8 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

8.1 Introduction

This Section presents the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) for the construction and operation of the Proposed Improvement to Pok Oi Interchange (POI).

8.2 Assessment Methodology

In accordance with EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2002, the main components of the LVIA are as follows:

· Description of the Project;

· Review of the planning and development control framework;

· Tree survey results;

· Baseline study of landscape character, landscape resources and also visual resources such as key views and the visual character and amenity of the Study Area;

· Landscape impact assessment during construction and operation of the Project;

· Visual impact assessment during construction and operation of the Project;

· Recommendations for landscape and visual mitigation measures for both the construction and operation phases; and

· Assessment of the residual impacts and conclusion on the acceptability of the Project.

8.3 Project Description

The Proposed Improvement to the POI will comprise the construction of slip roads, a left-turn lane and a flyover and the resurfacing and re-marking of road sections at the POI.

The detailed description is provided in Section 2 and the proposed alignment of the Project is shown in Figure 2.1a.

8.4 Legislation Requirements and Evaluation Criteria

The LVIA was undertaken in accordance with the guidelines and requirements stipulated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the EIAO-TM under the EIAO (Cap.499, S16), entitled “Criteria for Evaluating Visual and Landscape Impact” and “Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment”, respectively and the EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2002 “Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance.” The landscape assessment considers the potential impacts of the Project on the existing landscape and particularly on the landscape resources within 100m of the Project Site.

The visual assessment analyses the potential visual impacts of the Proposed Improvement to the POI on the existing views and the visual amenity, particularly from the Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSR) within the viewshed (sometimes referred to as the Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI). This report will use the term “viewshed”. In order to illustrate the visual impacts of the development, photomontages prepared from selected viewpoints compare the existing conditions with the view after commissioning. The residual impacts are evaluated qualitatively, in accordance with the requirements of Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

8.5 Planning

The surroundings of the existing POI are varied in nature, containing scattered village houses, school, hospital, home of the aged, new high-rise residential developments, and unoccupied open spaces.  The proposed improvement works is located within the Outline Zoning Plans (OZP) for Yuen Long (No.S/YL/17), Nam Sang Wai (No.S/YL-NSW/8) and Tai Tong (No.S/YL-TT/14), the land uses to the surrounding areas of the Project were zoned as “Open Space” (O), “Government/Institution/Community” (GIC), “Comprehensive Development Area” (CDA), “Village Type Development” (V), “Undetermined” (U) and “Agriculture” (AGR) (Figures 4.3a to 4.3c). 

The objective of the Project is to relieve the current traffic pressures at the POI. This Project represents an improvement to the existing POI and therefore is not considered to have potential conflicts with the Planning Intention of this OZP.

8.6 Tree Survey

A broad brush tree survey was undertaken for the Project. A total of approximately 670 trees were identified. Details of the tree survey are presented in Annex E.

Methodology

Topographical surveys, including identification of the location of the trees, were undertaken by HyD. The tree survey was undertaken within the Project Site in accordance with Section 3.4.5.4 of EIA Study Brief No. ESB-138/2006, the guideline from ETWB TCW Nos. 3/2006, 55/2002, 2/2004, LAO Practice Note Nos. 6/2000 and 8/2002.

The most commonly occurring tree species include Acacia confusa, Acacia mangium, Casuarina equisetifolia and Bauhinia spp.

The canopy heights range from 5 to 10 m, with the canopy width ranging from 3 to 10 m. Generally the trunk Diameter at Breast Height (DBH) was 100 to 450 mm

As the detailed design of the proposed works is not yet available at this stage, the number of trees to be retained, transplanted and removed are estimated based on the preliminary design of the proposed works. The estimated numbers would be updated in the tree removal application to be prepared and submitted to the Lands Department for approval in the detailed design stage in accordance with ETWB TCW No. 3/2006.

8.7 Landscape Impact Assessment

8.7.1 Methodology

In accordance with Annex 18 of the EIAO-TM, the landscape impact assessment will cover the following:

· Describe the baseline landscape within 100m of the Project Site and the works area of the enabling works along the access routes.

· Describe the Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) and Landscape Resources (LRs) including describing edges as different LRs.

· Map the distribution of the LCAs and LRs.

· Propose a qualitative and quantitative assessment of significant thresholds which reflect the magnitude of change and sensitivity to change of a particular LCAs and LRs.

· Analyse the landscape impacts during construction, impact after development, and off-site landscape impacts. This section analyses the extent to which these landscape units and edges are changed, using both quantitative and qualitative assessments.

· Examine landscape measures that will contribute to reducing any landscape impacts or will enhance the landscape associated with the Proposed Improvement to the POI. This may include planting, new landscaped areas and re-vegetation. The residual landscape impacts are also analysed.

· Provide conclusions on the impacts of the Project.

8.7.2 Baseline Landscape Conditions

As specified by the EIA Study Brief, the area for the Landscape Impact Assessment covers the area within 100m of the proposed works. The landscape baseline study examines the potential impacts on the Project Site and surrounding areas in terms of both the LCAs and the LRs.

The LCAs and LRs of the Study Area have been categorised according to the presence of common elements. These include factors such as:

· Topography;

· Vegetation type (both species and age);

· Built forms;

· Evidence on human modifications;

· Land use (past and present); and

· Edges.

8.7.3 General Landscape Description

The baseline landscape character of surroundings of the POI is dominated by both urban and rural characteristics. Scattered around the Site are village houses and disturbed areas including open storage and open carparks. Roadside plantation exists along most of the Yuen Long Highway and Castle Peak Road sections near the Site. An area of agricultural land and a nullah is located along one side of the Yuen Long Highway on the south of the Pok Oi Roundabout (POR).

The topography of the area is generally flat with a number of developed areas with urban structures of moderate height including a care home, a school and a wholesale market.

8.7.4 Landscape Sensitivity

An understanding of the sensitivity to change of the LCAs and LRs is important when analysing the overall landscape impact of the Proposed Improvement to the POI upon the LCAs and LRs.

Factors affecting the sensitivity of change for evaluation of landscape are:

· Quality of LCAs and LRs;

· Importance and rarity of special landscape elements;

· Ability of the landscape to accommodate change;

· Significance of the change in the local and regional context; and

· Maturity of the landscape.

The degree of sensitivity of the LCAs and LRs is classified as follows:

i) High – eg;. important components or landscape of particularly distinctive character susceptible to small changes;

ii) Medium – eg; a landscape of moderately valued characteristics reasonably tolerant to change; and

iii) Low – eg; a relatively unimportant landscape which is able to accommodate extensive change.

The following section describes each of the LCAs and LRs within the Study Area.

8.7.5 Landscape Character Areas

The Landscape Character Map of Hong Kong identifies three different Landscape Character Types within the Study Area. These Landscape Character Types have been adopted as the Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) for the Study. The location of these LCAs is shown in Figure 8.7a and the impact on these LCAs is shown in Figure 8.7b.

LCA1 – Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape

Figure 8.7c Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape

This LCA is characterised by the agricultural area to the south-east of the site and a portion of the nullah. This LCA is of medium quality, with a low-medium ability to accommodate change, mainly due to the natural/farming elements present. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered to be moderate.

LCA2 – Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape

Figure 8.7d Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape

This LCA is characterised by the semi-developed and disturbed areas of land. These areas contain some developments but in no discernable pattern. This LCA has a high ability to accommodate change, has a low significance and is generally an immature landscape. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered to be low.

LCA3 – Urban Peripheral Village Landscape

Figure 8.7e Urban Peripheral Village Landscape

This LCA is comprised of a portion of the Wong Uk Tsuen village area. This area is characterised by low rise village style development in an organic layout. It has a high ability to accommodate change, and a low significance as these areas are common on the broader context. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered to be low.

8.7.6 Landscape Resources

Seven LRs have been identified. The location of these LRs is shown in Figure 8.7f and the impact on these LRs is shown in Figure 8.7g.

LR 1 – Roads

Figure 8.7h Roads

The road area is comprised of the Yuen Long Highway that dissects the study area in a north-south direction, and the Castle Peak Road in an east-west direction. The typical associated infrastructure includes lighting, signage etc. This LR can easily accommodate change, is very common and has no regional significance. The sensitivity of the Road is considered to be low.

LR 2 – Agricultural Land

Figure 8.7i Agricultural Land

A small area of agricultural land is located at the south-east of the POI. The LR can moderately accommodate change, has a low maturity. However it is relatively un-common in the study area and in the broader regional context. The sensitivity of the Agricultural land is therefore considered to be medium.

LR 3 – Roadside Plantation

Figure 8.7j Roadside Plantation

The LR refers to the existing mature buffer planting along the Yuen Long Highway and the Castle Peak Road which provides good screening effect and enhances the overall landscape quality of the surrounding environment. This LR is very common and has low regional significance. This LR can accommodate change and the sensitivity is considered to be medium.

LR 4 – Developed Area

Figure 8.7k Developed Area

The developed area consists comprises of the Kwong Ming Ying Loi School, the Pond Fish Wholesale Market and a section of the Jockey Club Care and Attention Home. The LR is very common in the region, with low landscape value and can easily accommodate change. This LR is considered to have low sensitivity.

LR 5 – Disturbed Area

Figure 8.7l Disturbed Area

The Disturbed Area consists of an open depot, concrete paved or unpaved open spaces with scattered vegetation and construction sites. This LR can easily accommodate change, is very common in the region and is of low landscape quality. The sensitivity of the Disturbed Area is low.

LR 6 – Nullah

Figure 8.7m Nullah

A nullah runs almost parallel along a section of the Yuen Long Highway. This nullah branches from the outfall of the Kam Tin River and has been artificially channelised. In dry seasons, water fills up the narrow section of the nullah in the middle, exposing vegetation on the broad base of the nullah. During the wet season, higher flows in the nullah may cover the vegetation, exposing only the concrete embankment. This LR is relatively common in this region, it can accommodate change and has a moderate landscape value. The sensitivity of the nullah is considered to be low.

LR 7 – Village

Figure 8.7n Village

Several villages including Wong Uk Tsuen and Small Traders New Village are located in the surround areas. The village areas are highly developed and dominated by blocks of village houses, concrete paths, landscaped areas and fenced off abandoned lands occupied by weeds and construction materials.

This LR is relatively common in the region and can accommodate change, and is generally of low landscape quality. The sensitivity of the Village area is considered to be low.

8.7.7 Distribution of LCAs and LRs

Table 8.7a Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) and Landscape Resources (LRs)

ID	LCA/LR	Area (hectare)/ Length (km) Within Study Area
LCA 1	Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscapes	8.55ha
LCA 2	Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscapes	17.97ha
LCA 3	Urban Peripheral Village Landscapes	4.48ha
LR 1	Roads	2.56ha
LR 2	Agricultural Land	1.91ha
LR 3	Roadside Plantation	3.23ha
LR 4	Developed Area	1.39ha
LR 5	Disturbed Area	7.68ha
LR 6	Nullah	10.52ha
LR 7	Village	3.71ha

8.7.8 Landscape Impacts During Construction

The two key factors that affect the evaluation of LCA and LR impacts are the magnitude of change and the sensitivity of the landscape areas/resources. The sensitivity to change for each of the LCAs and LRs has been described above and the factors affecting the magnitude of change are outlined below.

Factors affecting the magnitude of change for assessing landscape impacts are:

· Compatibility of the Proposed Improvement to POI with the surrounding landscape, ie how well will it fit with its surrounds;

· Scale of the development, ie how big is the development relative to its surroundings, and;

· Reversibility of change. ie to how easily the changes to the landscape can be reversed.

· The magnitude of change is classified as follows:

· Large – notable change in the landscape characteristics over an extensive area ranging to very intensive change over a more limited area;

· Intermediate – moderate changes to a local area;

· Small – changes to specific landscape components; and

· Negligible – no substantial changes to the baseline condition.

The landscape impact is a product of the magnitude of change that the Project will have and the sensitivity of the LR. Table 8.7b shows the significance threshold of the LR impacts.

Table 8.7b Significance Threshold of Potential Landscape Resource Impact

Table 8.7c provides some definitions of the significance thresholds for LR and LCA impacts.

Table 8.7c Adverse / Beneficial Impact of Landscape Impact

Level of Impacts (Negative / Beneficial/ Neither)
Significant:	Moderate:	Slight:	Negligible
Adverse / beneficial impact where the Project would cause significant degradation or improvement in existing landscape baseline conditions	Adverse / beneficial impact where the Project would cause noticeable degradation or improvement in existing landscape baseline conditions	Adverse /beneficial impact where the Project would cause a barely noticeable degradation or improvement in existing landscape conditions or where the changes brought about by the Project would not be apparent in visual terms	The Project does not affect the existing landscape baseline conditions

8.7.9 Unmitigated Landscape Impacts During Construction

Table 8.7d shows the impact of the Project on each of the LRs and LCAs and the overall impact based on the preceding Landscape Impact Assessment Matrix.

Table 8.7d Unmitigated Landscape Impact Significance Threshold Matrix

ID	LR/LCA	Area / Length	Area Affected by the Project	% of Area / Length Affected	Sensitivity to Change	Magnitude of Change	Significance Threshold of Landscape Impact
LCA 1	Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscapes	8.55	0.69	8.1%	Moderate	Small	Moderate
LCA 2	Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscapes	17.97	0.96	5.3%	Low	Small	Slight
LCA 3	Urban Peripheral Village Landscapes	4.48	Nil	0%	Low	Negligible	Negligible
LR 1	Roads	2.56	0.14	5.4%	Low	Small	Slight
LR 2	Agricultural Land	1.91	Nil	0%	Moderate	Negligible	Negligible
LR 3	Roadside Plantation	3.23	1.46	45.2%	Moderate	Large	Moderate
LR 4	Developed Area	1.39	Nil	0%	Low	Negligible	Negligible
LR 5	Disturbed Area	7.68	0.05	0.7%	Low	Negligible”	Negligible”
LR 6	Nullah	10.52	Nil	0%	Low	Negligible”	Negligible”
LR 7	Village	3.71	Nil	0%	Low	Negligible”	Negligible”

8.7.10 Summary of Un-mitigated Impacts on Landscape Resources

LR 1 – Roads

The road has low sensitivity due to the common nature in the surrounding region and the high ability to accommodate change. However, the close proximity to the Project Site impose a small but intermediate magnitude of change this LR. The significance threshold is therefore slight adverse.

LR 2 – Agricultural Land

The agricultural land is of medium sensitivity, with the negligible magnitude of change expected as a result of the Project, the significance threshold of landscape impact is also negligible.

LR 3 – Roadside Plantation

The roadside plantation is considered to have a medium sensitivity. The immediate proximity of the Project Site, approximately 45.2% of this LR will be affected, resulting in significance threshold of moderate Adverse.

LR 4 – Developed Area

The developed area is very common in the region, with no landscape value and can easily accommodate change. The Project will not impose changes to this LR, and with the low sensitivity the significance threshold is considered to be negligible.

LR 5 – Disturbed Area

A very small proportion of the disturbed area will be affected by the Project Site. With its low landscape quality and sensitivity, the significance threshold of this LR is negligible.

LR 6 – Nullah

The nullah has a low sensitivity due its ability to accommodate change and commonality in the region. The Project Site will not impose magnitude of change to this LR. The significance threshold of the nullah is negligible.

LR 7 – Village

Due to the relatively long distance between the nullah and the Project Site, the Project will not impose changes to this LR. With the low sensitivity of this LR, the significance threshold is negligible.

8.7.11 Landscape Mitigation Measures

Landscape Mitigation Measures are proposed to not only further reduce these impacts but to generally improve the amenity of the Project.

LMM 1 – Soil stabilisation and planting. During the design phase, a soil stabilisation and embankment planting strategy will be developed to ensure that land affected by slope excavation can be replanted. Soil preparation and the selection and provision of suitable growing medium is to be completed in accordance with the relevant best practice guidelines.

LMM 2 – Tree and Shrub Planting. All planting of trees and shrubs is to be carried out in accordance with the relevant best practice guidelines. Plant densities are to be provided in future detailed design documents and are to be selected so as to achieve a finished landscape that matches the surrounding, undisturbed, equivalent landscape types. The proposed sizes for trees and shrubs are heavy standard and whip, respectively.

LMM 3- Relocation. Landscape Resources of value to be re-located where practically feasible. This LMM will generally apply to LR 3 Roadside planting. As the detailed design of the proposed works is not yet available at this stage, the number of trees to be retained, transplanted and removed are estimated based on the preliminary design of the proposed works. The estimated numbers would be updated in the tree removal application to be prepared and submitted to the Lands Department for approval in the detailed design stage in accordance with ETWB TCW No. 3/2006.

LMM 4 – Early Planting Works. Where technically feasible, new plantings are to be installed as early as possible during the construction works.

LMM 5 – Site hoardings to be compatible with the surrounding environment. Where possible site hoardings to be coloured to complement the surrounding areas. Colours such as green and light brown are recommended.

The landscape mitigation measures are shown in Figure 8.7o.

Table 8.7e Mitigated and Un-mitigated Construction Impacts

Table 8.7f Mitigated and Un-mitigated Operation Impacts

8.7.12 Effectiveness of Landscape Character Areas and Landscape Resource Mitigation Measures

The mitigation measures proposed will effectively further reduce the impacts identified.

8.7.13 Summary of Residual Impacts on the Landscape Character Areas During Construction

There will be no residual construction impacts on any of the LCAs.

8.7.14 Summary of Residual Impacts on Landscape Character Areas During Operation

There will be no residual operation impacts on any of the LCAs.

8.7.15 Summary of Residual Impacts on the Landscape Resources During Construction

There will be no residual construction impacts on any of the LRs with the exception of LR3 Roadside Plantation which may have a moderate adverse residual construction impact.

8.7.16 Summary of Residual Impacts on Landscape Resources during Operation

There will be no residual operation impacts on any of the LRs with the exception of LR3 Roadside Plantation which may have a slight adverse residual construction impact.

8.8 Visual Impact Assessment

8.8.1 Introduction

The following tasks were undertaken in the visual impact assessment.

Define the viewshed that would be potentially impacted by the Project and map the areas of visual impact - This task describes the viewshed of the Project. Geographical Information System (GIS) software was utilised to determine areas that could potentially see the Project. This GIS viewshed analysis was based solely on topography and did not take into account the screening potential of vegetation, which would further reduce the actual viewshed. The GIS viewshed analysis also mapped the visibility of the Project from roads and houses.

Assess indicative viewpoints as a means of assessing the visual impact on the broader landscape - This task describes a number of Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR) viewpoints around the Project, which have been selected as indicative of the range of views from accessible locations within the viewshed. Photomontages have been prepared to show the existing landscape and the landscape with the Project at the key VSRs.

Discuss visual mitigation measures - This task examines measures (if required) that will reduce any potential visual impacts. This may include planting and recommendations for material and finishes. These measures will also help improve the overall amenity of the Project. Residual impacts are also discussed.

8.8.2 Viewshed Determination and Areas of Potential Visual Impact

The baseline for a visual impact assessment is an understanding of the existing visual qualities within the region that can be visually affected by a development. This area is referred to as the viewshed.

Defining an appropriate viewshed is the starting point to understanding the visual impacts of a development as the area of the viewshed will vary depending on the nature and scale of the proposed development. The larger a development the greater the viewshed as it may be visually apparent for a greater distance. Once the viewshed is established, locations can be identified within the viewshed that are either particularly sensitive or indicative of the visual impact for a number of locations. In some circumstances, viewpoints may be identified beyond the viewshed to recognise the visual impact on locations of particularly high sensitivity.

The proposed noise barriers are the major visual element of the Project and may visually impact on the surrounding landscape. As the viewer moves further away from these structures the visual impact decreases until it is no longer visible. However, before the point of non-visibility is reached, the noise barriers have reduced in scale such that they no longer has a significant visual impact on the landscape. In most landscapes, especially those which have some degree of human intervention, the limit of the viewshed is defined as that point at which the noise barriers would have an insignificant effect on the view.

8.8.3 Areas of Potential Visual Impact

A GIS viewshed analysis can determine those areas that can potentially be visually impacted by the Project. Such analysis is based on topography only, and shows those areas that would be screened by intervening hills etc. It does not account intervening vegetation or buildings, nor does it take into account small variations in topography, such as road cuttings. Therefore it is a conservative assessment of those areas that may be potentially able to view the structures of the Project. In addition it should also be noted that in the areas shown as ‘not visible’ this is based on visible on ground level. It does not take into account the potential visibility from on top of structures.

In addition to the GIS assessment undertaken, several detailed site inspections have been undertaken to confirm those areas that can potentially see the project and may therefore experience a visual impact.

Figure 8.8a shows the areas that can potentially view the Project.

8.8.4 Baseline Visual Character

The general baseline visual character of the development site is dominated by the existing Pok Oi interchange and the surrounding high rise residential developments at Yoho Town and Sun Yuen Long Centre. The distant vegetated hills to the east form a backdrop to the site.

8.8.5 Visually Sensitive Receivers

To determine the likely VSRs, a desktop assessment and detailed site assessment were carried out. The most sensitive VSRs were then identified and to encompass the likely range of potentially affected VSRs (Figure 8.8b).

8.8.6 VSR Assessment

The following factors have been considered in the visual impact assessment.

VSR Sensitivity

The first set of criteria relate to the sensitivity of the VSRs. They include:

· Value and quality of existing views;

· Availability and amenity of alternative views;

· Type and estimated number of receiver population;

· Viewer numbers;

· Duration of frequency of view; and

· Degree of visibility.

The views available to the identified VSRs were rated in accordance with their sensitivity to change using high, medium or low and are defined as follows:

· High

i. The nature of the viewer groups who expect a high degree of control over their immediate environment; and

· Medium

ii. The nature of the viewer groups who have some degree of control over their immediate environment.

· Low

iii. The nature of the viewer groups does not expect a high degree of control over their immediate environment.

It should be noted that the above provided are a guide only, and each VSR regardless of type is assessed according to its specific circumstances.

8.8.7 Magnitude of Change

This set of criteria is related to the specific details of the proposal and how it relates to the existing landscape and the visible magnitude of change it will cause. The criteria to be assessed are:

· Compatibility of the Project with the surrounding landscape;

· Reversibility of change;

· Scale of development;

· Viewing distance;

· Potential blockage of view; and

· Duration of impact under construction and operation phases.

The magnitude of change to a view was rated as large, intermediate, small or negligible and are defined as follows:

· Large: eg major change in view;

· Intermediate: eg moderate change in view;

· Small: eg minor change in view, and;

· Negligible: eg no discernible change in view.

The degree of visual impact or significance threshold was rated in a similar fashion to the landscape impact, ie significant, moderate, slight and negligible. Therefore, the visual impact is a product of the magnitude of change to the existing baseline conditions, the landscape context and the sensitivities of VSRs. The significance threshold of visual impact was rated for the construction phase and for Day 1 and Year 10 of the operation phase.

8.8.8 Visual Impact Assessment from Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSR)

Figure 8.8b shows the indicative viewpoints from publicly accessible locations, which have been selected for analysis. The viewpoints have been selected to represent the range of views from accessible locations.

VSR1 – View from Sun Yuen Long Centre and Yoho Town.

This VSR is located at about 400 metres west of the Project. Sun Yuen Long Centre is a residential complex and therefore the VSR will have a high sensitivity. The three phases of Yoho Town are located to the south of Sun Yuen Long Centre, and are at about 170 metres west of the Project.

Figure 8.8c shows that the changes to Pok Oi interchange will be visible to a small extent.

Table 8.8a Sensitivity / Quality

Items	Sensitivity/Quality
Value and quality of view	Moderate
Number of VSR	Many
Availability and amenity of alternative views	High
Duration and frequency of views to development	Medium
Degree of visibility of Development	Medium
Sensitivity/Quality of VSR	High

Table 8.8b Magnitude of Change

Items	Construction	Operation
Compatibility with surrounding landscape	Moderate	High
Viewing Distance to Proposed Development	400m	400m
Potential blockage of view	Low	Low
Duration of impacts	Temporary	Permanent
Scale of development	Small	Small
Reversibility of change	Irreversible	Irreversible
Magnitude of change	Small	Small

Table 8.8c Significance Threshold during Construction

		Sensitivity / Quality			Beneficial
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate Impact	Moderate / significant impact	Significant impact	Neither beneficial nor adverse
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate impact	Moderate Impact	Moderate /significant impact
	Small	Slight impact	Slight / Moderate impact	Moderate impact	Adverse
	Negligible	Negligible impact	Negligible impact	Negligible impact

Table 8.8d Significance Threshold during Operation

		Sensitivity / Quality			Beneficial
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate Impact	Moderate/ significant impact	Significant impact	Neither beneficial nor adverse
	Intermediate	Slight /Moderate impact	Moderate Impact	Moderate/ significant impact
	Small	Slight impact	Slight / Moderate impact	Moderate impact	Adverse
	Negligible	Negligible impact	Negligible impact	Negligible impact

According the Significance Threshold matrices presented above, there will be Moderate impact during construction and operation. However given the highly compatible nature of the Project with the existing visual character, the impact is considered to be Moderate.

VSR2 – View from Pok Oi Hospital

This VSR is located approximately 180 metres from the Project. The hospital experiences different types of VSRs including employees, visitors and patients.

Figure 8.8d shows that the changes to Pok Oi interchange will be barely discernable for this VSR.

Table 8.8e Sensitivity / Quality

Items	Sensitivity / Quality
Value and quality of view	Medium
Number of VSR	Medium
Availability and amenity of alternative views	Medium
Duration and frequency of views to development	Low
Degree of visibility of Development	Low
Sensitivity/Quality of VSR	Low

Table 8.8f Magnitude of Change

Items	Construction	Operation
Compatibility with surrounding landscape	Moderate	High
Viewing Distance to Proposed Development	180m	180m
Potential blockage of view	Low	Low
Duration of impacts	Temporary	Permanent
Scale of development	Small	Small
Reversibility of change	Irreversible	Irreversible
Magnitude of change	Small	Small

Table 8.8g Significance Threshold during Construction

		Sensitivity / Quality			Beneficial
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate Impact	Moderate /significant impact	Significant impact	Neither beneficial nor adverse
	Intermediate	Slight /Moderate impact	Moderate Impact	Moderate/significant impact
	Small	Slight impact	Slight / Moderate impact	Moderate impact	Adverse
	Negligible	Negligible impact	Negligible impact	Negligible impact

Table 8.8h Significance Threshold during Operation

		Sensitivity / Quality			Beneficial
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate impact	Moderate / significant impact	Significant impact	Neither beneficial nor adverse
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate impact	Moderate Impact	Moderate/ significant impact
	Small	Slight impact	Slight / Moderate impact	Moderate impact	Adverse
	Negligible	Negligible impact	Negligible impact	Negligible impact

According the Significance Threshold matrices presented above, there will be Slight impact during construction and operation. However given the highly compatible nature of the Project with the existing visual character, the impact is considered to be Slight Adverse.

VSR3 – View from Kwong Ming Ying Loi School

This VSR is located approximately 25 metres from the Project at the closest point. The school comprises students, teachers and associated staff and for the purposes of this assessment are classified as worker VSRs

Figure 8.8e shows that the changes to Pok Oi interchange will be visible for this VSR.

Table 8.8i Sensitivity / Quality

Items	Sensitivity / Quality
Value and quality of view	Medium
Number of VSR	Medium
Availability and amenity of alternative views	Medium
Duration and frequency of views to development	Medium
Degree of visibility of Development	Low
Sensitivity/Quality of VSR	Low

Table 8.8j Magnitude of Change

Items	Construction	Operation
Compatibility with surrounding landscape	Moderate	High
Viewing Distance to Proposed Development	25m	25m
Potential blockage of view	Low	Low
Duration of impacts	Temporary	Permanent
Scale of development	Small	Small
Reversibility of change	Irreversible	Irreversible
Magnitude of change	Small	Small

Table 8.8k Significance Threshold during Construction

		Sensitivity / Quality			Beneficial
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate Impact	Moderate / significant impact	Significant impact	Neither beneficial nor adverse
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate impact	Moderate Impact	Moderate/ significant impact
	Small	Slight impact	Slight / Moderate impact	Moderate impact	Adverse
	Negligible	Negligible impact	Negligible impact	Negligible impact

Table 8.8l Significance Threshold during Operation

		Sensitivity / Quality			Beneficial
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate Impact	Moderate /significant impact	Significant impact	Neither beneficial nor adverse
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate impact	Moderate Impact	Moderate/ significant impact
	Small	Slight impact	Slight / Moderate impact	Moderate impact	Adverse
	Negligible	Negligible impact	Negligible impact	Negligible impact

According the Significance Threshold matrices presented above, there will be Slight impact during construction and operation. However given the highly compatible nature of the Project with the existing visual character, the impact is considered to be Slight Adverse.

A noise barrier is proposed along the edge of the off ramp adjacent to the planned school as shown on Annex C11-2. As this section of barrier was proposed to protect the planned schools, it is only required to be constructed before the occupation of the planned schools. The existing vegetation almost completely screens the view to the proposed noise barrier as can be seen.

VSR4 – View from Yeung Uk Tsuen Village

These VSR’s are located approximately 300 metres from the Project. The village is at a lower level than the Project and there is extensive vegetation screening the Project.

Figure 8.8f shows that the changes to Pok Oi interchange will not be visible.

Table 8.8m Sensitivity / Quality

Items	Sensitivity / Quality
Value and quality of view	Medium
Number of VSR	Many
Availability and amenity of alternative views	Medium
Duration and frequency of views to development	Medium
Degree of visibility of Development	Nil
Sensitivity/Quality of VSR	High

Table 8.8n Magnitude of Change

Items	Construction	Operation
Compatibility with surrounding landscape	Moderate	High
Viewing Distance to Proposed Development	25m	25m
Potential blockage of view	Low	Low
Duration of impacts	Temporary	Permanent
Scale of development	Small	Small
Reversibility of change	Irreversible	Irreversible
Magnitude of change	Negligible	Negligible

Table 8.8o Significance Threshold during Construction

		Sensitivity / Quality			Beneficial
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate Impact	Moderate / significant impact	Significant impact	Neither beneficial nor adverse
	Intermediate	Slight /Moderate impact	Moderate Impact	Moderate/ significant impact
	Small	Slight impact	Slight /Moderate impact	Moderate impact	Adverse
	Negligible	Negligible impact	Negligible impact	Negligible impact

Table 8.8p Significance Threshold during Operation

		Sensitivity / Quality			Beneficial
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate Impact	Moderate / significant impact	Significant impact	Neither beneficial nor adverse
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate impact	Moderate Impact	Moderate/ significant impact
	Small	Slight impact	Slight / Moderate impact	Moderate impact	Adverse
	Negligible	Negligible impact	Negligible impact	Negligible impact

Due to the extensive screening vegetation between this VSR and the existing site, the Project will not be visible for this VSR, resulting in a Negligible impact.

VSR 5 Views from Villages at the Northwest of the Site.

The villages include Wong Uk Tsuen, Tai Wai Tsuen, Ying Lung Wai, Tsoi Uk Tsuen and they are clustered to the north-east of the site. They are residential VSRs, and they are generally located at a lower lever than the Pok Oi Interchange. The Project is also screened by existing roadside vegetation. They are 200-300m from the site. It is possible that parts of the Project will be visible from within these village areas.

Table 8.8q Sensitivity / Quality

Items	Sensitivity / Quality
Value and quality of view	Medium
Number of VSR	Many
Availability and amenity of alternative views	Medium
Duration and frequency of views to development	Medium
Degree of visibility of Development	Small
Sensitivity/Quality of VSR	High

Table 8.8r Magnitude of Change

Items	Construction	Operation
Compatibility with surrounding landscape	Moderate	High
Viewing Distance to Proposed Development	200m	200m
Potential blockage of view	Low	Low
Duration of impacts	Temporary	Permanent
Scale of development	Small	Small
Reversibility of change	Irreversible	Irreversible
Magnitude of change	Small	Small

Table 8.8s Significance Threshold during Construction

		Sensitivity / Quality			Beneficial
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate Impact	Moderate / significant impact	Significant impact	Neither beneficial nor adverse
	Intermediate	Slight /Moderate impact	Moderate Impact	Moderate/ significant impact
	Small	Slight impact	Slight /Moderate impact	Moderate impact	Adverse
	Negligible	Negligible impact	Negligible impact	Negligible impact

Table 8.8t Significance Threshold during Operation

		Sensitivity / Quality			Beneficial
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate Impact	Moderate / significant impact	Significant impact	Neither beneficial nor adverse
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate impact	Moderate Impact	Moderate/ significant impact
	Small	Slight impact	Slight / Moderate impact	Moderate impact	Adverse
	Negligible	Negligible impact	Negligible impact	Negligible impact

As these VSR’s are residential they have a high sensitivity to change. As it is possible some areas of the development will be visible, the magnitude of change is considered to be small. This will result in a Moderate Adverse Significance Threshold during both construction and operation.

VSR 6 Views for Road Users of Pok Oi Interchange

The users for the altered Pok Oi Interchange will be road users. The road users will have views to the alterations from vary distances, but the closest will be approximately 10m.

Table 8.8u Sensitivity / Quality

Items	Sensitivity / Quality
Value and quality of view	Low
Number of VSR	Many
Availability and amenity of alternative views	Low
Duration and frequency of views to development	Medium
Degree of visibility of Development	High
Sensitivity/Quality of VSR	Low

Table 8.8v Magnitude of Change

Items	Construction	Operation
Compatibility with surrounding landscape	Moderate	High
Viewing Distance to Proposed Development	10m	10m
Potential blockage of view	Low	Low
Duration of impacts	Temporary	Permanent
Scale of development	Small	Small
Reversibility of change	Irreversible	Irreversible
Magnitude of change	Small	Small

Table 8.8w Significance Threshold during Construction

		Sensitivity / Quality			Beneficial
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate Impact	Moderate / significant impact	Significant impact	Neither beneficial nor adverse
	Intermediate	Slight /Moderate impact	Moderate Impact	Moderate/ significant impact
	Small	Slight impact	Slight /Moderate impact	Moderate impact	Adverse
	Negligible	Negligible impact	Negligible impact	Negligible impact

Table 8.8x Significance Threshold during Operation

		Sensitivity / Quality			Beneficial
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate Impact	Moderate / significant impact	Significant impact	Neither beneficial nor adverse
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate impact	Moderate Impact	Moderate/ significant impact
	Small	Slight impact	Slight / Moderate impact	Moderate impact	Adverse
	Negligible	Negligible impact	Negligible impact	Negligible impact

The road users are considered to have a low sensitivity to change as the existing quality of the view is low. The development will be visible, but only for a short duration which will result in a significance threshold that is Slight and Neither Beneficial nor Adverse.

8.8.9 Visual Mitigation Measures

Whilst the impacts identified in the section above range from Slight to Negligible, some Visual Mitigation Measures are proposed to not only reduce the impacts to improve the overall appearance of the Project.

VMM1 Design of Structures Built structures, in particular noise barriers will be utilise appropriate designs to complement the surrounding landscape. Materials and finishes will also be considered during detailed design.

VMM2 Colours The 2.5m high vertical noise barrier for the planned schools will be in the form of concrete structure installed with barrier panels to align with the existing provision in the vicinity and to integrate into the landscape.

VMM3 Plantings In addition to the landscape mitigation plantings proposed, appropriate new plantings will be installed as appropriate to help integrate the new structures into the surrounding landscape.

Figure 8.7o shows the locations of these measures.

Table 8.8y Un-mitigated and Mitigated Impacts at the VSRs

8.8.10 Visual Impact Summary

The unmitigated impacts identified are Slight for the following VSRs:

VSR 1 Sun Yuen Long Centre and Yoho Town;

VSR 2 Pok Oi Hospital;

VSR 3 Kwong Ming Ying Loi School, and;

VSR 6 Road users of Pok Oi Interchange.

Whilst Visual Mitigation Measures are proposed to reduce these impacts, a slight adverse residual impact will remain for these VSRs.

The unmitigated impacts are identified as moderate for VSR 1 and VSR 5 villages at the northwest of the Site, however following the implementation of the Visual Mitigation Measures, there will be a slight adverse residual impact.

For VSR 4, the village at Yeung Uk Tsuen, the development will not be visible and therefore the residual impact will be negligible.

8.9 Conclusions

Three Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) were identified, LCA1 Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape, LCA2 Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape, and LCA3 Urban Peripheral Village Landscapes. The residual impacts on all three LCAs will be negligible.

A total of seven Landscape Resources (LRs) were identified, LR1 Roads, LR2 Agricultural Land, LR3 Roadside Plantation, LR4 Developed Area, LR5 Disturbed Area, LR6 Nullah and LR7 Village. LR3 Roadside Vegetation will experience moderate adverse and slight adverse residual impacts during construction and operation respectively. However, there will be negligible residual impacts on all other Landscape Resources.

Six Visually Sensitive Receivers were identified, and five of the six will experience slight adverse residual impacts, and one will experience negligible residual impacts.

According to Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM the Landscape and Visual Impacts are considered acceptable with mitigation.