9 Landscape and Visual Impacts

9.2 Environmental Legislation, Standards and Criteria

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

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

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Guidance Note No. 8/2010;

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131);

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

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines Chapters 4, 10 and 11;

· AFCD Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 2 - Measurement of Diameter at Breast Height (DBH);

· AFCD Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 3 – The Use of Plant Names;

· ETWB TC(W) No. 29/2004 - Registration of Old and Valuable Trees, and Guidelines for their Preservation;

· DEVB TC(W) No. 2/2012 - Allocation of Space for Quality Greening on Roads;

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

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

· LAO PN 7/2007 - Tree Preservation and Tree Removal Application for Building Development in Private Projects;

· Guidelines on Tree Transplanting (September 2014) issued by Greening, Landscape and Tree Management (GLTM) Section of DevB;

· Guidelines on Tree Preservation during Development (April 2015) issued by GLTM Section of DevB; and

· Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong.

9.2.2 The Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) gazetted under the Town Planning Ordinance provides the statutory framework for land use development. Reference has been made to the Approved Tung Chung Extension Area Outline Zoning Plan No. (7.2.2017) and departmental plans including North-East Lantau Outline Development Plan No. D/I – NEL/1, Siu Ho Wan Layout Plan (LP) No. L/I-SHW/1A and Draft Tai Ho Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-TH/1.

· Identification of the baseline landscape resources and landscape characters found within the study area. This is achieved by site visits and desktop study of topographical maps, information databases and photographs.

· Assessment of the degree of sensitivity of the landscape resources and landscape character areas. This is influenced by a number of factors including whether the resource/character is common or rare, whether it is considered to be of local, regional, national or global importance, whether there are any statutory or regulatory limitations/requirements relating to the resource, the quality of the resource/character, the maturity of the resource and the ability of the resource/character to accommodate change.

· The sensitivity of each landscape feature and character area is classified as follows:

High:	Important landscape character or resource of particularly distinctive character or high importance, sensitive to relatively small change.
Medium:	Landscape character or resource of moderately valued landscape characteristics reasonably tolerant to change.
Low:	Landscape character or resource, the nature of which is largely tolerant to change.

· Identification of potential sources of landscape changes. These are the various elements of the construction works and operation procedures that would generate landscape impacts.

· The magnitude of landscape changes is classified as follows:

Large:	The landscape character or landscape resource would incur a major change.
Intermediate:	The landscape character or landscape resource would incur a moderate change.
Small:	The landscape or landscape resource would incur slight or barely perceptible change.
Negligible:	The landscape or landscape resource would incur no discernible change.

· Identification of potential landscape mitigation measures. These may take the form of adopting basic engineering design to prevent and/or minimize adverse landscape impacts before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts. Potential mitigation measures shall also include the preservation of vegetation and natural landscape resources, transplanting trees with good condition and high amenity value, provision of screen planting, re-vegetation of disturbed lands, compensatory planting, aesthetic design of aboveground structures including provision of finishes, colour scheme, texture of materials used and any measures to mitigate the impact on the existing and planned land use and visually sensitive receivers. A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified.

· Prediction of the significance of landscape impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesizing the magnitude of the various impacts and the sensitivity of the various landscape resources, it is possible to categorize impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 9.1 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 landscape resource/character.

Table 9.1 Relationship between Landscape Sensitivity and Magnitude of Change in Defining Impact Significance

Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
		Low	Medium	High
		Sensitivity of Landscape Character Area and Resource

Note: All impacts are Adverse unless otherwise noted with Beneficial.

· The significance of landscape impacts is categorized 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.

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

Visual Impact Assessment Methodology

9.3.2 The visual impacts have been assessed according to the following procedures.

· Identification of the Visual Envelope during the construction and operation phases of the project. This is achieved by site visit and desktop study of topographic maps, photographs and preparation of cross-sections to determine visibility of the Project from various locations.

· Identification of the VSRs within the Visual Envelope at construction and operation phases. These are the people who would reside within, work within, play within, or travel through, the Visual Envelope.

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

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

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

· The sensitivity of VSRs is classified as follows:

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

· Identification of relative numbers of VSRs. This is expressed in terms of whether there are “many“, “medium” and “few” VSRs in any one category of VSR.

· Identification of potential sources of visual changes. These are the various elements of the construction works and operation that would generate visual changes.

· Assessment of the potential magnitude of visual changes. 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.

· The magnitude of visual changes is classified 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.

· Identification of potential visual mitigation measures. These may take the form of adopting basic engineering design to prevent and/or minimize adverse visual impacts before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts. Potential mitigation measures shall also include the preservation of vegetation and natural landscape resources, provision of screen planting, re-vegetation of disturbed lands, compensatory planting, aesthetic design of aboveground structures including provision of finishes, colour scheme, texture of materials used and any measures to mitigate the impact on the existing and planned land use and visually sensitive receivers. A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified.

· Prediction of the significance of visual impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesizing the magnitude of the various visual impacts and the sensitivity of the VSRs, and the numbers of VSRs that are affected, it is possible to categorize the degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 9.2 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.

Table 9.2 Relationship between Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) Sensitivity and Magnitude of Change in Defining Impact Significance

Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
		Low	Medium	High
		Sensitivity of Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

Note: All impacts are Adverse unless otherwise noted with Beneficial.

· The significance of visual impacts is categorized as follows:

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

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

9.4 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

9.4.1 Relevant plan(s) and/or studies which may identify areas of high landscape value, country parks, coastal protection area, green belt and conservation area designations are reviewed. Any guidelines on landscape and urban design strategies and frameworks that may affect the appreciation of the Project are also reviewed. The aim is to gain an insight of the future outlook of the affected area so as to assess whether the Project can fit into the surrounding setting. Any conflict with statutory town plan(s) is highlighted and appropriate follow-up action is recommended.

9.4.2 The Study Area of the Project is covered under the following statutory plans and departmental plants which will be reviewed in this assessment:

· Eastern part of the Approved Tung Chung Extension Area Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-TCE/2 (7.2.2017);

· Western part of the North-East Lantau Outline Development Plan No. D/I – NEL/1;

· Siu Ho Wan Layout Plan (LP) No. L/I-SHW/1A; and

· Draft Tai Ho Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-TH/1.

9.4.3 Statutory plans including the Approved Tung Chung Extension Area Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-TCE/2 and the Draft Tai Ho Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-TH/1 cover the western extent of the 500m Assessment Area. Zoning including ‘Road’, ‘G/IC’, ‘Green Belt’ and “Coastal Protection Area” are located southwest of the Project.

9.4.4 Departmental plans including the North-East Lantau Outline Development Plan No. D/I-NEL/1 and Siu Ho Wan Layout Plan No. L/I-SHW/1A cover the eastern portion of the 500m Assessment Area. These departmental plans generally reflected the existing and planned uses which are zoned predominantly ‘Other Specified Uses’ and ‘Government’.

9.4.5 The development site boundary and the majority of its associated works will fall outside these statutory and departmental plans. Although the extents of the proposed western access via Tai Ho Interchange will be covered by the approved Tung Chung Extension Area Outline Zoning Plan No. S/I-TCE/2 and Utilities connecting to SHWSTW will be partially covered by Siu Ho Wan Layout Plan No. L/I-SHW/1A, they are in line with the designated zonings stipulated under the plans.

9.5 Baseline Study

Landscape Resources

9.5.1 The details of Baseline Landscape Resources (LRs) which will be potentially affected by the Project are described in Table 9.3a and the summary table of its sensitivity is presented in Table 9.3b. The locations of baseline landscape resources are mapped in Figure No. NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/241. Photo views illustrating the landscape resources within the study area are illustrated in Figure No. NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/242.

Landscape Character Areas

9.5.2 The details of Baseline Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) which will be potentially affected by the Project are described in Table 9.4a and the summary table of its sensitivity is presented in Table 9.4b. The locations of baseline landscape character areas are mapped in Figure No. NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/243, with reference to Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong. Photo views illustrating the landscape character areas within the study area are illustrated in Figure No. NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/244.

Table 9.3a Baseline Landscape Resources (LRs)

LRs	Description
LR1	Secondary Woodland The LR refers to the clusters of secondary woodland found on the foothills near Tai Ho Wan and Siu Ho Wan, it is mostly scattered over the slopes. Some extents of the LR lie within the boundary of Lantau North (Extension) Country Park and are broken up by shrubland and grassland. Dominant species include Litsea gltinosa, Bridelia tomentosa, and Celtis sinensis. No species of conservation importance was recorded within this LR. The quality and value of these natural landscape resources is considered as ‘High’. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘High’.
LR2	Hillside Shrubland & Grassland The LR refers to the patches of shrubland and grassland on the hillsides near Tai Ho Wan and Siu Ho Wan and extend down the steep slopes of the surrounding mountains. The extents of the LR are broken up by bare rocks and secondary woodland. Three floral species of conservation importance were found within this LR during the survey, including Arundina graminifolia, Diospyros vacciniodes and Nepethes mirabilis. In addition, common species include Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Baeckea frutescens, Miscanthus spp, and Dicranopteris pedata combined with grassland. The landscape quality and rarity is considered as ‘High’, but consider to its medium maturity, the overall sensitivity is considered as ‘High’.
LR3	Coastal Waters The LR refers to the seawater (excluding transitional waters) within in the vicinity. This LR covers a large proportion of the Assessment Area, therefore the rarity is considered to be ‘Medium’. Since there are reclamation works nearby (i.e HKBCF), therefore the landscape quality and value is considered to be medium. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Medium’.
LR4	Transitional Waters The LR refers to the waters to the south of North Lantau Highway in Tai Ho Wan, where a mixture of freshwater and marine waters exist, it is localized to the natural coastal and estuary which is providing quality landscape amenity and supporting adjacent coastal habitat. As the coast is located near the Tai Ho Stream Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and ecologically sensitive, it has a ‘low’ capacity to accept change. The landscape quality and value is considered to be high. The overall sensitivity is ‘High’.
LR5	Rocky Shore The LR refers to small stretches of rocky shore located at Tai Ho Wan. Plant species including some mangrove and backshore vegetation (including Aegiceras corniculatum, Clerodendrum inerme, Scaevola taccada and Pandanus tectorius) colonised in the rocky crevices and along the shore. As the coast is located near the Tai Ho Stream Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and ecologically sensitive, the landscape quality and value is considered to be high. The overall sensitivity is ‘High’.
LR7	Natural Watercourse This LR refers to natural watercourses within the assessment area, the streams originate from the Country Park feeding the larger streams which then enter Tai Ho Wan. Given the naturalness and relative vulnerability of the LR it is considered to have a ‘Low’ capacity to accept change. The landscape quality and value is considered to be high. The overall sensitivity is also ‘High’.
LR8	Channelised Watercourse / Ditch This LR refers to the artificial water channel within the assessment, it is located along the southern boundary of the SHWWTW. Given the naturalness and relative vulnerability of the LR it is considered to have a ‘High’ capacity to accept change. The landscape quality and value is considered to be low. The overall sensitivity is also ‘Low’.
LR9	Plantation The LR refers to the amenity tree / vegetation planting which found within urbanized area, such as engineered slopes and pedestrian / roadside planters. Exotic species commonly found in the canopy included Acacia confusa, Acacia mangium, Eucalyptus spp., Lophostemon conferta, Aporosa dioica, Sterculia lanceolata, Daphniphyllum calycinum, Psychotria asiatica, Blechnum orientale. An individual of plant of conservation importance, Cibotium barometz, was recorded at the ravine under this LR. There is no Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs) or Potentially Registrable Old and Valuable Trees (POVT) were found within this LR. The landscape value and quality is considered to be medium. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Medium’.
LR10	Existing Siu Ho Wan Depot with Amenity Planting This LR covers trees and shrubs planting within the Siu Ho Wan Depot (SHD). Trees and shrubs are found at the periphery and some isolated planter beds in the Depot. Trees planted within SHD are all common species, including Acacia confusa, Bauhinia blakeana, Ficus virens, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Livistona chinensis. There is no OVTs, endangered and protected species identified within this resource. Most of the trees are semi-mature to mature size. It is a common landscape resource. The quality of the existing vegetation is considered to be medium. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Medium’.
LR11	Roads & Urban Infrastructures with Amenity Planting This LR covers roadside tree and shrub within the amenity planting areas, embankments at both sides the North Lantau Expressway. Plantings found are all common species, including Acacia confusa, Bombax ceiba, Nerium oleander, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Leucaena leucocephala. Most of the trees are semi-mature to mature size. It is a common landscape resource. The landscape quality and value is considered to be medium. The overall sensitivity is also ‘Medium’.
LR12	Urbanised Development The LR refers to the urbanised areas of Siu Ho Wan area including the SHWWTW and SHWSTW. Given the man-made nature of this LR, the quality and value is considered to be low. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Low’.
LR13	Artificial Seawall The LR refers to the artificial coastline along reclaimed land of SHW, it is a rubble mound revetment constructed with pedestrian and vehicular parapet along footpath/ road interfaces. Given the man-made nature, the quality and value is considered to be medium. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Low’.

Table 9.3b Sensitivity of Landscape Resources (LRs)

ID	Landscape Resources (LRs)	Quality of LR	Rarity of LR	Importance of LR	Ability to accommodate change	Maturity of LR	Sensitivity
ID	Landscape Resources (LRs)	(High / Medium / Low)	(High / Medium / Low)	(Local / Territorial / Regional / Global)	(Low / Medium / High)	(Low / Medium / High)	(Low / Medium / High)
LR1	Secondary Woodland	High	High	Local	Low	Medium	High
LR2	Hillside Shrubland & Grassland	High	High	Local	Low	Medium	High
LR3	Coastal Waters	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	N/A	Medium
LR4	Transitional Waters	High	High	Local	Low	N/A	High
LR5	Rocky Shore	High	High	Local	Low	N/A	High
LR7	Natural Watercourse	High	High	Local	Low	N/A	High
LR8	Channelised Watercourse / Ditch	Low	Low	Local	High	N/A	Low
LR9	Plantation	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium	Medium
LR10	Existing Siu Ho Wan Depot with Amenity Planting	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium	Medium
LR11	Roads & Urban Infrastructures with Amenity Planting	Medium	Medium	Local	High	Medium	Medium
LR12	Urbanised Development	Low	Low	Local	High	N/A	Low
LR13	Artificial Seawall	Medium	Low	Local	High	N/A	Low

Table 9.4a Baseline Landscape Character Areas (LCAs)

LCAs	Description
LCA1	Upland Hillside Landscape The LCA refers to densely vegetation area on the slopes of the mountains which forms the backdrop to Siu Ho Wan. Part of this area falls within the Lantau North (Extension) Country Park. It also refers to undeveloped upland hillside landscape surrounding the study area generally above 40mPD. The natural terrain comprises mainly shrubland/ grassland with some strips of secondary woodland and rocky outcrops. As a result of the natural unaltered terrain, the capacity to accept change is ‘Low’. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘High’.
LCA3	Inshore Water Landscape The LCA refers to the waterscape which located to the north and west of SHD. The coastal interface is predominantly constructed in artificial stone revetment. Seascape is open to the north towards Tuen Mun. The LCA has historically been encroached upon through phases of reclamation to form the NLH, AEL, Tung Chung waterfront and HKIA; it is therefore considered that the LR has a medium capacity to accept change. The LCA is very common; its rarity is therefore ‘Medium’. Seascape is a contributor to landscape character, the landscape value and quality is considered to be ‘Medium’. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Medium’.
LCA4	Industrial Urban Landscape The LCA refers to the utilities/ infrastructure area in Siu Ho Wan, including SHWSTW, Siu Ho Wan Government Maintenance Depot, Discovery Bay Tunnel Administration Building and New Lantau Bus Company Siu Ho Wan Depot. As this landscape has been heavily developed, it is considered to have a high capacity to accept change. The landscape contains some mature planting and formalised landscape spaces which provide some landscape amenity, in this case the landscape value and quality is ‘Medium’. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Low’.
LCA5	Transportation Corridor Landscape The LCA refers to the transport corridor approaching the reclaimed land of Siu Ho Wan from the east containing the SHD, NLH, LAR and Tung Chung Road. The NLH comprises a 6-lane highway delineated with concrete barriers and boundary fencing. The corridor is entirely built on top of reclaimed landscape. Vegetation cover is restricted to narrow verges with grass, hedge and tree planting. As a result of the man-made nature of the LCA, it is considered to have a high capacity to accept change. Infrastructure routes are not considered to be rare therefore the rating is ‘Low’. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Medium’.

Table 9.4b Sensitivity of Landscape Character Area (LCAs)

ID	Landscape Resources (LRs)	Quality of LR	Rarity of LR	Importance of LR	Ability to accommodate change	Maturity of LR	Sensitivity
ID	Landscape Resources (LRs)	(High / Medium / Low)	(High / Medium / Low)	(Local / Territorial / Regional / Global)	(Low / Medium / High)	(Low / Medium / High)	(Low / Medium / High)
LCA1	Upland Hillside Landscape	High	High	Local	Low	High	High
LCA3	Inshore Water Landscape	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	N/A	Medium
LCA4	Industrial Urban Landscape	Medium	Low	Local	High	N/A	Low
LCA5	Transport-ation Corridor Landscape	Low	Low	Local	High	N/A	Medium

Broad Brush Tree Survey

9.5.3 A board brush tree survey was carried out within existing SHD and proposed works areas that fall outside the existing SHD and within Scheme Boundary to identify dominant tree species, maturity, rarity and any plant species of conservation interest, etc. which would be potentially affected and to provide baseline information on the landscape resources and landscape character areas.

9.5.4 It is estimated that approximately 510 nos. of trees were found within existing SHD and approximately 70 nos of tree were found within at works areas that fall outside the existing SHD and within Scheme Boundary. Approximate tree locations are provided in Appendix 9.1. The dominant tree species include Archontophoenix alexandrae, Bauhinia blakeana, Ficus virens, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Livistona chinensis and Phoenix roebelenii. They are generally of semi-mature to mature size, with DBH varies from size 95mm to 500mm, 1.5m to 12m height and 1m to 10m spread. There is no OVT and tree of specific conservation interest identified within the project boundary. All tree species surveyed are common in Hong Kong.

Visual Envelope (VE)

9.5.5 The visual envelope of the Project during the construction and operation phases is illustrated in Figure No. NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/245. Visual Envelopes have been identified by site visit, desktop study of topographic maps and photographs to determine visibility of the Project from various locations. The prominent location of the Project gives rise to a large visual envelope which extends beyond the vicinity in several directions, i.e. embraced by the ridgeline of Lantau Island to the south and the ridgelines of Castle Peak and Tai Tam in Tuen Mun Area to the north.

Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

9.5.6 Within the visual envelope, the key VSR have been identified and is listed, together with the baseline assessment and sensitivity, in Table 9.5 and mapped in Figure No. NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/245. The photo viewpoints taken from the key VSRs are illustrated in Figure No. NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/246.

9.5.7 The sensitivity of VSRs is assessed in accordance with EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010. Key factors including type of VSRs, number of individuals within the VSRs, quality of existing view, availability of alternative views, degree of visibility, duration of view and frequency of view of the VSRs are evaluated.

9.5.8 Types of potential VSRs are generally categorized in accordance with the landuse of the areas where the VSRs are located. There are 4 types of VSRs, namely Residential, Recreational, Transportation and Occupational VSRs.

9.5.9 VSR3 and VSR12a are residential VSRs with few to many number of individuals. The quality of existing view is good. They both have alternative views and full to partial degree of visibility. They have long duration of view and frequent view. Their sensitivity is considered as medium to high.

9.5.10 VSR1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 11 and 12b are recreational VSRs with few to medium numbers of individuals. The quality of existing view varies from good to fair. They all have alternative views and full to glimpse degree of visibility. They all have short to medium duration of view and occasional view. Their sensitivity is considered as low to medium.

9.5.11 VSR9 are Occupational VSRs with few number of individuals. The quality of existing view is fair. They have alternative views and partial degree of visibility. They have short duration of view and rare view. Their sensitivity is considered as low.

9.5.12 VSR7, 8, 10 13 and 14 are Transportation VSRs with few to medium number of individuals. The quality of existing view varies from good to fair. They all have alternative views and full degree of visibility. They have short duration of view and rare view. Their sensitivity is considered as Low.

Table 9.5 Baseline Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and their Sensitivity

VSR Groups	Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)	Main Type of VSRs	Number of Individuals (Many/ Medium/ Few)	Quality of Existing View (Good/Fair/ Poor)	Availability of Alternative Views (Yes/No)	Degree of Visibility (Full/ Partial/ Glimpse)	Duration of View (Long/ Medium/ Short)	Frequency of View (Frequent/ Occasional/ Rare)	Sensitivity
VSR1	Tung Chung New Town Extension Tung Chung East Development (TCNTE TCE Development) - Future users of waterfront open space/ promenade at TCNTE TCE Development	Recreational	Medium	Good	Yes	Partial	Medium	Occasional	Medium
VSR2	Waterfront near Tung Chung Area 56 – Future recreational users of open space	Recreational	Medium	Fair	Yes	Partial	Medium	Occasional	Medium
VSR3	Pak Mong Village – Villagers	Residential	Few	Good	Yes	Partial	Long	Frequent	Medium
VSR4	Hong Kong Olympic Trail – Hikers	Recreational	Few	Good	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Occasional	Low
VSR5	Lo Fu Tau Country Trail - Hikers	Recreational	Few	Good	Yes	Partial	Short	Occasional	Low
VSR6	Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities – Future visitors	Recreational	Medium	Good	Yes	Full	Medium	Occasional	Medium
VSR7	Tai O – Tuen Mun Ferry - Passengers	Transportation	Few	Good	Yes	Full	Short	Rare	Low
VSR8	North Lantau Highway – Passengers and drivers	Transportation	Medium	Fair	Yes	Full	Short	Rare	Low
VSR9	Siu Ho Wan Government Maintenance Depot – Workers	Occupational	Few	Fair	Yes	Partial	Short	Rare	Low
VSR10	Along Tuen Mun Road and Castle Peak Road – Passengers and Drivers	Transportation	Medium	Good	Yes	Full	Short	Rare	Low
VSR11	Tai Lam Country Park – Hikers	Recreational	Few	Good	Yes	Partial	Short	Occasional	Low
VSR12a	Tuen Mun South Coast - Residents	Residential	Many	Good	Yes	Full	Long	Frequent	High
VSR12b	Tuen Mun South Coast - Users of Tuen Mun Promenade	Recreational	Medium	Good	Yes	Full	Medium	Occasional	Medium
VSR13	Cheung Tung Road – Passengers and Drivers	Transportation	Few	Fair	Yes	Full	Short	Rare	Low
VSR14	Vehicular Access Bridge to North Lantau Highway	Transportation	Few	Fair	Yes	Full	Short	Rare	Low

9.6 Landscape Impact Assessment

Potential Sources of Landscape Impacts

9.6.1 The potential sources of landscape impact in the construction phase would include:

· Demolition of existing depot facilities;

· Pipe jacking works for installation of underground utilities and associated excavation and lateral support (ELS) works;

· Piling works, pile cap construction and ELS works related to the construction of planned SHD Topside Development;

· Pad footing foundation works;

· Construction of SHO and modification of existing AEL/TCL tracks; as well as local access roads and emergency vehicular access (EVA);

· Construction of podium deck; and

· Reprovision of SHD facilities by stages (under the podium deck).

9.6.2 The source of landscape impacts during the operation phase would include:

· Operation of the SHO;

· Operation of the Reprovisioned SHD; and

· Operation of western access road bridge.

9.6.3 The Sources and Description of Landscape impact is presented in Table 9.6a.

Table 9.6a Sources and Description of Landscape Impacts during Construction and Operation Phases

ID No.	Landscape Resources/ Landscape Character Areas	Source of Impact from Project	Description of Unmitigated Impacts
ID No.	Landscape Resources/ Landscape Character Areas	Source of Impact from Project	Description of Unmitigated Impacts
*Landscape Resources*
LR1	Secondary Woodland	Nil	Nil
LR2	Hillside Shrubland & Grassland	Nil	Nil
LR3	Coastal Waters	Nil	Nil
LR4	Transitional Waters	Nil	Nil
LR5	Rocky Shore	Nil	Nil
LR7	Natural Watercourse	Nil	Nil
LR8	Channelised Watercourse / Ditch	Nil	Nil
LR9	Plantation	Construction and operation Phase: • Upgrading and reprovision of the underground sewerage network	During construction phase, no trees but only vegetation would be affected by the works involved, it is anticipated that there would not be any significant landscape impact. During operation phase, it is anticipate that there would not be any landscape impact as the sewerage network is located underground.
LR10	Existing Siu Ho Wan Depot with Amenity Planting	Construction Phase: • Site clearance and site formation works • Demolition of existing SHD facilities; • Bored piling works, pile cap construction and excavation; • Construction of SHO and modification of existing AEL/TCL tracks; and • Illumination within construction site. Operation Phase: • Operation of SHO and Reprovisioned SHD	During construction phase, approximately 510 nos. of existing trees within SHD will be affected by the SHD Replanning Works. Affected tree species include Archontophoenix alexandrae, Bauhinia blakeana, Ficus virens, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Livistona chinensis and Phoenix roebelenii. They are generally of semi-mature to mature size, with DBH varies from size 95mm to 500mm, 1.5m to 12m height and 1m to 10m spread.
LR11	Roads & Urban Infrastructures with Amenity Planting	Construction Phase: • temporary works areas and storage area; • Illumination within construction site. • Construction of western access road bridge • Upgrading and reprovision of the underground sewerage network Operation Phase: • Operation of western access road bridge	During construction phase, there would be potential localized impact due to construction of the western access road bridge and the upgrading and reprovision of sewerage network and site clearance for temporary works area and storage area. It is anticipated that no tree will be affected within this LR due to the construction works. During operation phase, there would be relatively small and localized change of landscape area due to the proposed aboveground structures.
LR12	Urbanised Development	Construction and operation Phase: • Upgrading and reprovision of the underground sewerage network	During construction phase, no trees but only vegetation would be affected by the potential upgrading and reprovision works involved, it is anticipated that there would not be any significant landscape impact. During operation phase, it is anticipate that there would not be any landscape impact as the upgrading works are underground in nature.
LR13	Artificial Sea Wall	Nil	Nil
*Landscape Character Area*
LCA1	Upland Hillside Landscape Area	Nil	Nil
LCA3	Inshore Water Landscape	Nil	Nil
LCA4	Industrial Urban Landscape	Construction and operation Phase: • Upgrading and reprovision of the underground sewerage network	During construction phase, no trees but vegetation would be affected by the potential upgrading and reprovision works involved, it is anticipated that there would not be any significant landscape impact. During operation phase, it is anticipate that there would not be any landscape impact as the upgrading works are underground in nature.
LCA5	Transportation Corridor Landscape	Construction Phase: • Demolition of existing SHD facilities; • Bored piling works, pile cap construction and excavation works related to the construction of planned SHD Topside Development; • Construction of SHO and modification of existing AEL/TCL tracks; and • Illumination within construction site. Operation Phase: • Operation of SHO and Reprovisioned SHD • Operation of western access road bridge	During the construction phase, there will be significant change and landscape characters due to relatively extensive works areas which cover majority of this LCA. During operation phase, there would be relatively small and localized change of landscape character due to the proposed aboveground structures.

Magnitude of Landscape Impacts

9.6.4 The magnitude of changes associated with the construction and operation of the Project are assessed and described in Table 9.6b and Table 9.6c.

Table 9.6b Magnitude of change on Landscape Resources (LRs)

ID	Landscape Resources (LRs)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Good/ Fair/ Poor)		Remarks on Compatibility	Duration of Impact (Temporary / Permanent)		Reversibility of Change (Reversible/ Irreversible)		Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
ID	Landscape Resources (LRs)	Construction Stage	Operation Stage	Remarks on Compatibility	Construction Stage	Operation Stage	Construction Stage	Operation Stage	Construction Stage	Operation Stage
LR1	Secondary Woodland	N/A	N/A	This LR falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR2	Hillside Shrubland & Grassland	N/A	N/A	This LR falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR3	Coastal Waters	N/A	N/A	This LR falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR4	Transitional Waters	N/A	N/A	This LR falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR5	Rocky Shore	N/A	N/A	This LR falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR7	Natural Watercourse	N/A	N/A	This LR falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR8	Channelised Watercourse / Ditch	N/A	N/A	This LR falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR9	Plantation	Poor	Fair	There would be potential localized works in this LR. The works on this LR is surrounded by LR12. Compatibility with surrounding landscape is considered as Fair in construction stage and Good in operation stage.	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Negligible	Negligible
LR10	Existing Siu Ho Wan Depot with Amenity Planting	Poor	Fair	Majority of the site works will be conducted within this LR. This LR is surrounded by LR11 and LR13. Compatibility with surrounding landscape is considered as Poor in construction stage and Fair in operation stage.	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Large	Large
LR11	Roads & Urban Infrastructures with Amenity Planting	Fair	Good	There would be potential localized works in this LR. The works on this LR is surrounded by LR9, LR10, LR12 and LR13. Compatibility with surrounding landscape is considered as Fair in construction stage and Good in operation stage.	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Small	Negligible
LR12	Urbanised Development	Fair	Good	There would be potential localized works in this LR. The works on this LR is surrounded by LR9 and LR11. Compatibility with surrounding landscape is considered as Fair in construction stage and Good in operation stage.	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Negligible	Negligible
LR13	Artificial Seawall	N/A	N/A	This LR falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Table 9.6c Magnitude of change on Landscape Character Area (LCAs)

ID	Landscape Character Area (LCAs)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Good/ Fair/ Poor)		Remarks on Compatibility	Duration of Impact (Temporary / Permanent)		Reversibility of Change (Reversible/ Irreversible)		Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/Small/ Negligible)
ID	Landscape Character Area (LCAs)	Construction Stage	Operation Stage	Remarks on Compatibility	Construction Stage	Operation Stage	Construction Stage	Operation Stage	Construction Stage	Operation Stage
LCA1	Upland Hillside Landscape	N/A	N/A	This LCA falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA3	Inshore Water Landscape	N/A	N/A	This LCA falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA4	Industrial Urban Landscape	Fair	Fair	There would be potential localized works in this LCA. This LCA is surrounded by LCA1, LCA2 and LCA5. Compatibility with surrounding landscape is considered as Fair in construction stage and Fair in operation stage.	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Negligible	Negligible
LCA5	Transportation Corridor Landscape	Poor	Fair	The main site works will be conducted within this LCA. This LCA is surrounded by LCA1, LCA3 and LCA4. Compatibility with surrounding landscape is considered as Poor in construction stage and Fair in operation stage.	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Large	Intermediate

Significance of Unmitigated Landscape Impacts

9.6.5 It is expected that there would be impact to the LR10 - Existing Siu Ho Wan Depot with Amenity Planting within the existing SHD during the construction phase would be large as approximate 510 nos. of existing trees will be affected by the SHD Replanning Works. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium. The resultant significance of unmitigated landscape impact is considered moderate in construction and operation phases.

9.6.6 During construction phase, it is anticipated there would be small and localized impact on LR11 - Roads & Urban Infrastructures with Amenity Planting. No tree will be affected by construction of the proposed western access road bridge, upgrading and reprovision of the underground sewerage network and site formation for temporary works area and storage area. The magnitude of change would be small during construction and negligible during operation. The sensitivity of this LR is medium. The resultant significance of unmitigated impact would be slight and insubstantial during construction and operation phase respectively.

9.6.7 There would be insignificant impact on LR9 – Plantation and LR12 - Urbanised Development due to the potential works associated with the upgrading and reprovision of the underground sewerage network. The magnitude of change would be negligible during construction and operation phases. The sensitivity of the LR9 is medium and LR12 is low. The resultant significance of unmitigated impact would be insubstantial during construction and operation phases.

9.6.8 During construction phase, it is anticipated that there would be insignificant impact on LCA4 Industrial Urban Landscape due to the potential works associated with the upgrading and reprovision of the underground sewerage network. The magnitude of change would be negligible during construction and operation phases. The sensitivity of this LCA is Low. The resultant significance of unmitigated impact would be insubstantial during construction and operation phases.

9.6.9 For LCA5, Transportation Corridor Landscape, there would be large magnitude of direct landscape impact during construction phase as approximate 510 nos. of existing trees will be affected by the site formation works of SHD Replanning Works. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered as Medium. It is predicted that the resultant significance of unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA during construction and operation phases are Moderate.

9.6.10 There would not be any discernable landscape impact on other LRs and LCAs and therefore significance of unmitigated impact on the remaining LRs and LCAs is insubstantial.

9.7 Visual Impact Assessment

Sources of Visual Impacts

9.7.1 The sources of visual impacts in construction and operation phases would be the same as those for landscape impact (refer to Sections 9.6.1 and 9.6.2).

9.7.2 According to railway noise assessment findings in Section 4, noise mitigation measures including temporary noise canopy of 7m to 15m wide and cantilever barrier of 12m high (Figure Nos. NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/162 to 163 refers), and a total of 7 sections of 15m wide noise canopy would be required to protect SHD Topside Development. It is anticipated that the proposed temporary noise canopy and cantilever, and permanent noise canopy along the southern edge of the podium at +26.5mPD may generate potential visual intrusion to the surrounding sensitive receivers.

Magnitude of Visual Impacts

9.7.3 The magnitude of change during construction and operation phases is assessed based on the viewing distance, potential blockage of view, scale of Project, and compatibility of the Project with the surrounding landscape, duration of impacts and reversibility of change as shown in Table 9.7.

9.7.4 The Project comprises the SHD Replanning Works involving the relocation of SHD facilities within existing SHD and the Reprovisioned SHD would be decked. Construction and operation of SHO which is an aboveground structure would be newly added. During the construction phase, although the overall construction period would last for about 18 years and the works constructed are irreversible, the proposed replanning works are considered as medium compatibility with the surrounding as the construction works would be carried out by stages. There would not be any potential blockage of view due to the proposed construction works.

9.7.5 During the construction phase, there would be intermediate magnitude of visual impact for VSR8, VSR13 and VSR14 who view the Project at a closer distance. It is predicted that the magnitude of visual change for VSR4 to VSR7 is considered as small due to the longer distance from the project site.

9.7.6 During the operational phase, it is anticipated that the Project would not cause any significant visual impact on adjacent VSRs as the aboveground structures (i.e. SHO and Reprovisioned SHD) will be integrated with the future SHD Topside Development and are considered to be highly compatible with the SHD Topside Development. It is predicted that the magnitude of visual change due to the Project for VSR8 and VSR13 is considered as intermediate while magnitude of visual change due to the Project for VSR14 is considered as small. It is predicted that the magnitude of visual change due to the Project for other VSRs is considered as negligible.

9.7.7 There would be negligible magnitude of change on VSR1, VSR2, VSR3, VSR9, VSR10, VSR11, VSR12a and VSR12b who view the Project at a very long distance and low-rise characteristic of the Project. There would not be any impact on these VSRs during both construction and operation phases as any change would not be noticeable by naked eye from such far distance. They would not be affected as the Project site is not easily visible.

9.7.8 The proposed temporary noise barrier and canopy to be implemented by the developer(s) of SHD Topside Development would generate visual blockage and visual intrusion to the Phase 1 SHD Topside Development in the interim stage, especially for those in the lower floors. The visual impact of these temporary noise barriers and canopy will be mitigated by appropriate detailed design, including suitable transparent material, appropriate colour selection of panels and supporting structures, or provision of planting of trees, shrubs and/ or climbers camouflage to the barriers, as well as incorporation of resistance to the effects of ultra-violet light on the plastic panels. Guidelines on Design of Noise Barriers issued by Highway Department and EPD in 2003 would be followed. With the implementation of the recommended mitigation measure, it is anticipated that the residual transient visual effects during interim phase can be alleviated to an acceptable level.

9.7.9 The permanent noise canopy to be implemented by the developer(s) of SHD Topside Development will also adopt appropriate design as discussed in Section 9.7.8, where applicable, to mitigate the potential visual impact. VSR8 and 13 represents the users of transportation with limited duration of visual obstruction due to the high to median travelling speed along the NLH and Cheung Tung Road. It is therefore expected that there would be negligible magnitude of change on these VSRs with the implementation of appropriate measures.

Significance of Unmitigated Visual Impacts

9.7.10 The significance of visual impacts, before the implementation of mitigation measures, during the construction phase and operation phases are assessed and described in Table 9.11.

9.7.11 It is anticipated that there would be negligible magnitude of visual change on the elevated Residential VSRs (VSR3) during construction phase and operation phase. The sensitivity of VSR3 is medium. The resultant significance of unmitigated visual impact on these VSRs would be insubstantial during construction and operation phases respectively.

9.7.12 It is anticipated that there would be small magnitude of visual change on recreational VSRs (VSR4 and VSR5) and VSRs at the sea (VSR6) during construction phase, while the magnitude of visual change would be small to negligible during operation phase. The sensitivity of VSR4 and VSR5 is low and sensitivity of VSR6 is medium. The resultant significance of unmitigated visual impact on these VSRs would be slight during construction and insubstantial during operation phases respectively. During construction and operational phase, it is predicted that there would be negligible magnitude of visual change on the nearby Recreational VSR (VSR1 and VSR2). The sensitivity of VSR1 and VSR2 is medium and thus the resultant significance of unmitigated visual impact on VSR1 would be insubstantial during construction and operation phases.

9.7.13 For Transportation VSRs (VSR8, VSR13 and VSR14), it is predicted that there would be intermediate magnitude of visual change on these VSRs during construction phase, while the magnitude of visual change is expected to be small to intermediate during operation phase. The sensitivity of those VSRs are low. The resultant significance of unmitigated visual impact on VSR8, VSR13 and VSR14 would be moderate and slight during construction and operation phases respectively. For Transportation VSR (VSR7), it is predicted that there would be small and negligible magnitude of visual change during construction and operational phase respectively. The sensitivity of VSR7 is low. The resultant significance of unmitigated visual impact on VSR 7 would be slight and insubstantial during construction and operational phase respectively.

9.7.14 For institutional VSRs (VSR9), it is predicted that there would be negligible magnitude of change during construction and operational phase. The sensitive of VSR9 is low. The resultant significance of unmitigated visual impact on VSR9 would be insubstantial during construction and operational phase.

9.7.15 For the VSRs located far away from the Project or with no direct views (VSR10, VSR11, VSR12a and VSR12b), it is expected that there would be negligible magnitude of visual change on these VSRs during construction and operation phases. The sensitivity of these VSRs are high and medium respectively, and the resultant significance of unmitigated visual impact would be insubstantial during both construction and operation phases.

Recommended Photomontage Viewpoints

9.7.16 Computer generated photomontages will be prepared to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact of the Project. The criteria for the selection of representative vantage point for photomontages include: -

· the vantage point which covers the aboveground structures of SHO and Reprovisioned SHD viewed from major public viewpoint represents key VSRs or VSR groups who would be potentially affected by the Project; and

· the vantage point which represents the worst case scenarios and demonstrate the compatibility of the aboveground structures to the adjacent visual context and illustrate the visual effect during Day 1 without mitigation measures, Day 1 with mitigation measures and Year 10 with mitigation measures.

9.7.17 Based on the location of the SHO and Reprovisioned SHD, the proposed vantage points from key representative VSRs are mapped in Figure No. NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/245. The following photomontages taken from representative VSRs are prepared to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact of the Project on the respective VSRs:

· Photomontages for VSRs – TCNTE TCE Development (VSR1);

· Photomontages for VSRs – North Lantau Highway (VSR8);

· Photomontages for VSRs – Cheung Tung Road (VSR13); and

· Photomontages for VSRs – Vehicular Access Bridge to North Lantau Highway (VSR14).

9.7.18 The locations of the photomontage view point are shown in Figure No. NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/245, and the photomontage is shown in Figure No. NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/248 to 254.

Table 9.7 Magnitude of Visual Changes during Construction and Operation Phases

VSR Groups	Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Approx. Closest Viewing Distance to Project Site (m)	Potential Blockage of View (Full / Partial /Glimpse/ Nil)	Scale of Development (Large / Medium / Small)	Compatibility of the Project with the Surrounding landscape (Good / Fair / Poor)	Duration of Impacts (Long/ Medium/ short)	Reversibility of Change (Yes / No)	Magnitude of Changes (Large / Intermediate / Small / Negligible)
VSR Groups	Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)					Duration of Impacts (Long/ Medium/ short)	Reversibility of Change (Yes / No)	Construction	Operation
VSR1	Tung Chung New Town Extension Tung Chung East Development (TCNTE TCE Development) - Future users of waterfront open space/ promenade at TCNTE TCE Development	1470	Partial	Small	Fair	Long	No	Negligible	Negligible
VSR2	The Visionary – Waterfront near Tung Chung Area 56	2825	Nil	Negligible	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
VSR3	Pak Mong Village – Villagers	1130	Partial	Small	Fair	Long	No	Negligible	Negligible
VSR4	Hong Kong Olympic Trail – Hikers	1930	Partial	Small	Fair	Long	No	Small	Negligible
VSR5	Lo Fu Tau Country Trail - Hikers	1525	Nil	Small	Fair	Long	No	Small	Negligible
VSR6	Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities – Visitors	2390	Partial	Medium	Poor	Long	No	Small	Negligible
VSR7	Tai O – Tuen Mun Ferry - Passengers	1825	Partial	Small	Poor	Long	No	Small	Negligible
VSR8	North Lantau Highway – Passengers and Drivers	275	Partial	Large	Good	Long	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR9	Siu Ho Wan Government Maintenance Depot – Workers	120	Partial	Medium	Fair	Long	No	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 10	Along Tuen Mun Road and Castle Peak Road – Passengers and Drivers	5870	Nil	Large	Good	Nil	No	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 11	Tai Lam Country Park – Hikers	8315	Nil	Large	Poor	Nil	No	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 12a	Tuen Mun South Coast - Residents	7100	Nil	Large	Poor	Nil	No	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 12b	Tuen Mun South Coast - Users of Tuen Mun Promenade	6955	Nil	Large	Poor	Nil	No	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 13	Cheung Tung Road – Passengers and Drivers	50	Partial	Large	Good	Long	No	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR14	Vehicular Access Bridge to North Lantau Highway	40	Partial	Large	Good	Long	No	Intermediate	Small

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures
CM1	Trees unavoidably affected by the works should be transplanted as far as possible in accordance with DEVB TC (W) 7/2015 – Tree Preservation or LAO PN 7/2007 - Tree Preservation and Tree Removal Application for Building Development in Private Projects where applicable.
CM2	Control of night-time lighting glare
CM3	Erection of decorative screen hoarding which should be compatible with the surrounding setting.
CM4	Management of facilities on work sites by controlling the height and disposition/arrangement of all facilities on the works site to minimize visual impact to adjacent VSRs.
CM5	All hard and soft landscape areas disturbed temporarily during construction should be reinstated on like-to-like basis, to the satisfaction of the relevant Government Departments.

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures
OM1	Aesthetically pleasing design as regard to the form, material and finishes shall be incorporated to SHD, SHO and other aboveground structures so as to blend in the existing and future structures to the adjacent landscape and visual context.
OM2	All lighting should be carefully designed and controlled to minimize light pollution and night-time glare to nearby VSRs, and to blend in the existing adjacent landscape and visual context.
OM3	Compensatory planting shall be determined during the Tree Removal Application process under DEVB TC (W) 7/2015 or LAO PN 7/2007 where applicable. Compensatory planting will be implemented by future developer(s) of SHD Topside Development.

Table 9.10 Significance of landscape Impacts during Construction and Operation Phases

ID No.	Landscape Resources/ Landscape Character Areas	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Change (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance of Residual Impact BEFORE Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Impact Significance of Residual Impact AFTER Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation
		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Day 1	Year 10
*Landscape Resources*
LR1	Secondary Woodland	High	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR2	Hillside Shrubland & Grassland	High	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR3	Coastal Waters	Medium	Medium	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR4	Transitional Waters	High	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR5	Rocky Shore	High	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR7	Natural Watercourse	High	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR8	Channelised Watercourse / Ditch	Low	Low	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR9	Plantation	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR10	Amenity Planting within the Siu Ho Wan Depot	Medium	Medium	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5 OM1 to OM3⁽¹⁾	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
LR11	Roads & Urban Infrastructures with Amenity Planting	Medium	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM5	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR12	Urbanised Development	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR13	Artificial Sea Wall	Low	Low	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
*Landscape Character Area*
LCA1	Upland Hillside Landscape Area	High	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA3	Inshore Water Landscape	Medium	Medium	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA4	Industrial Urban Landscape	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA5	Transportation Corridor Landscape	Medium	Medium	Large	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1 to CM5, OM1 to OM3⁽¹⁾	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial

Note:

(1) Compensatory planting shall be determined during the Tree Removal Application process under DEVB TC(W) No. 7/2015 or LAO PN 7/2007 where applicable.

Table 9.11 Significance of Visual Impacts during Construction and Operation Phases

ID No.	VSRs	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Change (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance before Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Significance of Residual Impact (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation
		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Day 1	Year 10
VSR1	Tung Chung New Town Extension Tung Chung East Development (TCNTE TCE Development)	Medium	Medium	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
VSR2	The Visionary	Medium	Medium	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
VSR3	Pak Mong Village	Medium	Medium	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
VSR4	Hong Kong Olympic Trail	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	insubstantial	CM2 to CM5, OM1 to OM3	Slight	Insub-stantial	Insub-stantial
VSR5	Lo Fu Tau Country Trail	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	insubstantial	CM2 to CM5, OM1 to OM3	Slight	Insub-stantial	Insub-stantial
VSR6	Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF)	Medium	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	insubstantial	CM2 to CM5, OM1 to OM3	Slight	Insub-stantial	Insub-stantial
VSR7	Tai O – Tuen Mun Ferry	Low	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	insubstantial	CM2 to CM5, OM1 to OM3	Slight	Insub-stantial	Insub-stantial
VSR8	North Lantau Highway	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Slight	CM2 to CM5, OM1 to OM3	Moderate	Slight	Slight
VSR9	Siu Ho Wan Government Maintenance Depot	Low	Low	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
VSR 10	Along Tuen Mun Road and Castle Peak Road	Low	Low	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
VSR 11	Tai Lam Country Park	Low	Low	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
VSR 12a	Tuen Mun South Coast	High	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
VSR 12b	Tuen Mun South Coast	Medium	Medium	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
VSR 13	Cheung Tung Road	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM2 to CM5, OM1 to OM3	Moderate	Slight	Slight
VSR14	Vehicular Access Bridge to North Lantau Highway	Low	Low	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM2 to CM5, OM1 to OM3	Moderate	Slight	Slight

NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/241	Landscape Resources
NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/242	Landscape Resources Photos
NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/243	Landscape Character Areas
NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/244	Landscape Character Areas Photos
NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/245	Visually Sensitive Receivers
NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/246	Visually Sensitive Receivers Photos
NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/247	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Plan
NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/248	Photomontage for VSR1 – Tung Chung New Town Extension, Tung Chung East Development (Sheet 1 of 2)
NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/249	Photomontage for VSR1 – Tung Chung New Town Extension, Tung Chung East Development (Sheet 2 of 2)
NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/250	Photomontage for VSR8 - North Lantau Highway (Sheet 1 of 2)
NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/251	Photomontage for VSR8 - North Lantau Highway (Sheet 2 of 2)
NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/252	Photomontage for VSR13 - Cheung Tung Road (Sheet 1 of 2)
NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/253	Photomontage for VSR13 - Cheung Tung Road (Sheet 2 of 2)
NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/254	Photomontage for VSR14 - Vehicular Access Bridge to North Lantau Highway

9 Landscape and Visual Impacts

9.1 Introduction

9.1.3 The assessment area for landscape impact shall include areas within a 500m distance from the site boundary of the Project and any other areas likely to be impacted by the Project. The assessment area for the visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope of the Project.

9.2 Environmental Legislation, Standards and Criteria

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

9.3 Assessment Methodology

9.3.1 The landscape impacts have been assessed according to the following procedures.

9.3.2 The visual impacts have been assessed according to the following procedures.

9.4 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

9.4.2 The Study Area of the Project is covered under the following statutory plans and departmental plants which will be reviewed in this assessment:

9.5 Baseline Study

9.5.8 Types of potential VSRs are generally categorized in accordance with the landuse of the areas where the VSRs are located. There are 4 types of VSRs, namely Residential, Recreational, Transportation and Occupational VSRs.

9.5.9 VSR3 and VSR12a are residential VSRs with few to many number of individuals. The quality of existing view is good. They both have alternative views and full to partial degree of visibility. They have long duration of view and frequent view. Their sensitivity is considered as medium to high.

9.5.11 VSR9 are Occupational VSRs with few number of individuals. The quality of existing view is fair. They have alternative views and partial degree of visibility. They have short duration of view and rare view. Their sensitivity is considered as low.

9.6 Landscape Impact Assessment

9.6.1 The potential sources of landscape impact in the construction phase would include:

9.6.2 The source of landscape impacts during the operation phase would include:

9.6.3 The Sources and Description of Landscape impact is presented in Table 9.6a.

9.6.4 The magnitude of changes associated with the construction and operation of the Project are assessed and described in Table 9.6b and Table 9.6c.

9.6.10 There would not be any discernable landscape impact on other LRs and LCAs and therefore significance of unmitigated impact on the remaining LRs and LCAs is insubstantial.

9.7 Visual Impact Assessment

9.7.1 The sources of visual impacts in construction and operation phases would be the same as those for landscape impact (refer to Sections 9.6.1 and 9.6.2).

9.7.3 The magnitude of change during construction and operation phases is assessed based on the viewing distance, potential blockage of view, scale of Project, and compatibility of the Project with the surrounding landscape, duration of impacts and reversibility of change as shown in Table 9.7.

9.7.10 The significance of visual impacts, before the implementation of mitigation measures, during the construction phase and operation phases are assessed and described in Table 9.11.

Recommended Photomontage Viewpoints

9.7.16 Computer generated photomontages will be prepared to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact of the Project. The criteria for the selection of representative vantage point for photomontages include: -

9.7.18 The locations of the photomontage view point are shown in Figure No. NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/245, and the photomontage is shown in Figure No. NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/248 to 254.

9.8 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

9.9 Residual Impacts

9.9.1 After implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, residual landscape impacts of significance during construction and operation phases are described below.

9.9.5 It is expected that the remaining LRs and LCAs would have insubstantial residual impact with the implementation of mitigation measures.

9.9.6 After implementation of the recommended mitigation measures, residual visual impacts of significance during construction and operation phases are described below.

9.9.8 During construction phase, with the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, there would be slight residual impact on VSR4 to VSR7. The residual impact would be reduced to insubstantial with the aesthetic design of aboveground structures in both Day 1 and Year 10 of operation.

9.10 Cumulative Impacts

9.10.2 Other concurrent projects as described in Section 2.6 and illustrated on Figure No. NEX1062/S/SHD/ACM/Z10/103.

9.10.3 SHD Topside Development comprises residential towers would have a maximum building height of approx. +106mPD to provide residential dwellings along with other commercial/retail facilities.

9.10.6 TM-CLKL includes a 9km long dual two-lane carriageway between Tuen Mun and North Lantau.

9.11 Conclusion

9.11.1 The Project will inevitably result in some landscape and visual impacts during construction and operation phases. These impacts have been minimized through careful consideration of alternatives, compensatory planting, and incorporation of aesthetic external designs.

9.11.2 Cumulative landscape and visual during the construction and operation phases from other concurrent projects which include SHD Topside Development and TM-CLKL are assessed. These concurrent projects would not cause any insurmountable cumulative landscape and visual impact.

9.11.3 It is considered that the residual landscape and visual impact is acceptable with mitigation measures implemented during construction and operation phases.