11             landscape and visual Impact Assessment

11.1                   Introduction

Project Background

11.1.1             The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) is prepared in accordance with the requirements of the EIA Study Brief issued by Environmental Protection Department (EPD) and the Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM). Further guidance is given by EIAO Guidance Note 8/2010 and Annexes 10 and 18 of EIAO-TM, Section 3.4.11 and Appendix G of the EIA Study Brief.

11.1.2             The Project Site is situated at the North Apron Area of the former Kai Tak Airport to the northwest of the runway and proximate to existing waterfront areas at Ma Tau Kok. The Kai Tak Airport was the international airport of Hong Kong until 6 July 1998, before being replaced by Chek Lap Kok Airport. Most of the original buildings and structure have been demolished and decontamination of the North Apron Area has been completed. Based on the overlay of 1904 Survey Plan and the Project Site Plan, see Appendix 11A, the location of the MPSC Project was previously within an area of sea, with the old Kai Tak Airport situated on totally reclaimed land.

11.1.3             The MPSC Study Area, occupying an area of approximately 28.2 hectares, lies within the footprint of the former Kai Tak Airport and is dissected by a new arterial road (Road D2). According to the EIA Study Brief No. ESB-247/2014, the proposed MPSC development will comprise a main stadium, a public sports ground, an indoor sports centre and other ancillary and supporting facilities such as car parking spaces, hotel, office area for sports-related organizations and commercial area. The proposed components are connected internally via an integrated landscaped deck design, providing access to various major nodes.

11.1.4             The Project elements of relevance to landscape and visual impact assessment on the Project Site include the following:

·      The Main Stadium will be located at the south of the site with a capacity of 50,000 seats. It has a proposed height of up to +75mPD and includes a retractable roof. The Main Stadium will be situated close to the waterfront area to enhance its visual prominence as a landmark when viewed from across the Harbour.

·      The Public Sports Ground (PSG) will be located at the west of the site and will have 7,000 seats. The height of the PSG will be up to about +36mPD. The PSG is strategically located at the western part of the application site, north of Road D2. The Main Stadium and the PSG are connected to each other via the landscaped deck.

·      The Indoor Sports Centre (ISC) will be located at the northeast of the site and is to have 5,400 seats. The height of the ISC will be up to about +40mPD. The ISC is adjacent to the residential developments and open space areas adjacent to the planned Kai Tak MTR Station.

·      Office and hotel blocks will be located at the southwest of the site between the Main Stadium and the PSG. The intended gross floor area of offices is approximately 16,000m2 and the hotel block will have about 300 rooms. The intended heights of the office and hotel blocks are is up to +43mPD and +50mPD respectively.

·      The majority of landscape spaces at the MPSC are located at the east of the site, separating the stadium complex from the planned residential grid development. Visual impact during Operation Phase is intended to be mitigated by the new landscape area.

·      Road D2, which is located in the middle of the MPSC and bisects the site into north and south areas. Road D2 will be partially covered by a landscaped deck linking the two areas.

·      A landscape deck acts to connect the proposed venues at an upper level. Two major ramps are proposed, connecting the surrounding public circulation areas to the deck.

11.1.5             The implementation programme of the MPSC and related works is as follows:

·      The Construction Phase of the Project is targeted for commencement in 2017 and for completion by 2021, a total of 56 months construction period;

·      Pre-construction works for the MPSC project, including the topographic survey, tree survey, utility survey and ground investigation, will be completed prior to commencement of the Construction Phase.

·      The Operation Phase of the Project shall commence from 2021;

·      Both Roads D2 and D3 as well as the junction of D2/D3 would be completed by year 2021.

·      Planned development surrounding the Project Site is intended to be undertaken concurrently and be in place by year 2021.

Objective of the LVIA

11.1.6             The objective of the LVIA is to undertake baseline survey and analysis in order to identify critical issues and predict landscape and visual impacts during the Construction and Operation Phases of the Project in accordance with the Study Brief. It identifies, describes and quantifies any potential landscape and visual impacts, evaluates the significance of such impacts on sensitive receivers and proposes measures to avoid or mitigate the significance of any adverse impacts where required.

Scope of the LVIA

11.1.7             The scope of the LVIA 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 and identification of the sensitivity of the baseline Landscape Resources, Landscape Character Areas, and Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs);

·      identification of potential sources of landscape and visual impact during Construction and Operation of the Project;

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

·      recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures and associated implementation programmes; 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 EIAO-TM.

11.1.8             According to EIA Study Brief Section 3.4.11.2, the Study Area for Landscape Impact Assessment (LIA) shall include areas within 500 m distance from the boundary of the Project Site and is shown in Figure 11-1-1, while the Study Area for Visual Impact Assessment (VIA) shall be defined by zones of visual influence and are shown in Figure 11-4-7.

11.2                   Criteria and Methodology

General

11.2.1             The following legislation, standards and guidelines are applicable to the evaluation of landscape and visual impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Project.

Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

11.2.2             The LVIA makes reference to the following for preparation of the EIA submission;

·      The requirements as stated in Appendix G of the Study Brief No. ESB-274/2014,

·      Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, Cap.499 Guidance Note No. 8/2010,

·      Annex 10 and Annex 18 to the Technical Memorandum (TM) on Environmental Impact Assessment Process.

·      Town Planning Board Guidelines (TPB PG-No. 41)

·      Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong

·      Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines particularly Chapter 4 : Recreation, Open Space and  Greening, Chapter 10 Conservation and Chapter 11: Urban Design Guidelines;

·      Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96);

·      Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131);

·      Plant Varieties Protection Ordinance (Cap 490).

·      Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586);

·      Agriculture, Fisheries and Conversation Department Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 01, 02 (Rev. Jun 2006) and 03;

·      Agriculture, Fisheries and Conversation Department Publication “Checklist of Hong Kong Plants 2004”;

·      Agriculture, Fisheries and Conversation Department Publication “Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong 2003”;

·      “Guidelines on Tree Preservation during Development”, GLTMS of DEVB-Website

·      “Guidelines on Tree Transplanting”, GLTMS of DEVB-Website

·      DEVB TC No.7/2015 - Tree Preservation;

·      DEVB TC No. 6/2015 - Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features;

·      DEVB TC No.3/2012 – Site Coverage of Greenery for Government Building Projects;

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

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

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

·      Requirements for Handover of Vegetation to HyD (2012 version);

·      General Requirements of Roadside Landscaped Areas to be Handed Over to LCSD for Maintenance.

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

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

·      British and European Standard BS EN 12464-2:2014 “Lighting of Work Places Part 2: Outdoor Work Places”

·      British and European Standard BS EN 12193:2007 “Light and lighting. Sports lighting"

·      Guidelines on Industry Best Practices for External Lighting Installations

·      CIE 112-1994 “Glare Evaluation System for Use within Outdoor Sports and Area Lighting”

11.2.3             Reference has been made to the following Outline Zoning Plans from Town Planning Board:-

·      Approved Wang Tau Hom and Tung Tau Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K/8/21 (October 2011);

·      Approved Hung Hom Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K9/24 (October 2010)

·      Draft Ma Tau Kok Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K10/22 (April 2016)

·      Approved Tsz Wan Shan, Diamond Hill and San Po Kong Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K11/28 (March 2015)

·      Approved Ngau Chi Wan Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K12/16 (November 2004)

·      Draft Ngau Tau Kok and Kowloon Bay Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K13/28 (April 2014)

·      Approved Kwun Tong (South) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K14S/20 (August 2015)

·      Approved Kai Tak Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K22/4 (September 2012)

Landscape Policy Issues and Designations

11.2.4             Reference has been made to the following plans and studies:-

·      The latest RODP (Ref. WP019-04) dated December 2013 by AECOM;

·      Technical study on increasing the development density in Kai Tak Planning Review Report(Final) Rev.1 August 2014;

·      Kai Tak Development Environmental Impact Assessment Report (No. AEIAR-130/2009);

·      Kai Tak Multi-purpose Sports Complex - Project Profile (No. PP-509/2014).

Criteria

11.2.5             Landscape and visual impacts have been assessed separately for the Construction and Operation Phases. Landscape and visual impacts are assessed against four criteria, namely:-

·      All direct and indirect impacts on existing/planned/approved land use and on further outlook;

·      Impacts on Landscape Resources (the physical and cultural components of the landscape);

·      Impacts on Landscape Character (the aggregate impression created by a combination of resources); and

·      Impacts on Visually Sensitive Receivers (those people who will see the Project).

11.2.6             The landscape and visual impact analysis contains the following;

·      Baseline identification of existing/planned/approved land use condition

·      Identification of the impact on existing/planned/approved land use condition;

·      Baseline identification of sensitive receivers (resources, character areas and those in the zone of visual influence) and their sensitivity;

·      Identification of the source of landscape and visual impact including the extent and typed of impact;

·      Assessment of landscape and visual impacts and their magnitude of change during both Construction and Operation Phases;

·      Identification of landscape and visual mitigation and enhancement measures;

·      Identification of potential cumulative impacts;

·      Assessment of the significance of landscape and visual impacts before mitigation; and

·      Assessment of the significance of residual landscape and visual impacts during Construction and at Day 1 and Year 10 of Operation.

11.3                   Landscape Impact

11.3.1             The assessment of landscape impacts are analysed and evaluated separately for the Construction and Operation Phases. The assessment of landscape impacts involves the following procedures:-

·      Identification of the Baseline Landscape Resources (LRs) and Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) within the Study Area.

·      Assessment of the Sensitivity of the Landscape Resources and the Landscape Character Areas.

·      Identification of Potential Sources of Landscape Change.

·      Identification of the Magnitude of Landscape Change.

·      Identification of Potential Landscape Mitigation and Enhancement Measures.

·      Assessment of the Significance of Landscape Impacts Before and After the Implementation of Mitigation and Enhancement Measures. 

11.3.2             Identification of the Baseline Landscape Resources (LRs) and Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) within the Study Area. This is achieved by site visit and desktop study of topographical maps, information databases and aerial photographs.

11.3.3             Assessment of the Sensitivity of the Landscape Resources and the Landscape Character Areas. This is achieved by desktop study of Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong and other relevant information. This is influenced by a number of factors including:-

·      whether the LRs / LCAs are considered to be of local, regional, national or global importance;

·      statutory or regulatory limitations / requirements relating to the LRs / LCAs;

·      quality and maturity of the LRs / LCAs;

·      rarity of the LRs / LCAs; and

·      ability of the LRs / LCAs to accommodate change.

11.3.4             The sensitivity of each Landscape Resource and Character Area is classified as follows:

High:

Important landscape or landscape resource of particularly distinctive character or high importance, sensitive to relatively small changes

Medium:

Landscape or landscape resource of moderately valued landscape characteristics reasonably tolerant to change

Low:      

Landscape or landscape resource, the nature of which is largely tolerant to change

11.3.5             Identification of Potential Sources of Landscape Change. These are the various elements of the construction works and operational procedures that would generate landscape change.

11.3.6             Identification of the Magnitude of Landscape Change. The magnitude of the change depends on a number of factors including the physical extent of the change, the compatibility of the Project with the surrounding landscape, the duration of impact and the reversibility of change. Landscape changes have been quantified wherever possible. The magnitude of landscape change is classified as follows:

Large:

The landscape or landscape resource would suffer a major change

Intermediate:

The landscape or landscape resource would suffer a moderate change

Small:

The landscape or landscape resource would suffer slight or barely perceptible changes

Negligible:

The landscape or landscape resource would suffer no discernible change

11.3.7             Identification of Potential Landscape Mitigation and Enhancement Measures. These may take the form of:

·      minimization of works areas, temporary construction;

·      adopting alternative designs or revisions to the basic engineering and architectural design to prevent and/or minimise adverse impacts;

·      measures such as colour and textural treatments of building features; and

·      compensatory measures such as the implementation of landscape design to compensate for unavoidable adverse impacts and to attempt to generate potentially beneficial long term impacts.

A programme for the mitigation measures is provided and discussed from Sections 11.9.23 to 11.9.27. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, and maintenance of the mitigation measures are proposed in Tables 11-22 and 11-23.

11.3.8             Assessment of the Significance of Landscape Impacts Before and After the Implementation of Mitigation and Enhancement Measures. By synthesising the magnitude of the various changes and the sensitivity of the various Landscape Resources it is possible to categorise impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 11-1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely insubstantial, slight, moderate, and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of change and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of the LRs / LCAs.  The significance thresholds are defined as follows:

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 existing landscape quality.

Insubstantial:

No discernible change in the existing landscape quality.

Table 11-1       Relationship between Receptor Sensitivity and Impact Magnitude in Defining Impact Significance

Impact Significance

Receptor Sensitivity (Landscape Resource or VSR)

Low

Medium

High

Magnitude of Change relative to baseline conditions due to the Project

Large

Moderate

Moderate / Substantial

Substantial

Intermediate

Slight / Moderate

Moderate

Moderate / Substantial

Small

Slight

Slight / Moderate

Moderate

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

11.4                   Visual Impact

11.4.1             The visual impacts are analysed and evaluated separately for the Construction and Operation Phases. The assessment of visual impacts involved the following procedures:

·      Identification of the Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) during the Construction and Operation Phases of the Project;

·      Identification of the Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) within the ZVI at Construction and Operation Phases;

·      Assessment of the degree of sensitivity to change of the VSRs;

·      Identification of the relative numbers of VSRs;

·      Identification of potential sources of visual impacts;

·      Assessment of the potential magnitude of visual change;

·      Identification of potential visual mitigation and enhancement measures; and

·      Prediction of the significance of visual impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures.

11.4.2             Identification of the Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) during the Construction and Operation Phases of the Project. This is achieved by site visit and desktop study of topographic maps and photographs, and preparation of cross-sections to determine visibility of the works from various locations.

11.4.3             Identification of the Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) within the ZVI at Construction and Operation Phases.  These are the people who would reside, work or take leisure within, or travel through, the ZVI. Both existing VSRs and those within committed development are considered in this assessment. As the MPSC lies on the visual corridor of Kai Tak Development, sensitive receivers for visual impact are identified through review of visual viewpoints according to:

·      strategic viewpoints in Hong Kong;

·      district viewpoints specified in the OZP for Kai Tak Development; and

·      local sensitive receivers based on reciprocal views identified from the MPSC site.

The Strategic viewpoints within the visual envelope are considered based on Appendix 11C of the Study on Urban Design Guidelines for Hong Kong and other relevant studies.

Viewpoints at District level are identified based on the Urban Design Framework shown in Appendix 11B and/or any relevant planning brief and studies, including those of the Kai Tak Development.

Local sensitive receivers are identified from survey mapping, direct field observation and panoramic photographs taken from MPSC; existing sensitive receivers are selected from the panoramic photographs while planned sensitive receivers are incorporated based on the OZP.

11.4.4             Assessment of the Degree of Sensitivity to Change of the VSRs.  Factors considered include:

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

·      other factors which are considered (as required by EIAO GN 8/2010) include the value and quality of existing views and views from planned developments, the availability and amenity of alternative views, the duration or frequency of view, and the degree of visibility.

11.4.5             Classification of the Sensitivity of VSRs.  Classification is 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

11.4.6             Identification of the Relative Numbers of VSRs.  This is expressed in terms of whether there are very few, few, many or very many VSRs in any one category of VSR.

11.4.7             Identification of Potential Sources of Visual Impact. These are the various elements of the construction and operation that would generate visual impacts.

11.4.8             Assessment of the Potential Magnitude of Visual Change.  Factors considered include:

·      the compatibility with the surrounding landscape;

·      the duration of the impact;

·      the reversibility of the impact;

·      the scale of the impact and distance of the source of impact from the viewer; and

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

11.4.9             Classification of the Magnitude of Visual Change.  Classification is as follows:

Large:

The VSRs would suffer a major change in their viewing experience;

Intermediate:

The VSRs would suffer a moderate change 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.

11.4.10         Identification of Potential Visual Mitigation and Enhancement 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 finishing treatment of building features; and compensatory measures such as the implementation of landscape design measures (e.g. tree planting, creation of new open space etc.) to compensate for unavoidable adverse impacts and to attempt to generate potentially beneficial long term enhancements. A programme for the mitigation measures is provided whilst the agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified and their approval-in-principle sought.

11.4.11         Photomontages or computer simulation of viewpoints have been prepared to evaluate the visual impacts with respect to both magnitude and view quality according to Clause 3(iii) in Appendix D of the EIA Brief.  In the case when the planned developments have not yet been completed, or access to the sensitive receivers is not available, computer simulation has been prepared based on planned development. Photomontages at representative locations provide comparison between existing views; proposals on Day 1 after completion without mitigation; on Day 1 after mitigation, and in Year 10 after mitigation.

11.4.12         Prediction of the Significance of Visual Impacts Before and After Implementation of Mitigation and Enhancement Measures.  By synthesising the magnitude of the various visual changes and the sensitivity of the VSR, and the number of individuals in the VSR that are affected, it is possible to categorise the degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 11-1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely, insubstantial, slight, moderate and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible / small / intermediate / large magnitude of change and a low / medium / high degree of sensitivity of VSRs.  Consideration is also given to the relative numbers of individuals in the VSRs in predicting the final impact significance - exceptionally low or high numbers of individuals in a VSR may change the result that might otherwise be concluded from a consideration of the type of the VSRs alone.

11.4.13         The significance of the visual impacts is categorised as follows:-

Substantial:

Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality perceived by the general population;

Moderate:

Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality perceived by the general population;

Slight:

Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality perceived by the general population.

Insubstantial:

No discernible change in the existing landscape quality perceived by the general population.

11.5                   Glare Impact

11.5.1             Glare is defined in BS EN 12464-2:2014 Lighting of Work Places - Part 2: Outdoor Work Places as follows: The sensation produced by bright areas within the field of view of an observer, which can result in one of the following psycho-physical effects:-

·      Discomfort Glare – this results in discomfort but without impairing the vision of objects and details.

·      Disability Glare – this impairs the vision of objects without necessarily causing discomfort.

11.5.2             Glare caused by reflections in specular surfaces is usually known as veiling reflections or reflected glare. It is important to limit the glare to the users to avoid errors, fatigue and accidents.

11.5.3             Glare impact depends on various factors including type and intensity of the light source, angle of view, distance, the presence and intensity of other background light sources.  A qualitative approach will be used in this study to consider possible impacts to the VSRs.

11.5.4             The degree of glare is dependent on the total veiling luminance caused by the lighting installation (Lvl) and the equivalent veiling luminance of the environment in front of the observer (Lve).

The level of glare for outdoor lighting installation can be objectively assessed using the International Commission on Illumination’s (CIE’s) Glare Rating system (Glare Rating system) detailed in BS EN 12464-2:2014, which is defined as:-

Glare Rating (GR) = 27 + 24 log10 (Lvl/ Lve0.9)

Lvl = Total Veiling Luminance from all luminaries = 10 (Eeye /θ2)

Lve = Equivalent veiling luminance of the environment = 0.035 ρ Ehav / π

Where

·      Eeye is the luminance at the observer’s eye in a plane perpendicular to the line of sight, in lux, Eeye =(I cosΦ tanΦ)/d2

·      θis the angle between the observer’s line of sight and the direction of the light incident from the individual luminaries

·      Φis angle between vertical plane of observer’s line of sight and the direction of the light incident from the individual luminaries from the individual luminaries

·      I is light source intensity in the direction of observer, in cd

·      d is the straight line distance between the source and the observer

·      Ehav represents the average horizontal luminance of the area, in lux, Ehav =(I cosΦ)/d2

·      ρ represent the average reflectance of the area assuming diffuse reflection. Since these areas have a high percentage of built development, an average reflectance would be appropriate for the calculation of Glare Rating. For the purpose of this assessment a Reflectance ρ of 0.2 for is used for lawn, 0.8 for building surface and 0.8 for water surface.

11.5.5             To calculate the glare rating, the CIE’s standard observer is used for this assessment (see Appendix 11F). The Glare Rating system is related to the visual comfortable level. In general, the higher the GR the greater will be the visual discomfort. Table 11-2 below provide a subjective description of glare evaluation using the Glare Rating system:

 

Table 11-2      A Subjective Interpretation of the CIE’s Glare Rating System

Glare Rating GR

Descriptive Criteria

90

Unbearable

70

Disturbing

50

just admissible

30

Noticeable

10

Unnoticeable

Source: CIE’s Technical Report 112-1994

11.5.6             Assessment Criteria

BS EN 12193:2007 “Light and Lighting. Sports Lighting” provides recommendations for Glare Rating Limits (GRL) for various areas, tasks and activities, which are ranging from GR of 50 to 55. Typical GRL extracted from the Standard for various areas, tasks and activities similar to those in the MPSC are listed in Table 11-3 below for information.

Table 11-3       Limiting GRL Value for Lighting Installations

Type of Area, Task, or Activity

GRL

Outdoor track 400 m and field for Athletics (all activities)

50 to 55

Baseball

50 to 55

Cricket

50 to 55

Tennis

50 to 55

Cycle racing

50 to 55

American football

50 to 55

Fistball

50 to 55

Handball

50 to 55

Volleyball

50 to 55

Rugby

50 to 55

 

Based on the above guidelines, a GRL of 50 is adopted for this MPSC project.

11.6                   Acceptability of Impacts

11.6.1             An overall assessment is made of the acceptability or otherwise of the residual impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

11.6.2             It is assumed that the funding, implementation, management and maintenance agencies of the mitigation and enhancement measures can be satisfactorily resolved according to the principles in ETWB TCW No. 2/2004. All mitigation and enhancement measures in this report are practical and achievable within the known parameters of funding, implementation, management and maintenance agency. The suggested agencies for the funding and implementation (and subsequent maintenance, if applicable) are indicated in Tables 11-22 and 11-23. Approval-in-principle to the implementation and maintenance of the proposed mitigation measures is currently being sought from the appropriate authorities.

11.6.3             According to Annex 10 of EIAO-TM, the evaluation of landscape and visual impacts may be classified into five levels of significance based on type and extent of the effects concluded in the EIA study:

·                The impact is beneficial if the project will complement the landscape and visual character of its setting, will follow the relevant planning objectives and will improve overall and visual quality;

·                The impact is acceptable if the assessment indicates that there will be no significant effects on the landscape, no significant visual effects caused by the appearance of the project, or no interference with key views;

·                The impact is acceptable with mitigation measures if there will be some adverse effects, but these can be eliminated, reduced or offset to a large extent by specific measures;

·                The impact is unacceptable if the adverse effects are considered too excessive and are unable to mitigate practically;

·                The impact is undetermined if significant adverse effects are likely, but the extent to which they may occur or may be mitigated cannot be determined from the study. Further detailed study will be required for the specific effects in question.

11.7                   Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

Planning Review

11.7.1             This section provides an overview of Government’s development intentions of the Study Area, specifically from a landscape planning standpoint.  The existing and planned development framework surrounding the Project Area has been reviewed to identify any potential conflicts with intended planned land uses, as well as to ensure a high compatibility between the proposed works and the surroundings. Both statutory and non-statutory plans and studies relevant to the Project have been considered and mapped in order to identify the Project limitations in landscape planning terms.

Review of Recommended Outline Development Plan (Ref. WP019-04) and Approved Kai Tak Outline Zoning Plan NO.S/K22/4

11.7.2             Planning Department commissioned the Kai Tak Planning Review (KTPR) in July 2004. It was tasked to formulate a Preliminary Outline Development Plan (PODP) for the Kai Tak Development, with “no reclamation” as the starting point and to facilitate public participation in the process. The KTPR had proceeded with extensive public engagement activities under the objective of “Planning with the Community” to help build up public consensus on the development proposals. The approved Kai Tak OZP No. S/K22/4 was exhibited on 14 September 2012. The RODP in this report is prepared based on the approved Kai Tak OZP No. S/K22/4.

11.7.3             The Project Site, which is zoned “Other Specified Uses” and “Open Space” covers an area of 28.2 hectares at general ground level of +5mPD. It is currently predominantly vacant land, used for temporary works areas, car parks and storage, located in the North Apron Area in the Kai Tak Development. Under the Kai Tak Outline Zoning Plan S/K22/4, place of recreation, sports or other culture is specified in Column 1 of explanatory notes as always permitted uses.

Review of Technical Study on Increasing the Development Density in Kai Tak Planning Review Report (Final) Rev.1 August 2014

11.7.4             The planning intention of Kai Tak Development (KTD) is to develop a “distinguished, attractive, vibrant and people-oriented community by the Victoria Harbour”. Key components include a cruise terminal, a multiple-purpose stadium complex, government offices, institutional and community facilities, hospitals, open spaces, public rental housing and residential / commercial developments.

11.7.5             Following the new initiatives promulgated in the 2013 Policy Address, the possibility of increasing the office and housing supply in the KTD Area was to be reviewed and explored. The Consultant was therefore tasked to conduct a feasibility study to identify and address possible implications that would arise from an increase in the development density of KTD. In general, the proposed increase in the development density will not have a significant adverse impact on the urban, townscape and landscape design concepts and guidelines that have been applied to KTD.

Review of Planning Study on the Harbour and its Waterfront Areas

11.7.6             The Planning Study on the Harbour and its Waterfront Areas Report (2003) suggested that urban design and landscape should aim at enhancing visual relief provided by the Harbour, protecting the Harbour setting, providing easy pedestrian access to the waterfront and encouraging variety and visual excitement.

Review of Stage II Study on Review of Metroplan and the Related Kowloon Density Study Review (2003)

11.7.7              Review of Stage II Study on Review of Metroplan and The Related Kowloon Density Study Review (2003) aims at establishing a coherent planning policy statement based on the findings of previous studies, as well as reviewing and updating the land use-transport-environmental framework for the Metro Area up to the year 2016.  The Metroplan advocates construction of a cruise terminal, aviation museum, retail, leisure and entertainment uses, hotels and promenade, as part of the South East Kowloon Development (i.e. Kai Tak Development).  The South East Kowloon Development is planned to accommodate public and private housing with associated community facilities. Other major facilities within the overall development include a metropolitan park and an international sports stadium.  A comprehensive pedestrian circulation framework is proposed to integrate the South East Kowloon district with the existing open space and streetscape framework.  It is considered that the proposed Kai Tak Development and associated works follows and further reinforces the aims of Metroplan.

Review of Planned Developments Adjacent to the Project Site

11.7.8             Related projects are as follows. The position of their work close to the Project Site can be identified on Figure 11-3-1 and their potential impact is discussed in detail from Section 11.7.9 to Section 11.7.39.

·           Kai Tak Development (KTD) – Metro Park;

·           Kai Tak Development (KTD) – Station Square;

·           Kai Tak Development (KTD) – Dining Cove;

·           Kai Tak Development (KTD) – The planned residential and commercial use adjacent to MPSC;

·           Kai Tak Development (KTD) – Sung Wong Toi Park;

·           Roads D2 and D3 which are managed by CEDD and are under a separate EIA approval;

·           Central Kowloon Route (CKR) at the South; and

·           Shatin to Central Link (SCL) at the North.

Existing Planning Framework

11.7.9             The extent of the planning control framework within the overall Study Area (500m) is shown in Figure 11-3-1 and summarised in Table 11-4 below.

Table 11-4       Schedule of Administrative Planning Zones in 500m Study Area

Ref

Landscape Resources

 Study Area (m˛)

Existing Developments

R

Residential

169,047

G/IC

Government / Institution / Community

86,098

O

Open Space

37,703

OU

Other Specified Uses

29,228

CDA

Comprehensive Development Area

50,527

Planned Developments

R

Residential

165,146

G/IC

Government / Institution / Community

120,629

O

Open Space

463,900

OU

Other Specified Uses

72,647

CDA

Comprehensive Development Area

96,205

OU(S)

Other Specified Uses (Stadium)

209,279

C

Commercial

23,606

Residential (Existing)

11.7.10         Existing residential areas include: (i) Parts of Kowloon City; (ii) Chun Seen Mei Chuen; (iii) Sky Tower; (iv) Ma Tau Wai Estate; (v) Grand Waterfront; (vi) parts of residential development in Ma Tau Kok; and (vii) The Latitude.

11.7.11         These zones are intended primarily for high-density residential development. Commercial uses are always permitted on the lowest three floors of a building or in the purpose-designed, non-residential portion of an existing building.

Residential (Planned)

11.7.12         Planned Residential areas include: (i) the zones fronting Station Square and to the northeast of the Stadium area; and (ii) the zones located to the northwest of the Stadium area.

11.7.13         These zones are intended primarily for medium-density residential development based on a grid pedestrian street pattern. Retail frontage along the side of the site abutting the open space is provided to enhance vibrancy of the open space. Residential development in the Grid Neighbourhood area should comprise podium-free residential towers and low blocks to achieve diversity in building mass/form for a more interesting building height profile in the area.

Government / Institution / Community (Existing)

11.7.14         Existing G/IC areas include: (i) Robert Black Health Centre at Prince Edward Road East; (ii) various religious institutions and primary and secondary schools at Prince Edward Road East; (iii) Divisional Fire Station and Ambulance Depot at Shing Tak Street; (iv) The Hong Kong Society For The Blind Workshop And Hostel at Mok Cheong Street; (v) Hong Kong Aviation Club; (vi) Cattle Depot Artist Village; (vii) Kowloon City Ferry Pier Bus Terminus; and (viii) EMSD Headquarters.

11.7.15         These zones are intended primarily for the provision of governmental, institutional or community facilities serving the needs of the local residents and/or a wider district, region or the territory. It is also intended to provide land for uses directly related to, or in support of, the work of the Government, organizations providing social services to meet community needs, and other institutional establishments.

Government / Institution / Community (Planned)

11.7.16         Planned G/IC areas include:- (i) the “G/IC” site along Road D1; (ii) the “G/IC” site abutting Road D2 which is designated for the DSD Desilting Compound and Electricity Sub-station (ESS); (iii) the “G/IC” site to the south of Kwun Tong Bypass in the South Apron corner; (iv) the “G/IC” sites near Road D2 on each side of Kai Tak River, (v) the “G/IC” site near Ma Tau Kok waterfront.

11.7.17         These zones are intended primarily for the provision of governmental, institutional or community facilities serving the needs of the local residents and/or a wider district, region or the territory. It is also intended to provide land for uses directly related to or in support of, the work of the Government, organizations providing social services to meet community needs, and other institutional establishments.

Open Space (Existing)

11.7.18         Existing open space areas include:- (i) To Kwa Wan Recreation Ground; (ii) Sacred Hill; (iii) Sung Wong Toi Playground; (iv) Argyle Street Park Playground; (v) Olympic Garden; (vi) Shek Ku Lung Road Playground; and (vii) Tak Ku Ling Road Rest Garden.

11.7.19         These zones are intended primarily for the provision of outdoor open-air public space for active and/or passive recreational uses serving the needs of local residents as well as the general public.

Open Space (Planned)

11.7.20         Planned open space within the Kai Tak Development is intended primarily for the provision of outdoor open-air public space for active and/or passive recreational uses serving the needs of local residents as well as the general public. This includes regional, district and local open spaces.

11.7.21         Regional open space is the large-scale open space to serve the recreation needs of tourists, visitors and the local residents as well as the territory.

·           The proposed Sung Wong Toi Park located along the western of the MPSC area will accommodate Sung Wong Toi Inscription Rock and a landscape vista looking towards the waterfront promenade of the Dinning Cove.

·           The Station Square around the proposed SCL Kai Tak Station will form a contemporary park with cafes and restaurants serving as a gateway of Kai Tak.

·           The open spaces around the Stadium site will provide space for dispersal of spectators and serve additional leisure purpose for the public during non-event days. Part of the site formation level of the Stadium site will be raised to facilitate integration of the main and secondary stadiums as well as to maintain continuity of open space network. The open space in between the Stadium site and Road D3 also functions as a view corridor to Lion Rock.

·           The waterfront promenade generally with 20m to 35m in width is planned to form a continuous traffic free pedestrian green connector within the landscape design framework in Kai Tak Development.

11.7.22         District open space is to provide green corridors optimising the pedestrian environment and flow between residential areas, open space and surrounding areas

11.7.23         Local open space is also provided between the residential zones to add amenity to the neighbourhood and to enhance living environment.

11.7.24         The zone “O (landscaped deck)” between the “OU (Stadium)”zones will function as connection points for the Main Stadium and Public Sports Ground which will facilitate a smooth pedestrian flow from the deck level of the Stadium down to the Metro Park.

Other Specified Uses (Existing)

11.7.25         The existing Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre located near the junction of Kai Cheung Road and Kai Fuk Road is zoned “OU”. This zone is intended primarily for exhibition and ancillary commercial uses.

11.7.26         The Kowloon City Ferry Pier is zoned “OU”. This zone is primarily to provide land intended for a pier.

Other Specified Uses (Planned)

11.7.27         A site at the western end of the curvilinear landscaped elevated walkway is zoned “OU” annotated “Arts and Performance Related Uses”. This zone is intended primarily for arts and performance related uses with a platform above for public viewing as well as outdoor performance.

11.7.28         The “OU” annotated “Landscaped Elevated Walkway” zones will become part of the comprehensive pedestrian network, providing a north-south connection from San Po Kong to the Kai Tak City Centre and an east-west connection from Kowloon Bay and Kwun Tong to the South Apron.

11.7.29         The “OU” zones in the vicinity of the proposed SCL Kai Tak Station are intended primarily for mixed non-industrial land uses. Flexibility for the development/redevelopment/conversion of residential or other uses, or a combination of various types of compatible uses including commercial, residential, educational, cultural, recreational and entertainment uses, either vertically within a building or horizontally over a spatial area, is allowed to meet changing market needs. Physical segregation is to be provided between the non-residential and residential portions within a new/converted building to prevent non-residential uses from causing nuisance to the residents.

11.7.30         The proposed SCL Kai Tak Station located at the focus of Kai Tak City Centre is zoned “OU” annotated “Railway Station with Commercial Facilities”. This zone is primarily intended for the provision of railway station with commercial facilities.

11.7.31         A site at the east of the MPSC development is zoned “OU” annotated “Tunnel Ventilation Shaft”. This zone is intended primarily for tunnel ventilation shaft use.

11.7.32         The sites at the Ma Tau Kok waterfront and near MPSC development are zoned “OU” annotated “Waterfront Related Commercial, Cultural and Leisure Uses”. This zone is intended for the provision of commercial, cultural and leisure uses at the waterfront area so as to create dinning cove and more vibrant environment.

Comprehensive Development Area (Existing)

11.7.33         Existing CDA areas include:- the sites bounded by Sung Wong Toi Road; Kowloon City Road; Ma Tau Kok Road; and To Kwa Wan Road.

11.7.34         These zones are intended to facilitate the appropriate planning control over development mix, scale, design and layout, taking account of the various environmental, traffic, infrastructure and other constraints.

Comprehensive Development Area (Planned)

11.7.35         Along the waterfront promenade, the planning intention for the area designated “CDA” is for a comprehensive development/redevelopment of the area for residential and/or commercial uses with the provision of waterfront promenade, open space and other supporting facilities.

11.7.36         Along the Kai Tak River, the planning intention for areas designated “CDA” is for commercial use with a lower structure cascading down to the open spaces along the Kai Tak River.

11.7.37         Along the Lung Tsun Stone Bridge, the planning intention for areas designated “CDA” is to ensure their disposition and design would be in harmony with the Preservation Corridor for Lung Tsun Stone Bridge.

Other Specified Uses (Stadium)

11.7.38         The majority of the area within the Study Area is zoned as “OU (Stadium)”. This zone is intended primarily for the provision of a multi-purpose stadium complex including a main stadium, a public sports ground and an indoor sports ground and other leisure and recreation facilities. Adjacent open space “O” zone will form part of the stadium complex to support the sports facility including the associated public transport terminus.

Commercial (Planned)

11.7.39         Planned Commercial areas include the area located along Road D1 to Sung Wong Toi Park.

11.7.40         These zones are intended primarily for commercial developments, which may include uses such as office, shop, services, place of entertainment, eating place and hotel, functioning as territorial business/financial centre and regional or district commercial/shopping centre. These areas are usually major employment nodes.

Potential Conflicts with Planning Framework

11.7.41         It is considered that the proposed project would be fully in accordance with the planning goals and objectives for the Study Area.

11.8                   Baseline Condition

Landscape Resources

11.8.1             Physical Landscape Resources are the natural components of the landscape and include geology, topography, soils, vegetation and hydrological features. Human and cultural Landscape Resources cover a wide swath of human interaction with the land including settlement patterns, religion, medicine, economics, education and local customs. Each Landscape Resource possesses a varying sensitivity to development. Landscape Resources within the Study Area are described broadly below and are shown on Figure 11-4-1 with the sensitivity of each summarised in Table 11-6. In accordance with the Study Brief, resources have been assessed within a 500m distance limit from the Project Area.

Physical Landscape Resources

Geology

11.8.2             The Study Area is made up completely from fill material to +4.9mPD, laid for the original 1922 Kai Tak reclamation.

Soils

11.8.3             The Study Area is the former Kai Tak Airport which primarily consists of concrete surfacing. Pockets of imported topsoil related to minor planting works following closure of the airport cannot any longer be identified in the current redevelopment area.

Topographic Features

11.8.4             The reclamation was until recently completely flat and hard surfaced. Currently the site is undergoing site formation for a number of development projects and contains temporary earth mounds and excavations.

Hydrological Features

11.8.5             Adjacent to the MPSC, within Kowloon Bay at the eastern portion of Victoria Harbour are the To Kwa Wan and Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelters. Victoria Harbour is a unique public asset and natural heritage of Hong Kong. Its preservation is for the benefit of the current generation as well as those of future. 

11.8.6             The Kai Tak Nullah runs through the Study Area and discharges ultimately to Kowloon Bay. The Kai Tak Nullah currently has little inherent landscape value, though beautification works will be carried out in the near future.

11.8.7             No natural water systems exist in the development area. Temporary construction channels and water holding ponds can be found as part of the site formation works.

Vegetation

11.8.8             The Project area and surrounding land is in transitional mode, having been cleared for many years, undisturbed areas are now reverting to a natural state and are characterized by tall grass species, and cover by the invasive weed tree Leucaena leucocephala. A Broad Brush Tree Survey within the 500m study boundary has been carried out and results shown in Appendix 11E. The Tree Survey Report is presented in Appendix 11D. There are more than 2,000 no. trees within the Study Area, of which 159 no. are within the Project Site and identified as being affected by the proposed works and in conflict with programmed activities. These are required to be removed. Of these, 101 no. were identified as Leucaena leucocephala.

11.8.9             There are no Registered Old and Valuable Trees in the Project Area.

Human & Cultural Landscape Resources

Residual Areas of Kai Tak Airport

11.8.10         The MPSC development and much of its surroundings are within the former Kai Tak Airport. After closure of the airport, the ground has been occupied by various temporary uses such as public fill banks, bus depots, car sales exhibitions, and recreational grounds. Most of the buildings and structures within the former airport site have been cleared, however the remaining features include:-

·           Yet to be removed traces of the hard-standing from the airport runway and apron. These are being used as temporary vehicle parking areas.

·           The Hong Kong Aviation Club Buildings were first built in 1958 and then subsequently expanded in 1974. They consist of a hangar, workshops and club building. The buildings were formerly part of the Far East Flying Training School and were sold to the Aviation Club in 1983. The Far East Flying Training School was established in 1943 and moved to the Sung Wong Toi Road in 1958. The Aviation Club Buildings will be preserved under the KTD proposed development.

·           The historic extent of the airport reclamation area is defined by the seawall formed within Kowloon Bay

·           Ongoing construction activities across the whole airport area mean that much of the Study Area is in a constant state of flux, and in some areas identification of any Landscape Resources in this situation is not possible.

Community Spaces

11.8.11         Public spaces in the Study Area vary from small rest gardens and sitting out areas such as Olympic Garden and at Nga Tsin Wai Road, to playgrounds including Sung Wong Toi Playground and Argyle Street Playground. These have a mix of manmade development combined with maintained planting areas and tree stands.

Urban Development

11.8.12         The surrounding hinterland of the Study Area consists of the dense urban grain of To Kwa Wan, Kowloon City and Kowloon Bay. Human influences include residential and commercial, development with educational, institutional and recreational facilities.  These areas include a full mixture of human infrastructure including municipal roads, walls, buildings and planting associated with residential courtyard areas.

Unique Cultural Resources

11.8.13         Within the general area of urban development specifically unique elements of cultural heritage with higher sensitivity can be identified, these generally have some protective status or historical attributes and within the Study Area include features such as the Emperor’s Rock located in Sung Wong Toi Garden, Sacred Hill, the Lung Tsun Stone Bridge and the Cattle Depot Artist Village

Schedule of Landscape Resources

11.8.14         The factors affecting the sensitivity for evaluation of landscape impact are detailed in Section 11.3.1 above. The Landscape Resources (LR) identified within the Project Study Area have been grouped into differing groups as shown in Figure 11-4-1 and Table 11-5 below.

Table 11-5      Schedule of Landscape Resources

Ref.

Landscape Resources

Extent (m˛)

LR1-Vegetation

LR1-1

Vegetation on MPSC Development Area

89,167

LR1-2

Trees in Amenity Areas of San Po Kong Interchange

10,995

LR1-3

Roadside Planting at Kai Tak Tunnel Ramp

4,051

LR1-4

Existing Trees at Airport Perimeter Fence

17,508

LR1-5

Street Trees on Sung Wong Toi Road

1,225

LR1-6

Temporary Tree Nursery

5,963

LR1-7

Trees on Runway South Apron

38,335

LR1-8

Amenity Areas at Kowloon Bay Interchange

27,680

LR1-9

Landscape at Grand Waterfront

3,990

LR2-Human/Cultural

LR2-1

Hardstanding at Kai Tak Airport

106,169

LR2-2

Shek Ku Lung Road Playground

4,960

LR2-3

Tak Ku Ling Road Rest Garden

44,287

LR2-4

Olympic Garden

4,105

LR2-5

Argyle Street Playground

5,687

LR2-6

Sung Wong Toi Playground

4,942

LR2-7

Sung Wong Toi Garden

2,805

LR2-8

Hong Kong Aviation Club

12,070

LR2-9

Lung Tsun Stone Bridge Reserve

17,862

LR2-10

Landscape at Kowloon Bay Pumping Station #1

3,156

LR2-11

Landscape at Kowloon Bay Pumping Station #2

6,665

LR2-12

Seawall of Kowloon Bay Typhoon Shelter

20,611

LR2-13

Kowloon City Ferry Pier and Bus Terminus

10,860

LR2-14

Cattle Depot Artist Village

17,474

LR2-15

To Kwa Wan Recreation Ground

11,207

LR3-Hydrology

LR3-1

Kai Tak Nullah

26,244

LR3-2

Waterbody of Kowloon Bay

342,767

LR4-Urbanised Area

LR4-1

Urban Development Hinterland

391,022

LR5-Construction Area

LR5-1

Kai Tak Development Area

1085,408

11.8.15         Photographs of the (LRs) are shown in Figure 11-4-2, Figure 11-4-3 and Figure 11-4-4. They are described in more detail in the sections below.

Vegetation

LR1-1 – Vegetation on MPSC Development Area

11.8.16         The vegetation generally consists of small areas of as yet unaltered land remaining from the airport field areas. Predominantly contained within the Project Area they are unutilised, unmaintained pockets of land surrounded by temporary construction projects and resemble waste land, predominantly covered by tall grass species and the invasive weed tree Leucaena leucocephala. Small sized pioneer tree species of Macaranga tanarius, Ficus hispida, Celtis sinensis and Casuarina sp. are also to be found. Approximately 160 trees were identified within the MPSC development area with heights ranging from 3-14m, spread 3-10m, and trunk diameter 100-300mm. Tree Group numbers are TG46, TG47, TG48, TG49, TG50, TG51, TG52 and TG71 with reference to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. No important or valuable trees are found in these areas. Sensitivity is considered as Low.

LR1-2 – Trees in Amenity Areas of San Po Kong Interchange

11.8.17         Located in the centre of the highway interchange, this disconnected green space holds 11 trees in grass borders, with heights around 4-14 m, spread 2-15 m, and trunk diameter 100-350 mm. Species include Ailanthus fordii, Bischofia javanica and Ficus microcarpa. Tree Group numbers are TG32 and TG34 with reference to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. Sensitivity is considered as Medium.

LR1-3 – Roadside Planting at Kai Tak Tunnel Ramp

11.8.18         The roadside margin planting is located over and around the exit ramp and ventilation building to the Kai Tak Tunnel. Generally consisting of about 75 specimens of small trees including Phoenix roebelenii and Strelitzia nobilis, there is one impressive and mature stand of Ficus microcarpa. Tree Group number is TG05 with reference to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. Sensitivity considered as Medium.

LR1-4 – Existing Trees at Airport Perimeter Fence

11.8.19         The vegetation is of thin strips of greening along the south perimeter fence of the old airport. No longer being cut and maintained, the strips form a green visual buffer of pioneer tree species. No important or valuable trees are found in these areas. There are approximately 135 trees, both mature and immature, with heights around 4-16m, spread 2-12m, and trunk diameter 100-500mm. Species consist of Casuarina equisetifolia, Delonix regia, Ficus microcarpa, Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa, Morus alba, Acacia confusa, Phoenix roebelenii and Cinnamomum camphora. Tree Group numbers are TG06, TG58, TG04, TG03 and TG44 with reference to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. Sensitivity considered as Medium.

LR1-5 –Street Trees on Sung Wong Toi Road

11.8.20         Consisting of 6 well developed, pavement camphor trees (Cinnamomon camphora) of about 8m tall, these are the only street trees in the area. Tree Group number is TG02 with reference to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. Sensitivity considered as Medium.

LR1-6 –Temporary Tree Nursery

11.8.21         The temporary tree nursery located on the south apron of Kai Tak Airport is holding trees transplanted out of the MTR construction projects at Kai Tak and will be removed at a future date. Tree Group numbers are TG45 and TG72 with reference to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. Sensitivity considered as Low.

LR1-7 – Trees on Runway South Apron

11.8.22         There are some trees in the Runway Precinct within the study boundary, both invasive and planted in association with the various temporary uses, that have existed since the closure of the former airport. There are approximately 255 trees with heights ranging from 4-14m, spread 3-8m, and trunk diameter 100-250mm. Species include Casuarina, Ficus and Macaranga. Tree Group numbers are TG53, TG55, TG56 and TG57 with reference to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. The sensitivity of this resource is assessed as Medium.

LR1-8 – Amenity Areas at Kowloon Bay Interchange

11.8.23         There are more than 250 existing trees in the amenity areas near the interchange in Kowloon Bay, with heights around 3-12m, spread 1-10m, and trunk diameter 100-300mm. Predominant species are Aleurites moluccana, Bauhinia blakeana, and Casuarina equisetifolia. Tree Group numbers are TG20, TG21, TG22, TG23, TG24, TG25, TG26, TG27, TG28 and TG29 with reference to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. Sensitivity is considered as Medium.

LR1-9 – Landscape at Grand Waterfront

11.8.24         There are approximately 80 trees of varying maturity in the amenity areas near Grand Waterfront development, particularly on San Ma Tau Street, with heights around 3-15m, spread 3-10m, and trunk diameter 100-400mm. The species are mostly Bombax ceiba and Melaleuca quinquinervia. Tree Group number is TG09 with reference to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. Sensitivity is considered as Medium.

Human / Cultural

LR2-1 – Hardstanding at Kai Tak Airport

11.8.25         Consisting of residual taxiways and aircraft parking areas that have been used for various temporary uses since airport closure and are currently in use as temporary vehicle parking areas. These are wide, flat, concrete areas, and the sensitivity is considered as Low.

LR2-2 – Shek Ku Lung Road Playground

11.8.26         The southern part of this open space (O) is within the Study Area. Predominantly hard surfaced and primarily for active recreation provision there are however peripherally approximately 110 trees of heights around 4-15m, spread 4-20m, and trunk diameter 100-350mm.  Species include Acacia confusa, Bauhinia variegata, Bombax ceiba, Ficus microcarpa, Morus alba and Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa. Tree Group number is TG31 with reference to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. Sensitivity is considered as Medium

LR2-3 – Tak Ku Ling Road Rest Garden

11.8.27         The Rest Garden is a local open space (O) with lush trees and shrub planting. It consists of children’s play equipment and seating areas under tree shade primarily for passive recreation. There are approximately 30 young to mature trees with heights varying between 3-12m, spread 2-23m, and trunk diameter 100-600mm. Species include Aleurites moluccana and Ficus microcarpa. Tree Group number is TG16 with reference to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. Sensitivity is considered as Medium

LR2-4 – Olympic Garden

11.8.28         The local open space (O) is located at the west end of Prince Edward Road East. Until recently the area contained seating areas and planting beds with 7 large trees and was a popular resting and gathering place for local residents. The site is currently occupied for infrastructure works for KTD however the trees are retained within the site and reinstatement works are intended. Tree Group number is TG43 with reference to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. Sensitivity is considered as Medium.

LR2-5 – Argyle Street Playground

11.8.29         An open space with predominantly hard surfacing is primarily for active recreation provision. Football pitches are the main elements in the open space. Seating areas are also provided at the northern side of the playground. There are approximately 13 trees with heights around 3-12m, spread 3-12m, and trunk diameter 100-450mm. An excellent, large specimen Ficus microcarpa can be found. Tree Group numbers are TG41 and TG42 with reference to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. Sensitivity considered as Medium.

LR2-6 – Sung Wong Toi Playground

11.8.30         A public open space (O) comprised of basketball courts, meandering footpaths, seating areas and ornamental tree and shrub planting. There are roughly 90 trees with heights around 3-20m, spread 2-25m, and trunk diameter 100-1000mm. Species include Bauhinia blakeana, Bombax ceiba, Casuarina equisetifolia, Delonix regia and Ficus virens. The northern area of the resource has been impacted by underground excavation works relating to Kai Tak Development infrastructure. Tree Group numbers are TG36, TG37 and part of TG38 referring to the Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. Due to the size and maturity of the trees as well as its importance in connecting urban green space, sensitivity is considered as Medium.

LR2-7 – Sung Wong Toi Garden

11.8.31         A formal open space (O) known as Sacred Hill, containing the remaining portion of an important historic relic, The Emperor’s Rock, and associated with the last child Emperors of the Song Dynasty. The whole Rock was originally situated at the top of nearby Sacred Hill, however it was levelled and the boulder broken up in blasting operations to extend Kai Tak Airport in about 1942. The rock portion bearing three carved characters was located to the new Sung Wong Toi Garden. The space comprises formal clipped hedgerows and screen tree planting along the periphery of an open space. There are approximately 60 no. mature trees with heights around 4-20m, spread 4-25m, and trunk diameter 100-1000mm. Species include Aleurites moluccana, Casuarina equisetifolia, Ficus microcarpa, Livistona chinensis and Melia azedarach. A potentially registerable Albizia lebbek tree of large size forms the centerpiece. Trees form part of Group number TG38 referring to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. Due to the significant historical importance of the Rock, sensitivity is considered as High.

LR2-8 – Hong Kong Aviation Club

11.8.32         The landscape surrounding the Aviation Club consists predominantly of a planting buffer on Olympic Road of approximately 23 reasonably mature stands of Casuarina and Bauhinia species. Tree Group number is TG07 referring to the Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. An open grass area on the east side facilitates helicopter take-off and landing. Sensitivity considered as Medium.

LR2-9 – Lung Tsun Stone Bridge Reserve

11.8.33         The Lung Tsun Stone Bridge is a former pier, buried during the construction of Kai Tak Airport, which connected the Kowloon Walled City to the Harbour. Completed in 1875, the Bridge was about 210 metres long and built of granite. At the time, it was the longest and toughest stone pier in Hong Kong. The remains of the Bridge are classified as archaeological features of high significance. Under the KTD, a 30m-wide corridor (Preservation Corridor) together with a small plaza at its southern end will be provided to allow in-situ preservation of the remnants of the Bridge, the Pavilion for Greeting Officials, the former Kowloon City Pier and the excavated sections of the seawalls. The remnants of Lung Tsun Stone Bridge will not be affected by the infrastructure work of MPSC. There are approximately 40 trees in these areas with heights around 4-6m, spread 4m, and trunk diameter 100-200mm. Species include Acacia confusa and Leucaena leucocephala. Tree Group number is TG63 with reference to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. As an archaeological protection area, sensitivity is considered as High.

LR2-10 – Landscape at Kowloon Bay Pumping Station #1

11.8.34         The newly constructed building is part of the KTD. It features a series of green roofs and decorative landscape markings. Sensitivity is considered as Low.

LR2-11 – Landscape at Kowloon Bay Pumping Station #2

11.8.35         The newly constructed building is part of the KTD. It features a series of green roofs and decorative landscape markings. Sensitivity is considered as Low.

LR2-12 – Seawall of Kowloon Bay Typhoon Shelter

11.8.36         This is an important heritage link with the construction of the airport. With an inclined stone face and of no particular engineering or material value, the alignment of the airport runway has however been identified as an important part of the collective memory. The sensitivity considered as Medium.

LR2-13 – Kowloon City Ferry Pier and Bus Terminus

11.8.37         The pier started operation in 1956 and was the first permanent pier in Hong Kong built after World War II. It had ferry services to Wan Chai, North Point and Tai Koo Shing (later Sai Wan Ho) and a vehicular ferry service to North Point (ceased operation in 1998). Currently there is only one ferry service, to North Point, The bus terminus is an open, hard surfaced parking area serving the district and whilst the Ferry Pier has strong historical value the area of the bus terminus does not so. Sensitivity is considered as Medium.

LR2-14 – Cattle Depot Artist Village

11.8.38         The site was originally used as a slaughterhouse from 1908 to 1999. The period buildings were renovated and developed into a village for artists in 2001. It is the only remaining cattle depot in Hong Kong built before World War I. Listed as a Grade III historical site in 1994; it was upgraded to Grade II in 2009. Revitalization of the Cattle Depot is expected to have a synergetic effect on the surrounding areas including Kai Tak new development area and the old quarters in To Kwa Wan like the 13 Streets. There are approximately 140 trees in these amenity areas with heights from 3-14m, spread 2-23m, and trunk diameter 100-600mm. Species include Aleurites moluccana, Bauhinia blakeana, Ficus microcarpa and Ficus virens. Tree Group numbers are TG13 and TG14 with reference to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. Sensitivity is considered to be High.

LR2-15 – To Kwa Wan Recreation Ground

11.8.39         Primarily for active recreation, the facility has a jogging track, 2 basketball courts, 2 hard-surface 7-a-side soccer pitches and a children's playground. Toilets and changing rooms are provided within a surrounding buffer of trees. Tree Group numbers are TG10, TG11 and TG12 with reference to Appendix 11D and Appendix 11E. Sensitivity is considered as Medium. 

Hydrology

LR3-1 – Kai Tak Nullah

11.8.40         An open drainage channel runs through the centre of the site and is being redeveloped as part of the Kai Tak River Project. Currently under construction as part of Kai Tak Development, the sensitivity is considered as Low. 

LR3-2 – Waterbody of Kowloon Bay

11.8.41         Located along the former Kai Tak South Apron, it forms the eastern portion of Victoria Harbour, between Hung Hom and Lei Yue Mun. The western part of the bay is now protected from the sea by a breakwater, and forms the To Kwa Wan Typhoon Shelter, whilst the eastern part forms the Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelter. Within the Study Area there is not currently provision of any water access points and water traffic in the study boundary is minimal. Protected under the Protection of the Harbour Ordinance, sensitivity is considered as High.

Urbanised Area

LR4-1 – Urban Development Hinterland

11.8.42         The typical collection of buildings and human development infrastructure make up a large percentage of the typical urban fabric. These urban areas are continually undergoing redevelopment and small scale change. The resource includes:-

·          residential and commercial buildings;

·          schools, clinics and community facilities;

·          walls, slopes, roads, bridges and sewers;

·          isolated gardens, building greening and roof gardens; and

·          signs, masts, substations, car parks and brown field areas.

Sensitivity is considered as Low.

Construction Area

LR5-1 – Kai Tak Development Area

11.8.43         A large area of the study is currently under transition as part of the Kai Tak Development. Works are constantly evolving and assessing a baseline for specific resources is not possible due to the continual state of flux. The areas thus identified include the following activities:-

·           excavated pits and trenches for underground infrastructure development;

·           partly constructed infrastructure;

·           temporary material stockpiles;

·           temporary buildings and structures;

·           erosion control measures; and

·           temporary hardstanding and access roads.

Sensitivity is considered Low.

Summary Schedule of Landscape Resources

11.8.44         The identified Landscape Resources (LRs) sensitivity assessed in accordance with the criteria in Section 11.3.1 above. In accordance with the Study Brief, LRs have been assessed within a 500m distance limit from the Project Area. The Landscape Resources identified within the Study Area are described above and their sensitivity to change summarised in Table 11-6 below:

Table 11-6    Landscape Resources and Their Sensitivity

Ref. No.

Landscape Resources

Quality and Maturity

(High/

Medium/

Low)

Rarity

(High/

Medium/

Low)

Importance

(Local/

District/

Regional)

Statutory

Limitations /

Requirements

Ability to Accommodate Change

(High/

Medium/

Low)

Sensitivity

(High/

Medium/

Low)

LR1-1

Vegetation on MPSC Development Area

Low

Low

District

(OU) / (O)

High

Low

LR1-2

Trees in Amenity Areas of San Po Kong Interchange

Medium

Low

Local

Highway

Medium

Medium

LR1-3

Roadside Planting at Kai Tak Tunnel Ramp

Medium

Low

District

Highway

Medium

Medium

LR1-4

Existing Trees at Airport Perimeter Fence

Medium

Low

District

Open Space (O)

Medium

Medium

LR1-5

Street Trees on Sung Wong Toi Road

Medium

Low

Local

Highway

Low

Medium

LR1-6

Temporary Tree Nursery

Low

Low

Local

Open Space (O)

High

Low

LR1-7

Trees on Runway South Apron

Medium

Low

District

Open Space (O)

Medium

Medium

LR1-8

Amenity Areas at Kowloon Bay Interchange

Medium

Low

Local

Highway / (OU)

Medium

Medium

LR1-9

Landscape at Grand Waterfront

Medium

Low

Local

Residential (A)

Medium

Medium

LR2-1

Hardstanding at Kai Tak Airport

Low

High

District

(OU)

High

Low

LR2-2

Shek Ku Lung Road Playground

Medium

Medium

Local

Open Space (O)

Medium

Medium

LR2-3

Tak Ku Ling Road Rest Garden

Medium

Medium

Local

Open Space (O)

Medium

Medium

LR2-4

Olympic Garden

Medium

Medium

Local

Open Space (O)

Medium

Medium

LR2-5

Argyle Street Playground

Medium

Medium

Local

Open Space (O)

Medium

Medium

LR2-6

Sung Wong Toi Playground

Medium

Medium

Local

Open Space (O)

Medium

Medium

LR2-7

Sung Wong Toi Garden

High

High

Regional

Open Space (O)

Low

High

LR2-8

Hong Kong Aviation Club

Medium

Low

Local

G/IC

Medium

Medium

LR2-9

Lung Tsun Stone Bridge Reserve

High

High

Regional

Open Space (O)

Low

High

LR2-10

Landscape at Kowloon Bay Pumping Station #1

Medium

Low

Local

G/IC

High

Low

LR2-11

Landscape at Kowloon Bay Pumping Station #2

Medium

Low

Local

G/IC

High

Low

LR2-12

Seawall of Kowloon Bay Typhoon Shelter

Medium

High

District

Open Space (O)

Medium

Medium

LR2-13

Kowloon City Ferry Pier and Bus Terminus

Medium

Medium

District

G/IC / (O) / OU

Medium

Medium

LR2-14

Cattle Depot Artist Village

High

High

District

G/IC / (O)

Low

High

LR2-15

To Kwa Wan Recreation Ground

Medium

Low

Local

Open Space (O)

Medium

Medium

LR3-1

Kai Tak Nullah

Low

Low

District

(OU) / (O)

High

Low

LR3-2

Waterbody of Kowloon Bay

High

High

Regional

HPO

Low

High

LR4-1

Urban Development Hinterland

Low

Low

Local

highly varied

High

Low

LR5-1

Kai Tak Development Area

Low

Low

Regional

highly varied

High

Low

Landscape Character

11.8.45         The area of Kowloon relevant to this study is quite varied in its character type within a short distance, exhibiting 3 different character categories and 5 different character types in the Study Area.  Predominantly the Study Area can be considered to consist of flat, previously reclaimed land defined as Urban Fringe Landscape. At the margins of the Study Area are Kowloon City and To Kwa Wan Urban Landscapes and the Coastal Waters landscape of the Kowloon Bay Typhoon Shelter.

11.8.46         Each of these Landscape Character Types is described in more detail in the sections below.

Reclamation/Ongoing Major Development Landscape (Urban Fringe Landscape)

11.8.47         These are transitional landscapes which are currently awaiting or are undergoing large scale construction or re-development. Some consist of land undergoing development whilst others are vacated sites which are awaiting re-development. They are typically characterised by a flat, low-lying topography, lack of significant vegetation or significant built structures and may include major earthworks, partially completed structures, as well as features such as cranes and earth moving machinery. In Hong Kong, landscapes on this scale are generally reclaimed from the sea and so are often characterised by their proximity to the coast. As a result of their indeterminate status or the disturbance caused by ongoing construction work, such landscapes usually have an incoherent, desolate and transient character. This type of landscape can be found covering the site area at the former Kai Tak Airport.

Institutional Landscape (Urban Fringe Landscape)

11.8.48         These are landscapes found typically in the urban fringes, mainly on low-lying or flat sites (but in some cases, on hillsides). They are characterised predominantly by their institutional land uses and features and include hospitals, colleges and universities, barracks, youth camps and prisons. Though covering a variety of different types of institution, the combination of features and components and their distribution in these landscapes tends to be very similar. They generally comprise extensive complexes of buildings (usually low or medium rise) separated by open areas used for circulation or parking, with a high coverage of semi-formal landscape and vegetation. The whole landscape will typically be surrounded by a perimeter fence. This results in landscapes which are extensive, reasonably open and semi-formal. This type of landscape can be found north and south of Argyle Road.

City Grid Mixed Urban Landscape (Urban Landscape)

11.8.49         Found mainly on the older reclamations of Hong Kong and Kowloon, these landscapes are some of Hong Kong’s most common and most extensive urban landscapes. Developed on a largely orthogonal or regular city grid, they consist of what are mainly retail land uses at street level with high/medium-rise commercial or residential development above. Streets are often fairly wide and busy with traffic and the large numbers of people using these areas means that street life is vibrant. Building stock is of mixed age and character, and vegetation is generally limited to street tree planting and shrub planting in occasional public open spaces. The result is a landscape which is vibrant, colourful and diversity in terms of its street life and land use, but which possesses only limited variety in terms of its urban spaces. Examples of this type of landscape can be found at Ma Tau Kok and Kowloon City.

Residential Urban Landscape (Urban Landscape)

11.8.50         These are urban landscapes which are wholly or largely given over to residential land use. Developed comprehensively on flat or terraced land, mainly on the edges of urban areas, they are characterized by their medium or high-rise residential estates, set amongst open space, together with associated highways, footbridges, school or community facilities and retail facilities. Vegetation includes roadside trees and shrub planting and planting in open spaces and around residential estates. The result is a fairly homogenous, ordered landscape comprising largely built elements softened to a certain extent by the effects of surrounding planting and greenery. This type of landscape can be found at the public housing area of Tung Tau Estate.

Typhoon Shelter Landscape (Coastal Waters Landscape)

11.8.51         Found generally on the coastal edges of urban areas, these are inshore aquatic landscapes formed by the armour stone breakwaters constructed to protect large numbers of moored vessels. These vessels include freighters, fishing vessels, pleasure craft and sampans. Though they consist primarily of water, other features in these landscapes include jetties, pontoons and navigational features resulting in a landscape that is a transitional one between land and sea. In many cases, the result is a vibrant and active landscape characterized by a variety of form and colour and often by a significant sense of enclosure. This type of landscape can be found at To Kwa Wan and Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelters.

Schedule of Landscape Character Areas

11.8.52         Factors affecting the sensitivity for evaluation of landscape impact are detailed in Section 11.3.1 above.  Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) identified within the Project Study Area have been grouped into 5 different zones as shown in Figure 11-4-5 and Table 11-7 below.

 

Table 11-7         Schedule of Landscape Character Areas

Ref

Landscape Character Area

Landscape Character Type

Extent (m2)

LCA01

Former Kai Tak Airport

Reclamation/Ongoing Major Development Landscape

1,571,035

LCA02

Institutional Areas North & South of Argyle Road

Institutional Landscape

11,090

LCA03

Ma Tau Kok & Kowloon City

City Grid Mixed Urban Landscape

404,864

LCA04

Tung Tau Estate

Residential Urban Landscape

59,073

LCA05

To Kwa Wan Typhoon Shelter

Typhoon Shelter Landscape

289,738

11.8.53         Photographs of the LCAs are shown in Figure 11-4-6 and the identified Landscape Character Areas (LCA) in each group is discussed in more detail below.

LCA01 – Former Kai Tak Airport

11.8.54         The Landscape Character Type of Former Kai Tak Airport is Reclamation/Ongoing Major Development Landscape. The Former Kai Tak Airport Site is currently under major redevelopment and is characterised by expansive areas of excavation, wasteland and temporary structures. Landscape quality and maturity is Low however the cultural and historical significance of the area is regionally important. The Landscape Value Map of Hong Kong categorises this landscape as ‘Low’ in value. Sensitivity is considered as Low.

LCA02 – Institutional Areas North & South of Argyle Road

11.8.55         The Landscape Character Type is Institutional Landscape. The Institutional Areas North and South of Argyle Road are at the very extremes of the Study Area. Dominated by the Kowloon Hospital the area of Tin Kwong Road Recreation ground provides welcome greening and open space in the urban area, generating a high quality of mature development in green surroundings. The area is able to accommodate minor incremental changes easily but less so large scale development. generating a high quality of mature development in green surroundings. The area is able to accommodate minor incremental changes easily but less so large scale development. The Landscape Value Map of Hong Kong categorises this landscape as ‘High Qualified’ in value. Sensitivity is considered as Medium.

LCA03 – Ma Tau Kok & Kowloon City

11.8.56     The Landscape Character Type is City Grid Mixed Urban Landscape. Ma Tau Kok and Kowloon City surround the Study Area to the north and east. Dense residential areas of older development, generally lacking in green space and Landscape Resources, they are currently in transition with a number of modern redevelopments being undertaken. The historical value of the areas is important in the development history of Kowloon, containing some of the earliest settlements and a range of development type and scale, having been in continued flux. Change is anticipated in this area and can be relatively well accommodated. The Landscape Value Map of Hong Kong categorises this landscape as ‘Moderate’ in value. Sensitivity is considered as Medium.

LCA04 – Tung Tau Estate

11.8.57     The Landscape Character Type is Residential Urban Landscape. The public housing area at Tung Tau Estate touches on the very north of the Study Area. With standardised blocks in a landscaped environment which has been redeveloped since the introduction of public housing into the area in the 1950’s. There has been continual change in the area and large scale development can be relatively well incorporated. The Landscape Value Map of Hong Kong categorises this landscape as ‘Moderate’ in value. Sensitivity is considered as Medium.

LCA05 – To Kwa Wan Typhoon Shelter

11.8.58         The Landscape Character Type is Typhoon Shelter Landscape. The northern point of the To Kwa Wan Typhoon Shelter is found encroaching to the south of the Project Study Area as close as 30m distant from the site boundary. Predominantly frequented by barges and construction traffic to temporary barging points at Kai Tak, the area is currently provided with the visual backdrop of the despoiled land and redevelopment of the old Kai Tak Airport. As part of the Victoria Harbour area it is protected under the Harbour Ordinance and is of regional importance with a unique quality and character. The Landscape Value Map of Hong Kong categorises this landscape as ‘High Qualified’ in value. Sensitivity is considered as High.

Summary Schedule of Landscape Character Areas

11.8.59         The identified Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) in each group are discussed in more detail below and their sensitivity assessed in accordance with the criteria in Section 11.3.1 above. In accordance with the Study Brief, LCAs have been assessed within a 500m distance limit from the Project Area. The Landscape Character Areas identified within the Study Area as described above and their sensitivity to change are summarised in Table 11-8 below:-

 

Table 11-8       Summary of Assessment of Sensitivity of Landscape Character Areas

Landscape Character Areas

Landscape Character Type

 

Quality & Maturity

(High/

Medium/

Low)

Rarity

(High/

Medium/

Low)

Importance

(Local/

District/

Regional)

Statutory Limitations

&

Requirements

Ability to Accommodate Change

(High/

Medium/

Low)

Sensitivity

(High/

Medium/

Low)

 

LCA01

Former Kai Tak Airport

Reclamation/Ongoing Major Development Landscape

Low

Low

Regional

Open Space

High

Low

LCA02

Institutional Areas North & South of Argyle Road

Institutional Landscape

High

Medium

Local

---

Medium

Medium

LCA03

Ma Tau Kok & Kowloon City

City Grid Mixed Urban Landscape

Medium

Medium

Local

Open Space

Medium

Medium

LCA04

Tung Tau Estate

Residential Urban Landscape

Medium

Medium

Local

Open Space

Medium

Medium

LCA05

To Kwa Wan Typhoon Shelter

Typhoon Shelter Landscape

High

Medium

Regional

Harbour Ordinance

Low

High

Visually Sensitive Receivers

11.8.60         A number of Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) will be affected by the scope of the Project. VSRs are those people who will potentially view the construction of the Project and/or its operation.  The Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) is the area from which any part of the proposed project would be able to be seen, otherwise considered as the viewshed. VSRs will be identified within the ZVI which may contain areas, which are fully visible, partly visible and non-visible from the Project. Beyond this, the effects of distance and the extensive visual context tend to render impacts insignificant.

Zone of Visual InfluenceZVI

11.8.61         The proposed MPSC is a landmark development of substantial size and may potentially be seen over a wide area. However, the fact that MPSC will be bounded by a mixed neighbourhood of tall residential and commercial development means that the views to MPSC from receivers outside these building clusters will generally be limited to partial glimpses through the spaces between the developments. Therefore, the zone of visual influence (ZVI) of the Project is subdivided into 2 components:- The Primary Zone of Visual Influence (PZVI) and Secondary Zone of Visual Influence (SZVI).

·      Primary Zone of Visual Influence (PZVI) envelops of the MPSC where the Project provides a substantial contribution to views experienced by VSRs who will experience a largely unobstructed view of MPSC. The VSRs also include the planned tall residential and commercial developments around the MPSC. The Primary Zone of Visual Influence has been illustrated on Figures 11-4-7.

·      Secondary Zone of Visual Influence (SZVI) of MPSC where the Project will be visible to some VSRs over the tops of intervening urban areas and from longer distances. The visual envelope of MPSC is bounded by the ridgeline from Victoria Peak, Mount Cameron and Mount Parker of Hong Kong Island to the south and the ridgeline from Kowloon Peak, Tsz Wan Shan, Lion Rock and Beacon Hill to the north and to the east. To the west, it is bounded by the high-rise commercial and residential development at Tsim Sha Tsui and Hung Hom. The Secondary ZVIs has been illustrated on Figures 11-4-7 and adopted from Kai Tak Development Environmental Impact Assessment Report (Agreement No. CE 35/2006(CE)).

11.8.62         The assessment of visual impacts is considered as a combination of the magnitude of change brought about by the Project in relation to receiver sensitivity. For the purposes of this study, receivers have been grouped into the following categories below:-

Residential (R):   Those people who would view the scheme from their home

Functional (F):    Those people who would view the scheme from their work/study place The location of the receivers includes the comprehensive development area (CDA), Government institution or community (G/IC) and other specified uses (OU).

Leisure (L):           Those people who would view the scheme whilst engaging in leisure, culture or recreation activities including shopping, walking, hiking, worship or sports The location of the receivers includes commercial (C) and open space (O).

Transport (T):      Those people who would view the scheme from vehicles.

11.8.63         The factors affecting the sensitivity of visual receivers are detailed in Section 11.4.4 above and include:-

·      value and quality of existing views;

·      availability and amenity of alternative views;

·      type and estimated number of receiver population;

·      duration and frequency of view; and

·      degree of visibility.

11.8.64         Generally the sensitivity of visual receivers for the identified groups can be established as detailed below:-

Residential (R)

Those who view the scheme from their homes are considered to be highly sensitive to any visual intrusion. This is because the attractiveness, or otherwise, of the view will have a notable effect on a residents’ general quality of life and acceptability of their home environment. 

Functional (F)

Those people who view the scheme from their workplace are generally considered relatively less sensitive to visual intrusion.  This is because they are normally employed in activities where visual outlook plays a less important role in the perception of the quality of the working environment. They are on the whole classified as a low sensitivity group unless their environmental outlook forms a significant element of their work.

Leisure (L)

For those who view the scheme whilst engaging in outdoor leisure pursuits, visual sensitivity varies depending on the type of cultural activity. Those taking a stroll in a park, for example, would be classified as a high sensitivity group compared to football players who would have a low sensitivity rating.

Transport (T)

For those people who view the scheme from public thoroughfares, the degree of visual intrusion experienced depends on the speed of travel and whether views are continuous or only occasional. Generally, the slower the speed of travel and the more continuous the viewing experience, then the greater the degree of sensitivity.

Schedule of Visually Sensitive Receivers

11.8.65         Within the ZVI for the Construction and Operation Phases, potentially affected Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) have been identified at a “Strategic,” “District” and “Local” level.

Strategic Level

11.8.66         Three Key VSRs within the Secondary Zone of Visual Influence are selected from the 8 ‘Vantage Points’ proposed in the Study on Urban Design Guidelines for Hong Kong as shown in Appendix 11C.

·      (VP3) Proposed Promenade, South East Kowloon Development

·      (VP4) Quarry Bay Park, Quarry Bay

·      (VP7) Victoria Peak

11.8.67         Nine further ‘Vantage Points’ are selected based on important lookout points and peaks:-

·      Lion Rock;

·      Kowloon Peak;

·      Devil’s Peak;

·      Mount Parker;

·      Mount Cameron;

·      North Point Pier;

·      Lei Yue Mun Gap;

·      International Commerce Centre, West Kowloon; and

·      Two International Finance Centre, Central District.

District Level

11.8.68         At the district level, five Vantage Points were identified in the Urban Design Framework, according to the Kowloon Planning Area NO.22 approved Kai Tak Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K22/4. Of these, four are within the Primary Zone of Visual Influence whilst one is within the Secondary Zone. The locations are shown in Figure 11-4-7, and assessment of VRSs at district level is shown in Table 11-10.

·      Kai Tak Runway Park

·      Future Metro Park South

·      Future Metro Park Central

·      Future MPSC South

·      Future MPSC East

Local Level

11.8.69         Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSR) at Local Level in close vicinity of MPSC are within the Primary Zone of Visual Influence and are selected from reciprocal viewpoints based on panoramic photographs taken from MPSC as well as desktop study. Potentially affected Residential, Functional, Leisure and Transport VSRs are summarised in Table 11-9 below and their locations shown in Figure 11-4-8 and Figure 11-4-9.

Table 11-9    Schedule of Identified Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

VSR

Location

Distance to Closest Source

(Metres)

Height of Viewpoint

( mPD )

Type of View

(rural/developed, open/restricted, static/transient)

Strategic

S-01

Proposed Promenade, South East Kowloon Development (VP3)

2070

+7

developed/ open/ transient

S-02

Quarry Bay Park (VP4)

3860

+11

developed/ open/ transient

S-03

Victoria Peak (VP7)

7300

+554

mixed/ open/ transient

S-04

Lion Rock

3260

+495

rural / open/ transient

S-05

Kowloon Peak

3200

+603

rural / open/ transient

S-06

Devil’s Peak

5560

+222

rural / open/ transient

S-07

Mount Parker

6300

+532

rural / open/ transient

S-08

Mount Cameron

7100

+439

rural / open/ transient

S-09

North Point Pier

3100

+11

developed/ open/ static

S-10

Lei Yue Mun Gap

5900

0

developed/ open/ transient

S-11

International Commerce Centre

4200

+484

developed/ open/ static

S-12

Two International Finance Centre

5600

+412

developed/ open/ static

District

D-01

Kai Tak Runway Park

2600

+5

developed/ open/ transient

D-02

Future Metro Park South

1000

+5

developed/ open/ transient

D-03

Future Metro Park Central

420

+5 / +13

developed/ open/ transient

D-04

Future MPSC South

0

+13

developed/ open/ transient

D-05

Future MPSC East

0

+13

developed/ restricted/ transient

Local

L-01(R)

Residential Development along Sung Wong Toi Road

210

+100

developed/ open/ static

L-02(R)

Mid-rise Development in Chung Seen Mei Chuen and Kowloon City

450

+80

developed/ restricted/ static

L-03(R)

High-rise Residential Groups North of Prince Edward Road East

560

+80

developed/ restricted/ static

L-04(R)

Residents at Choi Hung and Diamond Hill

1020

+80

developed/ open/ static

L-05(R)

Kai Ching Estate and Tak Long Estate

510

+120

developed/ restricted/ static

L-06(R)

Richland Garden

840

+100

developed/ restricted/ static

L-07(R)

Residential Development in To Kwa Wan

300

+100

developed/ restricted/ static

L-08(R)

Laguna Verde

1370

+80

developed/ open/ static

L-09(R)

Grand Waterfront

300

+176

developed/ open/ static

L-10(R)

Harbourfront Landmark

1880

+233

developed/ restricted/ static

L-11(R)

Residential in progress along Prince Edward Road East

850

+100

developed/ restricted/ static

L-12(R)

Low-rise Mixed Use Development Adjacent Grand Waterfront

185

+65

developed/ restricted/ static

L-13(R)

Future Residential Development at Northwest of MPSC

45

+100

developed/ restricted/ static

L-14(R)

Future Residential Development at Northeast of MPSC

45

+110

developed/ restricted/ static

L-15(R)

Future Residential Development at Runway Precinct

830

+80

developed/ restricted/ static

L-01(F)

Education and Healthcare Facilities at Ma Tau Wai

460

+30

developed/ restricted/ static

L-02(F)

Education and Healthcare Facilities at San Po Kong

470

+30

developed/ restricted/ static

L-03(F)

Government Facilities on Concorde Road

450

+90

developed/ restricted/ static

L-04(F)

Development Support Facilities at Kowloon Bay Interchange

45

+70

developed/ restricted/ static

L-05(F)

Education and Healthcare Facilities at Kowloon Bay

830

+60

developed/ restricted/ static

L-06(F)

Kowloon Bay Action Area

1000

+40

developed/ restricted/ static

L-07(F)

Police Operational facility at Dyer Avenue

1600

+15

sea/ open/ static

L-08(F)

Hong Kong Aviation Club

200

+15

developed/ open/ static

L-09(F)

Comprehensive Development Area Along Mok Cheong Street

90

+100

developed/ restricted/ static

L-10(F)

Kowloon Bay Business District

530

+140

developed/ restricted/ static

L-11(F)

Business and Industrial Development in San Po Kong

730

+100

developed/ restricted/ static

L-12(F)

Business and Industrial Development in Hung Hom

1100

+100

developed/ restricted/ static

L-13(F)

Kwun Tong Business District

1550

+100

developed/ restricted/ static

L-14(F)

Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre

350

+100

developed/ restricted/ static

L-15(F)

Kowloon City Ferry Pier and Transport Terminus

400

+15

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-16(F)

Pacific Trade Centre, Octa Tower, Kowloon Godown

1420

+100

developed/ restricted/ static

L-17(F)

Future Tourism Development in Runway Precinct

1970

+100

developed/ restricted/ static

L-18(F)

Planned Development Along Route 6

260

+80

developed/ restricted/ static

L-19(F)

Planned Commercial Development at Runway Precinct

860

+55

developed/ restricted/ static

L-20(F)

Planned Mixed Use Development at Kai Tak

45

+40

developed/ restricted/ static

L-21(F)

Construction Areas at Kai Tak Development

0

+6

developed/ restricted/ static

L-01(L)

Amenity Users at Greenspace on Prince Edward Road

380

+5

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-02(L)

Amenity Users at Shek Ku Lung Road Playground

460

+5

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-03(L)

Amenity Users at Sze Mei Street Open Space and PTI

850

+5

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-04(L)

Kai Tak Promenade and Open Space Network

0

+5

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-05(L)

Kai Tak Public Open Space Network and Station Square

0

+6

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-06(L)

Visitors to Future Metro Park

40

+5 / +13

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-07(L)

Promenade along Ma Tau Kok

200

+5

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-08(L)

Visitors to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Roof Garden

1750

+30

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-09(L)

Visitors to Kowloon Bay Typhoon Shelter Promenade

75

+5

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-01(T)

Travellers on Prince Edward Road East

400

+5

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-02(T)

Travellers on Sung Wong Toi Road

65

+5

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-03(T)

Motorists on Kwun Tong Bypass

400

+13

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-04(T)

Harbour Vessels

70

0

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-05(T)

Future Central-Kowloon Route 6

0

+9

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-06(T)

Future Road D2

0

+5

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-07(T)

Future Road D3 and Central Boulevard

0

+5

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-08(T)

Future Road D4 and Taxiway Bridge

1000

+6

developed/ restricted/ transient

L-09(T)

Future Road L6

0

+5

developed/ restricted/ transient

11.8.70         Photographs of the VSRs are shown in Figure 11-4-10, Figure 11-4-11, Figure 11-4-12 and Figure 11-4-13 and the identified VSRs are discussed in more detail below. Unless otherwise specified, the sensitivity ratings for construction phase and operation phase are the same.

VSRs at Strategic Level

S-01: Proposed Promenade, South East Kowloon Development (VP3)

11.8.71         The viewing distance between this Vantage Point and MPSC is about 2070m. The viewpoint is also selected in terms of its views to Hong Kong Island rather than north to Kai Tak and there remain many good alternative views available for the VSR. Viewers are occasional. As such the sensitivity of the VSR is considered Low.

S-02: Quarry Bay Park, Quarry Bay (VP4)

11.8.72         The viewing distance between this Vantage Point and MPSC is about 3860m. Panoramic views of the Victoria Harbour and across to the Cruise Terminal form the primary focus available to the VSR. As such the sensitivity of the VSR is considered Low.

S-03: Victoria Peak (VP7)

11.8.73         The viewing distance between this Vantage Point and MPSC is about 7300m. The Peak is a major tourist attraction that offers views over Central, Victoria Harbour, Lamma Island and the surrounding islands. There remain many superb alternative views available for the VSR, as such the sensitivity of the VSR is considered Low.

S-04: Lion Rock

11.8.74         The viewing distance between this Vantage Point and MPSC is about 3260m. Lion Rock is located between Kowloon Tong in Kowloon and Tai Wai in the New Territories. Lion Rock has good alternative views to the city and Hong Kong Island for the limited number of viewers. As such the sensitivity of the VSR is considered Low.

S-05: Kowloon Peak

11.8.75         The viewing distance between this Vantage Point and MPSC is about 3200m. Kowloon Peak is located in the northeast corner of New Kowloon, Hong Kong, situated in Ma On Shan Country Park. Visitors can enjoy the entire views of Kowloon Peninsula, Hong Kong Island, Ho Chung and Pak Sha Wan area. There remain many excellent alternative views available for the limited number of viewers, as such the sensitivity of the VSR is considered Low.

S-06: Devil’s Peak

11.8.76         The viewing distance between this Vantage Point and MPSC is about 5560m. The viewpoint is also selected in terms of its views to Shau Kei Wan in Hong Kong Island rather than north to Kai Tak and there remain many good alternative views available for the limited number of viewers. As such the sensitivity of the VSR is considered Low.

S-07: Mount Parker

11.8.77         The viewing distance between this Vantage Point and MPSC is about 6300m. Mount Parker is located in Hong Kong Island and has many good alternative views available for the limited number of viewers; as such the sensitivity of the VSR is considered Low.

S-08: Mount Cameron

11.8.78         The viewing distance between this Vantage Point and MPSC is about 7100m. Mount Cameron is located within the Aberdeen Country Park and there are many good alternative views available for the limited number of viewers. As such the sensitivity of the VSR is considered Low.

S-09: The North Point Pier

11.8.79         The viewing distance between this Vantage Point and MPSC is about 3100m. The views from this VSR are generally open and across the Harbour. There are also many good alternative views available for the VSR, as such the sensitivity of the VSR is considered Low.

S-10: Lei Yue Mun Gap

11.8.80         The viewing distance between this Vantage Point and MPSC is about 5900m. Lei Yue Mun is a short channel in Hong Kong, separating Kowloon and Hong Kong Island. The views from this VSR are wide, changing and open and provide constant good alternatives. The sensitivity of the VSR is considered Low.

S-11: International Commerce Centre

11.8.81         The viewing distance between this Vantage Point and MPSC is about 4200m. The International Commerce Centre, located in West Kowloon, is the tallest building in Hong Kong. The views from this VSR are notably spectacular from the dedicated viewing deck. There are many good alternative views available for the VSR and the sensitivity of the VSR is considered Low.

S-12: Two International Finance Centre

11.8.82         The viewing distance between this Vantage point and MPSC is about 5600m. Two International Finance Centre is located in Central District on Victoria Harbour with excellent panoramic views. The many good alternative views available to the VSR and restrictions on public access mean that sensitivity is considered Low.

VSRs at District Level

D-01: Kai Tak Runway Park

11.8.83         The Park is primarily intended to promote excellent views to Hong Kong Island and Kowloon East rather than Kai Tak. The distance between the Kai Tak Runway Park and the development is about 2.6km. At park level the view north is currently obscured by trees and only boundary glimpse views to the Project Site are possible. With development of the planned adjacent hotel and tourism node the receiver will be outside of the visual envelope during Operation Phase. Sensitivity of the VSR is considered Low during Operation Phase.

D-02: Future Metro Park South

11.8.84         The distance between the Metro Park South and the development is about 1.0 km. Development is expected to be scheduled in tandem with the programming of MPSC, meaning that receivers are not expected to be subject to Construction Phase impacts. The VSR may have partial views to the MPSC, however the rising ground and potential planting may almost obliterate views at ground level whist the viewpoint is focused on providing panoramic harbour views away from the development. Sensitivity of the VSR is Medium during Operation Phase.

D-03: Future Metro Park Central

11.8.85         The VSRs in this area are the same as the above D-02, all the factors except the distance are the same. The distance between the Metro Park Central and the development is about 420m. Sensitivity of the VSR is Medium during Operation Phase.

D-04: Future MPSC South

11.8.86         The VSRs in this area are located within the development site and are selected specifically for their viewpoint being out towards the Harbour and away from the development. However the proximity of the development means that it will still influence the outward looking receivers. Sensitivity to change of the VSR is Medium during Operation Phase.

D-05: Future MPSC East

11.8.87         The viewpoint is selected for its positioning on the Lion Rock View corridor. The future Road D2 will pass directly through the MPSC site under the landscape deck at this point. The receivers at this point are the many pedestrians and amenity facility users transiting the landscape deck to the road below and the proposed urban park in the future grid neighbourhood. The surrounding ambience of viewpoint is highly influenced by the proposed development and sensitivity is considered to be High during Operation Phase.

VSRs at Local Level - Residential

L-01 (R): Residential Development along Sung Wong Toi Road

11.8.88     Receivers in this group include blocks 3, 5, 6 and 7 of the 54 floor Sky Towers development with northwest facing views as well as hotel residents at Harbour Plaza 8 Degrees within the same complex and residential developments along Sung Wong Toi Road located at the west of the MPSC, and will have full view towards the MPSC site. Residents have no alternative views. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 210m. The sensitivity of the VSR is High.

L-02 (R): Mid-rise Development in Chung Seen Mei Chuen and Kowloon City

11.8.89         The Chung Seen Mei Chuen and Kowloon City receivers are in medium-rise and high-rise pencil towers within the old district. Some south facing residents in high towers and on the southern periphery have full views to the development site during Construction Phase including residents of Le Billionaire. Residents have no alternative views. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 450m. After the completion of the planned residential development at the northwest of MPSC site however, only a limited number of VSRs at Chung Seen Mei Chuen will retain a partial view to the development site while the view of VSRs at Kowloon City will be blocked. The sensitivity of the VSR is High during Construction Phase and Medium during Operation Phase.

L-03 (R): High-rise Residential Groups North of Prince Edward Road East

11.8.90     This group includes The Latitude, Tung Wui Estate, Tung Tau Estate, San Po Kong Estate, and Lower Wong Tai Sin Estate. The Tung Tau Estate, San Po Kong Estate and Lower Wong Tai Sin Estate are public housing estates where the higher, south facing residents have only partial views to MPSC site due to views blocked by the Latitude Tower and Tung Wui Estate. The Latitude has five luxury residential towers with 1,159 units predominantly with south views towards the site. Tung Wui Estate is formed by two high-rise residential buildings located at the north of MPSC site. Residents have no alternative views. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 560m. Development of the mixed use area of Kai Tak development to the north of MPSC site is scheduled to be undertaken concurrently with the Project and will block the views from this VSR to the Project after completion. A worst case scenario is assumed whereby the planned development is not completed by Day 1 of Operation Phase and visual impacts from the Project itself may therefore remain. As such sensitivity is considered as High during Construction Phase and Medium during Operation Phase.

L-04 (R): Residents at Choi Hung and Diamond Hill

11.8.91         This group includes Rhythm Garden, Choi Hung Estate, Galaxia and the future development at the CDA site on Choi Hung Road. Rhythm Garden is a Home Ownership Scheme and Private Sector Participation Scheme in San Po Kong and Choi Hung Estate, is one of the oldest public housing estates in Hong Kong located in Wong Tai Sin District. Galaxia is a private housing estate located at Diamond Hill Station and Plaza Hollywood shopping centre comprising 5 blocks with a total of 1,684 units. The CDA site on Choi Hung Road is earmarked for mixed residential and commercial development. Southeast facing receivers are at the limit of the visual envelope with restricted corridor views past neighbouring development. Residents have no alternative views. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 1020m. After the completion of the planned development at the northeast of MPSC site under the KTD, the views of VSRs will be totally blocked. However a worst case scenario is assumed whereby the planned development is not completed by Day 1 of Operation Phase and visual impacts from the Project itself may therefore remain. The sensitivity of this VSR is High during Construction Phase and Medium during Operation Phase.

L-05(R): Kai Ching Estate and Tak Long Estate

11.8.92         Kai Ching Estate consists of six residential buildings completed in 2013. It houses around 5,200 flats for 13,300 residents. Tak Long Estate consists of nine residential blocks. These high-rise building blocks are located in the northeast of MPSC site and south and west facing residents have clear views towards the MPSC. The open views over Kai Tak afford a wide field of vision although compromised by the ongoing surrounding development. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 510m. After the completion of the planned mid-rise grid residential development at the northeast of MPSC site, the views of lower level receivers will be totally blocked. The sensitivity is considered as High.

L-06(R): Richland Gardens

11.8.93         Richland Gardens is a home ownership scheme and Private Sector Participation Scheme in Kowloon Bay. The height of building is to about +100mPD, where residents on higher levels will have partial westerly views towards the MPSC site past Kai Ching Estate and Tak Long Estate but at a distance of over 1km. The view of residents on lower levels towards the MPSC site will be limited and screened by Government Institutions and the Kwun Tong Bypass. Residents have no alternative views. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 840m. After the completion of the planned residential development at the northeast of MPSC site, the views of VSRs will be further obscured. The sensitivity is Medium.

L-07(R): Residential Development in To Kwa Wan

11.8.94         The zone consists primarily of high-density residential developments located at the southwest limits of the primary visual envelope with the nearest distance between this zone and MPSC site at about 300m. Residents have fair alternative views. The area is under transition with older mid-rise development being replaced by high-rise. Some upper floor residents of newer blocks do have partial views to the site and these will change over the next few years as the area redevelops, precluding most views to the site during Operation Phase. There are many residents in this zone but due to the distance and limited view, sensitivity is considered as Medium.

L-08(R): Laguna Verde

11.8.95         Laguna Verde is a private housing estate by Cheung Kong in north-eastern Hung Hom where the residents living on the northeast of the estate have excellent, wide, harbour views as well as direct view towards the MPSC site. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 1370m.  The number of residents in this receiver group is considerable and the sensitivity of this VSR is considered as Medium.

L-09(R): Grand Waterfront

11.8.96         Grand Waterfront is a private housing estate and a shopping mall in Ma Tau Kok. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 300m. A large number of receivers at this VSR face northeast directly towards the MPSC site although these residents attractive, oblique, alternative views of the harbour. Residents have limited alternative views. The receiver sensitivity is considered as High.

L-10(R): Harbourfront Landmark

11.8.97         The Harbourfront Landmark is a 70-floor 233 meter tall skyscraper completed in 2001 located in Hung Hom. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 1880m. The VSRs have a distant view of the Project, where north facing residents at high level have a view over the top of Laguna Verde. High quality alternative views are directly focused to the east across the Victoria Harbour. In consideration of the relatively long and limited viewing distance, the sensitivity of this VSR is considered to be Medium.

L-11(R): Residential in progress along Prince Edward Road East

11.8.98         This VSR is located at the north of MPSC site and currently under construction. Future residents will have full and proximate views towards to MPSC site during Construction Phase and no alternatives. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 850m. However, following completion of the mixed use development at the north of the MPSC site, the view of this VSR will be blocked. A worst case scenario is assumed whereby the concurrent development is not completed by day 1 of Operation Phase and visual impacts from the Project may remain. The sensitivity is considered as High during Construction Phase and Medium during Operation Phase.

L-12(R): Low-rise Mixed Use Development Adjacent Grand Waterfront

11.8.99         An older neighbourhood of uniform block, mid-rise residential development with ground floor commercial development. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 185m. Views to the Project Site are only available to the few top floor residents on the northwest end facades who are able to see marginally over the adjacent development of Newport Centre but alternative views are not available. The site is zoned as CDA under the Kai Tak OZP with a stepped profile of development up to +110mPD and is designated for residential and/or commercial uses with the provision of waterfront promenade, open space and other supporting facilities. Development is anticipated to be concurrent with MPSC and as such the sensitivity is considered as Low during Construction Phase and High during Operation Phase.

L-13(R): Future Residential Development at Northwest of MPSC

11.8.100     The areas to the north of the MPSC are zoned to contain Residential (Group B) in 4 development blocks of height up to +85mPD and one of +100mPD. The planning intent is for medium density, without podium neighbourhoods on a grid street pattern. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 45m. Receivers are immediately proximate to the MPSC with those viewing southeast fully overlooking the Project Site, although selected, wider views are possible. Development is anticipated to be concurrent with MPSC and as such no Construction Phase assessment is made. Operation Phase sensitivity will be High.

L-14(R): Future Residential Development at Northeast of MPSC

11.8.101     This large area zoned Residential (Group B) is intended for medium-density, without podium neighbourhoods on a grid street pattern, with building heights up to +110mPD. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 45m. The future residents shall be immediately adjacent to the MPSC site and those on the periphery have direct overview of the Project Site, although selected, wider views are possible. Development is anticipated to be concurrent with MPSC and as such no Construction Phase assessment is made. Operation Phase sensitivity will be High.

L-15(R): Future Residential Development in Runway Precinct

11.8.102     This zone is intended primarily for low-rise, low-density residential development. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 830m. Primary views are oriented away from MPSC restricting receivers to just those in the northern blocks that will be able to view the development over the Metro Park and raised central promenade over Road D3. Good alternative harbour views are therefore available. Development is anticipated to be concurrent with MPSC and as such no Construction Phase assessment is made. Operation Phase sensitivity will be Medium.

VSRs at Local Level - Functional

L-01 (F): Education and Healthcare Facilities at Ma Tau Wai

11.8.103     This VSR includes the Evangel Hospital, Christian Alliance P.C.Lau Memorial International School, Notre Dame College and Holy Trinity Primary School. The closest distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 460m. Some staff and students in this area will be able to have direct views onto the MPSC development, whilst alternative views are available and the quality of these views is fair. With restricted viewing opportunities available, receiver numbers and view duration, the VSR sensitivity is considered as Medium during Construction Phase. Following completion of the Future Mixed Development at Northwest of MPSC L-13(R) and the Open Space Network L-04(L) viewing opportunities are restricted and immediate alternatives enhanced. Operation Phase sensitivity is still considered as Medium.

L-02 (F): Education and Healthcare Facilities at San Po Kong

11.8.104     This VSR includes the Ng Wah Catholic Secondary School, Lee Kau Yan Memorial School and, Robert Black Health Centre and is located at the north side of MPSC site at a distance of about 470m. Staff and students in this area will be able to have full views on the MPSC development from upper floors, whilst alternative views are available and the quality of these views is fair. With restricted occasions available to receivers for viewing out however, and with low receiver numbers and view duration, the VSR sensitivity is considered as Medium during Construction Phase. Following completion of the Future Mixed Development at Northwest of MPSC L-13(R) and the Open Space Network L-05(L) viewing opportunities are restricted and immediate alternatives enhanced. Operation Phase sensitivity is considered Low.

L-03 (F): Government Facilities on Concorde Road

11.8.105     Currently including the Kai Tak Operation Base and Trade and Industry Tower, further GI/C facilities are in development. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 450m. Staff working in these areas are able to have full views over the Kai Tak Development and MPSC Project Site will form a large part of that. The alternative views are not available. VSR sensitivity is considered as Low during Construction Phase. Following completion of the Future Mixed Development at Northwest of MPSC L-13(R) and the Open Space Network L-05(L) viewing opportunities are restricted and immediate alternatives enhanced. The sensitivity of the VSR is Low during Operation Phase.

L-04 (F): Development Support Facilities at Kowloon Bay Interchange

11.8.106     This area of the Kai Tak Development includes a number of grouped GI/C facilities including the recently completed Electrical and Mechanical Services Dept. Headquarters, the Kai Tak Tunnel Administration Building, the planned DSD desilting compound, ESS and various facilities to serve the Kai Tak area along Road D2. The closest distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 45m. Because of their proximity to the MPSC development, staff working in these areas will be able to have reasonably clear and uninterrupted views directly to the Project. Receiver numbers are relatively restricted however and a variety of reasonable alternative views are available. VSR sensitivity is considered as Medium.

L-05 (F): Education and Healthcare Facilities at Kowloon Bay

11.8.107     This VSRs includes S.K.H. Kowloon Bay Kei Lok Primary School, Buddhist Chi King Primary School, Bishop Paschang Catholic School, Yan Chai Hospital Law Chan Chor Si College and Kowloon Bay Health Centre. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 830m. Occupational receivers on the west side of the buildings have views partially obscured by the existing dense vegetation as well as the elevated road of the Kwun Tong Bypass. Fair alternative views exist to the north and east, looking away from the Project Site. VSR sensitivity is considered as Medium during Construction Phase. After completion of all building development at Kai Tak Development, the view of this VSR will be partially blocked by the new residential development at L-14(R). Operation Phase sensitivity is considered Low.

L-06 (F): Kowloon Bay Action Area

11.8.108     These existing VSRs in this area include West Kowloon Waste Recycling Centre, and Kowloon Bay Vehicle Examination Centre. Views on the west side of buildings to the MPSC are restricted by the elevated Kwun Tong By-pass at about 1000m distance and the direct harbour views available to this VSR are preferable to viewing towards the Project Site. Receivers in this area are relatively few and sensitivity is considered to be Low during Construction Phase. The Planning and Engineering Study for the Development at Kowloon Bay Action Area (KBAA) commenced in August 2014 in order to review and formulate feasible development options. With a possible Environmentally Friendly Linkage System (EFLS) depot and a station being considered in KBAA, the area would have great potential to become a new and vibrant development node in Kowloon East. The existing government facilities currently occupying the KBAA site are proposed to be relocated to release some 6.4 hectares of government land for the comprehensive development. KBAA has the potential to supply additional commercial/office floor space of about 0.42 million m2. The Study is anticipated to complete in 2016. Operation Phase sensitivity is considered Medium.

L-07 (F): Police Operational Facility at Dyer Avenue

11.8.109     Positioned within the Kowloon Bay, staff in this area have full views across the Harbour to the MPSC site. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 1600m. However alternative good quality views and low receiver numbers mean the VSR sensitivity is considered as Low.

L-08 (F): Hong Kong Aviation Club

11.8.110     The Aviation Club was forced to stop flying operation in 2015 however the Club remains as the only remaining local heritage and history of the former Kai Tak Airport. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 200m. Although immediately adjacent to the MPSC, receivers will overlook the works directly but they are relatively few in number and short in viewing duration. The sensitivity is considered to be Medium.

L-09(F): Comprehensive Development Area along Mok Cheong Street

11.8.111     Currently housing small commercial operations in low rise facilities, this VSR has relatively few, short duration receivers. Although the viewing distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is only about 90m and few alternative views are available to the south and west, only limited numbers of receiver exist. The sensitivity is considered to be Medium in Construction Phase. Redevelopment of the area is scheduled, potentially with higher sensitivity receivers. Operation Phase sensitivity is considered High.

L-10 (F): Kowloon Bay Business District

11.8.112     An area undergoing urban renewal from traditional manufacturing and warehousing to offices and commercial within a new CBD focused on Enterprise Square. High-rise commercial buildings with views to Kai Tak include Billion Centre, Megabox, Enterprise Square V Towers 1 and 2, Enterprise Square III, Manhattan Place, One Kowloon, Exchange Tower, YHC Tower, Nan Fung Commercial Centre 18 Kowloon East and Skyline Tower. More high-rise construction is anticipated in the area over the course of the MPSC development. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 530m and receiver numbers are considerable and growing. Currently the views from high floors are expansive yet predominantly towards the Project Site although receivers do have good alternatives. The sensitivity of the receivers is considered Medium.

L-11 (F): Business and Industrial Development in San Po Kong

11.8.113     A mixed district at the edge of the visual envelope, of mid to tall rise building, largely consisting of commercial and warehouse units with partial residential high-rise buildings. Other than for the buildings directly on Prince Edward Road, the planned mixed development at north of MPSC will entirely conceal the Project during Operation. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 730m with fair alternative views for most receivers. The sensitivity is considered Low during Construction Phase and Operation Phase.

L-12 (F): Business and Industrial Development in Hung Hom

11.8.114     This older district is mixed with similar mid-rise industrial and commercial buildings. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 1100m with fair alternative views for most receivers. Receivers on the north and east of the area can obtain oblique views across Kowloon Bay to the Project Area but are predominantly obscured by the Grand Waterfront development. Receivers are considered to have Low sensitivity.

L-13(F): Kwun Tong Business District

11.8.115     Kwun Tong was at the centre of past manufacturing but is now undergoing urban renewal along with Kowloon Bay. Mid-rise industrial and warehousing units are typically vacated whilst new grade A office buildings and hotels are appearing above the roofline with views towards the Project. Receivers are at almost 1550m distance from the Project Area however with wide, alternative harbour views. Sensitivity is considered to be Low.

L-14 (F): Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre

11.8.116     The Kowloon Bay International Trade & Exhibition Centre is an exhibition centre, shopping mall and performance venue. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 350m with restricted alternative views for most receivers. Limited upper floor receivers are able to view over the Kwai Fuk Road ramped junction and existing vegetation towards the Project, however the venue is generally inwards looking and users occasional, varied and insensitive to externalities. New GI/C development at Kai Tak may further restrict direct viewing during Operation Phase. Sensitivity is considered to be Low.

L-15 (F): Kowloon City Ferry Pier and Transport Terminus

11.8.117     Receivers at the Pier have full and close views towards to the MPSC development however they are relatively few and duration of view is limited with good alternative harbour views. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 400m. Sensitivity is considered as Medium.

L-16 (F): Pacific Trade Centre, Octa Tower, Kowloon Godown

11.8.118     Receivers on the northwest side of mid and low-rise buildings have existing views obscured by construction on the Kai Tak Development. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 1420m. Wide, forward, harbour views are more desirable to the high-rise receivers of Octa Tower where the site is only visible on the oblique. Sensitivity of these VSRs is considered to be Low.

L-17(F): Future Tourism Development in Runway Precinct

11.8.119     This area is intended primarily for the provision of tourism related use with commercial, hotel and entertainment facilities as well as a public observation gallery. The maximum building height is intended at +100mPD. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 1970m. The view of VSRs to the MPSC development is distant and building orientation is likely to be focused to the Harbour at east and west. The future runway development at Kai Tak will obscure views to lower level receivers. As receivers do have good alternative views, sensitivity of this VSR is considered as Low during Operation Phase.

L-18(F): Planned Commercial Development along Route 6

11.8.120     This area consists of development plots along the planned Route 6. These are predominantly zoned G/IC with height restriction of +45mPD. The sites to the south of Kwun Tong Bypass in the South Apron corner are reserved for hospital development to serve the East Kowloon area and surrounding districts with height restriction of +60mPD. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 260m. Views to the Project Site during Operation may be direct for receivers on the waterfront and in high floors looking west. Future building orientation is likely to be focused to the Harbour and Runway Precinct; these wide and forward harbour views are likely more desirable than oblique north views. Operation Phase sensitivity is assessed as Medium.

L-19(F): Planned Commercial Development in Runway Precinct

11.8.121 This zone is intended to form a hotel belt along the waterfront of the Runway Precinct so as to support the nearby tourism node and cruise terminal development. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 860m. Primary views are oriented away from the MPSC, restricting receivers to just those in the northern blocks that will be able to view the development over the Metro Park and raised central promenade over Road D3. Receivers will have good alternative views. Development is anticipated to be concurrent with MPSC and as such no Construction Phase assessment is made. Operation Phase sensitivity is assessed as Medium.

L-20 (F): Planned Mixed Use Development at Kai Tak

11.8.122     Predominantly consisting of planned commercial development within CDA, OU and Commercial zonings. Commercial zoned development to the north of L-13(R) at +60 - 70mPD will be blocked out by the residential units to viewing the Project Site. The CDA sites are typically also mid-rise, however CDA5 at +110mPD immediately to the north of the Project, will have direct and proximate views. Other mixed use development around Station Square will have clear views over the open space corridor. The shortest distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 45m. Development is anticipated to be concurrent with MPSC and as such no Construction Phase assessment is made. Operation Phase sensitivity is assessed as Medium.

L-21 (F): Construction Areas at Kai Tak Development

11.8.123     Currently being used for construction activities associated with Kai Tak Development, these areas are immediately in the vicinity of the Project Site and will be developed for a variety of uses including open space, government facilities and other uses. Alternative views from these areas exist, including towards the sea and surrounding mountains. Those areas remaining free from immediate built development will in future be outside of the Operation Phase visual envelope as their view will be blocked out by commercial development in L-20(F) as well as well as residential development at L-05(R) and L-14(R). The sensitivity is considered as Low during both Construction and Operation Phases.

VSRs at Local Level – Leisure

L-01(L): Amenity Users at Greenspace on Prince Edward Road

11.8.124     For Leisure visitors to Sacred Hill, Sung Wong Toi Playground, Olympic Garden and Argyle Street Playground, the views towards to the Project Area are generally obscured due to their low lying position and close proximity to screening elements such as road traffic, barriers, trees and construction site plant. Surrounding alternative views are also blocked by development and the distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 380m. Works associated with Kai Tak Development have already impinged on the green spaces affecting regular users, whilst viewing of the Project Site during Operation Phase will be restricted by further new development. Sensitivity is assessed as Medium.

L-02(L): Amenity Users at Shek Ku Lung Road Playground

11.8.125     As is the case for L-01(L), this open space is enclosed by roads, buildings and barriers restricting views from ground level to the site. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 460m and planned development of the adjacent mixed use neighbourhood at Kai Tak will block this VSR from Operation Phase project views. Construction Phase sensitivity is assessed as Medium and Operation Phase sensitivity is assessed as Low.

L-03(L): Amenity Users at Sze Mei Street Open Space and PTI

11.8.126     Receivers in this area include pedestrians using Sze Mei Street and the adjacent open space corridor as well as Kai Tak East Playground and Sze Mei Street PTI. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 850m and alternative views are restricted and towards the north. Views at ground level are generally blocked across Prince Edward Road East, however tall development near the Project Site can be glimpsed currently from the southern end of the VSR. Completion of L-11(R) currently under construction, will in future further restrict views from the receiver towards the Project Area. As such sensitivity is considered as Medium during Construction Phase and Low during Operation Phase.

L-04(L):  Kai Tak Promenade and Open Space Network

11.8.127     The proposed Sung Wong Toi Park located along the west boundary of MPSC site is intended to link the surrounding open space network with local residences and public transport connections. It can be anticipated to be a heavily utilised series of spaces immediately adjacent to the MPSC and is likely to become a destination location for Hong Kong residents and tourists alike. Receivers will have good alternative, transient views. Sensitivity during Operation Phase is considered to be High.

L-05(L):  Kai Tak Public Open Space Network and Station Square

11.8.128     The Station Square will form a contemporary park with cafes and restaurants serving as a gateway to Kai Tak. There are potentially a large number of daily travellers in this area with full and open views to the MPSC development at the south project boundary. The alternative views of receivers is limited by the proximity of buildings. Sensitivity during Operation Phase is considered to be High.

L-06(L):  Visitors to Future Metro Park

11.8.129     The Metro Park, located at the south of the MPSC development is designed to be constructed concurrently and will provide a variety of recreation facilities within greenspace for different users with wide harbour views, whilst providing the parkland setting for the MPSC. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 45m. As a major tourist location, sensitivity during Operation Phase is considered to be High.

L-07(L):  Promenade along Ma Tau Kok

11.8.130     Existing users of Hoi Sham Park are considerable in number and treasure the amenity views offered over the Harbour, which are predominantly to the south and east rather than to the north where the MPSC site is obliquely viewed. Extended open space areas in the planned promenade are also likely to focus on alternatives to the Project Site, partly obscured by Grand Waterfront Development. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 200m. Sensitivity is considered as Medium.

L-08(L):  Visitors to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Roof Garden

11.8.131     The distance between the rooftop public viewing garden and the MPSC site is about 1750m with wonderful views provided in all directions around the Harbour primarily for tourists. Views to the Project development are restricted and not generally preferred. Sensitivity during Operation Phase is considered to be Low.

L-09(L):  Visitors to Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelter Promenade

11.8.132     Intended to link the waterfront open space on all sides of the Typhoon Shelter, the promenade is a high quality open space for public enjoyment. Kwun Tong Promenade Stage 1 comprising a 200m waterfront open space opened in 2010. The Stage 2 project extended the waterfront promenade by 750m at the former Kwun Tong Public Cargo Working Area and opened for the public in May 2015 to provide an additional 3.4 hectares. The promenade consists of boardwalks, sitting-out areas, pavilions and shelters with benches, open areas with fitness stations, models of cargo containers and cranes to evoke the historical context of the area, sensory gardens, kiosks, and multi-purpose plazas. The receivers have good alternative views. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site varies considerably but is adjacent at its most northerly point at about 75m, separated only by the future Route 6. Sensitivity is considered as Medium.

VSRs at Local Level – Transport

L-01(T):  Travellers on Prince Edward Road East

11.8.133     High speed traffic on Prince Edward Road is currently able to obtain various extended views across the Project Site from close quarters, however the position at ground level precludes easy viewing due to the larger number of barriers and temporary construction interfaces close to roadside. Upper deck bus travel allows clear and full Project Site viewing, however for only relatively brief periods. Planned development of the adjacent mixed use neighbourhood at Kai Tak will block this VSR from Operation Phase views of the Project and potentially much of Construction Phase as well. The distance between the VSR and MPSC site is about 400m. The sensitivity is considered as Low during Construction Phase and Operation Phase.

L-02(T):  Travellers on Sung Wong Toi Road

11.8.134     Relatively few users are present on this local road however it does provide construction site access to Olympic Avenue project sites and is likely to remain heavy with construction traffic during Kai Tak development. Travel speeds are generally low and views are immediately adjacent to the site but short in duration. The distance between the VSR and MPSC site is about 65m. Sensitivity is considered as Low.

L-03(T):  Motorists on Kwun Tong Bypass

11.8.135     Kwun Tong Bypass and Future Central Kowloon Route are elevated trunk roads at a closest distance of about 400m from the Project. The view of receivers to the Project Site is distant, varied and in sporadic glimpses between buildings and construction sites. Clear views to the Project during Operation are unlikely due to the surfeit of planned development in the area. The sensitivity is considered to be Low during both Construction Phase and Operation Phase.

L-04(T):  Harbour Vessels

11.8.136     The majority of boat traffic is from barges in To Kwa Wan Typhoon Shelter which is within 70m from the site boundary. The receivers have good alternative views. The North Point to Kowloon City Ferry also plies its trade close to the Project development whilst it can be anticipated that with the expanded use of the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and potential increases in tourist related boating during Operation Phase, the sensitivity of these receivers may increase.  Sensitivity is considered in Construction Phase as Low and assessed as Medium during Operation Phase.

L-05(T):  Future Central - Kowloon Route 6

11.8.137     This major strategic trunk road to be constructed concurrently with MPSC, it will emerge from a tunnel immediately next to the Project Site, becoming elevated and providing direct and immediate views. The high capacity of the road, coupled with the proximity to the site and expansiveness of view afforded, suggests sensitivity to be assessed as Medium during Operation Phase.

L-06(T):  Future Road D2

11.8.138     Future Road D2 will pass directly through the MPSC site under the landscape deck. The road is intended to connect the local neighbourhoods at To Kwa Wan to Kowloon Bay and could become heavy with local traffic and resident use, whilst being heavily utilised during sporting events. The receivers have poor alternative views. Sensitivity is considered to be Medium during Operation Phase.

L-07(T):  Future Road D3 and Central Boulevard

11.8.139     This local distributor road is intended to service the new developments formed on the Kai Tak Runway. It shall be partially covered by a pedestrianised landscape deck linking to the Metro Park at its southern end, whilst closer to the Project Site it will pass under the planned Route 6 elevated road at the southern boundary. New development, roadside noise barriers and ancillary engineering structures are likely to make views to the Project Site occasional and partially obscured. Sensitivity is considered to be Low during Operation Phase

L-08(T):  Future Road D4 and Taxiway Bridge

11.8.140     Receivers on the taxiway bridge are able to view down the length of the Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelter towards the Project Site. The distance between the VSR and the MPSC site is about 1km. During construction, the Project works will be visually inseparable from other development at Kai Tak, especially construction of the Kowloon - Central Route 6 and Runway Precinct development. Vehicle traffic is likely to consist mainly of construction traffic for a number of years. Sensitivity is considered to be Low during both Construction and Operation Phases.

L-09(T): Future Road L6

11.8.141     Providing local neighbourhood access to the new grid residential development at Kai Tak, this short section of road next to the Project boundary will be predominantly utilised by construction traffic during Construction Phase. Through Operation Phase views onto the Project itself will be immediately onto the adjacent open space at +5mPD, whilst views across the landscape deck will not be possible due to raised levels and podium deck structure. Sensitivity is considered to be Low during Operation Phase.

Summary Schedule of Visually Sensitive Receivers

11.8.142     The VSRs identified within the Study Area as described above and their sensitivity to change are summarised Table 11-10 below. For planned VSR existing views are based on the anticipated view without the Project development in place.

 Table 11-10   Summary of Assessment of Sensitivity of Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

VSR No.

Location

Estimated Number of Receivers

(Few /

Typical /

Many)

Value and Quality of Existing View

(Good /

Fair /

Poor)

Availability and Amenity of Alternative Views

*Degree of Visibility

(Full/

Partial/

Glimpse)

Duration of View                                 (Long/

Medium/

Short)

Sensitivity

(Low/

Medium/

High)

Con.

Op.

Strategic Level

S-01

Proposed Promenade, South East Kowloon Development (VP3)

Typical

Good

Good

Partial

Short

Low

S-02

Quarry Bay Park, (VP4)

Typical

Good

Good

Partial

Short

Low

S-03

Victoria Peak (VP7)

Many

Good

Good

Full

Short

Low

S-04

Lion Rock

Few

Good

Good

Full

Short

Low

S-05

Kowloon Peak

Few

Good

Good

Full

Short

Low

S-06

Devil’s Peak

Few

Good

Good

Full

Short

Low

S-07

Mount Parker

Few

Good

Good

Full

Short

Low

S-08

Mount Cameron

Few

Good

Good

Full

Short

Low

S-09

North Point Pier

Typical

Good

Good

Full

Short

Low

S-10

Lei Yue Mun Gap

Few

Good

Good

Full

Short

Low

S-11

International Commerce Centre

Typical

Good

Good

Partial

Short

Low

S-12

Two International Finance Centre

Typical

Good

Good

Partial

Short

Low

District Level

D-01

Kai Tak Runway Park

Many

Good

Good

Glimpse

Long

-

Low

D-02

Future Metro Park South

Many

Good

Good

Partial

Long

-

Medium

D-03

Future Metro Park Central

Many

Good

Good

Partial

Long

-

Medium

D-04

Future MPSC South

Many

Fair

Fair

Full

Long

-

Medium

D-05

Future MPSC East

Many

Poor

Restricted

Full

Long

-

High

Local – Residential

 

L-01(R)

Residential Development along Sung Wong Toi Road

Many

Fair

None

Full

Long

High

L-02(R)

Mid-rise Residential Development in Chung Seen Mei Chuen an Kowloon City

Typical

Fair

None

Full/Part

Long

High

Medium

L-03(R)

High-rise Residential Groups North of Prince Edward Road East

Typical

Fair

None

Full/Part

Long

High

Medium

L-04(R)

Residents at Choi Hung and Diamond Hill

Typical

Fair

None

Full/Part

Long

High

Medium

L-05(R)

Kai Ching Estate and Tak Long Estate

Many

Fair

Fair

Full/Part

Long

High

L-06(R)

Richland Garden

Typical

Fair

None

Partial

Long

Medium

L-07(R)

Residential Development in To Kwa Wan

Typical

Fair

Fair

Partial

Long

Medium

L-08(R)

Laguna Verde

Typical

Good

Good

Full

Long

Medium

L-09(R)

Grand Waterfront

Many

Fair

Limited

Full

Long

High

L-10(R)

Harbourfront Landmark

Typical

Good

Good

Full

Long

Medium

L-11(R)

Residential in Progress at Prince Edward Road East

Typical

Fair

None

Full/None

Long

High

Medium

L-12(R)

Low-rise Mixed Use Development Adjacent Grand Waterfront

Typical

Fair

None

Partial

Long

Low

High

L-13(R)

Future Residential Development at Northwest of MPSC

Many

Fair

Limited /Fair

Full

Long

-

High

L-14(R)

Future Residential Development at Northeast of MPSC

Many

Fair

Limited /Fair

Full

Long

-

High

L-15(R)

Future Residential Development in Runway Precinct

Typical

Good

Limited /Good

Partial

Long

-

Medium

Local - Functional

L-01(F)

Education and Healthcare Facilities at Ma Tau Wai

Medium

Fair

Fair

Partial

Medium

Medium

L-02(F)

Education and Healthcare Facilities at San Po Kong

Medium

Fair

Fair

Full/Part

Medium

Medium

Low

L-03(F)

Government Facilities on Concorde Road

Few

Fair

None

Full/Part

Medium

Low

Low

L-04(F)

Development Support Facilities at Kowloon Bay Interchange

Few

Fair

Fair

Full

Medium

Medium

L-05(F)

Education and Healthcare Facilities at Kowloon Bay

Typical

Fair

Fair

Partial

Medium

Medium

Low

L-06(F)

Kowloon Bay Action Area

Few

Fair

Good

Partial

Medium

Low

Medium

L-07(F)

Police Operational Facility at Dyer Avenue

Few

Good

Good

Full

Medium

Low

L-08(F)

Hong Kong Aviation Club

Few

Fair

Limited

Full

Long

Medium

L-09(F)

Comprehensive Development Area along Mok Cheong Street

Many

Fair

Limited

Full

Medium

Medium

High

L-10(F)

Kowloon Bay Business District

Many

Fair

Good

Partial

Medium

Medium

L-11(F)

Business and Industrial Developments in San Po Kong

Many

Fair

Fair

Full/None

Medium

Low

Low

L-12(F)

Business and Industrial Developments in Hung Hom

Many

Fair

Fair

Partial

Medium

Low

L-13(F)

Kwun Tong Business District

Many

Fair

Good

Partial

Medium

Low

L-14(F)

Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre

Many

Good

Restricted

Full

Medium

Low

L-15(F)

Kowloon City Ferry Pier

Few

Fair

Good

Full

Medium

Medium

L-16(F)

Pacific Trade Centre, Octa Tower, Kowloon Godown

Typical

Fair

Good

Partial

Medium

Low

L-17(F)

Future Tourism Development in Runway Precinct

Many

Good

Good

Full

Medium

-

Low

L-18(F)

Planned Development along Route 6

Many

Good

Good

Full

Medium

-

Medium

L-19(F)

Planned Commercial Development in Runway Precinct

Many

Good

Good

Full

Medium

-

Medium

L-20(F)

Planned Mixed Use Development at Kai Tak

Many

Fair

Limited / Fair

Full

Medium

-

Medium

L-21(F)

Construction Areas at Kai Tak Development

Few

Fair

Fair

Full

Medium

Low

-

Local - Leisure

L-01(L)

Amenity Users at Greenspace on Prince Edward Road

Typical

Fair

None

Partial

Short

Medium

L-02(L)

Visitors at Shek Ku Lung Road Playground

Typical

Fair

None

Part/None

Short

Medium

Low

L-03(L)

Amenity Users at Sze Mei Street Open Space and PTI

Typical

Poor

Poor

Part/None

Short

Medium

Low

L-04(L)

Kai Tak Promenade and Open Space Network

Many

Good

Good

Full

Short

-

High

L-05(L)

Kai Tak Public Open Space Network and Station Square

Many

Fair

Limited

Full

Short

-

High

L-06(L)

Visitors to Future Metro Park

Many

Good

Good

Full

Short

-

High

L-07(L)

Promenade along Ma Tau Kok

Many

Good

Good

Partial

Short

Medium

L-08(L)

Visitors to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Roof Garden

Few

Good

Good

Full

Short

Low

L-09(L)

Visitors to Kowloon Bay Typhoon Shelter Promenade

Many

Good

Good

Full

Short

Medium

Local - Transport

L-01(T)

Travellers on Prince Edward Road East

Many

Poor

Limited/Poor

Part/None

Short

Low

Low

L-02(T)

Travellers along Sung Wong Toi Road

Few

Fair

None

Partial

Short

Low

L-03(T)

Motorists on Kwun Tong Bypass

Many

Fair

Fair

Part/None

Short

Low

Low

L-04(T)

Harbour Vessels

Many

Fair

Good

Full

Medium

Low

Medium

L-05(T)

Future Central Kowloon Route 6

Many

Fair

Fair

Glimpse

Short

-

Medium

L-06(T)

Future Road D2

Many

Poor

Poor

Glimpse

Short

-

Medium

L-07(T)

Future Road D3 and Central Boulevard

Typical

Poor

Limited/Poor

Glimpse

Short

-

Low

L-08(T)

Future Road D4 and Taxiway Bridge

Typical

Good

Good

Glimpse

Short

Low

Low

L-09(T)

Future Road L6

Typical

Fair

Limited/Fair

Glimpse

Short

-

Low

*NB1 The Kai Tak Development is scheduled to run concurrently with the MPSC project, scheduled for operation by year 2021. A worst case scenario has been adopted in terms of assuming implementation of adjacent projects and their impact on visibility of VSR’s towards MPSC.

*NB2: The Estimated Number of Receivers is categorized as “Few/Typical/Many”, “ Typical” appears as a scale which means “more than few” and “less than many” Glare Sensitive Receivers

11.8.143     The areas surrounding the MPSC are mainly existing residential and proposed mixed use development areas including park and leisure activities. For these areas, the background lighting environment is typically classified as medium district brightness areas, such as industrial or residential suburbs E3 in accordance with BS EN 12193. The Environmental Zones Classification is given in Table 11-11.

Table 11-11  The Environmental Zone Classifications E0 to E4

Environmental

Zone

Lighting Environment

Surrounding

E0

Dark Sky Parks

Starlight Reserves

E1

Intrinsically Dark Areas

National Parks or Protected Sites

E2

Low District Brightness Areas

Industrial or Residential Rural Areas

E3

Medium District Brightness Areas

Industrial or Residential Suburbs

E4

High District Brightness Areas

Town Centres and Commercial Areas

11.8.144     To safeguard and enhance the night time environment it is necessary to control obtrusive light (also known as light pollution), which can present psycho-physical and ecological problems to people, flora and fauna in the surroundings. The limits of obtrusive light for exterior lighting installations are given in Table 11-12.

Table 11-12  Obtrusive Light Limitations for Exterior Lighting Installations in Zone E3

Nature

Period

Limit

Upward Light ULR

15.0 %

Maximum value of vertical illuminance on properties, Eva

Pre-curfew

10 lux

Post-curfew

2 lux

Maximum light source intensity, I

Pre-curfew

10.0 kcd

Post-curfew

1.0 kcd

ULR is the proportion of the flux of the luminaire(s) that is emitted above the horizontal, when the luminaire(s) is (are) mounted in its (their) installed position and attitude.

11.8.145     Since these areas have a high percentage of built development, for the purpose of this assessment a Reflectance ρ of 0.2 for is used for lawn, 0.8 for building surface and 0.8 for water surface as mentioned in Section 11.5.4.

11.8.146     For conservative assessment, the glare rating prediction assumes only man-made lightings from the MPSC whilst associated structures contribute to the veiling luminance of the environment within the study envelope. The prediction assumes dark sky condition. In practice, light from surrounding buildings and reflected from high-reflectance surfaces (such as concrete surfaces for building facade) increases the equivalent veiling luminance of the environment. The higher background luminance would reduce the contrast between the direct light sources and the background lighting environment, which lower the glare rating and reduce the level of discomfort glare on the visual observer. Hence, the general approach adopted for this study would likely over-estimate the glare impact and result in a conservative assessment.

11.8.147     The visual sensitive receivers (VSRs) for the Landscape Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) study are used for the glare assessment. However, the assessment only considers glare impact on Residential, Leisure and Transportation VSRs. Motorists around MPSC are considered to be potential glare sensitive receivers as the lighting from MPSC might cause safety issue of the motorists traveling on the major roads around MPSC.

11.8.148     For Functional VSRs are not included in this assessment. This reason is because these locations are unlikely to be visited after normal working hours during evening and night periods, hence glare impact would be not be significant.

11.8.149     The identified VSRs for glare impact assessment are summarized on Table 11-13 below. The VSR locations used in the objective assessment is representative of the area identified in the LVIA study. The identified VSRs include both Construction and Operation Phases. The locations of the VSRs are presented in Figure 11-4-8 and Figure 11-4-9.

Table 11-13 Identified VSRs for Glare Impact Assessment

VSR No.

Location

Distance To Closest Source

(m)

Closest Lighting Source

L-01(R)

Residential Development along Sung Wong Toi Road

210

Public Sports Ground

L-02(R)

Mid-rise Residential Development in Chung Seen Mei Chuen an Kowloon City

450

Public Sports Ground

L-03(R)

High-rise Residential Groups North of Prince Edward Road East

560

Indoor Sports Centre

L-04(R)

Residents at Choi Hung and Diamond Hill

1020

Indoor Sports Centre

L-05(R)

Kai Ching Estate and Tak Long Estate

510

Indoor Sports Centre

L-06(R)

Richland Garden

840

Main Stadium

L-07(R)

Residential Development in To Kwa Wan

300

Main Stadium

L-08(R)

Laguna Verde

1370

Main Stadium

L-09(R)

Grand Waterfront

300

Main Stadium

L-10(R)

Harbourfront Landmark

1880

Main Stadium

L-11(R)

Residential in progress at Prince Edward Road East

850

Indoor Sports Centre

L-12(R)

Low-rise Mixed Use Development Adjacent Grand Waterfront

185

Main Stadium

L-13(R)

Future Residential Development at Northwest of MPSC

45

Indoor Sports Centre

L-14(R)

Future Residential Development at Northeast of MPSC

45

Indoor Sports Centre

L-15(R)

Future Residential Development in Runway Precinct

830

Main Stadium

L-01(L)

Amenity Users at Greenspace on Prince Edward Road

380

Public Sports Ground

L-02(L)

Amenity Users at Shek Ku Lung Road Playground

460

Indoor Sports Centre

L-03(L)

Amenity Users at Sze Mei Street

850

Main Stadium

L-04(L)

Kai Tak Promenade and Open Space Network

0

Public Sports Ground

L-05(L)

Kai Tak Public Open Space Network and Station Square

0

Indoor Sports Centre

L-06(L)

Visitors to Future Metro Park

40

Main Stadium

L-07(L)

Promenade along Ma Tau Kok

200

Main Stadium

L-08(L)

Visitors to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Roof Garden

1750

Main Stadium

L-09(L)

Visitors to Kowloon Bay Typhoon Shelter Promenade

75

Main Stadium

L-01(T)

Travellers on Prince Edward Road East

400

Indoor Sports Centre

L-02(T)

Travellers on Sung Wong Toi Road

65

Public Sports Ground

L-03(T)

Motorists on Kwun Tong Bypass

400

Main Stadium

L-04(T)

Harbour Vessels

70

Main Stadium

L-05(T)

Future Central-Kowloon Route 6

0

Main Stadium

L-06(T)

Future Road D2

0

Indoor Sports Centre

L-07(T)

Future Road D3 and Central Boulevard

0

Main Stadium

L-08(T)

Future Road D4 and Taxiway Bridge

1000

Main Stadium

L-09(T)

Future Road L6

0

Indoor Sports Centre

Light Sources

11.8.150     The following direct man-made light sources are considered in the glare assessment:-

·                Lighting from MPSC, according to lighting layout, see Table 11-14.

·                Assumed average highway lighting from CKR and Road D2.

·                Assumed buildings light source from surrounding buildings.

11.8.151     The Main Stadium design includes a fixed domed roof with a 92 meter × 114 meter retractable roof on the top height of up to +75mPD in order to allow events to be held under all weather conditions.

11.8.152     The spotlights and floodlights for evening sports inside the Main Stadium are ceiling mounted luminaires with built in anti-glare baffle and visor shield under the fixed roof. Lighting application catalogues are attached in Appendix 11G Page 1 to Page 3. According to the catalogue, 0% of the luminance of the light application is emitted above 0°of horizontal level which is known as no spill light emits above the roof level. For sensitive receivers located above roof level, during operation the lightings focus on the player's field of view and do not illuminate discomfort light directly in the viewing direction of sensitive receivers when the retrievable roof is open. For sensitive receivers located below roof level, lightings inside the Main Stadium are blocked by the fixed roof and walls.

11.8.153     Therefore, these illuminations would not cause glare impact to the surrounding and thus they are not considered in the glare impact assessment.

Table 11-14     Lighting From MPSC, According To Lighting Layout

Area

Description

Light sources

Main Stadium

Signage and directional lights

Façade lights

9m Χ 12m LED display panel       

LS1a (1-50)

LS1b (1-50)

LS1c (1-2)

Public Sports Ground

Façade lights

Spotlights

Signage and directional lights

LS2a (1-23)

LS2b (1-25)

LS2c (1-21)

Indoor Sports Centre

Façade lights

Signage and directional lights

Spotlights

9m Χ 12m LED display panel

LS3a (1-41)

LS3b (1-25) & LS3c (1-72)

LS3d (1-35)

LS3e

Office and Hotel Block

Signage and directional lights

Spotlights

LS4a (1-3) & LS4b (1-4)

LS4c (1-4)

Podium Deck

Signage and directional lights

 

Spotlights

Signage and directional lights

LS6a (1-60) & LS6b (64-218) & LS6c (1-29)

LS6d (1-16)

LS6e

Road Lighting

LS7

Ancillary Building

LS8

11.8.154     Under the proposed development, the location of Stadium Complex has been carefully sited so as to keep away from any residential VSRs as much as possible. The locations of these outdoor lighting installations and lighting characteristic of the luminaries used in the prediction used in this study are indicated in Appendix 11G.

11.8.155     For the Construction Phase, the potential sources of glare from direct man-made light sources are security lighting within the construction works area after normal working hours during evening and night periods. Since these lights are usually installed on ground level (approximately 0.5m high above ground) and with low light intensity, they are not considered in this assessment. All security floodlights for construction sites should be equipped with adjustable shield, frosted diffusers and reflective covers, and be carefully controlled to minimise light pollution and night-time glare to the VSRs.

11.9                   Impact Assessment

11.9.1             The assessment of landscape impacts will result from:-

·           identification of the type and sources of impact and their magnitude that would be generated during construction and operation of the Project; and

·           identification of the principal landscape impacts primarily in consideration of the sensitivity of the baseline conditions. The impacts are considered systematically in terms of landscape elements, the Project and its context.

11.9.2         The assessment of potential visual impacts will result from:-

·           identification of the type and sources of visual impact and their magnitude that would be generated during construction and operation of the scheme; and

·           identification of the principal visual impacts primarily in consideration of the sensitivity of the baseline condition.

Potential Sources of Landscape and Visual Impacts

11.9.3         The nature and scope of the works have been described in Section 11.1 above. Sources of landscape and visual impact during Construction Phase are as follows:-

·                Remaining site clearance work (if any) involving the removal of temporary offices and associated facilities, as well as the removal of existing trees and shrub planting after having considered the likelihood of their retention on site or transplanting;

·                Piling, deep foundation construction, basement construction;

·                Construction traffic;

·                Temporary Traffic Management activities including rerouting of traffic lanes due to the construction of adjacent sites and the construction of Road D2;

·                Relocation or re-provision of existing infrastructure and the laying down of utilities including water, drainage, power and waste;

·                Presence of construction  machinery, construction of the temporary parking areas, on-site accommodation office & structures and working areas, importation and storage of equipment and materials;

·                Construction of the Main Stadium, Public sports ground, Indoor sports centre , the office and hotel block and the podium deck;

·                Night lighting and welding;

·                Temporary works hoardings, noise barriers and enclosures;

·                Dust during dry weather.

11.9.4         The source of landscape and visual impacts of the Project during Operation Phase would be:-

·                The operation of Main Stadium, the Public Sports Ground, Indoor Sports Centre and the office and hotel block;

·                The operation of new roads serving the planned MPSC;

·                The operation of Road D2;

·                The operation of new landscape areas and landscaped deck;

·                Changes to settlement pattern, scale and human interaction;

·                Any ongoing changes in the quality or quantity of Landscape Resources resulting from the Project, including topographic features, vegetation, hydrology and cultural artefacts;

·                Loss of visual amenity previously presented by lost Landscape Resources.

Landscape Impact Assessment

Magnitude of Landscape Impacts

11.9.5             The magnitude of the impacts, before implementation of the mitigation measures on Landscape Resources and Landscape Character areas are tabulated below in Table 11-15 further discussed in detail below. Only those resources and character areas which are affected by the Project are listed and all impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated.

11.9.6             The precise number of trees to be retained, transplanted, felled and compensated shall be determined and agreed separately with government during the Tree Removal Application process under DEVB TC No.7/2015. However at this stage all 159 trees identified have been earmarked for removal.

 

Table 11-15       Schedule of Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas Impacted during Construction and Operation Phases  


NO.

Landscape Resources/ Landscape Character Areas

Source of Impact

Area of Resources Affected (m2)

Estimated Quantity of Trees Affected

Construction

Operation

Existing

Removed

Reprovisioned

 

Landscape Resources

LR1-1

Vegetation on MPSC Development Area

Construction work of MPSC

89,167

89,167

158

158

340

LR2-1

Hardstanding at Kai Tak Airport

Construction work of MPSC

106,169

106,169

1

1

LR2-12

Seawall of Kowloon Bay Typhoon Shelter

Construction Phase barging point.

unknown

unknown

-

-

-

LR3-2

Waterbody of Kowloon Bay

Transportation of materials, waste, workers and visitors

342,767

-

-

-

-

 

Landscape Character

LCA01

Former Kai Tak Airport Landscape Character Area

Construction and operation work and temporary transportation &

material storage for the Project.

282,000

282,000

159

159

340

LCA05

To Kwa Wan Typhoon Shelter Landscape Character Area

Transportation of materials, wastes , workers and visitors

289,261

-

-

-

-

Landscape Resources

·                LR1-1: The Vegetation on MPSC Development Areas is virtually all contained within the Project Site. Magnitude of change is anticipated to be Large during Construction Phase due to the extensive redevelopment of the area. The majority, if not all vegetation, is anticipated to be lost in this resource and remains Large during Operation Stage.

·                LR2-1: Hard-standing at Kai Tak Airport is predominantly contained within the Project Site and will be removed as part of the development. Magnitude of change is anticipated to be Large during both Construction and Operation Phases.

·                LR2-12: Seawall of Kowloon Bay Typhoon Shelter is outside of the Project boundary. Currently there is no intention for incorporation of a temporary barging point in this area and as such there would be no anticipated impacts during Construction Phase. However the resource is assessed based on the scenario of a barging point needing to be incorporated and the augmentation of the seawall is considered with reinstatement before Operation. Magnitude of change is anticipated to be Small during Construction Phase and Negligible during Operation Phase.

·                LR3-2: Waterbody of Kowloon Bay is outside of the Project boundary. Currently there is no intention for incorporation of a temporary barging point in this area and as such there would be no anticipated impacts during Construction Phase. However the resource is assessed based on the scenario of a barging point being incorporated and the generation of works traffic is considered. During Operation Phase, the development may contribute to the generation of sea traffic for special events and or tourist activities which could possibly impact the resource. Magnitude of change is anticipated to be Small during Construction and Negligible during Operation Phase.

Landscape Character Areas

·                LCA01: The former Kai Tak airport site will be completely transformed under a number of ongoing development projects surrounding the MPSC. The comprehensive development will see the MPSC at the heart of newly developed residential developments, public transport systems and public parks and facilities. The Project Site is already partially an area of site formation and other minor infrastructure development projects, the magnitude of change is therefore anticipated to be Small during Construction. The MPSC forms just a small part of the overall surrounding development and upon completion will be consistent with other concurrent development. The character of the site is anticipated to remain generally urban in character but with significant open space, activity areas and visual corridors that will attract continued user activity. Magnitude of change is considered Intermediate during Operation.

·                LCA05: The Typhoon Shelter Landscape at To Kwa Wan Typhoon Shelter gains much of its character from the Landscape Character Areas that surround it as well as the vessels that occupy it. The nature of its boundaries significantly influences the sense of character due to visual penetration. Both the Project development site as well as that of the proposed Metro Park and waterfront promenade will therefore impose their own landscape characters by forming the boundaries of the LCA, even if there are no changes within the area itself. The magnitude of change is anticipated to be Negligible during Construction Phase and Small during Operation Phase.

Schedule of Impacts to Landscape Resources and Landscape Character

11.9.7             The magnitude of the impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, on the Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas that would occur in the Construction and Operation Phases are summarised in Tables 11-16 and 11-17 below.

Table 11-16      Summary of Magnitude of Impacts to Landscape Resources before Mitigation

LR

Description

Source of Impact

Extent

of Impact

(Full / Part / Slight)

Duration

of Impact

(Short / Med / Long)

Compatibility

of Project with surrounding landscape

(Good / Fair / Poor)

Reversibility

of Change

(Yes / No)

Magnitude of Change

Con

Op

Con

Op

Con

Op

 

Con

Op

LR1-1

Vegetation on MPSC Development Area

Construction Work of MPSC

Full

Full

Long

Long

Poor

Poor

Yes

Large

Large

LR1-2

Trees in Amenity Areas of San Po Kong Interchange

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

    None

LR1-3

Roadside Planting at Kai Tak Tunnel Ramp

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR1-4

Existing Trees at Airport Perimeter Fence

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR1-5

Street Trees on Sung Wong Toi Road

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR1-6

Temporary Tree Nursery

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR1-7

Trees on Runway South Apron

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR1-8

Amenity Areas at Kowloon Bay Interchange

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR1-9

Landscape at Grand Waterfront

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR2-1

Hard-standing at Kai Tak Airport

Construction Work of MPSC

Full

Full

Long

Long

Poor

Poor

No

Large

Large

LR2-2

Shek Ku Lung Road Playground

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR2-3

Tak Ku Ling Road Rest Garden

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR2-4

Olympic Garden

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR2-5

Argyle Street Playground

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR2-6

Sung Wong Toi Playground

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR2-7

Sung Wong Toi Garden

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR2-8

Hong Kong Aviation Club

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR2-9

Lung Tsun Stone Bridge Reserve

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR2-10

Landscape at Kowloon Bay Pumping Station #1

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR2-11

Landscape at Kowloon Bay Pumping Station #2

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR2-12

Seawall of Kowloon Bay Typhoon Shelter

Construction Phase barging point

Slight

Slight

Long

Long

Good

Good

Yes

Small

Negligible

LR2-13

Kowloon City Ferry Pier and Bus Terminus

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR2-14

Cattle Depot Artist Village

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR2-15

To Kwa Wan Recreation Ground

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR3-1

Kai Tak Nullah

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR3-2

Waterbody of Kowloon Bay

Transportation of materials, wastes workers and visitors

Slight

Slight

Long

Long

Fair

Good

Yes

Small

Negligible

LR4-1

Urban Development Hinterland

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LR5-1

Kai Tak Development Area

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

 

Table 11-17    Summary of Magnitude of Impacts on Landscape Character Areas Before Mitigation

LCA

Description

Source of Impact

Extent

of Impact

(Full / Part / Slight)

Duration

of Impact

(Short / Med / Long)

Compatibility

of Project with Surrounding Landscape

(Good / Fair / Poor)

Reversibility

of Change

Magnitude of Change

Con

Op

Con

Op

Con

Op

 

Con

Op

LCA01

Former Kai Tak Airport

All Construction Works

Part

Part

Long

Long

Poor

Good

Yes

Small

Intermediate

LCA02

Institutional Areas North & South of Argyle Road

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LCA03

Ma Tau Kok & Kowloon City

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LCA04

Tung Tau Estate

None

-

-

-

-

-

-

-

None

None

LCA05

To Kwa Wan Typhoon Shelter

Transportation of materials, wastes workers and visitors

Slight

Slight

Long

Long

Fair

Good

Yes

Negligible

Small

Visual Impact Assessment

Magnitude of Visual Impacts

11.9.8             The magnitude of predicted impacts on Strategic, District and Local Level Visually Sensitive Receivers is discussed below.

Strategic Level and District Level

11.9.9             For the VSRs at strategic level, the view distance and availability of good alternative views mean that the magnitude of change caused by the Project is hardly noticeable within the scope of all the other projects occurring on the Kowloon Peninsula, especially Kai Tak Development as a whole. District level receivers are all potential future receivers from Kai Tak Development and as such there will be no Construction Phase impact.

11.9.10         During the Operation Phase, VSRs at strategic level remain remote, whilst those receivers at district level in the new Kai Tak Development located proximate to the site will be subject to considerable change from the current baseline condition. 

Local Level

11.9.11         Existing VSRs at local level have been viewing onto the former Kai Tak Airport in various states of disuse and redevelopment approaching 20 years. The outlook has not been attractive in itself; however the open expanse has been able to provide receivers with distant and open views, which in itself is of value within the dense Kowloon environment. Construction of the MPSC will therefore remain within the context of ongoing redevelopment of the site, such that its effect will be less dramatic than may otherwise be expected for such a large development. The changes also have to be considered in the context of the wider Kai Tak Development of which MPSC forms just a part.

11.9.12         A large number of VSRs in Construction Phase will not be able to view the MPSC during Operation Phase due to other significant development being undertaken under Kai Tak Development, particularly the residential and mixed use grid neighbourhoods to be developed to the northeast and northwest. As such the future visual envelope can be anticipated to shrink considerably during Operation Phase. A worst case scenario is assumed, i.e. some developments within Kai Tak are not initiated or completed by 2021 when the MPSC is intended to be operational. The existing VSRs along Prince Edward Road East will then experience some degree of visual impact at the Operation Phase but no worse than during the Construction Phase. By Year 10 of operation, VSRs L-03(R), L-04(R), L-11(R), L-02(F), L-03(F), L-11(F), L-21(F), L-02(L), L-03(L), L-01(T) and L-03(T) will be screened by developments within Kai Tak along Prince Edward Road East. As such, the visual impact would then be negligible. Whilst these existing VSR’s are anticipated to be outside a future reduced VE, the number of receivers in the VE may or may not be reduced due to the newly introduced receivers of Kai Tak development.

11.9.13         Similarly, it is assumed that future VSR’s at the planned development areas will not be affected by the Construction Phase impacts of MPSC, which is intended to be developed concurrently. These future VSRs include L-13(R), L-14(R), L-15(R), L-17(F); L-18(F); L-19(F); L-20(F); at L-13(R), L-14(R), L-15(R), L-17(F); L-18(F); L-19(F); L-04(L); L-05(L); L-06(L); L-05(T); L-06(T); L-07(T); L-09(T) and may not be in place until after commencement of operation of MPSC; however, they are all included in the assessment from Day 1 of Operation Phase of the Project.

Schedule of Impacts to Visually Sensitive Receivers

11.9.14         The magnitude of the impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, on the identified Visually Sensitive Receivers that would occur in the Construction and Operation Phases are tabulated in Table 11-18 below. All impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated. It is considered that the baseline visual condition is extremely changeable and incoherent, being itself an area in transition. However the development will bring about a long term, irreversible change in the existing visual resources during Operation of the Project.

Table 11-18      Summary of Magnitude of Impacts on Visually Sensitive Receivers Before Mitigation

VSR

Location

Source

of

Impact

Compatibility with Surroundings

(Good / Fair / Poor)

Scale of Development

(Small / Med / Large)

Duration of Impacts

(Short / Med / Long)

Reversibility of Change

(Yes / No)

Potential Blockage of View

(Full / Part / Nil)

Magnitude of Change

(Large /Intermediate/

Small / Negligible)

Con

Op

Con

Op

Con

Op

Con

Op

Con

Op

Con

Op

Strategic

S-01

Proposed Promenade, South East Kowloon Development (VP3)

MPSC

Fair

Good

Med

Med

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

S-02

Quarry Bay Park (VP4)

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

S-03

Victoria Peak (VP7)

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

S-04

Lion Rock

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

S-05

Kowloon Peak

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

S-06

Devil’s Peak

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

S-07

Mount Parker

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

S-08

Mount Cameron

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

S-09

North Point Pier

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

S-10

Lei Yue Mun Gap

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

S-11

International Commerce Centre

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

S-12

Two International Finance Centre

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

District

D-01

Kai Tak Runway Park

MPSC

-

Good

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

-

Nil

-

Negligible

D-02

Future Metro Park South

MPSC

-

Good

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

-

Nil

-

Small

D-03

Future Metro Park Central

MPSC

-

Good

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

-

Nil

-

Inter

D-04

Future MPSC South

MPSC

-

Good

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

-

Nil

-

Large

D-05

Future MPSC East

MPSC

-

Good

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

-

Nil

-

Large

Local - Residential

L-01(R)

Residential Development along Sung Wong Toi Road

MPSC

Fair

Good

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Inter

Inter

L-02(R)

Mid-rise Residential Development in Chung Seen Mei Chuen an Kowloon

MPSC

Fair

Good

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Inter

Inter

L-03(R)

High-rise Residential Groups North of Prince Edward Road East

MPSC

Fair

Fair

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Par

Inter

Inter

L-04(R)

Residents at Choi Hung and Diamond Hill

MPSC

Fair

Fair

Med

Med

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Small

Small

L-05(R)

Kai Ching Estate and Tak Long Estate

MPSC

Fair

Good

Large

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Inter

Small

L-06(R)

Richland Garden

MPSC

Fair

Good

Med

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Small

Negligible

L-07(R)

Residential Development in To Kwa Wan

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

L-08(R)

Laguna Verde

MPSC

Fair

Good

Med

Med

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

L-09(R)

Grand Waterfront

MPSC

Fair

Good

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Large

Large

L-10(R)

Harbourfront Landmark

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

L-11(R)

Residential in progress at Prince Edward Road East

MPSC

Fair

Fair

Med

Med

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Small

Small

L-12(R)

Low-rise Mixed Use Development Adjacent Grand Waterfront

MPSC

Fair

Good

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Inter

Inter

L-13(R)

Future Residential Development at Northwest of MPSC

MPSC

-

Good

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

-

Full

-

Large

L-14(R)

Future Residential Development at Northeast of MPSC

MPSC

-

Good

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

-

Full

-

Large

L-15(R)

Future Residential Development in Runway Precinct

MPSC

-

Good

-

Small

-

Long

-

No

-

Nil

-

Small

Local - Functional

L-01(F)

Education and Healthcare Facilities at Ma Tau Wai

MPSC

Fair

Good

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Inter

Inter

L-02(F)

Education and Healthcare Facilities at San Po Kong

MPSC

Fair

Fair

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Inter

Inter

L-03(F)

Government Facilities on Concorde Road

MPSC

Fair

Fair

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Inter

Inter

L-04(F)

Development Support Facilities at Kowloon Bay Interchange

MPSC

Fair

Good

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Large

Large

L-05(F)

Education and Healthcare Facilities at Kowloon Bay

MPSC

Fair

Good

Med

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Small

Negligible

L-06(F)

Kowloon Bay Action Area

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

L-07(F)

Police Operational Facility at Dyer Avenue

MPSC

Fair

Good

Med

Med

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

L-08(F)

Hong Kong Aviation Club

MPSC

Fair

Good

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Large

Large

L-09(F)

Comprehensive Development Area along Mok Cheong Street

MPSC

Fair

Fair

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Full

Full

Large

Large

L-10F)

Kowloon Bay Business District

MPSC

Fair

Good

Med

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Negligible

L-11(F)

Business and Industrial Developments in San Po Kong

MPSC

Fair

Fair

Med

Med

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Nil

Small

Small

L-12(F)

Business and Industrial Developments in Hung Hom

MPSC

Fair

Good

Med

Med

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

L-13(F)

Kwun Tong Business District

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

L-14(F)

Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre

MPSC

Fair

Good

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Large

Large

L-15(F)

Kowloon City Ferry Pier

MPSC

Fair

Good

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Large

Large

L-16(F)

Pacific Trade Centre, Octa Tower, Kowloon Godown

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

L-17(F)

Future Tourism Development in Runway Precinct

MPSC

-

Good

-

Small

-

Long

-

No

-

Nil

-

Negligible

L-18(F)

Planned Development along Route 6

MPSC

-

Good

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

-

Part

-

Large

L-19(F)

Planned Commercial Development in Runway Precinct

MPSC

-

Good

-

Med

-

Long

-

No

-

Nil

-

Small

L-20F)

Planned Mixed Use Development at Kai Tak

MPSC

-

Good

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

-

Full

-

Large

L-21(F)

Construction Areas at Kai Tak Development

MPSC

Fair

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

No

Part

-

Inter

-

Local- Leisure

L-01(L)

Amenity Users at Greenspace on Prince Edward Road

MPSC

Fair

Good

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Inter

Inter

L-02(L)

Visitors at Shek Ku Lung Road Playground

MPSC

Fair

Fair

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Inter

Inter

L-03(L)

Amenity Users at Sze Mei Street Open Space and PTI

MPSC

Good

Good

Med

Inter

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Inter

Inter

L-04(L)

Kai Tak Promenade and Open Space Network

MPSC

-

Good

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

-

Full

-

Large

L-05(L)

Kai Tak Public Open Space Network and Station Square

MPSC

-

Good

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

-

Part

-

Large

L-06(L)

Visitors to Future Metro Park

MPSC

-

Good

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

-

Part

-

Large

L-07(L)

Promenade along Ma Tau Kok

MPSC

Fair

Good

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Inter

Inter

L-08(L)

Visitors to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Roof Garden

MPSC

Good

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

L-09(L)

Visitors to Kowloon Bay Typhoon

MPSC

Good

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Negligible

Negligible

Local- Transport

L-01(T)

Travellers on Prince Edward Road East

MPSC

Fair

Fair

Med

Med

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Small

Small

L-02(T)

Travellers along Sung Wong Toi Road

MPSC

Fair

Good

Large

Large

Long

Long

No

No

Full

Full

Large

Large

L-03(T)

Motorists on Kwun Tong Bypass

MPSC

Fair

Fair

Med

Med

Long

Long

No

No

Part

Part

Small

Small

L-04(T)

Harbour Vessels

MPSC

Fair

Good

Med

Med

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

L-05(T)

Future Central Kowloon Route 6

MPSC

-

Good

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

-

Full

-

Large

L-06(T)

Future Road D2

MPSC

-

Good

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

-

Full

-

Large

L-07(T)

Future Road D3 and Central Boulevard

MPSC

-

Good

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

-

Part

-

Large

L-08(T)

Future Road D4 and Taxiway Bridge

MPSC

Fair

Good

Small

Small

Long

Long

No

No

Nil

Nil

Small

Small

L-09(T)

Future Road L6

MPSC

-

Good

-

Large

-

Long

-

No

-

Full

-

Large

Glare Impact Assessment

11.9.15         During Operation Phase, the main sources of glare would be from the MPSC perimeter lighting and those from connecting road alignment.

11.9.16         Within the MPSC area, the potential sources of lighting include general amenity area lighting and event security lighting.

11.9.17         The vehicle trafficked areas include Road D2 and the PTI under the landscape deck where the main source of illumination will be the standard roadside units typically required for dual-lane carriageways and associated roadside and street lighting.

11.9.18         Based on the assumption stated from Section 11.8.143 to Section 11.8.155, the glare rating predicted for the VSRs are detailed in Table 11-19 below.

Table 11-19     Predicted Glare Rating for VSRs near MPSC

VSR

Name

Predicted Glare Rating

Significance

L-01(R)

Sky tower and Residential Development along Sung Wong Toi Road

29

Noticeable

L-02(R)

Medium-rise Development in Chung Seen Mei Chuen and Kowloon City

40

Just admissible

L-03(R)

High-rise Residential Groups along north of Prince Edward Road East

-

Unnoticeable

L-04(R)

Residents at Choi Hung and Diamond Hill

-

Unnoticeable

L-05(R)

Kai Ching Estate and Tak Long Estate

-

Unnoticeable

L-06(R)

Richland Garden

19

Noticeable

L-07(R)

Residential Development in To Kwa Wan

39

Just admissible

L-08(R)

Laguna Verde

34

Just admissible

L-09(R)

Grand Waterfront

28

Noticeable

L-10(R)

Harbourfront Landmark

22

Noticeable

L-11(R)

Residential in progress along Prince Edward Road East

-

Unnoticeable

L-12(R)

Low-rise residential and commercial adjacent to Grand Waterfront

36

Just admissible

L-13(R)

Future Residential Development at Northwest of MPSC

46

Just admissible

L-14(R)

Future Residential Development at Northeast of MPSC

47

Just admissible

L-15(R)

Future residential development in Runway Precinct

44

Just admissible

L-01(L)

Amenity Users at Greenspace on Prince Edward Road

8

Unnoticeable

L-02(L)

Amenity Users at Shek Ku Lung Road Playground

-

Unnoticeable

L-03(L)

Amenity Users at Sze Mei Street Open Space and PTI

22

Noticeable

L-04(L)

Kai Tak Promenade and Open Space Network

30

Just admissible

L-05(L)

Kai Tak Public Open Space Network and Station Square

45

Just admissible

L-06(L)

Visitors to Future Metro Park

23

Noticeable

L-07(L)

Promenade along Ma Tau Kok

37

Just admissible

L-08(L)

Visitors to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Roof Garden

33

Just admissible

L-09(L)

Visitors to Kowloon Bay Typhoon Shelter Promenade

16

Noticeable

L-01(T)

Travellers on Prince Edward Road East

-

Unnoticeable

L-02(T)

Travellers on Sung Wong Toi Road

27

Noticeable

L-03(T)

Motorists on Kwun Tong Bypass

42

Just admissible

L-04(T)

Harbour Vessels

40

Just admissible

L-05(T)

Future Central-Kowloon Route 6

44

Just admissible

L-06(T)

Future Road D2

31

Just admissible

L-07(T)

Future Road D3 and Central Boulevard

34

Just admissible

L-08(T)

Future Road D4 and Taxiway Bridge

40

Just admissible

L-09(T)

Future Road L6

44

Just admissible

Note: Sample calculations of the predicted glare rating for VSRs L-13(R), L-14(R) and L-06(T) are attached in Appendix 11G.

11.9.19         The predicted glare rating for the identified VSRs within the study boundary are below the Glare Rating Limit of 50.

Impact Significance Threshold

11.9.20         The analysis of the landscape and visual impacts during construction and operation are presented in the following form of matrix to ascertain the Significance Threshold, as detailed in Table 11-2-1 above.

11.9.21         The degree of impact or Significance Threshold is considered as follows:-

Substantial:

adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in the existing landscape/visual quality

Moderate:

adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in the existing landscape/visual quality

Slight:

adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in the existing landscape/visual quality

Insubstantial:

no discernible change in the existing landscape/visual quality

11.9.22         The Significance Threshold of those impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, on the Landscape Resources, Landscape Character Areas and Visually Sensitive Receivers that would occur in the Construction and Operation Phases is summarised in Table 11-20 and Table 11-21 respectively, below. All impacts are adverse unless stated.

Table 11-20      Significance Threshold of Landscape Resources and Landscape Character

Ref

Description

Sensitivity

Magnitude of Change

Significance Threshold

WITHOUT

Mitigation

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Landscape Resources

LR1-1

Vegetation on MPSC Development Area

Low

Large

Large

Moderate

Moderate

LR1-2

Trees in Amenity Areas of San Po Kong Interchange

Medium

-

-

-

-

LR1-3

Roadside Planting at Kai Tak Tunnel Ramp

Medium

-

-

-

-

LR1-4

Existing Trees at Airport Perimeter Fence

Medium

-

-

-

-

LR1-5

Street Trees on Sung Wong Toi Road

Medium

-

-

-

-

LR1-6

Temporary Tree Nursery

Low

-

-

-

-

LR1-7

Trees on Runway South Apron

Medium

-

-

-

-

LR1-8

Amenity Areas at Kowloon Bay Interchange

Medium

-

-

-

-

LR1-9

Landscape at Grand Waterfront

Medium

-

-

-

-

LR2-1

Hardstanding at Kai Tak Airport

Low

Large

Large

Moderate

Moderate

LR2-2

Shek Ku Lung Road Playground

Medium

-

-

-

-

LR2-3

Tak Ku Ling Road Rest Garden

Medium

-

-

-

-

LR2-4

Olympic Garden

Medium

-

-

-

-

LR2-5

Argyle Street Playground

Medium

 

 

 

 

LR2-6

Sung Wong Toi Playground

Medium

-

-

-

-

LR2-7

Sung Wong Toi Garden

High

-

-

-

-

LR2-8

Hong Kong Aviation Club

Medium

-

-

-

-

LR2-9

Lung Tsun Stone Bridge Reserve

High

-

-

-

-

LR2-10

Landscape at Kowloon Bay Pumping Station #1

Low

-

-

-

-

LR2-11

Landscape at Kowloon Bay Pumping Station #2

Low

-

-

-

-

LR2-12

Seawall of Kowloon Bay Typhoon Shelter

Medium

Small

Negligible

Slight/

Moderate

Insubstantial

LR2-13

Kowloon City Ferry Pier and Bus Terminus

Medium

 

 

 

-

LR2-14

Cattle Depot Artist Village

High

 

 

 

-

LR2-15

To Kwa Wan Recreation Ground

Medium

 

 

 

-

LR3-1

Kai Tak Nullah

Low

-

-

-

-

LR3-2

Waterbody of Kowloon Bay

High

Small

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

LR4-1

Urban Development Hinterland

Low

-

-

-

-

LR5-1

Kai Tak Development Area

Low

-

-

-

-

Landscape Character

LCA01

Former Kai Tak Airport

Low

Small

Inter

Slight

Slight/ Moderate

LCA02

Institutional Areas North & South of Argyle Road

Medium

-

-

-

-

LCA03

Ma Tau Kok & Kowloon City

Medium

-

-

-

-

LCA04

Tung Tau Estate

Medium

-

-

-

-

LCA05

To Kwa Wan Typhoon Shelter

High

Negligible

Small

Insubstantial

Moderate

 

Table 11-21  Significance Threshold of Visually Sensitive Receivers

 Ref

 (VSR)

Description

Sensitivity

Magnitude of Change

Significance Threshold

WITHOUT

Mitigation

Cons.

Op.

Cons

Op

Cons

Op

S-01

Proposed Promenade, South East Kowloon Development (VP3)

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

S-02

Quarry Bay Park, (VP4)

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

S-03

Victoria Peak (VP7)

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

S-04

Lion Rock

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Slight

S-05

Kowloon Peak

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

S-06

Devil’s Peak

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

S-07

Mount Parker

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

S-08

Mount Cameron

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

S-09

North Point Pier

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

S-10

Lei Yue Mun Gap

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

S-11

International Commerce Centre

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

S-12

Two International Finance Centre

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

D-01

Kai Tak Runway Park

-

Low

-

Negligible

-

Insubstantial

D-02

Future Metro Park South

-

Medium

-

Small

-

Slight

D-03

Future Metro Park Central

-

Medium

-

Inter

-

Moderate

D-04

Future MPSC South

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Moderate /
Substantial

D-05

Future MPSC East

-

High

-

Large

-

Substantial

L-01(R)

Residential Development along Sung Wong Toi Road

High

Inter

Inter

Moderate /
Substantial

Moderate /
Substantial

L-02(R)

Mid-rise Residential Development in Chung Seen Mei Chuen an Kowloon City

High

Low

Inter

Inter

Moderate /
Substantial

Slight / Moderate

L-03(R)

High-rise Residential Groups North of Prince Edward Road East

High

Medium

Inter

Inter

Moderate /
Substantial

Moderate

L-04(R)

Residents at Choi Hung and Diamond Hill

High

Medium

Small

Small

Moderate

Slight / Moderate

L-05(R)

Kai Ching Estate and Tak Long Estate

High

Inter

Small

Moderate /
Substantial

Moderate

L-06(R)

Richland Garden

Medium

Small

Negligible

Slight / Moderate

Insubstantial

L-07(R)

Residential Development in To Kwa Wan

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-08(R)

Laguna Verde

Medium

Small

Small

Moderate

Moderate

L-09(R)

Grand Waterfront

High

Large

Large

Substantial

Substantial

L-10(R)

Harbourfront Landmark

Medium

Small

Small

Slight / Moderate

Slight / Moderate

L-11(R)

Residential in progress along Prince Edward Road East

High

Medium

Small

Small

Moderate

Slight / Moderate

L-12(R)

Low-rise Mixed Use Development adjacent to Grand Waterfront

Low

High

Inter

Large

Slight / Moderate

Substantial

L-13(R)

Future Residential Development at Northwest of MPSC

 

High

-

Large

-

Substantial

L-14(R)

Future Residential Development at Northeast of MPSC

 

High

-

Large

-

Substantial

L-15(R)

Future Residential Development in Runway Precinct

-

Medium

-

Small

-

Slight / Moderate

L-01(F)

Education and Healthcare Facilities at Ma Tau Wai

Medium

Inter

Inter

Moderate

Moderate

L-02(F)

Education and Healthcare Facilities at San Po Kong

Medium

Low

Inter

Inter

Moderate

Slight / Moderate

L-03(F)

Government Facilities on Concorde Road

Low

Low

Inter

Inter

Slight / Moderate

Slight / Moderate

L-04(F)

Development Support Facilities at Kowloon Bay Interchange

Medium

Large

Large

Moderate /
Substantial

Moderate /
Substantial

L-05(F)

Healthcare and Education Facilities at Kowloon Bay

Medium

Low

Small

Negligible

Slight / Moderate

Insubstantial

L-06(F)

Kowloon Bay Action Area

Low

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-07(F)

Police Operational Facility at Dyer Avenue

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

L-08(F)

Hong Kong Aviation Club

Medium

Large

Large

Moderate /
Substantial

Moderate /
Substantial

L-09(F)

Comprehensive development area along Mok Cheong Street

Medium

High

Large

Large

Moderate /
Substantial


Substantial

L-10(F)

Kowloon Bay Business District

Medium

Small

Negligible

Slight / Moderate

Insubstantial

L-11(F)

Business and Industrial Developments in San Po Kong

Low

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

L-12(F)

 

Business and Industrial Developments in Hung Hom

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

L-13(F)

Kwun Tong Business District

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-14(F)

Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre

Low

Large

Large

Moderate

Moderate

L-15(F)

Kowloon City Ferry Pier and Transport Terminus

Medium

Large

Large

Moderate /
Substantial

Moderate /
Substantial

L-16(F)

Pacific Trade Centre, Octa Tower, Kowloon Godown

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-17(F)

Future Tourism Development in Runway Precinct

-

Low

-

Negligible

-

Insubstantial

L-18(F)

Planned Development along Route 6

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Moderate /
Substantial

L-19(F)

Planned Hotel Development in Runway Precinct

-

Medium

-

Small

-

Slight / Moderate

L-20(F)

Planned Mixed Use Development at Kai Tak

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Moderate /
Substantial

L-21(F)

Construction Areas at Kai Tak Development

Low

Low

Inter

Inter

Slight / Moderate

Slight / Moderate

L-01(L)

Amenity Users at Greenspace on Prince Edward Road

Medium

Inter

Inter

Moderate

Moderate

L-02(L)

Amenity Users at Shek Ku Lung Road Playground

Medium

Low

Inter

Inter

Moderate

Slight / Moderate

L-03(L)

Amenity Users at Sze Mei Street Open Space and PTI

Medium

Low

Inter

Inter

Moderate

Slight / Moderate

L-04(L)

Kai Tak promenade and open space network

-

High

-

Large

-

Substantial

L-05(L)

Kai Tak public open space network and Station Square

-

High

-

Large

-

Substantial

L-06(L)

Visitors to Future Metropark

-

High

-

Large

-

Substantial

L-07(L)

Promenade along Ma Tau Kok

Medium

Inter

Inter

Moderate

Moderate

L-08(L)

Visitors to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Roof Garden

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-09(L)

Visitors to Kowloon Bay Typhoon Shelter Promenade

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-01(T)

Travellers on Prince Edward Road East

Low

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

L-02(T)

Travellers on Sung Wong Toi Road

Low

Large

Large

Moderate

Moderate

L-03(T)

Motorists on Kwun Tong Bypass

Low

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

L-04(T)

Harbour Vessels

Low

Medium

Small

Small

Slight

Slight / Moderate

L-05(T)

Future Central Kowloon Route 6

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Moderate/ Substantial

L-06(T)

Future Road D2

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Moderate/ Substantial

L-07(T)

Future Road D3 and Central Boulevard

-

Low

-

Large

-

Moderate

L-08(T)

Future Road D4 and Taxiway Bridge

Low

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

L-09(T)

Future Road L6

-

Low

-

Large

-

Moderate

Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

11.9.23         Landscape and visual mitigation measures are ways of amending or improving the design or construction of a development in order to eliminate or reduce landscape and visual impacts. The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures for potential impacts generated are scheduled in Tables 11-22 and 11-23 and illustrated on the photomontages from Figures 11-5-2 to Figure 11-5-7 and the landscape mitigation plan Figure 11-5-8.

11.9.24         Additionally Landscape and Visual Development practices are techniques that should be employed to enhance both applied mitigation measures and the landscape and visual potential of the development area. These are also shown on the above tables and figures.

11.9.25         At the time of reporting, detailed architectural and landscape design solutions are not fully available.  It is therefore recommended that detailed landscape proposals and details of architectural design, chromatic treatment and lighting, for all above ground structures, including pedestrian links, stadium connections and ancillary buildings be submitted to Planning Department for review to demonstrate that they would be sensibly designed in a manner that responds to the existing urban context and minimise any residual landscape and visual impact.

Table 11-22       Recommended Construction Phase Landscape and Visual Mitigation / Enhancement Measures

ID

No.*

Type

Landscape / Visual Mitigation Measure

Funding /

Implementation

Management/ Maintenance

CM1

 Visual

Controlled Night-Time Lighting

(to mitigate adverse visual impact)

Project

Proponent

Contractor

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 receivers

CM2

 

Visual

Temporary Landscape Treatments

(to mitigate adverse visual impact)

Project

Proponent

Contractor

Including vertical greening, pot planting and application of green roofing to site offices, Hydroseeding of site formation areas and short term greening of site boundaries and land not immediately developed.

CM3

Visual

Decoration of Hoarding

(to mitigate adverse visual impact)

Project

Proponent

Contractor

Erection of screen hoardings should be designed appropriately to be compatible with the existing urban context, either brightly and imaginatively or with visually unobtrusive design and colours where more appropriate.

Notes:  * CM = Construction Mitigation; OM = Operation Mitigation

Table 11-23      Recommended Operation Phase Landscape and Visual Mitigation / Enhancement Measures

 ID

No.*

Type

Landscape / Visual Mitigation Measure

Funding /

Implementation

Management/ Maintenance

OM1

Landscape

Resources /

Visual

 

Greening of Walkways, Ramps and Decks

(to mitigate against lost Landscape Resources and provide visual amenity)

Project

Proponent

Facility Management

Departments

Greening shall be incorporated into at-grade areas and as raised planting areas on pedestrian walkways, ramps and decks.

OM2

Landscape

Resources /

Visual

 

Green Roofs and Vertical Greening

(to mitigate against lost Landscape Resources and provide visual amenity)

Project

Proponent

Facility Management

Departments

Green roofs and vertical greening should be provided to all built structures where feasible and opportunities should be maximised for incorporation on covered walkways and shade structures.

OM3

 

Landscape

Resources

 

Compensatory Tree Planting

(to mitigate against lost Landscape Resources)

Project

Proponent

Facility Management

Departments

A new parkland area is created in the Project development to be used for the implementation of compensatory tree planting to offset the net loss of key Landscape Resources. It is recommended that 340 trees be planted in this regard and a compensatory tree planting proposal outlining the locations of tree compensation will be submitted separately in seeking relevant government department’s approval in accordance with DEVB TC No.7/2015.

OM4

Landscape

Character /

Visual

 

Responsive Building Design

(to enhance landscape character and mitigate against visual inconformity)

Project

Proponent

Facility Management

Departments

All above ground structures, including, stadia, hotel, pedestrian links, stadium connections and ancillary buildings, shall be sensitively designed in a manner that responds to the existing and planned urban context in terms of scale, height and bulk (visual weight) as well as use of appropriate building materials and colour to create a cohesive visual mass. Subdued tones should be considered for the colour palette with non-reflective finishes to reduce glare effect. Detailed proposals shall be submitted to Planning Department for review in order to demonstrate that they have been be sensibly designed in a manner that responds to the existing urban context and will minimise any residual landscape and visual impact.

OM5

Landscape

Character /

Visual

Integration of Development Boundaries

(to enhance landscape character and mitigate against visual inconformity)

Project

Proponent

Facility Management

Departments

The Project boundaries shall be without fences or barriers, providing seamless physical and visual integration with the surrounding public spaces. Careful consistency of levels and materials shall create and indefinite development edge, integrating the development into the future Song Wong Toi Park, the Station Square Open Space Corridor and the Metro Park.

OM6

Landscape

Character / Visual

Integration with Dining Cove and Waterfront Promenade

(to enhance landscape character and mitigate against visual inconformity)

Project

Proponent

Facility Management

Departments

Careful design consideration of the interface of the raised stadium deck at 13mPD with that of the Waterfront Promenade at 5mPD shall be undertaken. Visual articulation and physical penetration of the development at promenade level shall be created by avoiding a continuous boundary wall. Furthermore integrated design of the adjacent proposed retail development shall ensure visual cohesion and an improved character setting.

OM7

Landscape

Resources/

Landscape

Character/

Visual

Light Penetration Under Deck

(to enable resource mitigation, enhance landscape character and mitigate against visual sterility)

Project

Proponent

Facility Management

Departments

The landscape deck shall be cut back and light wells incorporated to maximise natural light penetration to at-grade covered areas under the deck, to allow for enhanced visual amenity, improved utilisation of ground space and significant incorporation of both horizontal and vertical greening at ground level.

OM8

Landscape

Resources/

Landscape Character/

Visual

Urban Park

(to mitigate against lost Landscape Resources, provide visual amenity and enhance development Landscape Character)

Project

Proponent

Facility Management

Departments

Incorporation of a new park within the development area shall facilitate the visual corridors outlined by the urban design framework to create an urban light well, protecting longer views and providing visual amenity to nearby receivers. The park shall maximise tree and shrub planting with emphasis on incorporating native species and integrate facilities primarily for the regular use of adjacent residential communities.

OM9

Visual

 

Bespoke Amenity Area Lighting

(to mitigate against visual impact from glare and enhance visual amenity)

Project

Proponent

Facility Management

Departments

Development of a bespoke project amenity area lighting scheme shall be incorporated that minimises general area light pollution, provides thematic lighting, responds to user demand intensity and minimises pavement obstruction and visual clutter. The following shall be practically considered:-

·         mounting height and direction of fixtures to avoid sensitive receivers;

·         reflectance so as to avoid glare effect;

·         incorporation of low level down lighting integrated onto building facades, walls and structures;

·         utilising area movement sensors;

·         programming of operation for minimised utilisation.

11.9.26         The Construction Phase measures listed above shall be adopted from the commencement of construction and shall be in place throughout the entire construction period. The Operation Phase measures listed above shall 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 MPSC. However, it should be noted that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would not be appreciated for several years.

11.9.27         The Project proponent has established implementation funding and contracted a public facility management company to undertake ongoing management and maintenance of the proposed landscape and visual mitigation works throughout the operation period, for the realization of the intended effects of the landscape and visual mitigation measures. 

Tree Planting and Greening

11.9.28         Application and approval for removal for all trees shall be obtained in accordance with DEVB TC No.7/2015. The actual numbers of trees retained felled and transplanted will be confirmed subject to this process. Recommendations for tree felling, transplantation and retention are based on the following criteria:-

·           the rarity value of the species of trees involved;

·           the health, condition, quality and maturity of the tree;

·           the site conditions in terms of suitability for transplantation

·           the suitability of the species for successful transplantation; and

·           the environmental impact and amenity value of the tree.

11.9.29         Compensatory planting required under DEVB TC No.7/2015 shall be undertaken.  On-site compensatory planting of more than 340 new trees will be undertaken. It is considered that tree planting within the site project areas alone provides sufficient opportunity to meet the compensatory requirements in both qualitative and quantitative terms.

11.9.30         It is noted that most of the land in ex-Kai Tak Airport is contaminated by aviation fuel. However such areas are well below the formation area for landscape areas at MPSC, including the proposed Open Space and that planting areas will be provided with significant depths of imported top soiling to ensure that no constraint to tree planting exists.

Photomontages

11.9.31         The photomontages are developed to highlight the key mitigation and enhancement measures introduced to reduce residual visual impacts of the development and particularly the above ground structures. A total of 6 key photomontage viewpoints (PMV) have been selected from VSRs located at district and local levels. Contextual renderings are also added in Appendix 11H. The PMV have been selected based on the following criteria:

·                representing a balanced combination of viewing position, height and distance;

·                being both private and publicly accessible places surrounding the MPSC site;

·                being from HIGH sensitivity receivers; and

·                following the recommendations of the TPB Guidelines on Submission of Visual Impact Assessment for Planning Applications to the Town Planning Board (TPB PG-NO. 41).

11.9.32     The location of the 6 viewpoints is shown in Figure 11-5-1. For each viewpoint, the photomontages illustrate the Project works for the four scenarios listed below:-

·                Existing Condition;

·                Day 1 without Mitigation Measures;

·                Day 1 with Mitigation Measures;

·                Year 10 with Mitigation Measures.

Photomontage 01: Key Viewpoint VP01 from Future Metro Park (Figure 11-5-2)

11.9.33         The viewpoint represents a view from receivers at the planned Metro Park: L-06(L)-Visitors to Future Metro Park, and is selected as also being representative of views from surrounding Leisure and Transport VSR groups on the ground level including: L-09(L)-Visitors to Kwun Tong Typhoon Shelter Promenade; L-04(T)-Harbour Vessels, L-05(T)-Future Centre Kowloon Route 6; and L-07(T)-Future Road D3 and Central Boulevard. The photograph was taken from near ground level about +12mPD height towards to the future MPSC. The location of the VP is chosen to approximate the location of a Regional View Corridor comprising views of Mau Tau Kok, Kowloon City and to Lion Rock, which forms part of the Urban Design Guidelines of the Kai Tak OZP. The regional view corridor follows, more or less, the alignment of the Kai Tak River towards the Kowloon ridgeline and Lion Rock. Since the Metro Park has High sensitivity receivers close to the MPSC and the changes resulting from the Project are considered to be Large during Operation Phase, visual impact is considered as Substantial without mitigation measures. With the implementation of mitigation measures, particularly regarding integration of the stadium boundaries and facade design, the significance of residual visual impacts are considered as Moderate at Day 1 and Slight at Year 10.

Photomontage 02: Key Viewpoint VP02 from Future Station Square (Figure 11-5-3)

11.9.34         The viewpoint represents views from Station Square: L-05(L)-Kai Tak Public Open Space Network and Station Square, and is selected as being also representative of views from the receivers in this area including: L-14(R)-Future Residential Development at Northeast of MPSC and L-20(F)-Planned Mixed Use Development at Kai Tak. The photograph was taken from ground level at about +6.6mPD. Changes resulting from the Project are considered to be Large during Operation Phase, visual impact is considered as Substantial without mitigation measures. With the implementation of mitigation measures, particularly regarding integration of the stadium boundaries and facade design, the significance of residual visual impacts are considered as Moderate at Day 1 and Slight at Year 10.

Photomontage 03: Key Viewpoint VP03 from Sky Tower (Figure 11-5-4)

11.9.35         The viewpoint is representative of views from the receiver: L-01(R)-Residential Developments along Sung Wong Toi Road, as well as being selected as representative of views from surrounding Residential and Functional VSR groups including: L-07(R)-Residential Development in To Kwa Wan; L-01(F)-Education and Healthcare Facilities at Mau Tau Wai; and L-09(F)- Comprehensive Development Area along Mok Cheong Street. The photograph was taken from the Sky Tower at an elevation of approximately +100mPD which gives the widest panoramic view for residential VSRs. Although the existing open view will be partially blocked by greening in the planned Sung Wong Toi Park Open Space, it will act as a new visual resource and enhance the visual amenity. Changes resulting from the Project are considered to be Intermediate during Operation Phase, visual impact is considered as Moderate Substantial without mitigation measures. With the implementation of mitigation measures, particularly regarding integration of the stadium boundaries, greening and façade design, the significance of residual visual impacts are considered as Moderate at Day 1 and Slight at Year 10.

Photomontage 04: Key Viewpoint VP04 from Grand Waterfront (Figure 11-5-5)

11.9.36         The viewpoint represents views from L-09(R)-Grand Waterfront Development, and is selected as being also representative of views from the surrounding Residential group: L-12(R)-Low-rise Mixed Use Development adjacent Grand Waterfront. These VSRs currently have direct panoramic views over the Project Site. The photograph was taken from the Grand Waterfront at an elevation of approximately +138mPD. During the Operation Phase, the planned open space development immediately in front of MPSC can be expected to enhance the visual amenity, however changes resulting from the Project are considered to be Large during Operation Phase, visual impact is considered as Substantial without mitigation measures. With the implementation of mitigation measures, particularly regarding integration of the stadium boundaries, greening and façade design, the significance of residual visual impacts are considered as Slight at Day 1 and Slight Beneficial at Year 10.

Photomontage 05: Key Viewpoint VP05 from Future Grid Development (Figure11-5-6)

11.9.37         The aerial viewpoint represents views from L-14(R) Future Residential Development at Northeast of MPSC, and is selected as being also representative of views from surrounding Residential and Functional VSR groups including L-05(R)-Kai Ching Estate and Tak Long Estate; L-04(F)-Development Support Facilities at Kowloon Bay Interchange; and L-14(F)-Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre. The photograph was taken at an elevation of approximately +120mPD sourced from Agreement No. CE 35/2006(CE) Technical Study on Increasing Development Density in Kai Tak Planning Review Report (Final). The view will be experienced by planned residents in the upper floors of the future residential developments. The distance between the viewpoint and northeast side of MPSC is only about 40m. Changes resulting from the Project are considered to be Large during Operation Phase, visual impact is considered as Substantial without mitigation measures. With the implementation of mitigation measures, particularly regarding greening and façade design, the significance of residual visual impacts are considered as Slight at Day 1 and Slight Beneficial at Year 10.

Photomontage 06: Key Viewpoint VP06 from Future Mixed Development (Figure 11-5-7)

11.9.38         The aerial viewpoint represents views from L-20(F)-Planned Mixed Use Development at Kai Tak, and is selected as being also representative of views from potential Residential and Functional VSR groups including: L-13(R)-Future Residential Development at Northwest of MPSC; L-02(R)-Mid-rise Development in Chung Seen Mei Chuen and Kowloon City; L-03(R)-High-rise Residential Groups North of Prince Edward Road East; and L-02(F)-Education and Healthcare Facilities at San Po Kong. The photograph was taken at an elevation of approximately +105mPD sourced from Agreement No. CE 35/2006(CE) Technical Study on Increasing Development Density in Kai Tak Planning Review Report (Final). The view will be experienced by planned residents in the upper floors of the future residential developments. The distance between the viewpoint and northwest side of MPSC is only about 45m. Changes resulting from the Project are considered to be Large during Operation Phase, visual impact is considered as Substantial without mitigation measures. With the implementation of mitigation measures, particularly regarding greening and façade design, the significance of residual visual impacts are considered as Slight at Day 1 and Slight Beneficial at Year 10.

Overview

11.9.39         The photomontages demonstrate that the mitigation and enhancement measures integrated into the Project would provide a variety of both landscape and visual benefits and improvements as compared to the current baseline situation. Whilst a large majority of the measures involve greening, which may take upwards of 20 years to see the full benefits in terms of the tree planting, the development will provide significant visual amenity and generate extensive new visual resources which are intended to blend seamlessly with the surrounding hinterland. In particular:-

·            The future MPSC site will form new visual resources and enhance the visual amenity;

·            The urban park and new landscape deck together with the significant roof greening in the MPSC site will generate immediate visual enhancement for receivers.

·            The building form is highly responsive to the location and will help generate an impressive new skyline which will reinforce the identity of the new waterfront area to be created.

Glare Impact

11.9.40         Based on the assessment detailed in Section 11.9.18, the predicted Glare Rating at the selected VSR locations are all below the Glare Rating Limit of 50.

11.9.41         It is affirmative that the Lighting Fittings in MPSC have their tilting angles adjustable in order to beam light downward towards the targeted horizontal planes to be illuminated and spillage can be eliminated effectively. So ULR for exterior lighting installation is less than 15.0%.

Mitigation Measures for Potential Glare Impacts

Responsive Lighting Design and Disposition

11.9.42         It should be noted that the external landscape lighting design is carried out by making reference to (1)Lighting Guide 4: Sports Lighting, Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers; (2) BS EN 12193:2007 Light and Lighting–Sports Lighting, British Standards Institution and (3) Guidance Notes for the Reduction of Obtrusive Light, The Institution of Lighting Professionals as recommended in the Building Services Branch Circular No. 10 of 2011 by Architectural Services Department - Design Considerations for Outdoor Sports Venues Lighting and other relevant international standards for areas applicable to the MPSC project. Those lighting fittings as shown in the Appendix 11G are selected for design reference after taking account of their functional performance in respect of colour temperature, average luminance etc. and their titling angles adjustable in order to beam light towards the targeted horizontal planes to be illuminated and spillage can be eliminated effectively. Hence the glare impact could be reduced by proper selection of the type and output luminaries and light fittings (e.g. reflector).

11.9.43         In order to minimise glare impact at the observer, the detailed lighting design for MPSC should select luminaries and fittings type to minimise direct view of the light source (from the sides) to control glare impact on nearby visual sensitive receiver locations. Light fittings could be designed to restrict side dispersion and hence reduce the glare impact on the VSR.

11.9.44         In addition, a strategy of using lamp posts of lower height and with less interval spacing could help to reduce the lighting output from each lamp while maintaining the minimum luminance requirement for the open space. A lowering of the lighting output (i.e. luminous flux) would also help to reduce the glare impact on the observer.

11.9.45         All proposed hard structures should be sensitively designed in a manner that responds to the existing and planned landscape context, and minimises potential adverse glare impacts. The structural design should seek to reduce the apparent visual mass through the use of natural materials such as wooden frame and semi-transparent panels. Subdued tones should be considered for the colour palette with non-reflective finishes to reduce glare effect.

11.9.46         It should be noted that the prediction results assume direct line of sight between the observers and the luminaries of the lighting installation. With tree planting within the MPSC, glare impact would be reduced due to reducing the direct sight of the luminaries.

Construction Lighting Control

11.9.47         During construction, all security floodlights for construction sites should be equipped with adjustable shields, frosted diffusers and reflective covers, and be carefully controlled to minimise light pollution and night-time glare to the VSRs.

Lighting Project Design Planning

11.9.48         Overall lighting design should carefully consider a reasonable level of functional and thematic lighting with due consideration of possible light pollution and night-time glare to the surroundings. Consideration shall be made in the lighting design to the following measures:-

·                Lighting shall be designed with due consideration of mounting height and direction of light fixtures so as not to point directly towards any sensitive receiver.

·                Lighting shall be arranged with due consideration of reflectance so as to avoid glare effect.

·                Lighting shall be regularly monitored during operation.

·                Lights located adjacent or in proximity to neighbours shall be carefully designed to prevent possible light intrusion.

·                Paving materials should be selected as necessary to reduce potential glare from surface reflectance.

·                Particular attention should be paid to the use of lighting having a high intensity or harsher tone (e.g. metal halide lamps).

Operating Hours for Lighting

11.9.49         In respect of operating hours for lighting, limiting the use of external lighting after a specified time at night could reduce the possibility of light nuisance and energy consumption and in turn foster a good living environment for everyone. It is advisable to:-

·                Switch off the external lighting when not needed or after business hours.

·                Switch off the external lighting after certain time at night (After 11p.m. as recommended by International Commission on Illumination (CIE)).

·                Maintain only essential lighting (e.g. lighting for safety and security) at the acceptable level as required.

·                Feature lighting serve to enhance a particular feature/building/structure may be subject to even more stringent control as to their lit time.

Automatic Controls for Lighting

11.9.50         Automatic controls could help reduce adverse impacts of external lighting by optimising the use of the external lighting. Examples of such measures include:-

·                Incorporate automatic control (e.g. timer switch) to switch off the external lighting when not needed or after business hours, or when concerned premises are not in use, or after certain time at night (11p.m. as recommended by CIE).

·                Incorporate automatic control (e.g. photo-sensor for maximising daylight utilisation) to switch on the external lighting only when necessary.

·                Incorporate occupancy sensor control (e.g. motion sensor or passive infrared sensor) to switch on the external lighting from off or dimmed state where applicable.

Light Nuisance Control Measures

11.9.51         Measures to reduce light nuisance impacts (e.g. light overspill, light trespass, glare and sky glow) arising from external lighting include:-

·                Avoid over-illumination of signs, facades, shop fronts, video walls and facilities with lighting. Over-illumination will increase possibility of light nuisance.

·                Position and aim the lighting properly to avoid overspill of light to outside the area being lit up.

·                For lighting up vertical structures (e.g. signs & façade), direct the beam to the structures and avoid overspill of light.

·                Use lighting with appropriate shields, baffles, louvers and cut-off features to prevent light overspill to nearby residence and into the sky, and glare from the light source. Where necessary, consider to use luminaires with appropriate cut-off classification. To avoid imposing additional wind load which will affect the structure of the existing lighting columns and foundation, please consult relevant professionals in the design of shields, baffles, louvers, etc. for retrofit works.

·                Switch off the lighting when it is not operationally required or dim down the lighting when a high illumination level is not essential (e.g. after business hours and where the lighting devices are not for security purposes).

·                Avoid using video walls or signs with flickering, colour changing or movement effect in cases where the video walls or signs are facing directly at residents (e.g. when the lighting device and residential premises are on the opposite sides of a road or street). Where unavoidable, reduce the video wall or sign illuminance, the period of operation and/or the flickering rate.

·                For signs with light emitting diodes (LEDs), use suitable type of LEDs (e.g. LEDs with baffles, louvres or optic diffusers to control light distribution) to reduce sign luminance and light overspill and to prevent glare from direct view of the light source.

·                Avoid directing light at glass curtain wall, shiny shop front display panel, or light colour fabric materials (e.g. used in shade structures in parks, amphitheatres or piazzas) etc. to prevent light overspill and nuisances caused by reflection of light.

Prevention of Glare to Road Users

11.9.52         Glare from external lighting may affect road users resulting in safety concerns. Measures to reduce such glare impact include:-

·                Ensure the external lighting is appropriately positioned, aimed or shielded so that illumination of nearby roads will not be adversely affected.

·                Ensure appropriate type of lighting is used (e.g. lighting with suitable light distribution pattern, or appropriate cut-off classification) to reduce glare impact on road user

Residual Impacts

Background

11.9.53         The following sections examine the ‘significance’ of impacts on Landscape Resources, Landscape Character and VSRs following both Construction and Operation Phase mitigation and enhancement measures. The Significance Threshold of those impacts that would occur in the construction and Operation Phases is summarised in Tables 11-24 and 11-25 below. Residual impacts associated with these works have been assessed but no quantification of residual impacts is required

Residual Impacts on Landscape Resources

Construction Phase

11.9.54         No Substantial Adverse Impacts are anticipated during Construction

11.9.55         Slight Adverse Residual Impacts are anticipated to Resources LR1-1, LR2-1, LR2-12 and Moderate Adverse Residual Impacts to LR3-2.

Operation Phase

11.9.56         The utilisation of landscape mitigation and enhancement measures during Operation are to some extent able to offset the impacts generated during Construction Phase.

11.9.57         No Adverse Residual Impacts are anticipated during Operation.

11.9.58         After 10 years of Operation, the extensive tree planting and greening associated with OM1, OM2 and OM3, along with the incorporation of an urban park under OM8 is anticipated to bring Moderate Beneficial Residual Impacts to Landscape Resources LR1-1 and LR2-1.

Residual Impacts on Landscape Character

Construction Phase

11.9.59         No Substantial Adverse Impacts are anticipated during Construction.

Operation Phase

11.9.60         No Adverse Residual Impacts are anticipated during Operation.

11.9.61         After 10 years of Operation, the Project is anticipated to bring Moderate Beneficial Residual Impacts to Landscape Character Area LCA01, resulting from the full range of applied landscape and visual mitigation and enhancement measures intended to transform the area from one of urban blight into local community and tourist hub. Slight Beneficial Residual Impacts to Landscape Character Area LCA05 are anticipated as a result of potential changes in use and activity resulting from the Project development itself.

Residual Impacts on Visually Sensitive Receivers

Construction Phase

11.9.62         No Substantial Adverse Impacts are anticipated during Construction. The mitigation measures outlined are expected to suitably alleviate the severity of any adverse construction impacts, particularly regarding night-time glare and in ensuring orderly site management and programming to minimise impact durations.

11.9.63         Local level, Residential receivers abutting the Project boundary of MPSC will be subject to Moderate Adverse Visual Impacts, including:- L-01(R)-Residential Development along Sung Wong Toi Road; L-02(R)-Mid-rise Residential Development in Chung Seen Mei Chuen and Kowloon City; L-03(R)-High-rise Residential Groups North of Prince Edward Road East; L-05(R)-Kai Ching Estate and Tak Long Estate; and L-09(R)-Grand Waterfront.

11.9.64         Local level Functional receivers immediately adjacent to the Project Site may also experience Moderate Adverse Visual Impacts, including:- L-04(F)-Development Support Facilities at Kowloon Bay Interchange; L-08(F)-Hong Kong Aviation Club; L-09(F)-Comprehensive Development Area along Mok Cheong Street; and L-15(F)-Kowloon City Ferry Pier and Transport Terminus.

Operation Phase

11.9.65         No Substantial Adverse Impacts are anticipated during Operation. The quality of the baseline visual condition as a derelict brownfield site means that new development has the ability to suitably enhance the visual condition through adopting suitable mitigation and enhancement measures. Whilst the loss of visual amenity of long and open views to many receivers will have the most adverse impact, it is considered that the significant greening of the site, coupled with careful visual integration into the urban context through control of scale, massing and building disposition will provide a long term beneficial visual outlook during Operation for a large number of receivers. Many high floor residents overlooking the site will continue to benefit from long and wide views over and beyond the development, whilst the carefully considered view corridors through the site enable low level receivers to maintain visual penetration.

11.9.66         At Day 1 of Operation, District Level planned receivers abutting the Project boundary of MPSC will be subject to Moderate Adverse Visual Impacts, including:- D-04-Future MPSC South; and D-05-Future Road D2.

11.9.67         At Day 1 of Operation, Local level, Residential receivers abutting the Project boundary of MPSC will be subject to Moderate Adverse Visual Impacts, including:- L-01(R)-Residential Development along Sung Wong Toi Road; and L-02(R)-Mid-rise Residential Development in Chung Seen Mei Chuen and Kowloon City.

11.9.68         At Day 1 of Operation, Local level Functional receivers immediately adjacent to the Project Site may also experience Moderate Adverse Visual Impacts, including:- L-04(F)-Development Support Facilities at Kowloon Bay Interchange; L-08(F)-Hong Kong Aviation Club; L-09(F)-Comprehensive Development Area along Mok Cheong Street; L-15(F)-Kowloon City Ferry Pier and Transport Terminus and L-18(F)-Planned Commercial Development along Route 6.

11.9.69         At Day 1 of Operation, Local level Leisure receivers immediately adjacent to the Project Site may also experience Moderate Adverse Visual Impacts, including:- L-04(L)-Kai Tak Promenade and Open Space Network; L-05(L)-Kai Tak Public Open Space Network and Station Square; and L-06(L)-Visitors to Future Metro Park.

11.9.70         At Day 1 of Operation, Local level Transport receivers immediately adjacent to the Project Site may also experience Moderate Adverse Visual Impacts, including:- L-05(T)-Future Central Kowloon Route 6; and L-06(T)-Future Road D2.

11.9.71         After 10 years of Operation, no Moderate Adverse Impacts are anticipated to remain. The Project is anticipated to bring Slight Beneficial Residual Impacts to L-05(R)-Kai Ching Estate and Tak Long Estate; L-09(R)-Grand Waterfront; L-10(R)-Harbourfront Landmark; L-12(R)-Low-rise Mixed Use Development adjacent to Grand Waterfront; L-13(R)-Future Residential development at the northwest of MPSC; L-14(R)-Future Residential development at the Northeast of MPSC; L-04(F)-Development Support Facilities at Kowloon Bay Interchange; L-07(L)-Promenade along Ma Tau Kok; L-02(T)-Travellers on Sung Wong Toi Road; and L-04(T)-Harbour Vessels.

Glare Impact Assessment Conclusion

11.9.72         Glare impact on VSRs located near the MPSC and associated above ground structure have been reviewed using the Glare Rating method proposed by CIE and adopted in BS EN 12464-2 for outdoor lighting installations.

11.9.73         Based on the objective assessment with a Glare Rating Limit of 50, no significant discomfort glare condition is anticipated at the selected VSRs.

11.9.74         However, with the recommended mitigation measures for the detailed lighting design, the potential glare impacts at these identified VSR can be further reduced.

11.9.75         It must be noted that detailed design for outdoor lighting installations have not yet been finalized at this stage and the conclusion is indicative of typical configuration and is based on assumptions detailed from Section 11.8.143 to Section 11.8.155 of this report. These assumptions (e.g. location, type and number of luminaries) and the prediction results should be verified in future when detailed design information becomes available.

Table 11-24    Significance of Residual Landscape Impacts

Ref

(LCA)

Description

Sensitivity

Magnitude of Change

Significance Threshold

WITHOUT

Mitigation

Mitigation Measures

Significance Threshold

WITH

Mitigation

 

Con

Op

Con

Op

Con

Op Day 1

Op Year 10

 

Landscape Resources

 

LR1-1

Vegetation on MPSC Development Area

Low

Large

Large

Moderate

Moderate

CM2

OM1/2/3/8

Slight

Slight Beneficial

Moderate Beneficial

 

LR2-1

Hardstanding at Kai Tak Airport

Low

Large

Large

Moderate

Moderate

CM2

OM1/2/3/8

Slight

Slight Beneficial

Moderate Beneficial

 

LR2-12

Seawall of Kowloon Bay Typhoon Shelter

Medium

Small

Negligible

Slight/

Moderate

Insubstantial

-

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

LR3-2

Waterbody of Kowloon Bay

High

Small

Negligible

Moderate

Insubstantial

-

Moderate

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

Landscape Character Areas

 

LCA01

Former Kai Tak Airport

Low

Small

Intermediate

Slight

Slight/ Moderate

CM1/2/3

OM1-9

Insubstantial

Slight Beneficial

Moderate Beneficial

LCA05

To Kwa Wan Typhoon Shelter

High

Negligible

Small

Insubstantial

Moderate

OM6

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Slight Beneficial

 

Table 11-25   Significance of Residual Visual Impacts

Ref

(VSRs)

Description

Sensitivity

Magnitude of Change

Significance Threshold

WITHOUT

Mitigation

Mitigation Measures

Significance Threshold

WITH

Mitigation

 

Con

Op

Con

Op

Con

Op

Con

Day 1

Year 10

 

Strategic

 

S-01

Proposed Promenade,

South East Kowloon Development (VP3)

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM1

OM4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

S-02

Quarry Bay Park, (VP4)

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM1

OM4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

S-03

Victoria Peak (VP7)

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM1

OM4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

S-04

Lion Rock

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM1

OM4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

S-05

Kowloon Peak

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM1

OM4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

S-06

Devil’s Peak

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM1

OM4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

S-07

Mount Parker

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM1

OM4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

S-08

Mount Cameron

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM1

OM4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

S-09

North Point Pier

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM1

OM4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

S-10

Lei Yue Mun Gap

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM1

OM4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

S-11

International Commerce Centre

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM1

OM4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

S-12

Two International Finance Centre

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM1

OM4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

District

 

D-01

Kai Tak Runway Park

-

Low

Negligible

l

Insubstantial

CM1

-

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

D-02

Future Metro Park South

-

Medium

-

Small

-

Slight

OM4/5/9

-

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

D-03

Future Metro Park Central

-

Medium

-

Inter

-

Moderate

OM2/4/5/8/9

-

Slight

Insubstantial

 

D-04

Future MPSC South

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Moderate /
Substantial

OM1/2/4/5/6/9

-

Moderate

Slight

 

D-05

Future MPSC East

-

High

-

Large

-

Substantial

OM1/2/7/9

-

Moderate

Slight

 

Local - Residential

 

L-01(R)

Residential Development along Sung Wong Toi Road

High

Inter

Inter

Moderate /
Substantial

Moderate /
Substantial

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/6/9

Moderate

Moderate

Slight

L-02(R)

Mid-rise Residential Development in Chung Seen Mei Chuen and Kowloon City

High

Medium

Inter

Inter

Moderate /
Substantial

Moderate

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/9

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

L-03(R)

High-rise Residential Groups North of Prince Edward Road East

High

Medium

Inter

Inter

Moderate /
Substantial

Moderate

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/9

Moderate

Slight

Insubstantial

L-04(R)

Residents at Choi Hung and Diamond Hill

High

Medium

Small

Small

Moderate

Slight / Moderate

CM1/2

OM1/2/4/5/9

Slight

Slight

Insubstantial

L-05(R)

Kai Ching Estate and Tak Long Estate

High

Inter

Small

Moderate /
Substantial

Moderate

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/9

Moderate

Slight

Slight

Beneficial

L-06(R)

Richland Garden

Medium

Small

Negligible

Slight / Moderate

Insubstantial

CM1/2

OM2/4/5/9

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-07(R)

Residential Development in To Kwa Wan

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM1/2

OM2/4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-08(R)

Laguna Verde

Medium

Small

Small

Moderate

Moderate

CM1/2

OM2/4/5/6/9

Slight

Slight

Insubstantial

L-09(R)

Grand Waterfront

High

Large

Large

Substantial

Substantial

CM1/2

OM2/4/5/6/9

Moderate

Slight

Slight

Beneficial

L-10(R)

Harbourfront Landmark

Medium

Small

Small

Slight / Moderate

Slight / Moderate

CM1

OM2/4/5/6/9

Slight

Slight

Slight

Beneficial

L-11(R)

Residential in progress along Prince Edward Road East

High

Medium

Small

Small

Moderate

Slight / Moderate

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/9

Slight

Slight

Insubstantial

L-12(R)

Low-rise Mixed Use Development adjacent to Grand Waterfront

Low

High

Inter

Large

Slight / Moderate

Moderate /
Substantial

CM1/2/3

OM2/4/5/6/9

Slight

Slight

Slight Beneficial

L-13(R)

Future Residential Development at Northwest of MPSC

-

High

-

Large

-

Substantial

OM1/2/3/4/8/9

-

Slight

Slight Beneficial

L-14(R)

Future Residential Development at Northeast of MPSC

-

High

-

Large

-

Substantial

OM1/2/3/4/8/9

-

Slight

Slight Beneficial

L-15(R)

Future Residential Development in Runway Precinct

-

Medium

-

Small

-

Slight / Moderate

OM4/5/9

-

Slight

Insubstantial

Local - Functional

L-01(F)

Education and Healthcare Facilities at Ma Tau Wai

Medium

Inter

Inter

Moderate

Moderate

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/9

Slight

Slight

Insubstantial

L-02(F)

Education and Healthcare Facilities at San Po Kong

Medium

Low

Inter

Inter

Moderate

Slight / Moderate

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/9

Slight

Slight

Insubstantial

L-03(F)

Government Facilities on Concorde Road

Low

Low

Inter

Inter

Slight / Moderate

Slight / Moderate

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/9

Slight

Slight

Insubstantial

L-04(F)

Development Support Facilities at Kowloon Bay Interchange

Medium

Large

Large

Moderate /
Substantial

Moderate /
Substantial

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/9

Moderate

Slight

Slight Beneficial

 

L-05(F)

Healthcare and Education Facilities at Kowloon Bay

Medium

Low

Small

Negligible

Slight / Moderate

Insubstantial

CM1/2

OM2/4/5/9

Slight

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

 

L-06(F)

Kowloon Bay Action Area

Low

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM1

OM4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-07(F)

Police Operational Facility at Dyer Avenue

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

 CM1OM4/5/6/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-08(F)

Hong Kong Aviation Club

Medium

Large

Large

Moderate /
Substantial

Moderate /
Substantial

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/6/9

Moderate

Moderate

Slight

L-09(F)

Comprehensive Development Area along Mok Cheong Street

Medium

High

Large

Large

Moderate /
Substantial

Substantial

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/6/9

Moderate

Moderate

Slight

L-10(F)

Kowloon Bay Business District

Medium

Small

Negligible

Slight / Moderate

Insubstantial

CM1

OM4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-11(F)

Business and Industrial Developments in San Po Kong

Low

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-12(F)

 

Business and Industrial Developments in Hung Hom

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM1

OM4/5/6/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-13(F)

Kwun Tong Business District

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM1

OM4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-14(F)

Hong Kong International Trade and Exhibition Centre

Low

Large

Large

Moderate

Moderate

CM1/3

OM1/2/4/5/9

Slight

Slight

Insubstantial

L-15(F)

Kowloon City Ferry Pier and Transport Terminus

Medium

Large

Large

Moderate /
Substantial

Moderate /
Substantial

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/6/9

Moderate

Moderate

Slight

L-16(F)

Pacific Trade Centre, Octa Tower, Kowloon Godown

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM1

OM4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-17(F)

Future Tourism Development in Runway Precinct

-

Low

-

Negligible

-

Insubstantial

OM1/2/4/5/9

-

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-18(F)

Planned Development along Route 6

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Moderate /
Substantial

OM1/2/4/5/9

-

Moderate

Slight

L-19(F)

Planned Commercial Development in Runway Precinct

-

Medium

-

Small

-

Slight / Moderate

OM1/2/4/5/9

-

Slight

Insubstantial

L-20(F)

Planned Mixed Use Development at Kai Tak

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Moderate /
Substantial

OM1/2/4/8/9

-

Slight

Slight Beneficial

L-21(F)

Construction Areas at Kai Tak Development

Low

Low

Inter

Inter

Slight / Moderate

Slight / Moderate

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/8/9

Slight

Slight

Slight Beneficial

Local - Leisure

L-01(L)

Amenity Users at Greenspace on Prince Edward Road

Medium

Inter

Inter

Moderate

Moderate

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/9

Slight

Slight

Insubstantial

L-02(L)

Amenity Users at Shek Ku Lung Road Playground

Medium

Low

Inter

Inter

Moderate

Slight / Moderate

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/9

Slight

Slight

Insubstantial

L-03(L)

Amenity Users at Sze Mei Street Open Space and PTI

Medium

Low

Inter

Inter

Moderate

Slight / Moderate

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/9

Slight

Slight

Insubstantial

L-04(L)

Kai Tak Promenade and Open Space Network

-

High

-

Large

-

Substantial

OM1/2/4/5/6/7/9

-

Moderate

Slight

L-05(L)

Kai Tak Public Open Space Network and Station Square

-

High

-

Large

-

Substantial

OM1/2/4/5/6/7/9

-

Moderate

Slight

L-06(L)

Visitors to Future Metro Park

-

High

-

Large

-

Substantial

OM1/2/4/5/6/9

-

Moderate

Slight

L-07(L)

Promenade along Ma Tau Kok

Medium

Inter

Inter

Moderate

Moderate

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/6/9

Slight

Slight

Slight Beneficial

L-08(L)

Visitors to Kai Tak Cruise Terminal Roof Garden

Low

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

CM3

OM1/2/4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-09(L)

Visitors to Kowloon Bay Typhoon Shelter Promenade

Medium

Negligible

Negligible

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

OM1/2/4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Local - Transport

L-01(T)

Travellers on Prince Edward Road East

Low

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-02(T)

Travellers on Sung Wong Toi Road

Low

Large

Large

Moderate

Moderate

CM1/2/3 OM1/2/4/5/6/9

Slight

Slight

Slight Beneficial

L-03(T)

Motorists on Kwun Tong Bypass

Low

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM1

OM1/2/4/5/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-04(T)

Harbour Vessels

Low

Medium

Small

Small

Slight

Slight / Moderate

CM1/2/3

OM1/2/4/5/6/9

Insubstantial

Slight

Slight Beneficial

L-05(T)

Future Central Kowloon Route 6

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Moderate/ Substantial

OM1/2/4/9

-

Moderate

Slight

L-06(T)

Future Road D2

-

Medium

-

Large

-

Moderate/ Substantial

OM1/2/4/7/9

-

Moderate

Slight

L-07(T)

Future Road D3 and Central Boulevard

-

Low

-

Large

-

Moderate

OM2/4/9

-

Slight

Insubstantial

L-08(T)

Future Road D4 and Taxiway Bridge

Low

Low

Small

Small

Slight

Slight

CM1/2/3

OM2/4/9

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

Insubstantial

L-09(T)

Future Road L6

-

Low

-

Large

-

Moderate

OM1/2/4/5/7/9

-

Slight

Insubstantial

11.10               Cumulative Impacts

11.10.1         The Project is at the heart of the Kai Tak Development and the LVIA has attempted to assess the baseline within the context of the hugely changing environment and fluctuating visual receivers. The programming for other projects within the region is not definitive, however it can be anticipated that in some circumstances the concurrent development of surrounding projects may lead to both intensified impacts as well as enhanced mitigation being adopted though integrated planning and management, this to local visual receivers in particular. The improvement of the local environment, which should benefit from the extensive programmed greening and open space provision surrounding the Project area as identified on the Outline Zoning Plan, should assist in further mitigating against the identified adverse landscape and visual residual impacts.

11.10.2         As the significance of a number of landscape and visual impacts occurring from the Project appears to be “beneficial” it can be further assumed that these aspects will contribute in mitigating against adverse impacts occurring on other surrounding concurrent projects and that the urban renewal in the district will create an integrated and enhanced landscape and visual environment, generated for the public good.

11.11               Environmental Monitoring and Audit

Design Phase

11.11.1         The landscape and lighting designs shall be checked by a Registered Landscape Architect to be appointed by the Project Proponent independently to ensure that the proposed landscape measures, lighting mitigation measures and additional measures (if required), are fully incorporated for mitigating the landscape, visual and glare impacts and for resolving any potential conflicts with civil engineering, geo-technical, structural, lighting, signage, drainage, underground utility and operational requirements prior to construction. Any changes to the mitigation measures that may be recommended to meet alterations in the baseline conditions or to contract documentation. The external lighting design shall refer to and comply with a list of recognized international design standards, the selection of lighting fittings, luminaires and fitting types shall facilitate the control of glare impact on nearby visual sensitive receiver locations, eliminate lighting spillage, with strategical application of lamp post with respect to height and spacing, in line with colour and texture of hard landscape structure and context.

Construction Phase and Operation Phase

11.11.2         The landscape and visual and glare mitigation measures proposed shall be incorporated in the construction Contract Documents including the requirements for successful establishment and growth of new tree planting and shrubs, and controls of security floodlights such as providing adjustable shields, frosted diffusers and reflective covers with various control measures, such as operation hour, automatic controls for lighting and nuisance control measures, and prevention of glare to road users to minimise light pollution and night-time glare, so as to ensure the effectiveness of the mitigation measures described above through Construction and Operation Phase. A specialist landscape sub-contractor shall be employed by the works Contractor for the implementation of tree and soft landscape works and subsequent maintenance operation during a 12 month establishment period.

11.11.3         The implementation and maintenance of mitigation measures shall be checked regularly by a Registered Landscape Architect, as a member of the Environmental Team (ET) during the Environmental Monitoring and Audit (EM&A) to ensure that they are fully realised and compliant with the intended aims of the measures. Any potential conflicts among the proposed mitigation measures, the Project works, and operational requirements should also be identified and resolved early.

11.11.4         The extent of the agreed works areas shall be regularly checked during the Construction Phase by the Environmental Team (ET). Any trespass by the Contractor outside the limit of the works leading to damage to existing trees shall be reported to the Independent Environmental Checker and Architect’s Representative.

11.11.5         The planting should commence during the construction contract and monitoring of the planting establishment should be undertaken once every two months for a 12 month period through the first operational year of the Project. Further details of the specific EM&A requirements are detailed in Section 11.11 of this report and in the EM&A Manual under separate cover.

11.12               Recommendation

11.12.1         Under the proposed MPSC development, the cultural and historical features surrounding the Project will be preserved and a new landscape design within the MPSC Study Area implemented that is considered appropriate to the planned context of the area and should produce long term landscape and visual benefits.

11.12.2         The current Landscape Resources and Landscape Character within the site are of limited quality and value. The Project provides a clear opportunity to enhance these public assets and undertake significant tree planting and public space creation. Approximately 160 trees will be lost through the Project, with none of any importance or high amenity value. It is anticipated that the Project will lead to the planting of more than 340 new trees.

11.12.3         Based on the analysis, implementation of mitigation measures, and as illustrated by the photomontages, the proposed MPSC development does not have a significant visual impact and is considered to be fully acceptable in terms of visual impact. Based on the visual impact assessment, a total of 5 viewpoints from VSRs at district and local levels are selected to provide examples for representative VSRs at different locations around the Project Site. They are selected for preparation of photomontages to demonstrate the changes in visual outlook that will result from the Project.

11.12.4         The following Landscape and Visual mitigation measures are proposed to be undertaken:-

Construction Phase

CM1

Controlled Night-Time Lighting

CM2

Temporary Landscape Treatment

CM3

Decoration of Hoarding

Operation Phase

OM1

Greening of Walkways, Ramps and Decks

OM2

Green Roofs and Vertical Greening

OM3

Compensatory Tree Planting

OM4

Responsive Building Design

OM5

Integration of Development Boundaries

OM6

Integration with Dining Cove and Waterfront Promenade

OM7

Light Penetration Under Deck

OM8

Urban Park

OM9

Bespoke Amenity Area Lighting

11.12.5         With suitable mitigation measures taken to enhance the visual compatibility, the different facilities within the MPSC development will have an overall enhanced visual effect on the area. The landscape deck will contribute to provide an attractive open space and integrate all the buildings within MPSC development. The landscape deck provides seamless linkage from the MTR station to the Metro Park and surrounding development within the KTD. It offers people a visually stimulating environment and a sense of place, in comparison to the typical tall residential and office buildings found in the surrounding areas.

11.12.6         The following Glare mitigation measures proposed in Section 11.9.42 to 11.9.52 are to be undertaken:-

·           Responsive Lighting Design and Disposition

·           Construction Lighting Control

·           Lighting Project Design Planning

·           Operating Hours for Lighting

·           Automatic Controls for Lighting

·           Light Nuisance Control Measures

·           Prevention of Glare to Road Users

11.12.7         In summary:-

·           The Project is compatible with the statutory planning framework;

·           No Adverse Residual Landscape Impacts are generated by the Project during Operation Stage; and

·           No Substantial Adverse Residual Impacts to Landscape Resources, Landscape Character or VSRs are generated by the Project at any stage.

·           No Adverse Glare Impact will be imposed on VSRs as the predicted glare rating generated by the Project for the identified VSRs are below the Glare Rating Limit.

11.12.8         Overall, it is considered that, in the terms of Annex 10 of the EIAO TM, the landscape, visual and glare impacts are ACCEPTABLE once the prescribed mitigation measures are applied at completion and properly maintained throughout operation of the Project.