Realty Gardens, Peace Court, Dragonview Court, Kings Garden, Wah Sen Court, Kiu Sen Court, 1A Robinson Road	Resident	Very Many	Constant	160
Occupational Receivers
GIC1	Users of the University of Hong Kong	Working Staff, students	Many	Infrequent / Constant	200
Recreational Receivers
O1	Walkers in Hatton Road Morning Trail	Recreational user	Few	Infrequent	80
Traveling Receivers
T1	Travellers on the Po Shan Road	Traveller	Many	Infrequent	0

Residential Receivers

VSR – R1A

4.49 This VSR refer to the residents in Po Shan Mansions. It will have a full, close view to the proposed work. Both the quality of view from this VSR and the receiver population are high. The overall sensitivity is high.

VSR – R1B

4.50 This VSR refer to the residents in Piccadilly Mansion. It will have a partial, close view to the proposed work. Both the quality of view from this VSR and the receiver population are high. The overall sensitivity is high.

VSR – R1C

4.51 This VSR refer to the residents in No. 23 Po Shan Road. It will have a partial, close view to the proposed work. Both the quality of view from this VSR and the receiver population are high. The overall sensitivity is high.

VSR – R1D

4.52 This VSR refers to residents in medium-rises at western Po Shan Road. Since their view towards south is blocked by Piccadilly Mansion and Po Shan Mansions, views from this VSR to the proposed works area are very limited. They will have partial view to the upper portion of the works area. The quality of view from this VSR is high and the receiver population is very high. The overall sensitivity is high.

VSR – R1E

4.53 This VSR consists of mostly residents of medium-rises along southern side of Conduit Road. Due to the dense existing vegetation and surrounding buildings, views from this VSR at ground level to the surrounding are very limited. However, receivers at upper level of the buildings towards south will have partial view to the proposed works area. The quality of view from this VSR is medium and the receiver population is high. The overall sensitivity is high.

VSR – R1F

4.54 This VSR consists of mostly residents of high-rises adjacent to the HKU. Due to the level difference, among the dense residential blocks, one at ground level has generally no views to the proposed works area. Only receivers at upper level of the buildings towards south will have partial view to the proposed works area. The quality of view from this VSR is high and the receiver population is high. The overall sensitivity is high.

VSR – R2

4.55 This VSR consists of mostly residents of 2 to 3 stories-height low-rises in Po Shan Road. With numbers of building and trees surrounding, views from this VSR to the surrounding are very limited. They will have partial view to the upper portion of the works area. The receiver population is low and the overall sensitivity is high.

VSR – R3

4.56 This VSR refers to residents in medium-rises to high-rises at northern Conduit Road. Since their views to the south are partially blocked by R1E, views from this VSR to the works area are very limited. Only receivers at upper level of the buildings towards southwest will have partial view to the upper portion of the works area. The quality of view from this VSR is high and the receiver population is very high. The overall sensitivity is high.

Landscape Impact Assessment (LIA)

4.57 The nature and extent of the landslide preventive works on the natural hillside located above Po Shan Road, works areas and the construction methodologies are described in detail in Chapter 2. For easy of reference, the extent of works at ground level, including all contractors’ temporary works area, are shown on all the plans illustrating landscape and visual impacts in this section.

4.58 The sources of landscape and visual impacts in the construction phase will include:-

· construction works involving the removal of existing vegetation;

· construction of site access;

· excavation works for the installation of soil nails and raking drains;

· stockpiling of excavated materials;

· haulage off-site of excavated materials

· stockpiling of construction materials;

· importation and storage of construction equipment and plant;

· contractor’s temporary works areas, including site accommodation and parking area;

· night lighting;

4.59 During the operation stage, potential landscape and visual impacts would be related to the following visible above ground structures:

· About 700 numbers of soil nails with a spacing of 2m horizontally and 3 m vertically;

· About 60 numbers of raking drains with a spacing of 5m horizontally and 15m vertically;

· Rock slope stabilization works for the rock outcrop / boulders at the upper portion of natural terrain.

Nature and Magnitude of Landscape Change Before Mitigation in Construction Phase

4.60 The magnitude of the impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, on the landscape resources and LCA that would occur in the construction phase are described below and tabulated in Table 4.3. All impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated.

LR1 – Woodland

4.61 There is expected to be some minor impact upon the existing woodland tree species within the works area. This will be due to the installation of the soil nails. The impact significance before mitigation is expected to be moderate. An area of approximately 2000 square metres could be affected (Refers to appendix of the tree survey report). However, the Engineer confirmed that no trees will be felled or transplanted due to the proposed landslide preventive works. The sensitivity of this resource is high. The magnitude of the change here is considered intermediate and unmitigated impact significance is moderate.

LR3 – Manmade slope

4.62 Approximately 600 square meters of existing groundcover / shrub area is expected to be impacted upon. However, no trees will be affected by the slope stabilization works. The magnitude of the change here is considered small and unmitigated impact significance is slight.

LCA1 – Greenbelt / Country Park Character Area

4.63 The character of the Greenbelt / Country Park character will be modified by loss of groundcover vegetation and the installation of soil nails, temporary works areas, additional construction traffic and storage of construction material. The sensitivity of this resource is high. The magnitude of the change here is considered intermediate and unmitigated impact significance is moderate.

4.64 There would be negligible magnitude of impact on all the remaining landscape resources and landscape character area.

Table 4.3 Significance of landscape impacts in the construction and operation phases (Note: All impacts adverse unless otherwise noted. Only those resources or character areas that are impacted are listed in the table – resources not impacted are not listed. )

Part 1 – Physical Landscape Resources (Topography, Vegetation, Soil, Open Space, Special Features, etc)

ID No.	Landscape Resources (LR)	Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High)	Magnitude of Change before Mitigation (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact significance Threshold Before Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance Threshold After Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation
									DAY 1	YEAR 10
LR1	Woodland ( including tall scrub)	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6 OM1, OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR2	Pocket open space	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM5 OM1, OM3, OM4, OM5	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3	Manmade slope	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6 OM1, OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LR4	Residential development	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1, CM2, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM5	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR5	Roadside planting along Kotewall Road, Hatton Road and Po Shan Road	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6 OM1, OM3, OM4, OM5	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

Part 2 – Landscape Character Areas

ID No.	Landscape Character Area (LCA)	Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High)	Magnitude of Change before Mitigation (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact significance Threshold Before Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance Threshold After Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation
									DAY 1	YEAR 10
LCA1	Greenbelt / Country Park Character Area	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6 OM1, OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA2	Mid-levels residential development	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	CM1, CM2, CM4, CM6, OM5	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

Table 4.4 Significance of visual impacts in the construction and operation phases

(Note: All impacts adverse unless otherwise noted.)

VSR Type & ID	Key Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Degree of Visibility of Source(s) of Visual Impact (Full, partial, glimpse)	Minimum distance between VSR & Source(s) of Impact	Magnitude of Change in View before Mitigation (negligible, small, intermediate, large)		Receptor Sensitivity (Low, medium, High)		Impact significance threshold before mitigation (insubstantial, slight, moderate, substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance Threshold after Mitigation (insubstantial, slight, moderate, substantial)
				Construc-tion	Operation	Construc-tion	Operation	Construc-tion	Operation		Construc-tion	Operation
												DAY 1	YEAR 10
	Residential
R1A	Po Shan Mansions	Full	10m	Inter-mediate	Inter-mediate	High	High	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM6 OM3, OM5, OM6	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
R1B	Piccadilly Mansion	Partial	10m	Inter-mediate	Inter-mediate	High	High	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM6 OM3, OM5, OM6	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
R1C	No.23 Po Shan Road	Partial	50m	Inter-mediate	Inter-mediate	High	High	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM6 OM3, OM5, OM6	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
R1D	Hatton Place, Hatton House, Wisdom Court	Partial	50m	small	small	High	High	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM6 OM3, OM5, OM6	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
R1E	Skyline Mansion, Skyview Cliff, Medallion Heights, Haddon Court	Partial	50m	Inter-mediate	Inter-mediate	High	High	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM6 OM3, OM5, OM6	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
R1F	University Heights, Emerald Gardens, Greenview Gardens, Kingsford Height	Partial	120m	Inter-mediate	Inter-mediate	High	High	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM6 OM3, OM5, OM6	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
R2	No. 21, 24, 30 Po Shan Road and No. 41B and 43A Conduit Road	Partial	30m	Small	negligible	High	High	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM6 OM3, OM5, OM6	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R3	Alpine Court, Belmont Court, Scenic Garden, Villa Veneto, Richmond Court, Imperial Court, Realty Gardens, Peace Court, Dragonview Court, Kings Garden, Wah Sen Court, Kiu Sen Court, 1A Robinson Road	Glimpse	160	Small	small	High	High	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM6 OM3, OM5, OM6	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
	Occupational
GIC1	Users of the University of Hong Kong	Full	200m	Small	negligible	Medium	Medium	Slight	Insub-stantial	CM2, CM3, CM4, CM6 OM3, OM5, OM6	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
	Recreational
O1	Walkers in Hatton Road Morning Trail	Full	80m	slight	negligible	Medium	Medium	slight	Insub-stantial	CM2, CM3, CM4, CM6 OM3, OM5, OM6	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
	Traveller
T1	Travellers on the Po Shan Road	Glimpse	0m	Small	Small	Low	Low	Slight	Insub-stantial	CM2, CM3, CM4, CM6 OM3, OM5, OM6	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

Recommended Landscape & Visual Mitigation Measures in Construction and Operation Phases

4.65 The proposed landscape and Visual mitigation measures in the construction and operation phases are listed in Tables 4.5 & 4.6 below, together with an indication of Funding, Implementation, and Management and Maintenance agencies.

Table 4.5 Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures in Construction Phase

ID No.	Nature / Type	Visual Mitigation Measure	Funding / Implementation	Management / Maintenance
CM1	Design / construction Planning	No-intrusion Zone To maximize protection to existing trees, woodland, plantation areas and ground vegetation, construction contracts may designate “No-intrusion Zone” to various areas within the site boundary with rigid and durable fencing for each individual no-intrusion zone. The contractor should closely monitor and restrict the site working staff not to enter the “no-intrusion zone”, even for non-direct construction activities and storage of equipment.	CEDD	CEDD
CM2	Design / construction Planning	Hoarding Hoarding or boundary fencing for construction shall be considered. It should be sensitively designed, subtle, camouflaged and more ‘permeable’ so that they fit into the existing country park character when looking from outside.	CEDD	CEDD
CM3	Site Practice	Minimize disturbance of construction workers To ensure minimum disturbance to existing country park walking trail users and the HKU complex users, construction workers may only enter these areas with their helmets and safely vests properly stored or carried in non-transparent bags. They shall also properly and cleanly dress. The construction contract should require the main contractor to issue guideline to the construction works to minimize disturbance to existing country park users.	CEDD	CEDD
CM4	Site Practice	Dust and Erosion Control for Exposed Soil Installation of soil nails and raking drains will be highly visible from surrounding areas should be well planned and with precautions to suppress dust. Exposed soil shall be covered or ‘camouflaged’ and watered often. Areas that are expected to be left with bare soil for a long period of time after excavation shall be properly covered with suitable protective fabric. Silt and erosion shall be controlled by ground barriers around the slope cutting area.	CEDD	CEDD
CM5	Site Supervision	Existing Tree Record Inventory and tree monitoring system All retained trees should be recorded photographically at the commencement of the Contract, and carefully protected during the construction period. Detailed tree protection specification shall be allowed and included in the Contract Specification, which specifying the tree protection requirement, submission and approval system, and the tree monitoring system.	CEDD	CEDD
CM6	Site Practice	Construction Light All security floodlights for construction sites shall be equipped with adjustable shield, frosted diffusers and reflective covers, and be carefully controlled to minimize light pollution and night-time glare to nearby residents. The Contractor shall consider other security measures which shall minimize the visual impacts.	CEDD	CEDD
CM7	Site Practice	Soil Nails To ensure minimum disturbance to existing trees, allowance shall be made for adjustment of soil nails on site for avoidance of tree trunks and tree roots.	CEDD	CEDD

Table 4.6 Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures in Operation Phase

ID No.	Nature / Type	Landscape Mitigation Measure	Funding / Implementation	Management / Maintenance
OM3	Design / construction Planning	Re-use of Existing Soil Existing topsoil shall be re-used where possible for new planting areas within the project. The construction program shall consider using the soil removed from one phase for backfilling another. Suitable storage ground, gathering ground and mixing ground may be set up on-site as necessary.	CEDD	CEDD
OM4	Site Supervisions	Establishment Period 12 month establishment period for the soft landscape works will be allowed in the main contract. Most construction contracts in Hong Kong require the Contractor to carry out routine horticultural operations, including watering, pruning, weeding, pest control, grass cutting, fertilizing, replacement of dead plants etc. to ensure healthy establishment of new planting during a 12 month establishment period. This period also serves as a kind of warranty / guarantee on the quality of the plants supplied and installed by the Contractor.	CEDD	CEDD
OM5	Design / construction Planning	Re-instatement of excavated Area All excavated area and disturbed area for utilities diversion, temporary road diversion, and pipeline woks will be reinstated to former conditions, subject to applicable Government Standards.	CEDD	CEDD
OM6	Design / construction Planning	Woodland Mix Woodland mix is proposed to screen sensitive views, to match surrounding vegetation, to provide greenery to the surrounding area. Woodland planting mix should include the following planting type:- § Pioneer tree species § Canopy tree species § Understorey trees / shrubs All woodland mix to be pit planted as seedling trees or shrubs (typically 300-900mm high) into an existing or placed soil body (min. 600mm deep). Plants should be planted in group of 3-5 plants of the same species at 1.0 -1.5m centres. Pioneer, canopy and understorey species should be distributed evenly throughout the planted area.	CEDD	CEDD

Predication of Significance of Landscape Impacts

4.66 The potential significance of the landscape impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, are provided in Table 4.3. This assessment follows the stated methodology and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in previous section would be implemented, and that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be realised after ten years.

Operation Phase Landscape Impacts

4.67 Residual landscape impacts on landscape resources in the operation phase are mapped in Figure 4.5.2. Residual landscape impacts on LCA in the operation phase are mapped in Figure 4.5.4.

4.68 All residual adverse landscape impacts in the operation phase of Day 1 will be of insubstantial significance. After all landscape mitigation measures are implemented and have matured over 10 years, there would be no residual adverse landscape impacts of any significance in Year 10.

Visual Impact Assessment (VIA)

Potential sources of Visual Impacts

4.69 The potential sources of landscape and visual impacts are described above in Sections 4.58 and 4.59.

Recommended Landscape & Visual Mitigation Measures in Construction and Operation Phases

4.70 Recommended landscape and visual mitigation measures for impacts caused during the construction process are described in Tables 4.5 and 4.6 together with the associated implementation agency.

Prediction of Significance of Visual Impacts in Construction Phase

4.71 The potential significance of the residual visual impacts during the construction phase, before and after mitigation, are briefly described below, provided in detail in Table 4.4, and illustrated in Figure 4.5.5. This assessment follows the methodology outlined in Section 4.10 and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 4.5 above would be implemented.

Residential

4.72 Residents in the medium rise residential development Po Shan Mansions (R1A), Piccadilly Mansion (R1B) and No.23 Po Shan Road (R1C) along Po Shan Road will have short range, partial to full views to the construction works which is immediately adjacent or very close to several receivers. The sensitivity of this VSR is high. There is expected to be an intermediate magnitude of change after mitigation with residual impact significance being moderate.

4.73 Due to the dense existing vegetation and surrounding buildings, views of residents in the medium rise residential development along Conduit Road (R1E) at ground level are very limit. Upper level of this VSR towards south will have partial view to the proposed works area. The sensitivity of this VSR is high. There is expected to be an intermediate magnitude of change after mitigation with residual impact significance being moderate.

4.74 Residents in the high rise residential development Kingsford Height, University Heights and Emerald Gardens (R1F) at ground level have generally no views to the proposed works area. Only receivers at upper level of the buildings towards south will have partial view to the proposed works area. The sensitivity of this VSR is high. There is expected to be an intermediate magnitude of change after mitigation with residual impact significance being moderate.

4.75 Residents in medium-rises at western Po Shan Road such as Hatton Place, Hatton House and Wisdom Court (R1D) will have limit and partial view to the works area as their view towards south will be party blocked by Piccadilly Mansion and Po Shan Mansions. The sensitivity of this VSR is high. There is expected to be a small magnitude of change after mitigation with residual impact significance being slight.

4.76 Residents in the residential development (No. 21, 24, 30 Po Shan Road and No. 41B and 43A Conduit Road) along Po Shan Road (R2) are 2 to 3 stories height building, They will have short range, partial views to the construction works which is immediately adjacent or very close to several receivers. The sensitivity of this VSR is high. There is expected to be a small magnitude of change after mitigation with residual impact significance being slight.

4.77 Residents in the medium rise to high rise residential development (Alpine Court, Belmont Court, Scenic Garden, Villa Veneto, Richmond Court, Imperial Court, Realty Gardens, Peace Court, Dragonview Court, Kings Garden, Wah Sen Court, Kiu Sen Court, 1A Robinson Road) along Conduit Road (R3) will have glimpse views to the construction works which will be partly screened by the R2. The sensitivity of this VSR is high. There is expected to be a small magnitude of change after mitigation with residual impact significance being slight.

Occupational 

4.78 Users of the University of Hong Kong (GIC1) located in high rise level of building complex will have full views to the construction works, while users located in the ground floor or lecture room will not be subjected to the construction works which will be screened by Hatton House, Wisdom Court and No.1 Po Shan Road. The sensitivity of this VSR is medium. There is expected to be a small magnitude of change after mitigation with residual impact significance being slight.

Recreational

4.79 Walkers in Hatton Road Morning Trail (O1) will have partial views to the construction works which will be mostly screened by Piccadilly Mansion. The sensitivity of this VSR is medium. There is expected to be a small magnitude of change after mitigation with residual impact significance being slight.

Traveller

4.80 Travellers on the Po Shan Road (T1) will have glimpse views to the construction woks, which will be mostly screened by Piccadilly Mansion and Po Shan Mansions. However, views in Po Shan Road, Kotewall Road and Conduit Road will be interrupted by additional construction works’ traffic. The sensitivity of this VSR is low. There is expected to be a small magnitude of change after mitigation with residual impact significance being slight.

Prediction of Significance of Visual Impacts in Operation Phase

4.81 Residual visual impacts in the construction phase and Operation Phase are mapped in Figures 4.5.5 and 4.5.6. After the proposed mitigation measures have been implemented and the proposed tree planting has matured over 10 years, all residual adverse visual impacts in the operation phase in year 10 will be of insubstantial significance.

Environmental Monitoring and Audit

4.82 The implementation and maintenance of the landscape compensatory planting measures is a key aspect and should be checked to ensure that the proposal are fully realised. It is recommended that implementation and operation maintenance of all the proposed landscape and visual mitigation measure are included within the EM&A. During the Construction and operation stages, EM&A will comprise auditing of the compensatory planting and 12 months planting establishment in the form of monthly site inspection. The operation stage auditing shall be undertaken for one year during the Contractor’s maintenance period.

4.83 All mitigation measures proposed in the EIA and implemented by the Contractor should be audited by a registered landscape architect, as a member of the Environmental Team, on a monthly basis to ensure compliance with the intended aims of the measures. Site inspection should be undertaken on a monthly basis throughout the construction period to ensure the recommended mitigation measures are properly implemented.

4.84 Monthly site inspections should be undertaken to ensure the compensatory planting and horticultural maintenance operations are properly established during the 12 month establishment period.

Conclusions

Summary of Predicated Residual Landscape and Visual Impacts

4.85 Residual landscape impacts in the construction phase are listed in Table 4.3 and mapped in Figures 4.5.1 and 4.5.3. Residual visual impacts in construction phase are listed in Table 4.4 and mapped in Figure 4.5.5.

4.86 Residual landscape impacts in the operation phase are listed in Table 4.3 and mapped in Figures 4.5.2 and 4.5.4. Residual visual impacts in operation phase are listed in Table 4.4 and mapped in Figure 4.5.6.

4.87 Photomontages showing the views of the subject site from Po Shan Mansions are illustrated in Figure 4.6.1.

4.88 There is expected to be some minor impact upon the existing woodland, which is approximately 2000 square metres, within the works area. There are a total of approximately 362 trees within the soil nails and raking drains working boundary (Refers to the tree survey report). However, the Engineer confirmed that no trees will be felled or requires transplanting due to the proposed landslide preventive works. The rest of groundcover / scrub will be affected. Proposed woodland and native shrub planting is proposed to compensate for these areas. This planting should be well established after 10 years. Residual impact is expected to be insubstantial.

4.89 Residents in the medium rise development along Po Shan Road (R1A, R1B, R1C) are immediately adjacent or very close to the proposed landslide preventive works. They will have short range views to the proposed works. Residents in the medium rise development along Conduit Road (R1E) and in high rise development adjacent to HKU (R1F) will have partial views to the proposed landslide preventive works. Mitigation in the form of woodland planting will help in reducing impacts. Planting is expected to be well established at Year 10. Residual impacts are expected to be insubstantial.

4.90 After the proposed mitigation measures have been implemented and the proposed tree planting has matured over 10 years, all residual adverse landscape and visual impacts in operation phase will be of insubstantial significance.