Report

9 Landscape and Visual Impact

9.1 Legislation, Standards and Guidelines and Other References

9.1.1 General

9.1.1.1 The legislation, standards, guidelines and criteria relevant to the Study for assessment of landscape and visual impacts include:

Legislation and Planning Standards

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499), including Technical Memorandum on Environmental Impact Assessment Process (TM-EIAO), Annexes 3, 10, 11, 18 and 20;

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131);

· Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208);

· Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap. 476);

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

· Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96); and

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines, in particular Chapters 4, 10, 11 and 12.

Technical Circulars/ Guidelines

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

· Development Bureau (DEVB) Works Technical Circulars (TCW) No. 3/2012 - Site Coverage of Greenery for Government Building Projects;

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

· DEVB TCW No. 4/2020 - Tree Preservation;

· DEVB TCW No. 5/2020 - Registration and Preservation of Old and Valuable Trees;

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

· Environment, Transport and Works Bureau (ETWB) TCW No. 05/2005 - Protection of streams/rivers from adverse impacts arising from construction works;

· ETWB TCW No. 36/2004 - Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures; and

· ETWB TCW No. 19/2005 - Environmental Management on Construction Sites.

Other Reference Information and Planning Studies

· The Register of Old and Valuable Trees - Hong Kong, maintained by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department;

· Technical Report of “Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong” by Planning Department; and

· Landscape Character Map of Hong Kong (2005 Edition).

9.2 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

9.2.1.1 A review of the existing planning studies and documents was undertaken as a part of the baseline study to gain an insight into the planned role of the Project site, its surrounding areas, and its landscape context and to help determine if the Project fits into the wider existing and future landscape context. The Project site is located at the coastal area of Northeast New Territories within Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and Plover Cove Country Park, which are under the custody of Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208) and Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap. 476). In addition, the Project is also located within the Hong Kong UNESCO Global Geopark as shown in Figure 9.1a.

9.2.1.2 Besides, compatibility of the Project to the landscape can be related to land uses and development control framework in the Outline Zoning Plan (OZP). Though the Project site is currently not covered by any OZP, part of the 500m assessment area of landscape impact assessment for the Project is covered by the Approved Lai Chi Wo, Siu Tan and Sam A Tsuen OZP No. S/NE-LCW/2. The areas to the south of the Project in proximity to Lai Chi Wo village are currently zoned as “Green Belt” (“GB”), “Conservation Area” (“CA”), “Agriculture” (“AGR”) , “Government, Institution or Community” (“G/IC”) and “Village Type Development” (“V”). Corresponding planning and development control framework is illustrated in Figure 9.1b.

9.2.1.3 By virtue of the tight connection of the Lai Chi Wo village and the adjoining Plover Cove Country Park and Yan Chau Tong Marine Park, the general planning intention of the Approved Lai Chi Wo, Siu Tan and Sam A Tsuen OZP No. S/NE-LCW/2 is to protect its high conservation and landscape value which complements the overall naturalness and the landscape beauty within and surrounding the Plover Cove Country Park and Yan Chau Tong Marine Park. With respect to the existing development in Lai Chi Wo village, existing circumstance of consolidated, low-rise village type development shall be maintained as far as practicable to avoid undesirable disturbances to the natural environment.

9.2.1.4 In the absence of vehicular access to Lai Chi Wo, implementation of the Project is essential for the provision of necessary cum safe access to residents, tourists and other personnel commuting back and forth Lai Chi Wo and other city districts, nevertheless avoids substantial infrastructural works in the area of conservation importance, and maintains the area remote, tranquil, harmonious and pleasant with rural landscape character area of rich landscape resources. The Project does not intent to intensify the population or visitors loading to Lai Chi Wo, but provides a safe, barrier-free access for the pier uses with beautification of the existing pier in poor condition. It is therefore considered that the Project demonstrates the compatibility of existing planning and development control framework.

9.3 Assessment Area

9.3.1 Landscape Impact Assessment

9.3.1.1 Pursuant to Clause 3.4.10.2 of EIA Study Brief (ESB-305/2017), the assessment area for the landscape impact assessment shall include landscape character areas and landscape resources within 500m from the boundary of the Project as identified in this EIA. Figure 9.2 shows the assessment area for landscape impact assessment.

9.3.2 Visual Impact Assessment

9.3.2.1 Pursuant to Clause 3.4.10.2 of EIA Study Brief (ESB-305/2017), the assessment area for the visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope (VE) of the Project. VE is an area within which the proposed Project and associated works are visible and is generally the view shed formed by natural/manmade features, such as ridgelines, built form or areas of woodland/large trees. Figure 9.6 shows the assessment area for visual impact assessment.

9.4 Baseline Conditions

9.4.1 Landscape Baseline Conditions

9.4.1.1 The assessment area is located at the northeast coast of Lai Chi Wo, extending to partially cover Yan Chau Tong Marine Park and Plover Cove Country Park. The north, east and south sides of the Project are embraced by inshore water landscape of Yan Chau Tong Marine Park, part of which at Lai Chi Wo Beach was designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) due to the presence of the seagrass bed (Oval Halophila (Halophila ovalis) and Marine Eel Grass (Zostera japonica)) of conservation importance. The Yan Chau Tong Marine Park, designated in 1996, is well-known for its flourishing fishery resources as a breeding ground for larvae and juvenile of fishes and many different marine lives. Further, in the presence of ecological resources such as White-flowered Derris (Derris alborubra) and Coastal Heritiera (Heritiera littoralis) of conservation importance, the mudflat and mangrove along the coast of Yan Chau Tong Marine Park demonstrates a substantial ecological and landscape significance for conservation.

9.4.1.2 Area to the west of the Project is dominated by coastal upland and hillside landscape in Plover Cove Country Park, which is designated in 1978. To the south west of Crooked Harbour is the inland valley area of Lai Chi Wo. Crooked Harbour and Lai Chi Wo are embraced by hilly terrain on three sides: Ngau Shi Wu Shan (+141mPD), Tiu Tang Lung (+416mPD) and Fan Kei Tok (+369mPD) to the south; Pan Pui Teng (+235mPD) to the west; and Kau Lo Tau (+104mPD) to the north. The natural and landscape setting is both serene and quiet. A wide spectrum of natural habitats including, inter alia, coastal mangrove, mudflat, intertidal water ponds, freshwater stream (connecting to the upstream Lai Chi Wo Ecologically Important Stream (EIS)), undisturbed native woodlands, shrublands etc. can be identified within Plover Cove Country Park. These habitats support variety of flora and fauna in the area, in particular some rare fauna such as Rice Fish (Oryzias curvinotus) and Mangrove Skimmer (Orthetrum poecilops), as well as flora species such as Sampson Macaranga (Macaranga sampsonii), Langkok Fig (Ficus langkokensis), Golden-leaved Tree (Chrysophyllum lanceolatum) and Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis) recorded in the literature.

9.4.1.3 To the southwest of the Project is dominated by the settled valley landscape of Lai Chi Wo village with active and fallow agricultural lands. Lai Chi Wo village is an old, yet consolidated Hakka village with a history of about 400 years. It is a popular destination for tourists and hikers. The village is rich in cultural heritage resources including the Grade 3 historic building namely Hip Tin Temple and Hok Shan Monastery, as well as the Lai Chi Wo Site of Archaeological Interest (SAI). In addition, to the north of the village is a mature fung shui woodland, about 1 ha of which was designated as a “Special Area” under the Country Parks Ordinance in 2005. The fung shui woodland is in tight connection of the surrounding natural woodlands, enhancing the biodiversity and ecological value of the area.

9.4.1.4 The existing Lai Chi Wo Pier is a straight solid concrete finger pier of about 64m long and 2.5m wide. The top level of the pier is about 3mPD. In addition, a navigation light has been installed at the head of the pier with two bollards on each side of the pier. Two sets of 1m high galvanised steel tubular railing are along the southwestern edge of the pier. The pier was first in operation in 1956. As the pier has reached its design life-time of 50 years, both the structural integrity and visual appearance of the existing pier are unsatisfactory.

9.4.1.5 According to the latest EIA Study Brief (ESB-305/2017) the baseline review comprises the identification of all existing LRs and LCAs within 500m from the boundary of the Project. Since the overall assessment area is a combination of terrestrial and marine areas, the Landscape Resources (LRs) / Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) can be classified into different categories as follows, and detailed description of each LR and LCA are provided in Table 9.1 and Table 9.2 respectively. The locations of LRs and LCAs are presented in Figure 9.2 and Figure 9.4. Photos for each LR are presented in Figure 9.3a to Figure 9.3c, while photos for each LCA are presented in Figure 9.5.

Table 9.1 Landscape Resources within Assessment Area

Landscape Resource	Description
LR1 – Inshore Water of Crooked Harbour near Lai Chi Wo (40.14 ha)	This LR refers to the open sea water within Crooked Harbour, which belongs to a part of Yan Chau Tong Marine Park. Hard corals are present in this LR. Sea water is visibly clean in this LR and marine traffic is limited.
LR2 – Tidal Mudflat at Lai Chi Wo Beach SSSI (2.63 ha)	This LR refers to a stretch of shoreline containing mudflats and mangrove forests within the SSSI. Species of conservation importance including Coastal Heritiera (Heritiera littoralis), Marine Eel Grass (Zostera japonica) and Oval Halophila (Halophila ovalis) with high degree of naturalness can be found.
LR3 – Rocky Shore along the Coastline of Crooked Harbour (9.34 ha)	This LR refers to natural rocky shore to the south and north of the existing Lai Chi Wo Pier. This LR is an intertidal area that mainly consists of solid rocks and sand. No flora species of conservation importance were found or recorded.
LR4 – Woodland in Plover Cove Country Park (30.76 ha)	This LR refers to upslope woodland to the west of the existing Lai Chi Wo Pier. It is a relatively undisturbed native woodland with mature trees. One flora species, Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis), of conservation importance was identified in the ecological survey.
LR5 – Shrubland/ Grassland in Plover Cove Country Park (16.86 ha)	This LR refers to the upslope shrubland/grassland to the west of the existing Lai Chi Wo Pier, which is within Plover Cove Country Park. The shrubland and grassland in the Country Park are undergoing natural succession but fragmented as patches within the assessment area. There is no flora species of conservation importance was identified.
LR6 – Agricultural Land in Lai Chi Wo (2.58 ha)	This LR refers to the agricultural lands developed on the flatland to the south of the assessment area. The agricultural land is mostly man-made with retention of a few trees. No flora species of conservation importance was identified in the ecological survey.
LR7 – Watercourse (0.32 ha)	This LR refers to the natural watercourse running along Lai Chi Wo Village to the open sea of Crooked Harbour. No flora species of conservation importance was identified in the ecological survey.
LR8 – Lai Chi Wo Pier (0.02 ha)	This LR refers to the existing Lai Chi Wo Pier serving as a key transportation mode for residents and visitors in Lai Chi Wo. The existing pier is a jetty with 64m long and 2.5m wide.
LR9 – Lai Chi Wo Village Type Development (1.95 ha)	This LR refers to the 1-3 storeys village houses in Lai Chi Wo village. The Lai Chi Wo village is an old Hakka village with about 400 years of history. The village is rich in cultural heritage resources including the Grade 3 historic building namely Hip Tin Temple and Hok Shan Monastery, as well as the Lai Chi Wo SAI. OVTs are also found within this LR.
LR10 – Intertidal Water Ponds at Siu Tan (2.31 ha)	This LR refers to the intertidal water ponds at Siu Tan. Uncommon species of seagrass Halophila minor, Oval Halophila (Halophila ovalis) and Marine Eel Grass (Zostera japonica), as well as a rare plant species Water Fern (Ceratopteris thalictroides) have been recorded in the literature.

Table 9.2 Landscape Character Areas within Assessment Area

Landscape Character Area	Description
LCA1 – Inshore Water Landscape of Crooked Harbour (51.20 ha)	This LCA refers to waterscape of Crooked Harbour. The coastal area is mainly formed by natural coastline. The seascape is open to the northeast towards with views of Lo Chi Pai, Fun Chau and Wong Nai Chau. The southern part of this LCA forms a part of Yan Chau Tong Marine Park for its high ecological value.
LCA2 – Coastal Upland and Hillside Landscape of Pan Pui Teng (32.28 ha)	This LCA refers to natural upland prominences generally above 40mPD along the coastal interface. It includes Shan O, Pan Pui Teng and Lo Fu Shek Teng. The LCA forms part of Plover Cove Country Park. Vegetation cover within the LCA comprises undisturbed native woodlands, shrublands and grasslands. Rare and uncommon flora species, Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis), was found within the area.
LCA3 – Settled Valley Landscape of Lai Chi Wo (18.29 ha)	This LCA refers to the scattered settlements, tacks, forests, agricultural plots and natural landscape within and in the vicinity of Lai Chi Wo village. Village type development embedded into the surrounding hillside forests, is in small scale and do not overly detract from the dramatic mountain backdrop. The village is rich in cultural heritage resources including the Grade 3 historic building namely Hip Tin Temple and Hok Shan Monastery, as well as the Lai Chi Wo SAI. Rare species, as well as OVTs can be recognised in the fung shui woodland.
LCA4 – Settled Valley Landscape of Siu Tan Valley (5.14 ha)	This LCA refers to natural upland prominences generally above 40mPD along the coastal interface around Siu Tan Valley. It includes Siu Tan, Shan Mei Au and Sam A Tsuen. The LCA forms part of Plover Cove Country Park. The northeast of LCA comprises flat and low-lying abandoned agricultural land which has been turned into intertidal water ponds and freshwater marshes surrounded by shrubland and woodland.

9.4.2 Visual Baseline Conditions

9.4.2.1 The visual assessment area is defined by the VE which is the area that any part of the Project can be seen from, and is generally the viewshed formed by natural/man-made features such as ridgelines, built form or area of woodlands/large trees. The VE may contain area, which are fully visible, partly visible and non-visible from the Project.

9.4.2.2 The VE of the Project covers the coastal areas of Lai Chi Wo and Siu Tan, the upland hillside areas of Plover Cove Country Park including Pan Pui Teng, Lo Fu Shek Teng, Chu Mun Tin and Shan Mei Au. In addition, the VE also covers the inshore water of Crooked Harbour. Figure 9.6 illustrate the extent of VE.

9.4.2.3 The potential Visual Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) including the users from nearby scenic points, hikers of nearby hiking trails and the marine travellers have been identified. Table 9.3 presents the locations and type of representative VSRs identified within the VE. The location of each VSR is presented in Figure 9.6, and visual contexts from each VSR are presented in Figure 9.7a to Figure 9.7d.

Table 9.3 Locations and Types of VSRs

VSR ID	Location	VSR Name	Type of VSRs (Residential/ Recreational/ Occupational/ Transportation)	Approximate Minimum Viewing Distance to the Project, m
VSR1	Affinity Pavilion	Users at Affinity Pavilion	Recreational	55
VSR2	Lai Chi Wo Viewing Point	Users at Lai Chi Wo Viewing Point	Recreational	460
VSR3	Hiking Trail (near Kau Ma Shek)	Hikers along Hiking Trail near Kau Ma Shek	Recreational	250
VSR4	Crooked Harbour	Marine Travellers in Crooked Harbour	Recreational, Occupational, Transportation	Within the Project

9.5 Assessment Methodology

9.5.1.1 The assessment of landscape and visual impact during construction and operation of the Project have been undertaken in accordance with Annexes 10 and 18 of the TM-EIAO and the EIAO GN No. 8/2010 “Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment under the EIAO”. The methodology for the LVIA is described in the following sections.

9.5.2 Landscape Impact Assessment Methodology

Assessment Methodology of Sensitivities of LCAs and LRs

9.5.2.1 Qualitative descriptions of LRs and LCAs have been provided and their extent quantified either by area or length. The sensitivities of the LCAs and LRs are evaluated and rated taking into account the following criteria:

· quality of landscape characters/resources;

· importance and rarity of special landscape elements;

· ability of the landscape to accommodate change;

· significance of the change in local and regional context, and

· maturity of the landscape.

9.5.2.2 The sensitivity ratings are classified in Table 9.4.

Table 9.4 Definition of Sensitivity Ratings for LRs and LCAs

Sensitivity Rating	Definition
High	LR or LCA of high quality and value, which is sensitive to even relatively small changes.
Medium	LR or LCA of moderate quality and value, which is reasonably tolerant to change.
Low	LR or LCA with low quality and value, which is largely tolerant to change.

Assessment Methodology of Magnitude of Change to LRs and LCAs

9.5.2.3 The next stage of the assessment process is the identification of the assessment of the magnitude of change (rated as negligible, small, intermediate or large) arising from the implementation of the project and the principal sources of impact based on the following factors:

· Scale of the works and the associated supporting facilities;

· Compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape context;

· Duration of impacts (temporary or occasion or permanent) under construction and operational phases; and

· Reversibility of change.

9.5.2.4 The magnitude of change is separately considered for the construction phase and operational phase; and the ratings are classified in Table 9.5.

Table 9.5 Definition of Magnitude of Change to LRs and LCAs

Magnitude of Change	Definition
Large	LR or LCA will suffer a major change.
Intermediate	LR or LCA will suffer a moderate change.
Small	LR or LCA will suffer a barely perceptible change.
Negligible	LR or LCA will suffer no discernible change.

9.5.2.5 There are various construction methods and sequence of works and operation procedures, which would generate landscape impacts. They will create various levels of landscape impacts due to removal of LRs and change of landscape character. The degree of significance of landscape impact is derived from the magnitude of change which the project will cause to the LRs/LCAs and the sensitivity of the LRs/LCAs. This makes a comparison between the landscapes, which would have existed in the absence of the Project with that predicted as a result of the implementation of the Project. The significance threshold for impact to LRs and LCAs is rated substantial, moderate, slight or insubstantial. The impacts may be beneficial or adverse. The degree of impact is defined in Table 9.6.

Table 9.6 Definition of Landscape Impact

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

9.5.2.6 The impact in relation to sensitivity and magnitude of change of LRs and LCAs is derived from the matrix as shown in Table 9.7.

Table 9.7 Landscape Impact Assessment Matrix

Magnitude of Change Caused by Project	Sensitivity of LRs / LCAs
Magnitude of Change Caused by Project	Low	Medium	High
Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Small	Slight	Slight/ Moderate	Moderate
Intermediate	Slight/ Moderate	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial
Large	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial	Substantial

9.5.3 Visual Impact Assessment Methodology

Assessment Methodology of Sensitivity of VSRs

9.5.3.1 The assessment of sensitivity has also been based on the quality and extent of the existing view. Therefore, a view from a residential property, which would normally be considered the most sensitive view, may be less so if for example it is degraded by existing development or partially screened by intervening visual obstacles such as existing vegetation and topography. Factors affecting the sensitivity of receivers for evaluation of visual impacts include:

· Value and quality of existing views;

· Availability and amenity of alternative views;

· Type and estimated number of receiver population;

· Duration or frequency of view; and

· Degree of visibility.

9.5.3.2 Views available to the identified VSRs are rated according to their sensitivity broadly categorised in Table 9.8

Table 9.8 Sensitivity Ratings of VSRs

Sensitivity Rating of VSR	Definition
High	The VSR is highly sensitive to any changes in the viewing experience – e.g. Residential properties where the principle view is of the development site, formalized public viewpoints or designed landscape vistas.
Medium	The VSR is moderately sensitive to any changes in the viewing experience - Outdoor workers, office workers, recreational users, residential properties where the secondary view is of the development.
Low	The VSR is slightly sensitive to any changes in the viewing experience - People travelling though the landscape (by private/ public motorised transport or pedestrian).

Assessment Methodology of Magnitude of Change to VSRs

9.5.3.3 The factors affecting the magnitude of change for assessing the visual impacts include the following:

· Scale of the works;

· Compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape and visual context;

· The extent of visibility of the proposed works and level of potential blockage of existing views;

· Viewing distance;

· Duration of impacts under construction and operational phases; and

· Reversibility of change.

9.5.3.4 The duration of the impact during construction and operation is determined based on the definition as shown in Table 9.9.

Table 9.9 Duration of Visual Impact during Construction and Operation

Duration of Visual Impact	Definition
Construction
Temporary	Construction works (including site investigation work) that will only be visible for a short duration of the overall construction period.
Permanent	Construction works that will be visible throughout the whole construction period.
Operation
Temporary	Elements of the Project that will be open to the view for a short period of time but is likely disappear at an early stage in the operational phase with minimal intervention or mitigation, for example, further growth of existing tree screening.
Permanent	Views of the Project that will remain permanently open to the view.

9.5.3.5 The magnitude of change to the views will be classified in accordance with the definition as shown in Table 9.10.

Table 9.10 Definition of Magnitude of Change to Views

Magnitude of Change	Definition
Large	e.g. large project works extent/ extensively blocked the views of VSRs / Project nature is not compatible to existing visual context / works area located in the foreground of the visual context / permanent impacts / irreversible of change
Intermediate	e.g. intermediate project works extent / partially blocked the views of VSRs / project nature is fairly compatible to existing visual context / works area located in the middle ground of the visual context and not immediately adjacent to VSRs or their views are already partially screened by existing topography, built structures or vegetation / permanent impacts / irreversible of change
Small	e.g. small project works extent / no blockage of views / project nature is compatible to existing visual context / works area located in distance to VSRs / permanent impacts and duration of construction impacts is short / Irreversible change or temporary change of view
Negligible	e.g. no discernible change in visual context

9.5.3.6 The significance threshold for visual impact is rated in a similar fashion to the landscape impact, i.e. significant, moderate, slight and insubstantial and listed in Table 9.11.

Table 9.11 Degree of Significance

Significant Threshold	Definition
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.

9.5.3.7 The impact in relation to sensitivity and magnitude of change of VSRs is derived from the matrix as shown in Table 9.12.

Table 9.12 Visual Impact Assessment Matrix

Magnitude of Change caused by Project	Sensitivity of VSRs
Magnitude of Change caused by Project	Low	Medium	High
Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Small	Slight	Slight/ Moderate	Moderate
Intermediate	Slight/ Moderate	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial
Large	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial	Substantial

9.5.4 Residual Impacts

9.5.4.1 Residual impacts which remain after commissioning of the development (operation Day 1 & Year 10) with mitigation measures implemented are evaluated based upon any unavoidable residual adverse landscape impacts to LRs and LCAs, as well as any avoidance residual adverse visual impacts to VSRs.

9.5.4.2 The level of impact is derived from the magnitude of change which the Project will cause to LRs, LCAs and VSRs taking into account its ability to tolerate change and effectiveness of mitigation measures.

9.5.5 Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts

9.5.5.1 An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts will be carried out in accordance with the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the TM-EIAO, namely:

Table 9.13 Description of Overall Result of LVIA

Overall Result of LVIA	Description
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.
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.
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.
Unacceptable	If the adverse effects are considered too excessive and are unable to mitigate practically.
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.

9.5.6 Broad Brush Tree Survey

9.5.6.1 Pursuant to Appendix H of EIA Study Brief of the Project (ESB-305/2017), for the requirements for LVIA, a broad brush tree survey shall be carried out and the impacts on the existing trees shall be addressed. According to DEVB TCW No. 4/2020 on Tree Preservation, a plant is considered as a tree if its trunk diameter measures 95mm or more at a height of 1.3m above ground level.

9.5.6.2 For LVIA purposes, the broad bush tree survey has been undertaken to estimate the numbers of existing trees, dominant species, maturity, rarity and any plant species of conservation interest (including Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs)) and/or rare/protected species) and areas for tree preservation.

9.5.6.3 The Project focuses on the pier structure itself, including the widening existing solid pier. Pursuant to Clause 26.03 (2) of the General Specification for Civil Engineering Works (2006 Edition), the extent of tree survey shall cover all existing trees present within the Project site or within 2m of the site boundary and any other trees likely to be affected by the works.

9.5.6.4 For this Project, the trees in the vicinity of Lai Chi Wo Piers are located on slope along the footpath whilst the pier improvement works will not encroach upon the slopes. Hence, the tree survey area covering the area of 2m outside the Project site adhering to the land area is considered adequate for the broad bush tree survey of the Project.

9.6 Landscape Resources, Landscape Character Areas and Visually Sensitive Receivers

9.6.1 Landscape Character Areas and Landscape Resources

Identification and Sensitivity Evaluation of Landscape Resources

9.6.1.1 The LRs within the assessment area have been identified. Their extents and representative photos are shown in Figure 9.2 and Figure 9.3a to Figure 9.3c respectively. Table 9.14 shows the identified LRs and the corresponding sensitivity evaluation.

Table 9.14 Description of LRs within the Assessment Area and their Sensitivities

ID	Landscape Resources	Area (ha)		Quality (High, Medium, Low)	Rarity (High, Medium, Low)		Importance (local, regional, national or global)	Ability to Accommodate Change (Low, Medium, High)	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)
LR1	Inshore Water of Crooked Harbour near Lai Chi Wo	40.14		High	High		Regional	Low	High
Description: The LR refers to the inshore water within Crooked Harbour. The landscape quality is considered high due to its visibly clean sea water. Hard corals are present in this LR. The rarity is considered high for its status as Yan Chau Tong Marine Park. Due to its high naturalness, this LR has low capacity to accommodate change. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘High’.
LR2	Tidal Mudflat at Lai Chi Wo Beach SSSI	2.63		High	High		Regional	Low	High
Description: The LR refers to a stretch of shoreline containing mudflats and mangrove forests within the SSSI. The landscape quality is considered high due to its high degree of naturalness. The rarity is considered high for the presence of species of conservation importance including Coastal Heritiera (Heritiera littoralis), Marine Eel Grass (Zostera japonica) and Oval Halophila (Halophila ovalis). Due to its high naturalness and biodiversity, this LR has low capacity to accommodate change. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘High’.
LR3	Rocky Shore along the Coastline of Crooked Harbour	9.34		Medium		Medium	Local	Low	Medium
Description: The LR refers to natural rocky shore to the south and north of the existing Lai Chi Wo Pier. It is an intertidal area that consists of solid rocks and sand. No flora species of conservation importance were found or recorded. Both landscape quality and rarity are considered medium. This LR is a natural feature and has low capacity to accommodate change. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Medium’.
LR4	Woodland in Plover Cove Country Park	30.76		High		High	Local	Low	High
Description: This LR refers to upslope woodland to the west of the existing Lai Chi Wo Pier, which is within Plover Cove Country Park. One flora species, Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis) of conservation importance was identified in the ecological survey. The rarity is considered high. This natural LR has low capacity to accommodate change. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘High’.
LR5	Shrubland/ Grassland in Plover Cove Country Park	16.86		Medium	Low		Local	Medium	Medium
Description: The LR refers to the upslope shrubland/grassland to the west of the existing Lai Chi Wo Pier, which is within Plover Cove Country Park. The shrubland and grassland in the Country Park are undergoing natural succession but fragmented as patches within the assessment area. The landscape quality is considered medium. There is no flora species of conservation importance and therefore the rarity is considered low. This LR has medium capacity to accommodate change. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Medium’.
LR6	Agricultural Land		2.58	Medium	Medium		Local	Medium	Medium
Description: The LR refers to the agricultural land developed on the flatland to the south of the assessment area. The agricultural land is mostly man-made with retention of a few trees and the landscape quality is considered to be medium. No flora species of conservation importance was identified during the ecological survey. The rarity is considered medium. This LR has medium capacity to accommodate change. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Medium’.
LR7	Watercourse		0.32	High	High		Regional	Low	High
Description: The LR refers to the natural watercourse running along Lai Chi Wo Village to the open sea of Crooked Harbour. Both the landscape quality and rarity of this LR are considered to be high. It is a natural watercourse and has low capacity to accommodate change. Eclipse Puffer (Takifugu ocellatus), an uncommon aquatic species of conservation importance, was identified. Thus, the rarity is considered high. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘High’.
LR8	Lai Chi Wo Pier	0.02		Low	Low		Local	High	Low
Description: The LR refers to the existing Lai Chi Wo Pier serving as a key transportation mode for residents and visitors in Lai Chi Wo. The existing condition of the pier is poor, and therefore the landscape quality and value are considered to be low. As piers are common in Hong Kong, the rarity is considered as low. Given the built nature of the LR, the pier has a high capacity to accept change and the overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Low’.
LR9	Lai Chi Wo Village Type Development	1.95		Medium	Medium		Local	Medium	Medium
Description: The LR refers to the 1-3 storeys village houses in Lai Chi Wo Village. The Lai Chi Wo village is an old Hakka village with about 400 years of history. The village is rich in cultural heritage resources including the Grade 3 historic building namely Hip Tin Temple and Hok Shan Monastery, as well as the Lai Chi Wo SAI. OVTs are also found within this LR. The landscape quality and rarity are considered to be medium. Given the built nature of the LR, this LR has medium capacity to accommodate change. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Medium’.
LR10	Intertidal Water Ponds at Siu Tan	2.31		Medium	Medium		Local	Medium	Medium
Description: The LR refers to the intertidal water ponds at Siu Tan. Rare and uncommon flora species e.g. Oval Halophila (Halophila ovalis) and Marine Eel Grass (Zostera japonica) were recorded in the literature but they were not identified during the ecology survey within the assessment area. Both the landscape quality and rarity are considered to be medium. These ponds are man-made features and have low capacity to accommodate change. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Medium’.

Identification and Sensitivity Evaluation of Landscape Character Areas

9.6.1.2 The LCAs within the assessment area have been identified with reference to Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong. Their extents and representative photos are shown in Figure 9.4 and Figure 9.5 respectively. Table 9.15 shows the identified LCAs and the corresponding sensitivity evaluation.

Table 9.15 Description of LCAs within the Assessment Area and their Sensitivities

ID	Landscape Character Area	Area (ha)	Quality (High, Medium, Low)	Rarity (High, Medium, Low)	Importance (local, regional, national or global)	Ability to Accommodate Change (Low, Medium, High)	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)
LCA1	Inshore Water Landscape of Crooked Harbour	51.20	High	High	Regional	Low	High
Description: This LCA refers to areas of inshore water lying close to the shore of Crooked Harbour. The coastal area is mainly formed by natural coastline. The seascape is open to the northeast towards with views of Lo Chi Pai, Fun Chau and Wong Nai Chau. The southern part of this LCA forms a part of Yan Chau Tong Marine Park. Hard corals are present in this LCA. Both the landscape quality and rarity are considered high. The LCA has a low capacity to accept change. Its sensitivity is ‘High’.
LCA2	Coastal Upland and Hillside Landscape of Pan Pui Teng	32.28	High	Medium	Local	Low	High
Description: This LCA refers to natural upland prominences generally above 40mPD along the coastal interface. It includes Shan O, Pan Pui Teng and Lo Fu Shek Teng. The LCA forms part of Plover Cove Country Park. Vegetation cover within the LCA comprises undisturbed native woodlands, shrublands and grasslands. Landscape quality is considered to be high. A rare and uncommon flora species, Incense Tree (Aquilaria sinensis), was found within the area. Rarity is considered to be medium. The LCA has a low capacity to accept change. Its sensitivity is ‘High’.
LCA3	Settled Valley Landscape of Lai Chi Wo	18.29	High	Medium	Local	Medium	High
Description: This LCA refers to the scattered settlements, tacks, forests, agricultural plots and natural landscape within and in the vicinity of Lai Chi Wo village. Village type development embedded into the surrounding hillside forests, is in small scale and do not overly detract from the dramatic mountain backdrop. The village is rich in cultural heritage resources including the Grade 3 historic building namely Hip Tin Temple and Hok Shan Monastery, as well as the Lai Chi Wo SAI. Rare species, as well as OVTs can be recognised in the fung shui woodland. The landscape quality and rarity are considered to be high and medium respectively. Given the built nature of the LCA, this LCA has a medium capacity to accept change. Its sensitivity is ‘High’.
LCA4	Settled Valley Landscape of Siu Tan Valley	5.14	High	Medium	Local	Low	High
Description: This LCA refers to natural upland prominences generally above 40mPD along the coastal interface around Siu Tan Valley. It includes Siu Tan, Shan Mei Au and Sam A Tsuen. The LCA forms part of Plover Cove Country Park. The northeast of LCA comprises flat and low-lying abandoned agricultural land which has been turned into intertidal water ponds and freshwater marshes surrounded by shrubland and woodland. The landscape quality is considered to be high. Rare and uncommon flora species e.g. Oval Halophila (Halophila ovalis) and Marine Eel Grass (Zostera japonica) were recorded in the literature but they were not identified during the ecology survey within the assessment area. The rarity is considered to be medium. The LCA has a low capacity to accept change. Its sensitivity is ‘High’.

9.6.2 Visually Sensitive Receivers

Identification and Sensitivity Evaluation of Visually Sensitive Receivers

9.6.2.1 The VSRs within the VE have been identified. Their locations and representative visual contexts are shown in Figure 9.6 and Figure 9.7a to Figure 9.7d respectively. Table 9.16 shows the identified VSRs and the corresponding sensitivity evaluation.

Table 9.16 Description of VSRs within the Visual Envelope and their Sensitivities

VSR ID	VSR Location	Minimum Viewing Distance (m)	Type of VSR (Residential, Recreational, Occupational, Transportation)	Quality of Existing View (Good, Fair, Poor)	Alternative Views (Yes, No)	Degree of Visibility (Full, Partial, Glimpse, No view)	Duration of View (Long, Medium, Short)	Frequency of View (Frequent, Occasional, Rare)	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)
VSR1	Users at Affinity Pavilion	55	Recreational	Good	Yes	Full	Short	Occasional	Low
Description: The VSR mainly represents users at Affinity Pavilion. The existing view towards east is characterised by natural seascape and the existing pier, and the quality of view is considered good. Due to transient stay of hikers and visitors at the pavilion, the sensitivity of this VSR is ‘Low’.
VSR2	Users at Lai Chi Wo Viewing Point	460	Recreational	Good	Yes	Full	Short	Occasional	Low
Description: The VSR mainly represents users at Lai Chi Wo Viewing Point. The existing view towards north is the panoramic view of natural seascape of Crooked Harbour, embraced by the upland hillside and low-lying valley landscapes. The view farther away is characterised by island landscape of Crooked Island and Fun Chau. The existing view of this VSR is considered good. Due to transient stay of users at the pavilion, the sensitivity of this VSR is ‘Low’.
VSR3	Hikers along Hiking Trail near Kau Ma Shek	250	Recreational	Good	Yes	Full	Short	Occasional	Low
Description: This VSR includes hikers along hiking trails. The existing view of this VSR towards the existing pier is occasionally available due to the dense vegetation along the hiking trails, except a small part of trail located along the coast which has a direct view towards the pier. The overall sensitivity of this VSR is ‘Low’.
VSR4	Marine Travellers in Crooked Harbour	Within the Project	Recreational, Occupational, Transportation	Good	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Occasional	Low
Description: This VSR includes the travellers on boats and scheduled ferries to the existing Lai Chi Wo Pier. The view towards the existing pier from this VSR was taken on the scheduled ferry to Lai Chi Wo. The existing view of this VSR towards the existing pier is an unobstructed view with the pier forms the background and the foreground dominated by the open sea. As the marine travellers would experience a short duration of view and not focus too much on the visual appearance of the pier, the overall sensitivity of this VSR is ‘Low’.

Identification of Photomontage Viewpoints

9.6.2.2 Computer generated photomontages have been prepared to illustrate potential visual impact of the Project. The selection of representative viewpoints for photomontages are on the following bases:

· the viewpoints which cover the aboveground structure viewed from major public viewpoint represents key VSRs or VSR groups who would be potentially affected by the Project; and

· the viewpoints which shall be able to represent 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.

9.6.2.3 Four representative viewpoints selected for the preparation of photomontages for the visual impact assessment are described in Table 9.17, and the photomontages are shown in Figure 9.7 to Figure 9.10.

Table 9.17 Description of Viewpoints

Viewpoint	Location	Represented VSRs	Description
A	Affinity Pavilion	VSR1	This viewpoint is located at the Affinity Pavilion along the hiking trail in proximity to the existing pier. It is at a distance of approximately 55 m from the Project. The view is taken at pedestrian level with an elevation of about 8 mPD to demonstrate the VSRs staying at Affinity Pavilion. This viewpoint possesses direct, panoramic view towards the Project site and Crooked Harbour with the backdrop of Kau Lo Tau, Crooked Island and Fun Chau.
B	Lai Chi Wo Viewing Point	VSR2	This viewpoint is located at Lai Chi Wo Viewing Point which possesses an elevated, unobstructed view to the Project. It is at a distance of approximately 460m from the Project. The elevation of this viewpoint is about 3mPD. This viewpoint possesses direct, panoramic view towards the Project site and Crooked Harbour with the backdrop of Kau Lo Tau.
C	Hiking Trail near Kau Ma Shek	VSR3	This viewpoint is located at the hiking trail near Kau Ma Shek/Kau Lo Tau. It is at a distance of approximately 250m from the Project. The view is taken at pedestrian level with an elevation of about 12mPD to demonstrate the VSRs walking along the hiking trail. In the presence of dense vegetation along the trail, this viewpoint possesses a partial view towards the Project site and Crooked Harbour with the backdrop of Tiu Tang Lung.
D	Scheduled Ferry in Crooked Harbour	VSR4	This viewpoint is located on the scheduled ferry shuttling back and forth the Lai Chi Wo Pier. It demonstrates the view from the ferry to the pier. The elevation of this view point is right above the sea surface. As the ferry approaches/departs from the pier, this viewpoint possesses direct view towards the Project site.

9.7 Identification of Potential Impacts

Potential Impacts during Construction Phase

9.7.1.1 During the construction phase, potential landscape and visual impacts would arise from the following:

· Carrying out site investigation works for detailed design;

· Provision of plants, equipment and materials on working barge(s) for implementation of the Project;

· Provision of temporary berthing and mooring facilities using working barge and/or steel structures supported by piles to maintain access to Lai Chi Wo throughout the construction stage;

· Installation of piles for the new pier and as guide piles for the floating pontoon;

· Modification of the existing pier and construction of new pier structures (e.g. installation of precast elements of the pier structure etc.);

· Construction of associated facilities on the pier; and

· Removal of temporary berthing and mooring facilities after completion of the improvement works to the existing pier.

· Potential water quality impact.

Potential Impacts during Operational Phase

9.7.1.2 During the operational phase, potential landscape and visual impacts would arise from the following:

· Presence of the proposed pier structure.

9.8 Landscape and Visual Impact before Mitigation

9.8.1 Landscape Impact Assessment before Mitigation

Magnitudes of Changes on Landscape Resources (LRs)

9.8.1.1 Table 9.18 summarises the magnitudes of changes for all LRs.

Table 9.18 Magnitudes of Changes on Landscape Resources

LR ID.	LR Name	Scale of Works (Negligible / Small / Medium / Large)	Reversibility (Reversible / Irreversible)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Low / Medium / High)	Duration of Impacts (Construction) (Short / Medium / Long)	Duration of Impacts (Operation) (Short / Medium / Long)	Magnitude of Change (Construction) (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large)	Magnitude of Change (Operation) (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large)
LR1	Inshore Water of Crooked Harbour near Lai Chi Wo	Small	Irreversible	Low	Medium	Long	Small	Small
Description: This LR is a natural feature so that it has a low compatibility with the man-made improved pier. During the construction phase, there is potential water quality impacts due to construction activities, for example, site run-off or accidental spillage of chemicals as identified in Section 5 of the water quality chapter. Nevertheless, adverse water quality impact is not anticipated with full implementation of water quality control measures. During Operational phase, 0.09 ha of this LR would be occupied. Considering the area of impact is relatively small in comparison of the open sea of 40.14 ha, the magnitude of change is considered ‘Small’ for both construction and operation phases.
LR2	Tidal Mudflat at Lai Chi Wo Beach SSSI	Negligible	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
Description: This LR is located at approximately 120m away from the Project and therefore would not be affected during both construction and operational phases. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Negligible’.
LR3	Rocky Shore along the coastline of Crooked Harbour	Small	Irreversible	Low	Medium	Long	Small	Negligible
Description: This LR is a natural feature so that it has a low compatibility with the man-made improved pier. During the construction phase, temporary berthing and mooring facilities will be provided beside the existing Lai Chi Wo Pier. Part of this LR would be occupied by the temporary pier. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Small’ for the construction phase. After the pier improvement works, the temporary pier will be demolished. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Negligible’ for the operation phase.
LR4	Woodland in Plover Cove Country Park	Negligible	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
Description: The Project would not encroach onto this LR and therefore would not affect it during both construction and operational phases. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Negligible’.
LR5	Shrubland/ Grassland in Plover Cove Country Park	Negligible	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
Description: The Project would not encroach onto this LR and therefore would not affect it during both construction and operational phases. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Negligible’.
LR6	Agricultural Land	Negligible	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
Description: This LR is located at approximately 350m away from the Project and therefore would not be affected during both construction and operational phases. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Negligible’.
LR7	Watercourse	Negligible	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
Description: This LR is located at approximately 210m away from the Project and therefore would not be affected during both construction and operational phases. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Negligible’.
LR8	Lai Chi Wo Pier	Medium	Irreversible	High	Medium	Long	Intermediate	Intermediate
Description: During construction phase, the construction works would be the provision and demolition of temporary berthing and mooring facilities and the extension of the existing pier. During operational phase, part of this LR would be replaced by an improved pier structure. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Intermediate’ for both construction and operational phases.
LR9	Lai Chi Wo Village Type Development	Negligible	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
Description: This LR is located at approximately 300m away from the Project and therefore would not be affected during both construction and operational phases. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Negligible’.
LR10	Intertidal Water Ponds at Siu Tan	Negligible	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
Description: This LR is located at approximately 450m away from the Project and therefore would not be affected during both construction and operational phases. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Negligible’.

Magnitude of Change on Landscape Character Areas (LCAs)

9.8.1.2 Table 9.19 summarises the magnitudes of changes for all LCAs.

Table 9.19 Magnitudes of Changes on Landscape Character Areas

LCA ID	LCA Name	Scale of Works (Negligible / Small / Medium / Large)	Reversibility (Reversible / Irreversible)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Low / Medium / High)	Duration of Impacts (Construction) (Short / Medium / Long)	Duration of Impacts (Operation) (Short / Medium / Long)	Magnitude of Change (Construction) (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large)	Magnitude of Change (Operation) (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large)
LCA1	Inshore Water Landscape of Crooked Harbour	Small	Irreversible	Medium	Medium	Long	Small	Small
Description: During construction phase, there is potential water quality impacts due to the construction activities. Part of this LCA would be replaced by an improved pier structure. Deterioration of water quality may affect the landscape value of this LCA. During operational phase, the improved pier would occupy about 0.13 ha of this LCA. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Small’ for both construction and operational phases.
LCA2	Coastal Upland and Hillside Landscape of Pan Pui Teng	Small	Irreversible	High	Medium	Long	Small	Negligible
Description: During construction phase, this LCA would be affected by the construction of the temporary berthing and mooring facilities. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Small’. During operational phase, the landscape character would not be altered as there would not be any changes to the land use. The magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Negligible’.
LCA3	Settled Valley Landscape of Lai Chi Wo	Negligible	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
Description: The Project would not encroach onto this LCA and therefore would not affect it during construction and operational phases. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Negligible’.
LCA4	Settled Valley Landscape of Siu Tan Valley	Negligible	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
Description: The Project would not encroach onto this LCA and therefore would not affect it during construction and operational phases. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Negligible’.

LR ID	LR Name	Sensitivity (Low / Medium / High)	Magnitude of Change (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large)	Significant Threshold (Unmitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)
LR1	Inshore Water of Crooked Harbour near Lai Chi Wo	High	Small	Small	Moderately Adverse	Moderately Adverse
Description: The sensitivity of this LR is ‘High’. The magnitude of change for construction phase is ‘Small’ due to the limited impact of water quality. During operation phase, as the newly constructed pier would occupy 0.13 ha of this LR, the magnitude of change is considered ‘Small’. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Moderately Adverse’ for both construction and operational phases.
LR2	Tidal Mudflat at Lai Chi Wo Beach SSSI	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR is located at approximately 120m away from the Project. Hence, the Project would not affect this LR during both construction and operational phases. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Insubstantial’ for both construction and operational phases.
LR3	Rocky Shore along the Coastline of Crooked Harbour	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slightly Adverse	Insubstantial
Description: The sensitivity of this LR is ‘Medium’. Part of this LR would be temporarily occupied by the temporary pier during construction phase, which would be demolished after the construction of the new pier. The magnitude of change for construction and operational phases are ‘Small’ and ‘Negligible’ respectively. The significant thresholds are therefore considered as ‘Slightly Adverse’ and ‘Insubstantial’ for construction and operational phases respectively.
LR4	Woodland in Plover Cove Country Park	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: The Project would not encroach onto this LR and therefore would not affect it during both construction and operational phases. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Insubstantial’ for both construction and operational phases.
LR5	Shrubland/ Grassland in Plover Cove Country Park	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: The Project would not encroach onto this LR and therefore would not affect it during both construction and operational phases. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Insubstantial’ for both construction and operational phases.
LR6	Agricultural Land	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR is located at approximately 350m away from the Project and therefore would not be affected during both construction and operational phases. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Insubstantial’ for both construction and operational phases.
LR7	Watercourse	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR is located at approximately 210m away from the Project and therefore would not be affected during both construction and operational phases. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Insubstantial’ for both construction and operational phases.
LR8	Lai Chi Wo Pier	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Beneficial
Description: The sensitivity of this LR is ‘Low’. This LR would undergo construction works during the construction phase and would be replaced by an improved pier during the operational phase. The magnitude of change for construction and operational phases are therefore ‘Intermediate’ for both phases. The significant thresholds are considered as ‘Slightly Adverse’ and ‘Slightly Beneficial’ for construction and operational phases respectively.
LR9	Lai Chi Wo Village Type Development	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR is located at approximately 300m away from the Project and therefore would not be affected during both construction and operational phases. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Insubstantial’ for both construction and operational phases.
LR10	Intertidal Water Ponds at Siu Tan	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR is located at approximately 450m away from the Project and therefore would not be affected during both construction and operational phases. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Insubstantial’ for both construction and operational phases.

LCA ID	LCA Name	Sensitivity (Low / Medium / High)	Magnitude of Change (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large	Significant Threshold (Unmitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)
LCA1	Inshore Water Landscape of Crooked Harbour	High	Small	Small	Moderately Adverse	Moderately Adverse
Description: The sensitivity of this LCA is ‘High’. The water quality impact during both construction and operational phases is limited. The newly constructed pier would only occupy 0.13 ha of this LCA. Hence, the magnitude of change for both construction and operational phases are therefore ‘Small’. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Moderately Adverse’ for both construction and operational phases.
LCA2	Coastal Upland and Hillside Landscape of Pan Pui Teng	High	Small	Negligible	Moderately Adverse	Insubstantial
Description: The sensitivity of this LCA is ‘High’. Part of this LCA would be temporarily occupied by the temporary pier during construction phase, which would be demolished after the construction of the new pier. The magnitude of change for construction and operational phases are ‘Small’ and ‘Negligible’ respectively. The significant thresholds are therefore considered as ‘Moderately Adverse’ and ‘Insubstantial’ for construction and operational phases respectively.
LCA3	Settled Valley Landscape of Lai Chi Wo	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: The Project would not encroach onto this LCA and therefore would not affect it during both construction and operational phases. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Insubstantial’ for both construction and operational phases.
LCA4	Settled Valley Landscape of Siu Tan Valley	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: The Project would not encroach onto this LCA and therefore would not affect it during both construction and operational phases. The significant threshold is therefore considered as ‘Insubstantial’ for both construction and operational phases.

VSR ID	VSR Name	Scale of Works (Negligible / Small / Medium / Large)	Reversibility (Reversible / Irreversible)	Blockage (None / Partial / Full)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Low / Medium / High)	Duration of Impacts (Construction) (Short / Medium / Long)	Duration of Impacts (Operation) (Short / Medium / Long)	Magnitude of Change (Construction) (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large)	Magnitude of Change (Operation) (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large)
VSR1	Users at Affinity Pavilion	Medium	Irreversible	None	Medium	Medium	Long	Intermediate	Intermediate
Description: During construction phase, this VSR would have a direct unobstructed view of the construction activities. The Project involves the construction and demolition of temporary berthing and mooring facilities and extension of the pier which stretches out towards the open sea from the existing pier. Given the separation distance of 55m between the Project and this VSR, scale of works as seen from the VSR is considered ‘Medium’. As additional lights in the pier will be kept to minimal for safety purpose, potential visual, glare and lighting impacts due to the physical installation of lighting equipment are anticipated to be low. The duration of construction will be about 3 years and the duration of impact is considered ‘Medium’ during the construction phase. The view at this VSR at operational phase would be a pier with the total length of 155 m from the existing of 64 m. The presence of permanent structures will result in ‘Long’ duration of impacts during the operational phase. The reversibility is considered ‘Irreversible’ due to the construction of permanent structures of the Project. As a small portion of the seascape and ridgeline in the background would be blocked, the compatibility with surrounding landscape is considered ‘Medium’. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Intermediate’ for both construction and operational phases.
VSR2	Users at Lai Chi Wo Viewing Point	Small	Irreversible	None	Medium	Medium	Long	Small	Small
Description: Construction activities during construction phase and the improved pier structure during operational phase would be visible to this VSR with a minimum viewing distance of approximately 400m. The scale of works is therefore considered “Small”. Given the large separation between the Project and the VSR, potential visual, glare and lighting impacts due to physical installation of lighting equipment are anticipated to be minimal. The duration of construction will be about 3 years and the duration of impact is considered ‘Medium’ during the construction phase. The presence of permanent structures will result in ‘Long’ duration of impacts during the operational phase. The reversibility is considered ‘Irreversible’ due to the construction of permanent structures of the Project. As a limited portion of the seascape would be blocked, the compatibility with surrounding landscape is considered ‘Medium’. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Small’ for both construction and operational phases.
VSR3	Hikers along Hiking Trail near Kau Ma Shek	Small	Irreversible	None	Medium	Medium	Long	Small	Small
Description: During construction phase and operational phase, the view of this VSR towards the Project is occasionally visible due to the dense vegetation along the hiking trails. Given the separation distance of 250m between the Project and this VSR, the scale of works as seen from the VSR is considered ‘Small’. Given the large separation between the Project and the VSR, potential visual, glare and lighting impacts due to the physical installation of lighting equipment are anticipated to be minimal. The duration of construction will be about 3 years and the duration of impact is considered ‘Medium’ during the construction phase. During the operational phase, the presence of permanent structures will result in ‘Long’ duration of impacts. The reversibility is considered ‘Irreversible’ due to the construction of the permanent structures of the Project. As the Project will only obstruct a limited portion of the seascape, the compatibility with surrounding landscape is considered ‘Medium’. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Small’ for both construction and operational phases.
VSR4	Marine Travellers in Crooked Harbour	Large	Irreversible	None	Medium	Medium	Long	Large	Large
Description: During construction and operational phases, the marine travellers will approach and depart from the pier. The view of this VSR towards the pier would be very substantial. With a close-up view of the Project from the marine vessels, the scale of works as seen from the VSR is considered ‘Large’. As additional lights in the pier will be kept to minimal for safety purpose, potential visual, glare and lighting impacts due to the physical installation of lighting equipment are anticipated to be low. The duration of construction will be about 3 years and the duration of impact is considered ‘Medium’ during the construction phase. During the operational phase, the presence of permanent structures will result in ‘Long’ duration of impacts. The reversibility is considered ‘Irreversible’ due to the construction of the permanent structures of the Project. As the Project will obstruct a small portion of the seascape, the compatibility with surrounding landscape is considered ‘Medium’. The magnitude of change is considered ‘Large’ for both construction and operational phases.

Potential Impacts on Visually Sensitive Receivers before Mitigation

9.8.2.2 The potential visual impacts without mitigation measures for individual VSRs are derived from the sensitivities and magnitudes of changes in accordance with Table 9.12 and summarised in Table 9.23.

Table 9.23 Potential Impacts on Visually Sensitive Receivers without Mitigation

VSR ID	VSR Name	Sensitivity (Low / Medium / High)	Magnitude of Change (Negligible / Small / Intermediate / Large)		Significant Threshold (Unmitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)
VSR ID	VSR Name	Sensitivity (Low / Medium / High)	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
VSR1	Users at Affinity Pavilion	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Beneficial
Description: The sensitivity of this VSR is ‘Low’. The magnitude of change for both construction and operational phases are ‘Intermediate’. During construction phase, there would be visual disturbance from the construction area due to the presence of construction machinery, while during operational phase, visual content would be enhanced due to the enhanced aesthetics of the improved pier. The significant thresholds are therefore considered as ‘Slightly Adverse’ and ‘Slightly Beneficial’ for both construction and operational phases respectively.
VSR2	Users at Lai Chi Wo Viewing Point	Low	Small	Small	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Beneficial
Description: The sensitivity of this VSR is ‘Low’. The magnitude of change for both construction and operational phases are ‘Small’. During construction phase, there would be visual disturbance from the construction area due to the presence of construction machinery, while during operational phase, visual content would be enhanced due to the enhanced aesthetics of the improved pier. The significant thresholds are therefore considered as ‘Slightly Adverse’ and ‘Slightly Beneficial’ for both construction and operational phases respectively.
VSR3	Hikers along Hiking Trail near Kau Ma Shek	Low	Small	Small	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Beneficial
Description: The sensitivity of this VSR is ‘Low’. The magnitude of change for both construction and operational phases are ‘Small’. During construction phase, there would be visual disturbance from the construction area due to the presence of construction machinery, while during operational phase visual content would be enhanced due to the enhanced aesthetics of the improved pier. The significant thresholds are therefore considered as ‘Slightly Adverse’ and ‘Slightly Beneficial’ for both construction and operational phases respectively.
VSR4	Marine Travellers in Crooked Harbour	Low	Large	Large	Moderately Adverse	Moderately Beneficial
Description: The sensitivity of this VSR is ‘Low’. The magnitude of change for both construction and operational phases are ‘Large’. During construction phase, there would be visual disturbance from the construction area, while during operational phase due to the presence of construction machinery, visual content would be enhanced due to the enhanced aesthetics of the improved pier. The significant thresholds are therefore considered as ‘Moderately Adverse’ and ‘Moderately Beneficial’ for both construction and operational phases respectively.

9.9 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

9.9.1 Construction Phase

9.9.1.1 The following recommendations are proposed for the preliminary design in response to the above implications. At the planning stage, measures to avoid, reduce and/or compensate for the potential impacts should be considered with priority given to avoidance of impacts. Landscape and visual mitigation measures in the construction phase are summarised in Table 9.24. Recommended landscape and visual mitigation plan is provided in Figure 9.8.

Table 9.24 Recommended Mitigation Measures in Construction Phase

ID	Mitigation Measures	Responsible Agent for Implementation of Mitigation Measures
CM1	Minimisation of Construction Area The footprint of the improved pier structure should be minimised as far as practicable to minimise the potential landscape and visual disturbance.	Project Proponent - CEDD (Via the Engineer)
CM2	Site Hoarding To reduce negative visual impact, where practicable, construction site hoarding should be erected around any active works area to screen pedestrian level views into the construction area from visually sensitive receivers.	Project Proponent - CEDD (Via the Engineer/ Contractor)
CM3	Construction Programme Employ practicable construction techniques to streamline construction programme, minimise the duration of plant operations. Consider prefabrication of building elements offsite to minimise on site works and construction period.	Project Proponent - CEDD (Via the Engineer/ Contractor)
CM4	Water Quality Control Precautionary measures should be adopted to avoid the untreated surface runoff directly discharging into the sea, particularly during rainy condition, and any pollutants / wastes / debris from entering the sea.	Project Proponent - CEDD (Via the Engineer/ Contractor)
CM5	Appearance of Construction Plants / Machinery A suitable colour scheme of construction machines and plants should be adopted where possible.	Project Proponent - CEDD (Via the Engineer/ Contractor)
CM6	Lighting Control Construction day and night-time lighting should be controlled to minimise glare impact to adjacent VSRs during the construction stage.	Project Proponent - CEDD (Via the Engineer/ Contractor)

9.9.2 Operational Phase

9.9.2.1 During the operational phase of development, measures can be taken to reduce certain impacts to a practicable minimum. Landscape and visual mitigation measures during operation are summarised in Table 9.25. Recommended landscape and visual mitigation plan is provided in Figure 9.8.

Table 9.25 Recommended Mitigation Measures in Operation Phase

Mitigation Measures

Responsible Agent for Implementation of Mitigation Measures

(Design and Construction Stage)

Responsible Agent for Implementation of Mitigation Measures

(Operation and Maintenance)

OM1

Sensitive Design and Disposition of the Pier Structures

The proposed hard structures of the pier should be sensitively designed to become compatible with the existing landscape context. The footprint of the pier should also be minimised while optimising the berthing depth and length of the pier to reduce the landscape impact. The materials used for decoration such as external paint, metal cladding, tile, stone cladding should be compatible to the neighbouring natural environment. The orientation of the proposed hard structures of the pier should aim at minimising visual intrusion to visually sensitive receivers as far as practicable. Additional lights in the new pier will be kept to as minimal for safety purpose. Night-time lighting of the pier shall also be controlled to minimise glare impact to adjacent VSRs during the operation phase. If solar panels are to be installed as renewable energy source, non-reflective solar panels should be installed to avoid glare from direct or reflected sunlight.

Project Proponent – CEDD
(Via Architect/ Designer)

Operator – HAD

(Via Contractor)

9.10 Residual Landscape and Visual Impacts after Mitigation

9.10.1 Photomontages

9.10.1.1 As discussed in Section 9.6.2, representative viewpoints have been selected for the assessment of potential visual impact from the Project. Computer-generated photomontages have been prepared to illustrate the visual appearance of the Project at Day 1 with no mitigation measures, Day 1 with mitigation measures and Year 10 with mitigation measures. Discussion of residual visual impact from the photomontages at each representative viewpoint is provided in the following sections.

Viewpoint A at VSR1 (Affinity Pavilion)

9.10.1.2 Figure 9.9ai and Figure 9.9aii show the overall view of the Project where the pier is directly visible towards northeast from the Affinity Pavilion. The Project site has been optimised to reduce the extents of associated visual impacts. The improved pier structure has been sensitively designed in a manner compatible with the existing pier structures. When comparing the visual appearance of the existing pier in poor condition and the improved pier in the photomontages, the Project is anticipated to provide slightly beneficial visual impact to this viewpoint. In addition, the visual appears of the pier can be further enhanced by the colour and textural treatment of built structures and furniture and therefore the visual impact could be enhanced to be moderately beneficial.

Viewpoint B at VSR2 (Lai Chi Wo Viewing Point)

9.10.1.3 Figure 9.9bi and Figure 9.9bii show the overall view of the Project where the pier is directly visible towards north from the elevated Lai Chi Wo Viewing Point. The pier is located at approximately 460m from the pier and the scale of the pier from the panoramic view from the viewing point is considered small. The footprint of the pier has been minimised to reduce the visual impact of the pier, while providing sufficient water depth for vessel mooring and berthing.

9.10.1.4 The improved pier structure has been sensitively designed in a manner compatible with the existing pier structures. When comparing the visual appearance of the existing pier in poor condition and the improved pier in the photomontages, the Project is anticipated to provide slightly beneficial visual impact to this viewpoint. In addition, the visual appears of the pier can be further enhanced by colour and textural treatment of built structures and therefore the visual impact could be enhanced to be moderately beneficial.

Viewpoint C at VSR3 (Hiking Trail near Kau Ma Shek)

9.10.1.5 Figure 9.9ci and Figure 9.9cii show the view of the Project where the pier is fully visible towards south from this viewpoint located at approximately 250m from the Project. The Project site has been optimised to reduce the extents of associated visual impacts. The scale of the pier from the viewing point is considered small. The improved pier structure has been sensitively designed in a manner compatible with the existing pier structures. When comparing the visual appearance of the existing pier in poor condition and the improved pier in the photomontages, the Project is anticipated to provide slightly beneficial visual impact to this viewpoint. In addition, the visual appears of the pier can be further enhanced by the colour and textural treatment of built structures and furniture and therefore the visual impact could be enhanced to be moderately beneficial.

Viewpoint D at VSR4 (Scheduled Ferry in Crooked Harbour)

9.10.1.6 Figure 9.9di and Figure 9.9dii show the overall view of the Project where the pier is directly visible towards south from this viewpoint. The Project site has been optimised to reduce the extents of associated visual impacts. The improved pier structure has been sensitively designed in a manner compatible with the existing pier structures. When comparing the visual appearance of the existing pier in poor condition, the Project is anticipated to provide moderately beneficial visual impact to this viewpoint.

9.10.2 Residual Impact on Landscape Resources

9.10.2.1 The residual landscape impacts on LRs with mitigation measures are assessed and summarised in Table 9.26.

Table 9.26 Summary of Impact Assessment on Landscape Resources

LR ID	LR Name	Significant Threshold (Unmitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Significant Threshold (Mitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)
LR ID	LR Name	Construction	Operation	Recommended Mitigation Measures	Construction	Operation Day 1	Operation Year 10
LR1	Inshore Water of Crooked Harbour near Lai Chi Wo	Moderately Adverse	Moderately Adverse	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Adverse
Description: The construction area for the Project has been optimised to reduce the extent of associated landscape impacts. The total number of pile installations would also be minimised after the pier improvement works. In addition to careful scheduling of works, off-site prefabrication would be adopted where practicable to shorten the construction period as well as reduce the duration for which the landscape resources would be affected. The implementation of proper water quality control for construction phase would reduce the potential of unwanted debris/waste and untreated surface runoff being discharged into the sea. The residual impact during construction phase would therefore reduce to ‘Slightly Adverse’. With sensitive design and disposition of the pier structure to minimise visual intrusion to the VSRs, the improved pier structure would have higher compatibility with the surrounding landscape. The residual impact at Day 1 and Year 10 operations would therefore become ‘Slightly Adverse’.
LR2	Tidal Mudflat at Lai Chi Wo Beach SSSI	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR would not be affected by the Project, and mitigation measures are not required.
LR3	Rocky Shore along the Coastline of Crooked Harbour	Slightly Adverse	Insubstantial	CM1, CM3	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: The construction area for the Project has been optimised to reduce the extent of associated landscape impacts. The total number of pile installations would also be minimised after the pier improvement works. In addition to careful scheduling of works, off-site prefabrication would be adopted where practicable to shorten the construction period as we as reduce the duration for which the landscape resources would be affected. The residual impact during construction phase would therefore reduce to ‘Insubstantial’. This LR would not be affected by the Project during operational phase, and mitigation measures are not required.
LR4	Woodland in Plover Cove Country Park	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR would not be affected by the Project, and mitigation measures are not required.
LR5	Shrubland/ Grassland in Plover Cove Country Park	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR would not be affected by the Project, and mitigation measures are not required.
LR6	Agricultural Land	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR would not be affected by the Project, and mitigation measures are not required.
LR7	Watercourse	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR would not be affected by the Project, and mitigation measures are not required.
LR8	Lai Chi Wo Pier	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Beneficial	CM1, CM3, OM1	Insubstantial	Moderately Beneficial	Moderately Beneficial
Description: The construction area for the proposed pier improvement works has been optimised to reduce the extent of associated landscape impacts. In addition to careful scheduling of works, off-site prefabrication would be adopted where practicable to shorten the construction period as well as reduce the duration for which the landscape resources would be affected. The residual impact during construction phase would therefore reduce to ‘Insubstantial’. The sensitive design of the pier will enhance the visual aesthetics of the improved pier in comparison with the existing pier. The materials used for decoration such as external paint, metal cladding, tile, stone cladding should be compatible to the neighbouring natural environment. The residual impact at Day 1 and Year 10 operations would therefore become ‘Moderately Beneficial’.
LR9	Lai Chi Wo Village Type Development	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR would not be affected by the Project, and mitigation measures are not required.
LR10	Intertidal Water Ponds at Siu Tan	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LR would not be affected by the Project, and mitigation measures are not required.

9.10.3 Residual Impact on Landscape Character Areas

9.10.3.1 The residual landscape impacts on LCAs with mitigation measures are assessed and summarised in Table 9.27.

Table 9.27 Summary of Impact Assessment on Landscape Character Areas

LCA ID	LCA Name	Significant Threshold (Unmitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Significant Threshold (Mitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)
LCA ID	LCA Name	Construction	Operation	Recommended Mitigation Measures	Construction	Operation Day 1	Operation Year 10
LCA1	Inshore Water Landscape of Crooked Harbour	Moderately Adverse	Moderately Adverse	CM1, CM3, CM4, OM1	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Adverse
Description: The construction area for the Project has been optimised to reduce the extent of associated landscape impacts. In addition to careful scheduling of works, off-site prefabrication would be adopted where practicable to shorten the construction period as well as reducing the duration for which the landscape character area would be affected. The implementation of proper water quality control would reduce the potential of unwanted debris/waste and untreated surface runoff being discharged into the sea. The residual impact during construction phase would therefore reduce to ‘Slightly Adverse’. With sensitive design and disposition of the pier structure to minimise visual intrusion to the VSRs, the improved pier structure would have higher compatibility with the surrounding landscape. The residual impact at Day 1 and Year 10 operations would therefore become ‘Slightly Adverse’.
LCA2	Coastal Upland and Hillside Landscape of Pan Pui Teng	Moderately Adverse	Insubstantial	CM1, CM3	Slightly Adverse	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: The construction area for the Project has been optimised to reduce the extent of associated landscape impacts. In addition to careful scheduling of works, off-site prefabrication would be adopted where practicable to shorten the construction period as well as reducing the duration for which the landscape character area would be affected. The residual impact during construction phase would therefore reduce to ‘Slightly Adverse’. This LCA would not be affected by the Project during operational phase, and mitigation measures are not required.
LCA3	Settled Valley Landscape of Lai Chi Wo	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LCA would not be affected by the Project, and mitigation measures are not required.
LCA4	Settled Valley Landscape of Siu Tan Valley	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Description: This LCA would not be affected by the Project, and mitigation measures are not required.

9.10.4 Residual Impact on Visually Sensitive Receivers

9.10.4.1 The residual visual impacts on VSRs with mitigation measures are assessed and summarised in Table 9.28.

Table 9.28 Summary of Impact Assessment on Visually Sensitive Receivers

VSR ID	VSR Name	Significant Threshold (Unmitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Significant Threshold (Mitigated) (Insubstantial / Slight / Moderate / Substantial)
VSR ID	VSR Name	Construction	Operation	Recommended Mitigation Measures	Construction	Operation Day 1	Operation Year 10
VSR1	Users at Affinity Pavilion	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Beneficial	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, OM1	Insubstantial	Moderately Beneficial	Moderately Beneficial
Description: The construction area for the Project has been optimised to reduce the extent of associated visual impacts. The installation of site hoarding along the boundary of the works area where practicable would block the view onto the construction activities. The design of the hoarding should be compatible with its surroundings where practicable, and should be constructed of non-reflective and suitable colours. The implementation of proper water quality control would reduce the potential of unwanted debris/waste and untreated surface runoff being discharged into the sea. Furthermore, through careful scheduling of works, the construction period could be optimised to reduce the duration for which the visually sensitive receivers would be affected. The residual impact during construction phase would therefore reduce to ‘Insubstantial’. The improved pier structure has also been sensitively designed in a manner compatible to the existing structure. The residual impact at Day 1 and Year 10 operations would therefore become ‘Moderately Beneficial’.
VSR2	Users at Lai Chi Wo Viewing Point	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Beneficial	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM5, OM1	Insubstantial	Moderately Beneficial	Moderately Beneficial
Description: The construction area for the Project has been optimised to reduce the extent of associated visual impacts. The installation of site hoarding along the boundary of the works area where practicable would block the view onto the construction activities. The design of the hoarding should be compatible with its surroundings where practicable, and should be constructed of non-reflective and suitable colours. Furthermore, through careful scheduling of works, the construction period could be optimised to reduce the duration for which the visually sensitive receivers would be affected. The residual impact during construction phase would therefore reduce to ‘Insubstantial’. The improved pier structure has also been sensitively designed in a manner compatible to the existing structure. The residual impact at Day 1 and Year 10 operations would therefore become ‘Moderately Beneficial’.
VSR3	Hikers along Hiking Trail near Kau Ma Shek	Slightly Adverse	Slightly Beneficial	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM5, OM1	Insubstantial	Moderately Beneficial	Moderately Beneficial
Description: The construction area for the Project has been optimised to reduce the extent of associated visual impacts. The installation of site hoarding along the boundary of the works area where practicable would block the view onto the construction activities. The design of the hoarding should be compatible with its surroundings where practicable, and should be constructed of non-reflective and suitable colours. Furthermore, through careful scheduling of works, the construction period could be optimised to reduce the duration for which the visually sensitive receivers would be affected. The residual impact during construction phase would therefore reduce to ‘Insubstantial’. The improved pier structure has also been sensitively designed in a manner compatible to the existing structure. The residual impact at Day 1 and Year 10 operations would therefore become ‘Moderately Beneficial’.
VSR4	Marine Travellers in Crooked Harbour	Moderately Adverse	Moderately Beneficial	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, OM1	Slightly Adverse	Moderately Beneficial	Moderately Beneficial
Description: The construction area for the Project has been optimised to reduce the extent of associated visual impacts. The installation of site hoarding along the boundary of the works area where practicable would block the view onto the construction activities. The design of the hoarding should be compatible with its surroundings where practicable, and should be constructed of non-reflective and suitable colours. Furthermore, through careful scheduling of works, the construction period could be optimised to reduce the duration for which the visually sensitive receivers would be affected. Precautionary measures should also be adopted to avoid untreated surface runoff from directly discharging into the sea, particularly during rainy condition, and any pollutants / wastes / debris from entering the sea that would cause adverse visual impact when they become visible on the sea surface. The residual impact during construction phase would therefore reduce to ‘Insubstantial’. The improved pier structure has also been sensitively designed in a manner compatible to the existing structure. The residual impact at Day 1 and Year 10 operations would therefore become ‘Moderately Beneficial’.

9.11 Broad Tree Survey Results and Preservation Strategy

9.11.1.1 Broad tree surveys were conducted on 5 August 2018, 20 September 2018 and 3 May 2019 to identify the tree(s) which may be affected by the Project. The existing pier structure and the proposed pier improvement works, including the area for widening of pier catwalk and the extended pier head are located on the sea, where no landscaping features were found. Only 5 nos. of common trees (i.e. 4 nos. of Camphor Tree (Cinnamomum camphora), 1 no. of Lance-leaved Sterculia (Sterculia lanceolata) were identified within the boundary of Plover Cove Country Park and within the tree survey extent of 2m from the Project boundary. These trees were generally in mature size and fair health condition. Neither “Important Trees”, OVTs nor stonewall trees were identified within the surveyed area. The location of the surveyed trees and the tree survey results are detailed in Appendix 9.1.

9.11.1.2 For the Project, all associated construction activities will be limited to the site boundary and will not encroach upon the existing footpath, which lies under the tree crown, outside the site boundary. In addition, the pier improvement works mainly focuses on the pier structure in the sea and no works will be carried out on the existing footpath connecting the pier to Lai Chi Wo village and So Lo Pan. In addition, all trees are anticipated to be retained after the Project. Therefore, direct impact on trees due to the Project is not anticipated.

9.11.1.3 Though insurmountable impacts on trees are not anticipated for the Project, every effort should be exercised to preserve the existing trees on site and in the vicinity from tree preservation point of view. The following tree preservation and protection practices are recommended during the construction of the Project:

· No fencing, services, or signs other than the identification labels or markings shall be attached to any part of the trees;

· No trees shall be used as anchorages for ropes or chains used in guying or pulling or for equipment used for removing stumps, roots or other trees, or for any other purpose;

· No soil, materials, equipment or machinery shall be stockpiled or stored in country park/geopark (unless approval or written consent from relevant authorities are obtained);

· No site offices, workshops, canteens, containers or similar structures shall be installed within the country park/geopark (unless approval or written consent from relevant authorities are obtained). The engineer’s accommodation is anticipated to be erected on the temporary working platform/barge on sea during construction;

· Petrol, oil, bitumen, creosote, cement and other materials likely to be injurious to the trees shall be kept away from the trees, and any accidental spills of these materials shall be cleaned up immediately;

· No concrete mixing, gas tank filling, paintbrush and tool cleaning, or equipment maintenance shall be carried out in country park/geopark; and

· All building debris and chemical wastes shall be hauled away for proper disposal, and in any circumstances shall not be burned or buried on the Site or be disposed of by pouring them on the soil within the Site.

9.12 Environmental Monitoring and Audit

9.12.1.1 The design, implementation and maintenance of landscape and visual mitigation measures should be checked to ensure that they are fully realised, thus environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A) for these mitigation measures should be undertaken. Design measures shall be incorporated at the detailed design stage. Implementation of the mitigation measures such as tree protection and preservation shall be monitored through site audit programme during construction phase. (Details refer to EM&A Manual and Chapter 12 of this report).

9.13 Conclusion

9.13.1 Landscape Planning Framework

9.13.1.1 By reviewing the planning framework, the Project demonstrates a compatibility to the existing planning intentions within and in the vicinity of the Project. In the absence of vehicular access to Lai Chi Wo, implementation of the Project is essential for the provision of necessary cum safe access to residents, tourists and other personnel commuting back and forth Lai Chi Wo and other city districts, nevertheless avoids substantial infrastructural works in the area of conservation importance, and maintains the area remote, tranquil, harmonious and pleasant with rural landscape character area of rich landscape resources.

9.13.2 Landscape Impact

Construction Phase

9.13.2.1 During the construction of the Project, moderately adverse impact is anticipated for the inshore water of Crooked Harbour near Lai Chi Wo (LR1) and inshore water landscape of Crooked Harbour (LCA1) without the provision of mitigation measures. By adopting mitigation measures such as the minimisation of construction area, minimisation of construction period and water quality control measures, the landscape impacts on LR1 and LCA1 are anticipated to be slightly adverse and considered acceptable with mitigation measures.

9.13.2.2 For the rocky shore along the coastline of Crooked Harbour (LR3) and the existing Lai Chi Wo Pier (LR8), minimisation of construction area and construction period could alleviate the landscape impact from slightly adverse to insubstantial.

9.13.2.3 For other landscape resources and landscape character areas, landscape impacts are assessed to be insubstantial without mitigation measures. Hence, mitigation measures are not necessary for these LRs and LCAs.

Operational Phase

9.13.2.4 During the operation of the Project, moderately adverse impact is anticipated for the inshore water of Crooked Harbour near Lai Chi Wo (LR1) and Inshore Water Landscape of Crooked Harbour (LCA1). By adopting mitigation measures such as minimising the footprint and number of piles required for the pier, landscape impact is mitigated to be slightly adverse on Day 1 and Year 10 of the operational phase and considered acceptable with mitigation measures.

9.13.2.5 Likewise, for the existing Lai Chi Wo Pier (LR8), minimisation of footprint and number of piles required for the pier could alleviate the landscape impact from slightly beneficial to moderately beneficial on Day 1 and Year 10 of the operational phase.

9.13.2.6 For other landscape resources and landscape character areas, landscape impacts are assessed to be insubstantial without mitigation measures. Hence, mitigation measures are not necessary for these LRs and LCAs.

9.13.3 Visual Impact

9.13.3.1 During the construction of the Project, visual impacts on VSRs are anticipated to be in the range of slightly adverse to moderately adverse without the provision of mitigation measures. Mitigation measures such as minimisation of construction area, provision of site hoarding, minimisation of construction period by use of prefabricated building elements and provision of suitable colour scheme of construction machines and plants, have been considered. With the provision of mitigation measures, the visual impacts on VSRs are mitigated to slightly adverse to insubstantial and considered acceptable with mitigation measures.

9.13.3.2 During the operation of the Project, visual impacts on VSRs are anticipated to be in the range of slightly beneficial to moderately beneficial, when comparing the visual appearance of the existing pier in poor condition and the improved pier in the photomontages. The visual appears of the pier will be further enhanced by the colour and textural treatment of built structures and furniture and therefore the visual impact could be enhanced to be moderately beneficial on Day 1 and Year 10 of the operational phase.