6. Visual Impact

Introduction

6.1 This Section assesses the visual impact assessment associated with Phased Reprovisioning of Cape Collinson Crematorium as Schedule 2 Project under Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO).

6.2 The assessment includes:

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

· a review of the relevant planning and development control framework,

· a baseline study providing a comprehensive and accurate description of the baseline visual envelope and Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs),

· recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures and associated implementation programmes,

· identification of the potential visual impacts and prediction of their magnitude and potential significance, before and after the mitigation measures, and

· an assessment of the acceptability or otherwise of the predicted residual impacts, according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM).

6.3 The visual impact assessment follows the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the EIAO-TM. Colour photographs showing baseline conditions, photomontages and illustrative materials supporting conclusions are provided and the locations of all key viewpoints are clearly mapped. Photomontages at representative locations provide comparison between existing views, proposals on day 1 after completion without mitigation measures, on day 1 completion with mitigation measures, and in year 10 after mitigation measures implemented in accordance with EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2002.

Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

6.4 The following legislation, standards and guidelines are applicable to visual impact assessment associated with the construction and operation of the project:

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap.499.S.16) and the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO-TM), particularly Annexes 10 and 18

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Guidance Note 8/2002

· ETWB TCW No. 17/2000 - Improvement to the Appearance of Slopes

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap 131)

· Land Administration Office Instruction (LAOI) Section D-12 - Tree Preservation

· WBTC No. 7/2002 - Tree Planting in Public Works

· ETWB TCW No. 34/2003 - Community Involvement in Greening Works

· ETWB TCW No. 2/2004 - Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features

· ETWB TCW No. 11/2004 - Cyber Manual for Greening

· ETWB TCW No. 24/2004 – Specification Facilitating the use of Concrete Paving Units Made of Recycle Aggregates

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

· ETWB TCW No. 3/2006 - Tree Preservation

· Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap 96) and its subsidiary legislations

· GEO publication (1999) - Use of Vegetation as Surface Protection on Slopes

· GEO 1/2000 - Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment and Bio-engineering of Man-made Slopes and Retaining Walls

· HyD TC No.7/2006 – Independent vetting of Tree Works under the Maintenance of Highways Department

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

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines Chapter 4 and Chapter 11

· Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong

Assessment Methodology

6.5 Visual impacts have been assessed separately for the construction and operation phases.

· Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts. An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

6.6 The assessment of visual impacts has involved the followings:

· Identification of Zones of Visual Influence (ZVIs) during the construction and operation phase of the project. This is achieved by site visit and desktop study of topographic maps and photographs, and preparation of cross-section to determine visibility of the project from various locations.

· Identification of Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) within the Zone of Visual Influence (ZVIs) at construction and operation stages. These are the people who will reside within, work within or travel through the ZVIs.

· Assessment of the degree of sensitivity to change of the VSRs. Factors considered include:

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

Ø other factors which are considered (as required by EIAO GN 8/2002) include the value and quality of existing views, the availability and amenity of alternative views, the duration or frequency of view, and the degree of visibility.

The sensitivity of VSRs is classified as follows:

High:	The VSR is highly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.
Medium:	The VSR is moderately sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.
Low:	The VSR is only slightly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience.

· Identification of relative numbers of VSRs. This is expressed in term of whether there are very few, few, many or very many VSRs in any one category of VSR.

· Identification of potential sources of visual impacts. These are the various elements of the construction works and operation procedures that will generate visual impacts.

· Assessment of the potential magnitude of visual impacts. Factors considered include:

Ø the compatibility with the surrounding landscape,

Ø the duration of the impact,

Ø the reversibility of the impact,

Ø the scale of the impact and distance of the source of impact from the viewer, and

Ø the degree of visibility of the impact, and the degree of which the impact dominates the field of vision of the viewer.

The magnitude of visual impacts is classified as follows:

Large:	The VSRs would suffer a major change in their viewing experience.
Intermediate:	The VSRs would suffer a moderate in their viewing experience.
Small:	The VSRs would suffer a small change in their viewing experience.
Negligible:	The VSRs would suffer no discernible change in their viewing experience.

· Identification of potential visual mitigation measures. These may take the form of adopting alternative designs or revisions to the basic engineering and architectural design to prevent and/or minimise adverse impacts, remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of building features, and tree planting to screen the roads and associated structures. A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for the implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified and their approval-in-principle has been sought.

· Prediction of the significance of visual impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesising the magnitude of the various visual impacts and the sensitivity of the VSRs, and the numbers of VSRs that are affected, it is possible to categorize the degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of impact and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of VSRs, the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds is shown below, including insubstantial, slight, moderate and substantial.

The significance of visual impacts is categorised as follows:

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

· Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts. An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

Table 6.1 Relationship between Receptor Sensitivity and Impact Magnitude in Defining Impact Significance

Magnitude of Impact (Change)	Large	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
		Low	Medium	High
		Receptor Sensitivity (of Landscape Resource, Landscape Character Area or VSRs)

6.7 Funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation proposals can be satisfactorily resolved according to the principles in WBTC 14/2002. All mitigation proposals in this report are practical and achievable within the known parameters of funding, implementation, management and maintenance. The suggested agents for the funding and implementation (and subsequent management and maintenance, if applicable) are indicated in Tables 6.4 and 6.5. Approval-in-principle to the implementation, management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation measures is being sought from the appropriate authorities.

Scope and Content of the Study

6.8 The project site is the site of the existing Cape Collison Crematorium which consists of four service halls with twelve cremators. It was first in use in 1962 with several alterations and development hereafter. Aerial photography is shown in Figure 6.1. Details of project scope are referred to Section 2. 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:

Phase 1

· Site formation for Phase 1 new crematorium.

· Provision of four new cremators with total capacity of about 583 kg/hour.

· Provision of a chimney stack.

· Provision of ancillary facilities in a building of approximate 17m in height including: (a) two multi-purpose service halls; (b) ash storage room and pulverization room with a bone cremulator and dust-proof cabinets; (c) dangerous goods stores; (d) coach and parking spaces; (e) anti-burglary devices; (f) anti-bumping devices; (g) CCTV system with recording device and (h) landscaping.

· During the construction period of Phase 1, the existing cremators will remain in operation.

Phase 2

· Demolition of the existing crematorium after the satisfactory commissioning of the four new cremators and ancillary facilities under Phase 1.

· Provision of six new cremators with total capacity of about 943 kg/hour.

· Provision of a chimney stack.

· Provision of ancillary facilities including (a) one multi-purpose service hall; (b) three joss paper burners; (c) mortuary; (d) office accommodation; (e) clergy rooms; (f) coach and hearse parking spaces; (g) refuse storage chamber; (h) transformer room; (i) toilet and (j) landscaping.

6.9 The assessment area for the visual impact assessment will be defined by the zone of visual influence of the Project and associated works in Figure 6.4.

6.10 In the visual impact assessment, clear illustrations including mapping of visual impact will be provided. The assessment includes:

· Identification and plotting of zone of visual influence of the Project and associated works;

· Identification of key groups of sensitive receivers within the visual envelope with regard to views from ground level, sea level and elevated vantage points;

· Description of the visual compatibility of the Project and associated works within the surrounding, both existing and planned uses, its obstruction and interference with the key views of the adjacent areas; and

· Description of severity of visual impacts in terms of nature, distance and number of sensitive receivers. The visual impact of the Project and associated works with and without mitigations will be assessed, and the effectiveness of the mitigation measures shall be demonstrated.

6.11 The merits of preservation in totality, in parts or total destruction of existing visual character areas are evaluated. Alternative alignment(s), design(s) and construction methods that would avoid or reduce the identified visual impacts have been evaluated for comparison before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts. The mitigation measures proposed will not only cover damage reduction but also include consideration of potential enhancement of existing visual quality.

6.12 Measures would be included in the detailed design, construction and operation of the Project and associated works to mitigate visual impact and reduce them to the acceptable levels. Relevant responsible parties will be identified for the on-going management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation works to ensure their effectiveness throughout the operation phase of the Project and associated works. A practical programme and funding proposal for the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures will be provided.

Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

General

6.13 The Project aims to redevelop the existing Cape Collinson Crematorium site by adjusting into its adjoining area so that the overall site area can accommodate ten cremators and other ancillary facilities by 2014.

Review of the Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs)

6.14 A review of the existing and planned development framework for the proposed works and for the surroundings has been considered. It aims to identify issues for the neighbouring planned land uses, to identify potential resources and sensitive receivers, and to ensure a high compatibility between the proposed project and the surroundings.

6.15 It is considered that the proposed development is zoned “Other Specified Uses” annotated “Cemetery” on the draft Chai Wan Outline Zoning Plan No. S/H20/17. Details are illustrated in Figure 6.2. It is considered to be compatible with the surrounding in principles as the new crematorium is built within the existing car park area which will follow the planning intentions for the Study Area as set out in the OZP. Mitigation measures will be applied to avoid the adverse visual impacts in consideration with the surrounding environment.

Baseline Study

6.16 It is considered that the proposed reprovisioning works are confined within the existing crematorium; which Phase 1 and 2 of the Project area is small. (Refer to Figures 6.4) The Study Area for Visual Impact Assessment is determined by the zone of visual influence of the Project. (Refer to Figures 6.4)

Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI)

6.17 The ZVI for the Project during the construction phase are illustrated in Figures 6.4. The vast valley is remarkable covered with lush vegetation and green canopy with territory of cemeteries or related services on a steepy slope. Photo views illustrating the Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) within the Study Area are illustrated in Figures 6.5 and 6.6. Due to the steep location of valley and the overall greenery coverage of the site; the key photo views from VSRs is shown in Figure 6.7. The primary ZVI is extent around 800m from the Project and is generally defined by the following:-

l Southern boundary by Cape Collinson Road

l Northern boundary by residential blocks of King Tsui Court and Fung Wah Estate

l Eastern boundary by Buddhist, Muslim and Sai Wan War Cemetery

l Western boundary by country park valley of Tai Tam Road

6.18 The secondary ZVI is mainly covered 1,200m away from the Project; consisted largely of Tai Tam country park area and cemeteries.

Visual Contour Map (VCM)

6.19 Using Geographic Information System (GIS) technique a digital elevation model (DEM) was created by using the elevation data of the site for visibility analysis. The elevation data includes topological, architectural and vegetation height information of the site. The generated DEM was being used to analyse the visual impact of both the existing and proposed crematoria structures against its neighbourhood in every 5m x 5m regional basis. Viewshed grid layers of the visual impact analysis for the “existing” and “proposed” modelling scenarios were developed respectively by GIS, in order to represent the locations where the structures can directly be seen.

6.20 The total study area of the DEM is 1.83km²; the analysed result has showed that 0.42 km² (existing structure) and 0.56 km²(proposed structure) of the areas of the DEM are within the viewshed, which means people located within these areas can directly see the existing or proposed structure. The major affected zones due to the development of the proposed structure are within 500m buffer distance from the northwesterly to the northeasterly regions of the site.

6.21 The VCM is generated and it shows the potential visibility of proposed development from the vicinity. Potential viewers mainly include surrounding Country Park, neighbouring cemeteries and adjacent residential blocks. A comparison on existing and proposed structures is clearly shown in Figure 6.3.

Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

6.22 Table 6.2 lists the key VSRs found within the ZVIs, and Table 6.3 presents their magnitude of impacts. For ease of reference, each VSR is given an identity number, which is used in all relevant tables and figures in this report. VSR are divided into 6 types: Commercial, Commercial/Residential, Residential, Recreational, Government Institution/ Community / Occupational/ Others Specified Use and Transport related.

6.23 “Frequency of View” depends on the type and nature of VSRs as summarized below:

· residential VSRs and Commercial/ Residential VSRs - frequent;

· other commercial VSRs - occasional;

· Government/ Institution/ Community VSRs, institution-related, post-office-related VSRs and those with ‘Glimpse Degree of Visibility’ - rare

· other Government/ Institution/ Community VSRs - occasional;

· Recreational VSRs within the waterfront - very frequent,

· those with ‘glimpse Degree of Visibility’ - rare;

· the others - occasional; and

· transport related VSRs depends on ‘Minimum Distance between VSRs and Impact Source’ and ‘Degree of Visibility’.

6.24 “Sensitivity to Change” is high for VSRs having the following conditions:

· ‘Number of Individuals’ - medium to many,

· ‘Quality of Existing View’ - good,

· ‘Minimum Distance between VSRs and Impact Source’ – 0 to 200 m,

· ‘Degree of Visibility’ - partial to full, and

· ‘Frequency of View’ - occasional to very frequent.

6.25 “Sensitivity to Change” is low for VSRs having the following conditions:

· ‘Number of Individuals’ - Few,

· ‘Quality of Existing View’ - Poor,

· ‘Minimum Distance between VSRs and Impact Source’ - more than 950m,

· ‘Degree of Visibility’ - glimpse, and

· ‘Frequency of View’ - rare.

6.26 The sensitivity of VSRs which do not fall within the above conditions is classified as Medium.

Table 6.2 Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and their Sensitivity to Change

ID No.	Key Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)	Type of VSRs	Number of Individuals (Many/ Medium/ Few/ Very Few)	Quality of Existing View (Good/ Fair/ Poor)	Availability of Alternative Views (Yes/ No)	Degree of Visibility (Full/ Partial/ Glimpse)	Frequency of View (Very Frequent/ Frequent/ Occasional/ Rare)	Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High)
ID No.	Key Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)	Type of VSRs	Number of Individuals (Many/ Medium/ Few/ Very Few)	Quality of Existing View (Good/ Fair/ Poor)	Availability of Alternative Views (Yes/ No)	Degree of Visibility (Full/ Partial/ Glimpse)		Construction	Operation
R1	King Tsui Court	Residential	Many	Good	Yes	Partial	Very Frequent	High	High
R2	Fung Wah Estate	Residential	Many	Good	Yes	Partial	Frequent	High	High
R3	Hing Wah Estate	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Occasional	Medium	Medium
R4	Yan Tsui Court, Yuet Chui Court and Housing Dept. Chai Wan Staff Quarters	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Rare	Medium	Medium
CR1	Yen Lok & Kin Yip Building	Commercial/ Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Rare	Medium	Medium
CR2	Moon Wah & Man Wah Building	Commercial/ Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Rare	Medium	Medium
GIC1	Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution	Government/ Institution/ Community	Medium	Good	Yes	Partial	Frequent	High	High
GIC2	Morninghope School	Government/ Institution/ Community	Medium	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Rare	Medium	Medium
GIC3	Cognitio College (Hong Kong)	Government/ Institution/ Community	Medium	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Rare	Medium	Medium
GIC4	Fire Service Department Quarters	Government/ Institution/ Community	Many	Good	Yes	Glimpse	Rare	Medium	Medium
T1	Tai Tam Road	Transportational	Few	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Rare	Low	Low
T2	Fei Tsui Road	Transportational	Few	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Rare	Low	Low
OU1	Hikers and Cemetery Visitors	Recreational	Few	Fair	Yes	Partial	Occasional	Medium	Medium

R = Residential; C = Commercial, C/R = Commercial/Residential, GIC = Government/Institution/Community; OU = Others Specified Use; T = Transport related.

Table 6.3 Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and Their Magnitude of Impacts

ID No.	Key Visual Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Glimpse	Viewing Distance (M)	Scale of Development (Large/ Medium/ Small)	Compatibility (Good/ Fair/ Poor)	Duration of Impacts (Very Frequent/ Frequent/ Occasional/ Rare)	Reversibility of Change (Yes/ No)	Magnitude of Impacts (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible
ID No.	Key Visual Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Glimpse	Viewing Distance (M)	Scale of Development (Large/ Medium/ Small)	Compatibility (Good/ Fair/ Poor)		Reversibility of Change (Yes/ No)	Construction	Operation
R1	King Tsui Court	Partial	180	Large	Fair	Very Frequent	No	Large	Large
R2	Fung Wah Estate	Partial	250	Large	Fair	Frequent	No	Large	Large
R3	Hing Wah Estate	Glimpse	550	Medium	Good	Occasional	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
R4	Yan Tsui Court, Yuet Chui Court and Housing Dept. Chai Wan Staff Quarters	Glimpse	700	Small	Good	Rare	No	Small	Small
CR1	Yen Lok & Kin Yip Building	Glimpse	430	Medium	Good	Occasional	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
CR2	Moon Wah & Man Wah Building	Glimpse	620	Medium	Good	Rare	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
GIC1	Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution	Partial	200	Large	Fair	Frequent	No	Large	Large
GIC2	Morninghope School	Glimpse	320	Medium	Good	Occasional	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
GIC3	Cognitio College (Hong Kong)	Glimpse	490	Medium	Good	Occasional	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
GIC4	Fire Service Department Quarters	Glimpse	500	Medium	Good	Occasional	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
T1	Tai Tam Road	Glimpse	450	Medium	Good	Rare	No	Small	Small
T2	Fei Tsui Road	Glimpse	320	Medium	Good	Rare	No	Small	Small
OU1	Hikers and Cemetery Visitors	Partial	200	Medium	Good	Rare	No	Large	Large

R = Residential; C = Commercial, C/R = Commercial/Residential, GIC = Government/Institution/Community, OU = Others Specified Use, T = Transport related

Nature and Magnitude of Unmitigated Visual Impact in Operation Phase

6.27 The magnitude of the impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, on the study areas that would occur in the operation phase are the same as the permanent and irreversible impacts described in the construction phase.

Visual Mitigation Measures in Construction and Operation Phase

6.28 The proposed visual mitigation measures in the construction and operation are listed in Tables 6.4 and 6.5 below, together with an indication of Funding, Implementation and Maintenance/Management Agencies. Generally, all the mitigation measures are to be implemented as early as possible and they are illustrated in Figures 6.8 to 6.10.

Table 6.4 Proposed Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase

ID No.	Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency
CM1	Topsoil, where identified, should be stripped and stored for re-use in the construction of the soft landscape works, where practical.	ArchSD	ArchSD
CM2	Existing trees to be retained on site should be carefully protected during construction.	ArchSD	ArchSD
CM3	Trees unavoidably affected by the works should be transplanted where practical.	ArchSD	ArchSD
CM4	Compensatory tree planting should be provided to compensate for felled trees.	ArchSD	ArchSD
CM5	Control of night-time lighting.	ArchSD	ArchSD
CM6	Erection of decorative screen hoarding compatible with the surrounding setting.	ArchSD	ArchSD

Table 6.5 Proposed Visual Mitigation Measures for Operation Phase

ID No.	Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Maintenance/ Management Agency
OM1	Aesthetic design of the façade/ chimneys/ noise barriers and associated structures to harmonize with the surrounding settings.	ArchSD	ArchSD	FEHD
OM2	Aesthetic design of landscaped roof	ArchSD	ArchSD	FEHD
OM3	Tree and shrub planting to enhance amenity.	ArchSD	ArchSD	FEHD
OM4	Reinstated of disturbed area	ArchSD	ArchSD	FEHD

Programme of Implementation of Visual Mitigation Measures

6.29 The construction phase mitigation measures listed above will be adopted from the commencement of construction and will be in place throughout the entire construction period. The operation phase mitigation measures listed above will be adopted during the detailed design and be built as part of the construction works so that they are in place at the date of commissioning of the Project.

Visual Impact Assessment

Potential Sources of Visual Impacts

6.30 The sources of visual impacts due to the Project will create varying levels of visual impact during the construction and operation phases. Potential impacts will result from the elements stated in Section 6.8.

Visual Mitigation Measures

6.31 The proposed visual mitigation measures in the construction and operation phases are summarized in Tables 6.4 and 6.5, together with an indication of funding, implementation, and management and maintenance agencies. The Project is predominantly on existing Crematorium site. With its natural topography and dense greenery coverage by Country Park zone and surrounding cemeteries, the Project will be compatible with the existing setting. However, comparing with the existing facility, the proposed new crematorium building and two chimney stacks will be increased by approximately 11.6m and 15m respectively, thus the excess height of building and chimney stacks will be considered as the main source of visual impact. Therefore all the proposed mitigation measures should consider its natural settings as the key elements to enhance visual quality and compatibility with adjoining area, in regarding to architectural massing of structure form, façade treatment, colour theme, pattern, texture, materials and finishing, landscaped roof and amenity provide greening to enhance the existing visual quality; all of above should be sensitively designed and effectuated to match with overall visual character of site and carried through construction and operation stage. The visual mitigation measures are illustrated in Figures 6.8 to 6.9.

Prediction of Significance of Visual Impacts

6.32 An assessment of the potential significance of the visual impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation is provided in Table 6.6. This follows the methodology outlined in Section 6.5 and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Tables 6.4 and 6.5 above would be implemented, and that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be realized after ten years. Photomontages of the proposed project before and after mitigation are illustrated in Figures 6.11, 6.12 and 6.13

6.33 Most cremator plant rooms and service rooms will be positioned on basement level to reduce building massing and height; a step down terrace elevation to match with steep terrain and create a smooth transition to the existing Garden of Remembrance.

6.34 The proposed two chimney stacks at the eastern side of the crematorium building with approximately 26m high above local ground will be the main adverse visual impact.

6.35 The natural topography and dense vegetation of woodland have provided natural screening and blockage for most of the above-ground structure except north-east face where the chimney stacks will be located, there will be adverse visual impact on residential VSRs R1, R2, GIC1, and OU1 hikers and occasional visitors to surrounding cemeteries.

6.36 The potential visual impacts during demolition works will be carried out approximately in about 6 months over 48-month construction programme; which visual impact is temporary and can be screened out by decorative hoarding to minimise the visual impact towards adjacent VSR. However, proposed Phases 1 and 2 ancillary facilities will have substantial adverse visual impact as the imminent view of the field towards residential VSRs R1, R2, GIC1 and OU1 hikers during construction and demolition stage.

Residual Visual Impacts

Construction Phase

6.37 Residual visual impacts in the construction phase are listed out in Table 6.6. In the construction phase, after the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, there will still be some adverse residual visual impacts as shown in Table 6.6.

6.38 With implementation of mitigation measures during construction, there will still be some moderate adverse visual impact on the R1, R2 GIC1 and OU1 adjacent or close to the Project. Residual impacts on VSRs further away from the works areas will be insubstantial significance.

Operation Phase

6.39 Residual visual impacts in the operation phase are listed out in Table 6.6. In the operation phase, after the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, there will still be some adverse residual visual impacts as shown in Table 6.6.

6.40 Day 1 after the implementation of operation stage mitigation measures, there would still be moderate adverse visual impact on R1, R2 GIC1 and OU1; the rest of VSRs are slight and insubstantial. Trees will be planted within the site and works areas to compensate for the loss of the existing trees. Within 10 years, all the proposed treatment will be in mature stage of the implementation of visual mitigation measures, therefore all the adverse impacts will be insubstantial. The architectural appearance of proposed crematorium will be aesthetically designed to compatible with adjacent landscape setting to enhance the overall outlook to minimise visual impact. Roof greening will be adopted for the provision of landscape amenity and character of remembrance. Landscape roof garden will enhance and embrace the amenity space with the existing garden of remembrance to strengthen the overall visual characters of the site. Therefore, visual impact on VSRs R1, R2 GIC1 and OU1 will be slightly benefited from the Project.

Environmental Monitoring and Auditing

6.41 Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) would be recommended to ensure that the proposed visual mitigation measures are effectively implemented. Details of the EM&A are presented in a stand-alone EM&A Manual.

Table 6.6 Significance of Visual Impacts in the Construction and Operation Phases

ID No	Key Visual Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Receptor Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Impact (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance without Mitigation Measures (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance with Mitigations (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
		Receptor Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)							Construction	Operation
		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Day 1	Year 10
R1	King Tsui Court	High	High	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1 to CM6, OM1-OM4	Moderate	Moderate	Slight (beneficial)
R2	Fung Wah Estate	High	High	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial		Moderate	Moderate	Slight (beneficial)
R3	Hing Wah Estate	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate		Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
R4	Yan Tsui Court, Yuet Chui Court and Housing Dept. Chai Wan Staff Quarters	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate		Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
CR1	Yen Lok & Kin Yip Building	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate		Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
CR2	Moon Wah & Man Wah Building	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate		Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
GIC1	Tai Tam Gap Correctional Institution	High	High	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial		Moderate	Moderate	Slight (beneficial)
GIC2	Morninghope School	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate		Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
GIC3	Cognitio College (Hong Kong)	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate		Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
GIC4	Fire Service Department Quarters	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate		Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
T1	Tai Tam Road	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight		Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T2	Fei Tsui Road	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight		Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
OU1	Hikers and cemetery visitors	Medium	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial		Moderate	Moderate	Slight (beneficial)

R = Residential; C = Commercial, C/R = Commercial/Residential, GIC = Government/Institution/Community, T = Transport related.