11 landscape and visual impact

11.1 Introduction

11.1.1 This section presents an assessment of the landscape and visual impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Project. Mitigation measures have been proposed if considered necessary to minimize the identified landscape and visual impacts.

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11.2 Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

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

Ÿ Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) and its subsidiary legislations;

Ÿ Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499. S16) and the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO-TM), particularly Annexes 10 (Criteria for Evaluating Visual and Landscape Impact) and 18 (Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment);

Ÿ Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Guidance Note 8/2010 (Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance);

Ÿ Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131) and Town Planning (Amendment) Ordinance;

Ÿ Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) issued by the Planning Department, in particular Chapters 4, 10, 11 and Section 7 in Chapter 12;

Ÿ Development Bureau TC(W) No. 2/2012 - Allocation of Space for Quality Greening on Roads;

Ÿ Development Bureau TC(W) No. 3/2012 - Site Coverage of Greenery for Government Building Projects;

Ÿ Development Bureau, Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section (GLTM) April 2012 - Guidelines on Greening of Noise Barriers;

Ÿ Development Bureau TC(W) No. 1/2018 - Soft Landscape Provisions on Highway Structures;

Ÿ Development Bureau TC(W) No. 6/2015 - Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features;

Ÿ Development Bureau TC(W) No. 4/2020 - Tree Preservation;

Ÿ Development Bureau TC(W) No. 5/2020 - Registration and Preservation of Old and Valuable Trees;

Ÿ ETWB TCW No. 36/2004 - The Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures (ACABAS), including Appendix A 'Guidelines for Submissions to ACABAS';

Ÿ Urban Design Guidelines for Hong Kong issued by the Planning Department (2003);

Ÿ Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong;

Ÿ GEO 1/2011 - Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment for Slopes;

Ÿ Town Planning Board Guidelines on Submission of Visual Impact Assessment for Planning Applications to the Town Planning Board (TPB PG-No.41);

Ÿ Guidelines for Tree Risk Assessment and Management Arrangement (9th Edition or latest version);

Ÿ Guidelines on Tree Transplanting issued by Development Bureau; and

Ÿ Guidelines on Tree Preservation during Construction by Development Bureau.

11.2.2 The Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) gazetted under the Town Planning Ordinance provides the statutory framework for land use development. Reference has been made to the draft Tsuen Wan OZP No. S/TW/36 (28.4.2023) and draft Kwai Chung OZP No. S/KC/31 (18.11.2022).

11.3 Assessment Area

11.3.1 Landscape and visual impacts assessment are assessed in accordance with the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the Technical Memorandum (TM) and the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) Guidance Note No. 8/2010 on “Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance.

11.3.2 The assessment area for landscape impact assessment shall include areas within a 100m distance from the site boundary of the Project as stated in EIA Study Brief and any other areas likely to be impacted by the Project as illustrated on Figure 11.2. The assessment area for the visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope of the Project.

11.4 Assessment Methodology of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

Landscape Impact Assessment Methodology

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

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

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

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

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

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

· The magnitude of landscape changes is classified as follows:

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

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

· Prediction of the significance of landscape impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesizing the magnitude of the various impacts and the sensitivity of the various landscape resources, it is possible to categorise impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 11.1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely insubstantial, slight, moderate, and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of change and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of landscape resource /character.

Table 11.1 Relationship between Landscape Sensitivity and Magnitude of Change in Defining Impact Significance

Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
		Low	Medium	High
		Sensitivity of Landscape Character Area and Resource
Note: All impacts are Adverse unless otherwise noted with Beneficial.

· The significance of landscape impacts is categorised as follows:

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

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

Visual Impact Assessment Methodology

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

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

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

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

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

o Estimated number of VSR population. This is expressed in terms of whether there are “many“, “medium” and “few” VSRs in any one category of VSR.

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

· The sensitivity of VSRs is classified as follows:

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

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

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

o the compatibility with the surrounding landscape;

o the duration of the impact;

o the reversibility of the impact;

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

o the degree of visibility of the impact, and the potential blockage of view which the impact dominates the field of vision of the viewer.

· The magnitude of visual changes is classified as follows:

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

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

· Prediction of the significance of visual impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesizing the magnitude of the various visual impacts and the sensitivity of the VSRs, it is possible to categorise the degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 11.2 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely, insubstantial, slight, moderate and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of change and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of VSRs.

Table 11.2 Relationship between VSRs’ Sensitivity and Magnitude of Change in Defining Impact Significance

Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
		Low	Medium	High
		Sensitivity of VSRs
Note: All impacts are Adverse unless otherwise noted with Beneficial.

· The significance of visual impacts is categorised as follows:

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

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

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11.4.3 Mitigation measures will be recommended for both landscape and visual elements to alleviate the identified impacts. It should be noted that often one measure will often help to mitigate both the landscape and visual impacts e. g. screen planting may shield a structure making it less visible, as well as providing compensatory planting for lost vegetation. The recommended mitigation measures will alleviate the impacts identified during the impact analysis and the significance of residual impact, after the implementation of mitigation measures, will be reported.

11.5 Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas

11.5.1 A list of Landscape Resources (LRs) and Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) is summarized in Table 11.3 and Table 11.4 below. Figure 11.3, Figure 11.4, Figure 11.5, Figure 11.6, Figure 11.7, Figure 11.8, Figure 11.9 and Figure 11.10 illustrate the location of LRs and Figure 11.13, Figure 11.14, Figure 11.15, Figure 11.16, Figure 11.17, Figure 11.18, Figure 11.19 and Figure 11.20 illustrate the location of LCAs within the Site. Under the individual tree survey, no registered Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs) are identified within the assessment area. However, 1 no. of existing tree with DBH over 1000mm (Ficus religiosa) is identified within the Project Boundary. It is identified as Tree of Particular Interest (TPI) under the latest Guidelines for Tree Risk Assessment and Management Arrangement. It is located within LR1 along the periphery of open carpark under the elevated road section of existing Tsuen Wan Road near Hoi Kok Street. Among the individual tree survey, most trees found are common species and no tree species with conservation interest are recorded within the Project Boundary.

Table 11.3 List of Landscape Resources (LRs) and their Sensitivity

LRs	Description	Approx. no. of trees	Sensitivity
	Roadside Vegetation
LR 1	Vegetation on Slope and Roadside Planting This LR, approximate 9.8 ha. of area, refers to the vegetation along roadside SIMAR slopes, roadside planting areas and periphery planting or other wildly grown trees along open carpark and fence-off areas. A large portion of slope of this LR located on top of the rocky cut slopes abutting Tsuen Tsing Interchange. Some vegetated slopes are also found along the roadside near Kwai Chung Park with pioneer species. Roadside tree rows and ornamental planting can be found along the waterfront or adjoining urban parks, and in the roundabout at some prominent road junctions with regular maintenance. The other vegetation along the periphery of fenced off sites are mainly wildly grown trees in relatively leaned and poor structural form in general. There is no OVTs, rare, protected, or endangered species found. One number of existing tree with DBH over 1000mm (Ficus religiosa) (Tree no. T2415) identified as TPI is found along the periphery of open carpark under the elevated road section of existing Tsuen Wan Road near Hoi Kok Street. The structural tree form is poor as the tree canopy is leaned and constrained by the elevated road section above. This landscape resource is a typical plantation in Hong Kong with generally poor to medium quality and will remain high ability to accommodate changes. In view of presence of a TPI under the existing Tsuen Wan Road, the overall sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	Approx. 1030 nos. of trees within LR1 where 1 no. of the tree found is TPI and around 340 nos. of tree being affected.	Medium
	Other Vegetated Areas
LR 2	Vegetation within G/IC Sites This LR, approximate 1.2 ha of area, refers to vegetation located within the government, institutional and community facility (G/IC) site. The major groups of vegetation are located in the New Hoi Shing Road Substation, Tsuen Wan Sewage Pumping Station, Tsuen Wan South Electric Substation and Kwai Chung Industrial Wastewater Pumping Station. In view of the overall condition of this LR, the quality of this LR is considered as low, and the ability to accommodate change is high. The overall sensitivity is therefore considered as low.	Approx. 4 nos. of trees within LR2, there are no TPI being identified and around 2 nos. of tree being affected.	Low
	Watercourse
LR 3	Waterbody in Rambler Channel This LR, approximate 5.1 ha. of area, refers to the water channel between Tsing Yi Island and Tsuen Wan with widest distance of 900m between two landmasses. This coastal character area is featured with open space and promenade area. The shoreline has undergone extensive alteration from reclamation in the past several decades. In addition, seawater’s odour and pollution has been a longstanding problem of Rambler Channel and the associated Tsuen Wan waterfront. Considering that this LR is common in Hong Kong while quality of it is medium, its ability to accommodate change is medium. Therefore, it will remain medium sensitivity to further landscape change.	No tree were found within LR3.	Medium
	Open Spaces
LR 4.1	Tsuen Wan Park This LR, approximate 5 ha of area, comprises vegetation and landscaped areas within the Tsuen Wan Park. This served as the District Open Space in Tsuen Wan linking to the waterfront promenade, with maritime theme adopted in the landscape design. It includes recreational areas such as play area, plaza, amphitheatre, artificial lake, fountains and sports area as well as landscaped gardens with lush ornamental plantings. A central plaza and main pond with lookout tower and a series of site-specific sculptures reinforcing the maritime theme throughout the park. Two numbers of existing trees (Lagerstroemia speciosa (Tree no. T2171) and Michelia x alba (Tree no. T2206)) identified as TPI are found. The structural tree form is poor as the tree canopy is leaned and constrained by the elevated road section above. No registered OVT is identified. The quality of the LR is high, its ability to accommodate changes is medium. The overall sensitivity of this LR is high.	Approx. 113 nos. of trees within LR4.1 where 2 nos. of the trees were identified as TPIs and around 2 nos. of trees being affected.	High
LR 4.2	Tsuen Wan Promenade and Tsuen Wan Riviera Park This LR, approximate 2.8 ha. of area, comprises the waterfront open spaces linking from Tsuen Wan Riviera Park to the newly opened promenade near Chai Wan Kok along the Rambler Channel. The promenade provides recreational facilities for fitness, play and jogging along the waterfront. No registered OVTs are identified. The quality of this LR is medium. The ability to accommodate change is medium and the sensitivity is medium.	No tree were found within LR4.2.	Medium
LR 4.3	Other Open Spaces in Tsuen Wan This LR, approximate 2 ha of area, comprises other open spaces, sitting-out areas and community gardening area in Tsuen Wan within the assessment area. It includes Hoi On Road Playground, Hoi Shing Garden, Chai Wan Kok Rest Garden, Tsuen Wan Organic Community Garden and Nina Fossil Garden. It is mainly comprised of passive recreational facilities and ornamental planting with tree and shrub planting for the local residents. No registered OVTs are identified. The quality of this LR is medium. The ability to accommodate change is medium and the sensitivity is medium.	Approx. 95 nos. of trees within LR4.3, no tree were identified as TPI and no tree being affected within this area.	Medium
LR 4.4	Kwai Chung Park This LR, approximate 6 ha of area, comprises the landscaped area within Kwai Chung Park which is a restored landfill site with around 27ha. Around 4 ha of this LR is developed as BMX park while around 4.5 ha of this LR is developed as cricket grounds for public use. Further development at the southern portion of this LR is currently on-going to provide recreational facilities and improve its accessibility for public use. The remaining of land is vegetated area. It is formed as a platform with large open lawn on top and vegetated SIMAR slopes surrounded. The major tree species are common exotic pioneer species on SIMAR slopes. No registered OVTs are identified. It provides extensive greenery coverage to the surroundings bulit-up areas, hence, the landscape quality of this LR is considered as medium. The ability to accommodate change is medium and the sensitivity is medium.	Approx. 9 nos. of trees within LR4.4, no tree were identified as TPI and no tree being affected within this area.	Medium
LR 4.5	Kwai Shun Street Playground This LR, approximate 0.9 ha. of area, comprises the skateboard ground and roller skating rink under the elevated Tsuen Wan Road, landscape and sitting-out areas adjoining the Kwai Shun Street Cooked Food Market. Apart from the sports facilities, basic amenity facilities such as landscape areas and pocket spaces with seats and arbours are provided for the workers and local residents. Two numbers of existing trees (Lagerstroemia speciosa (Tree no. T1118 and T1122) identified as TPI are found. The structural tree form is fair. Since they will be in conflict with the proposed widening of a section of an elevated carriageway of TWR between Kwai Tsing Interchange and Container Port Road (which its implementation is yet to be ascertained and subject to further traffic review), they are recommended to be removed should the implementation of the abovementioned proposed works is confirmed. No registered OVTs are identified. The quality of this LR is low. The ability to accommodate change is high and the sensitivity is low.	Approx. 113 nos. of trees within LR4.5 where 2 nos. of the trees were identified as TPIs and around 47 nos. of tree being affected.	Low
LR 4.6	Other Open Spaces in Kwai Tsing This LR, approximate 0.2 ha of area, comprises other open spaces and sitting-out areas Kwai Tsing within the assessment area. It includes Wing Kei Road 5-a-side Soccer Pitch and Kwai Shing Circuit Garden. It is comprised of soccer pitch, passive recreational facilities and ornamental planting with tree and shrub planting for the local residents. No registered OVTs are identified. The quality of this LR is medium. The ability to accommodate change is medium and the sensitivity is medium.	No tree were found within LR4.6.	Medium
	Landscape Areas in Residential Development
LR 5	Landscape Areas in Residential Development in Tsuen Wan This LR, approximate 15 ha of area, refers to the landscape areas within residential developments. The developments include Belvedere Garden, Serenade Cove, Clague Garden Estate, Ocean Pride, Para City, The Pavilia Bay, The Dynasty, City Point and Riviera Gardens. Most of the landscape areas are with limited public access. Ornamental plantings are mainly found in amenity areas, sitting out areas, local open spaces, podium gardens and buffer strips associated with these areas. It is a common landscape resource with regular maintenance. The quality of this resource is medium and the ability of this resource to accommodate change is medium. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	No tree were found within LR5.	Medium

Table 11.4 List of Landscape Character Area (LCAs) and their Sensitivity

LCAs	Description	Approx. no. of trees	Sensitivity
	Major Transportation Corridor
LCA 1	Transportation Corridor Landscape LCA This LCA is characterised by major highways including Tsuen Wan Road, Tai Chung Road, Texaco Road and Tsing Tsuen Road. It also includes more complex transport structure such as Tai Chung Road Interchange and Tsuen Tsing Interchange. These are major expressway of Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing district. Major features include flyovers, signage gantries, interchange, traffic islands and associated roadside buffer planting areas. This is a common LCA in Hong Kong. The ability to accommodate change is high and the sensitivity of this LCA is considered as low.	Approx. 687 nos. of trees within LCA1 where none of the trees were identified as TPI and around 300 nos. of tree being affected.	Low
	Industrial Urban Landscape
LCA 2.1	Tsuen Wan Industrial Urban Landscape LCA This LCA is characterized by industrial buildings at Chai Wan Kok area, and industry cluster extends from Wing Shun Street to the Kwai Tsing Interchange in the south along the transport corridor. It is characterized by large multi-story factory units with only a thin ribbon of amenity planting located along roadside or under flyover. This LCA is of low landscape quality and has a high tolerance to change. Therefore, its sensitivity to change is low.	No trees were found within LCA 2.1.	Low
LCA 2.2	Kwai Chung Industrial Urban Landscape LCA This LCA comprises of tall industrial buildings along the road corridors. It is characterised by its dense arrangements and thin ribbon of vegetation which softens the view from the road into the area. The peripheries are used for open carpark, enclosed by wildly grown vegetation. Pocket garden with amenity planting and sitting-out area can be found mainly for the use of workers in this area. The landscape quality of this LCA is low. It has a high tolerance to change. Therefore, it is low in sensitivity.	Approx. 409 nos. of trees within LCA2.2 where 2 nos. of the trees were identified as TPIs and around 79 nos. of tree being affected.	Low
	Residential Urban Landscape
LCA 3.1	Tsuen Wan Residential Urban Landscape LCA This LCA is characterised by various high rise residential estates, schools and associated facilities. The residential developments include Belvedere Garden, Serenade Cove, Clague Garden Estate, Ocean Pride, Para City, The Pavilia Bay, The Dynasty, City Point and Riviera Gardens. This LCA consisted of self-contained local open space, recreational facilities and amenity landscape at street-level and podium level. In general, the landscape quality of this LCA is medium. The ability to accommodate change is medium and the sensitivity of this LCA is considered as medium.	Approx. 45 nos. of trees within LCA3.1 where none of the trees were identified as TPI and no tree being affected.	Medium
LCA 3.2	Kwai Chung Residential Urban Landscape LCA Only small portion of this LCA is identified within the assessment boundary. It mainly includes a secondary school near Kwai Shing West Estate to serve for the local residential. The landscape quality of this LCA is medium. The ability to accommodate change is medium. The overall sensitivity of this LCA is considered as medium.	No trees were found within LCA 3.2.	Medium
	Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape LCA
LCA 4.1	Tsuen Wan Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape LCA This LCA is located at the periphery of the urban built-up area of Tsuen Wan. It is characterised by the diverse range of land use, temporary open carpark, vacant lands, utility buildings and incoherent building structures with little formal relationship to each other. Newly constructed waterfront promenade and temporary carpark can be found along Hoi Hing Road, and pumping station and electric substation can be found near Tsuen Tsing Interchange The temporary open cark and vacant lands are edged by periphery planting or wildly grown vegetation, while buffer planting can be observed surrounding those utility buildings. In general, the landscape quality of this LCA is considered as low. The ability to accommodate change is high and the sensitivity of this LCA is low.	Approx. 616 nos. of trees within LCA4.1 where 1 no. of the tree was identified as TPI and around 28 nos. of tree being affected.	Low
LCA 4.2	Kwai Chung Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape LCA This LCA is located at the periphery of the urban built-up area of Kwai Chung. It is characterised by the diverse range of land use, temporary open carpark, vacant lands, utility buildings and incoherent building structures with little formal relationship to each other. Extensive temporary open carpark, small open space and several industrial buildings are on top of the rocky slope to the south of Tsuen Tsing Interchange. Sparse vegetation is found on rocky slopes with groups of pioneer tree planting on the SIMAR slopes in between the open carpark. The landscape quality of this LCA is low. The ability to accommodate change is high and the sensitivity of this resource is low.	No trees were found within LCA 4.2.	Low
	Park Urban Landscape LCA
LCA 5.1	Tsuen Wan Park Urban Landscape LCA This LCA served as the District Open Space in Tsuen Wan linking to the waterfront promenade, with maritime theme adopted in the landscape design. The elevated section of Tsuen Wan Road currently bisecting the park into two portions. The park provides various recreational facilities, focal features and sculptures, play space and sitting out area for the enjoyment of the residents in this district. The landscape quality of this LCA is high, its ability to accommodate changes is medium. The overall sensitivity of this LR is high.	Approx. 113 nos. of trees within LCA5.1 where 2 nos. of the trees were identified as TPIs and around 2 nos. of tree being affected.	High
LCA 5.2	Kwai Chung Park Urban Landscape LCA The LCA is characterised by the isolated open space of Kwai Chung Park. It is a restored landfill site with around 27ha. Around 4 ha of the site is developed as BMX park while around 4.5 ha of the site is developed as cricket grounds for public use. Further development at the southern portion of the site is currently on-going to provide recreational facilities and improve its accessibility for public use. The remaining of land is vegetated area. It is extensively planted with lawn and pioneer trees on the slopes. It provides extensive greenery coverage to the surroundings bulit-up areas. The LCA landscape quality is considered as medium. The ability to accommodate change is medium and the sensitivity is medium.	Approx. 9 nos. of trees within LCA5.2 where none of the trees were identified as TPI and no tree being affected.	Medium
	Mixed Modern Comprehensive Urban Development Landscape LCA
LCA 6	Mixed Modern Comprehensive Urban Development Landscape LCA This LCA is characterised by the intensive built-up area of Tsuen Wan New Town area. It is one of the most common LCA in Hong Kong with building block of mixed age and character. This includes the area along Yeung Uk Road and Tsuen Yip Street. They are a mixed of retail land use at street level with medium-rise commercial or residential development above. Streets are often wide and busy traffic and large numbers of people using these areas. The Streetscapes is utilitarian with little amenity landscape treatment and limited to spares street tree and shrub planting. As a result, the landscape lacked variety. The quality of this LCA is medium. Considering it is heavily developed, it has a high capacity to accommodate changes. The sensitivity to changes is considered as medium.	No trees were found within LCA 6.	Medium
	Cemetery Landscape LCA
LCA 7	Cemetery Landscape LCA This LCA comprises of the Tsuen Wan Columbarium which is part of the Tsuen Wan Chinee Permanent Cemetery. It is an extensive open area of regular terraces lined with graves and columbaria. There is generally little vegetation and is surrounded by dense hillside vegetation in the periphery. The tree species generally are pioneer exotic species on SIMAR slope. It is characterized by exposure and tranquil. The ability to accommodate change is high and the sensitivity of this LCA is low.	No trees were found within LCA 7.	Low
	Strait Landscape LCA
LCA 8	Strait Landscape LCA This LCA is characterised by the inshore water of Rambler Channel enclosed by landmasses on two sides creating a sense of enclosure. Its shorelines are parallel with a distinct sense of enclosure. It consists predominantly of water, but also include vessels and marine activities of all kinds such as the Tsuen Wan West Ferry Pier. These features produce a natural, marine landscape with a distinct sense of enclosure. The quality of this LCA is medium and ability to accommodate change is medium. Therefore, it will remain medium sensitivity to further landscape change.	No trees were found within LCA 8.	Medium

11.6 Individual Tree and Vegetation Survey

11.6.1 A total of 1496 nos. of trees which include 79 nos. of species and 34 nos. of dead trees have been surveyed. Casuarina equisetifolia is the major species with 237 nos. of trees was surveyed. The trees surveyed are generally with fair to poor form, fair to poor health, fair to poor structure and medium to low amenity value. Most of the trees have low anticipated survival rate after transplanting and about 46% of tree located on hillside which is not practicable to form a reasonable root ball size for transplanting. The majority existing surveyed trees are with poor health, structure or form which deteriorates the survival rate of transplanting. Total 5 nos. of trees are considered “trees of particular interest” (TPI) as defined in the Guidelines for Tree Risk Assessment and Management Arrangement issued by DEVB within the work boundary. Among the 5 nos. of TPIs, 3 nos. of Lagerstroemia speciosa and 1 no. of Michelia x alba are under the protected species listed in Forestry Regulations (subsidiary legislation of the Forests and Countryside Ordinance, Cap. 96) and 1 no. of tree is with DBH over 1000mm in common landscape and hillside species. No tree is registered in the Register of Old and Valuable Trees under this Project.

11.6.2 Details of tree treatment and corresponding compensatory planting are discussed under Section 11.11 and Appendix 11.1.

11.7 Visual Envelopes and Visually Sensitive Receivers

Visual Envelopes

11.7.1 The Visual Envelope identified in the project area as shown on Figure 11.24. The visual Envelope is mainly bounded by the adjoining industrial clusters and high-rise residential building blocks surrounding the site, it extends to the upland of Lai King to the south and the hillside of Ha Fa Shan to the north. A portion near Chai Wan Kok can also be viewed from the Tsing Yi promenade.

Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

11.7.2 A list of VSR is summarized in Table 11.5 below and shown in Figure 11.24. There are five key VSR groups identified within the Visual Envelope, which are Residential (R), Recreational (REC), Government, Institution or Community (G/IC), Occupational (O) and Travelling(T) VSR groups.

11.7.3 Residential VSRs are the residents of the high-rise residential developments along the Tsuen Wan Road and waterfront of Chai Wan Kok and Tsing Yi. The sensitivity of this VSR group ranges from low to high.

11.7.4 Recreational VSRs refer to users of promenades, parks and gardens, sitting-out areas in Tsuen Wan and Kwai Tsing and hikers at Ha Fa Shan. The sensitivity of this VSR group ranges from low to high.

11.7.5 G/IC VSRs refer to users in schools and workers in utility facilities along Tsuen Wan Road. The sensitivity of this VSR group is low to medium in general.

11.7.6 Occupational VSRs refer to workers in office buildings and industrial estate clusters along Tsuen Wan Road in Tsuen Wan and Kwai Chung. The sensitivity of this VSR group is medium to high in general.

11.7.7 Travelling VSRs refer to travellers, motorists and pedestrian along Tsuen Wan Road, major junctions and adjoining roads. The sensitivity of this VSR group is medium to high in general.

Table 11.5 List of Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) and their Sensitivity

VSR ID.	VSRs	Type of VSRs	Number of Individuals (Many/ Medium/ Few)	Quality of Existing View (Good/Fair/ Poor)	Availability of Alternative Views (Yes/No)	Degree of Visibility (Full/ Partial/ Glimpse)	Frequency of View (Frequent/ Occasional/ Rare)	Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)
R-1	Residential developments along Tsuen King Circuit	Residential	Many	Good	Yes	Glimpse	Frequent	Low
R-2	Residential developments along Hoi On Road	Residential	Many	Good	Yes	Partial	Frequent	Medium
R-3	Residential developments near Tsuen Wan West Station	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Partial	Frequent	Medium
R-4	Residential developments near Tsuen Tsing Interchange	Residential	Many	Fair	No	Full	Frequent	Medium
R-5	Residential developments along Tsing Yi Promenade	Residential	Many	Good	Yes	Glimpse	Frequent	Low
R-6	Residential developments along Kwai Shing Circuit	Residential	Many	Good	Yes	Partial	Frequent	Low
R-7	Residential developments near Lai King Station	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Full	Frequent	High
R-8	Residential developments along Wah Yiu Road	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Full	Frequent	High
REC-1	Tsuen Wan Park	Recreational	Many	Fair	No	Full	Frequent	Medium
REC-2	Tsuen Wan Promenade	Recreational	Many	Fair	Yes	Full	Frequent	Medium
REC-3	Tsing Yi Promenade	Recreational	Many	Good	Yes	Partial	Frequent	Low
REC-4	Hikers at Ha Fa Shan	Recreational	Few	Fair	Yes	Full	Rare	Low
REC-5	Wing Kei Road 5-a-Side Soccer Pitch	Recreational	Medium	Fair	Yes	Partial	Occasional	Medium
REC-6	Kwai Chung Park	Recreational	Medium	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Occasional	Low
REC-7	Kwai Shun Street Playground	Recreational	Many	Fair	No	Full	Frequent	High
GIC-1	Workers of Tsuen Wan Saltwater Pumping Station	Occupational	Few	Fair	Yes	Full	Occasional	Medium
GIC-2	Workers of Tsuen Wan Sewage Pumping Station and Tsuen Wan South Electric Substation	Occupational	Few	Poor	Yes	Full	Occasional	Medium
GIC-3	Workers of Kwai Chung Industrial Wastewater Pumping Station	Occupational	Few	Fair	No	Full	Occasional	Medium
GIC-4	The Salvation Army Ng Kwok Wai Memorial Kindergarten	G/IC	Medium	Fair	Yes	Partial	Occasional	Medium
GIC-5	School along Kwai Shing Circuit	G/IC	Medium	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Occasional	Low
GIC-6	Schools along Lai King Hill Road	G/IC	Medium	Fair	Yes	Full	Occasional	Medium
O-1	Workers in industrial or office buildings along Hoi Shing Road	Occupational	Many	Fair	No	Full	Frequent	High
O-2	Workers in industrial or office buildings along Texaco Road	Occupational	Many	Fair	No	Full	Frequent	High
O-3	Workers in industrial or office buildings along Wing Kei Road	Occupational	Many	Fair	No	Full	Frequent	High
O-4	Workers in industrial or office buildings along Kwai Hei Road	Occupational	Many	Fair	No	Partial	Frequent	Medium
O-5	Workers in industrial or office buildings along Container Port Road	Occupational	Medium	Fair	No	Full	Frequent	High
T-1	Traveller along Tsuen Wan Road	Traveller	Many	Fair	No	Full	Frequent	High
T-2	Traveller along Hoi Hing Road and Hoi On Road	Traveller	Many	Fair	No	Full	Frequent	High
T-3	Traveller at Nina Tower Bus Terminus	Traveller	Many	Fair	No	Glimpse	Frequent	Low
T-4	Traveller near Tsuen Tsing Interchange	Traveller	Many	Fair	No	Full	Frequent	High
T-5	Traveller along Kwai Tsing Road and Hing Fong Road	Traveller	Many	Fair	No	Full	Frequent	High
T-6	Traveller at Kwai Fong (South) Bus Terminus	Traveller	Many	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Frequent	Medium

11.8 Landscape Impact Assessment

Sources of Landscape Impacts

11.8.1 The Project will involve various sources of landscape impact. The proposed development will create varying levels of impact on the landscape resources and landscape character areas at different stages of its lifetime. Potential landscape impact from above ground development and the footprint of construction works and operational facilities is concentrated upon for the purpose of the assessment.

11.8.2 The sources of landscape impacts in the construction phase would include:

· Site clearance and tree removal/transplanting;

· Site formation works and slope works including creation of hoarding, cutting and filling;

· Construction of new lanes, widen existing roads, depressed roads, underpass, flyovers, noise barriers / enclosures, bridges and associated slope works;

· Re-arrangement of footbridge, pedestrian subway and cycle path system affected by the road works; and

· Temporary site areas, site offices, haul road, storage of construction materials, equipment and plants, hoarding, construction traffic etc.

11.8.3 The sources of landscape impacts in the operation phase would include:

· Operation of new lanes, widen existing roads, depressed roads, underpass, flyovers, noise barriers / enclosures, bridges and associated slope works; and

· Operation of re-arranged footbridge, pedestrian subway and cycle path system affected by the road widening works.

Magnitude of Landscape Changes

11.8.4 The magnitude of landscape changes before implementation of mitigation measures associated with the construction phase and operational phases of the Project are assessed and described in Table 11.6 for Landscape Recourse (LR) and Table 11.7 for Landscape Character Area (LCA) respectively.

Table 11.6 Magnitude of Landscape Impacts on LR during Construction and Operation

ID	Landscape Resources	Potential Source of Impact	Description of Impacts	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
				Construction	Operation
Landscape Resources
Roadside Vegetation
LR 1	Vegetation on Slope and Roadside Planting	· Construction of new elevated roads and associated slope works.	Approximate 340 nos. of existing trees are being affected by the construction of elevated roads (near Tsuen Tsing Interchange). No species with conservation importance will be affected. The magnitude of change is rated as small in view of the resultant areas be provisioned with new planting to maintain compatibility with the LR character.	Intermediate	Small
Other Vegetated Areas
LR 2	Vegetation within G/IC Sites	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Watercourse
LR 3	Waterbody in Rambler Channel	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR 4.1	Tsuen Wan Park	· Modification at existing elevated road; construction of noise barriers. · Temporary site office and storage of construction materials, equipment and plants.	Approximately 2 nos. of existing trees are being affected mainly by the modification of underpass and associated works. The magnitude of change is rated as small in view of the modified area falls outside of the park area/level. The resultant area will be restored with to match its original LR character.	Small	Small
LR 4.2	Tsuen Wan Promenade and Tsuen Wan Riviera Park	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR 4.3	Other Open Spaces in Tsuen Wan	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR 4.4	Kwai Chung Park	· Construction of new, elevated road and noise barriers.	The lawn will not be affected. The magnitude of change is rated as intermediate in view of the resultant widened road will replace a portion of the existing vegetated slope.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR 4.5	Kwai Shun Street Playground	· Modification, widening and construction of existing underpass, noise barriers and associated slope works. · Re-provision of open space affected by the modification works.	Approximately 47 nos. located at the north-eastern portion of the current playground including its associated amenities, utilities structures will be lost upon the construction of the works. Since the affected area of playground is large in proportion to its total area and that main amenities will require relocation, the magnitude of change is considered as large.	Large	Large
LR 4.6	Other Open Spaces in Kwai Tsing	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Landscape Areas in Residential Development
LR 5	Landscape Areas in Residential Development in Tsuen Wan	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible

Table 11.7 Magnitude of Landscape Impacts on LCA during Construction and Operation

ID	Landscape Character Areas	Potential Source of Impact	Description of Impacts	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
				Construction	Operation
Landscape Character Areas
Major Transportation Corridor
LCA 1	Transportation Corridor Landscape LCA	· Construction of new elevated roads, new bridges and noise barriers. · Temporary site office and storage of construction materials, equipment and plants.	The works and resultant roads, flyovers and junctions involve extensions from the existing alignment. These works are large in scale and irreversible in nature.	Large	Large
Industrial Urban Landscape
LCA 2.1	Tsuen Wan Industrial Urban Landscape LCA	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LCA 2.2	Kwai Chung Industrial Urban Landscape LCA	· Construction of new underpass, noise barriers and associated slope works. · Re-provision of open space affected by the modification works.	The works and resultant roads, flyovers and junctions involve extensions into some areas of this LCA converting them into LCA 1 area. These works are medium in scale and irreversible in nature.	Intermediate	Intermediate
Residential Urban Landscape
LCA 3.1	Tsuen Wan Residential Urban Landscape LCA	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LCA 3.2	Kwai Chung Residential Urban Landscape LCA	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape LCA
LCA 4.1	Tsuen Wan Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape LCA	· Construction of new roads and associated junction modification works.	The works and resultant roads, flyovers and junctions involve creation of transport corridor in some areas within this LCA, These works will area large in scale near northern Hoi Hing Road and small in scale in other areas. The changes are irreversible.	Intermediate	Intermediate
LCA 4.2	Kwai Chung Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape LCA	· Construction of new elevated roads, and noise barrier. · Temporary site office and storage of construction materials, equipment and plants.	The works and resultant roads, flyovers and junctions involve small scale extension of LCA 1 into this LCA at the southern end of the works. The work is small in scale and irreversible.	Small	Small
Park Urban Landscape LCA
LCA 5.1	Tsuen Wan Park Urban Landscape LCA	· Modification at existing elevated road; construction of noise barriers. · Temporary site office and storage of construction materials, equipment and plants.	The works and resultant roads, flyovers and junctions involve small scale works and effect at an elevated level of the LCA. The work is small in scale and irreversible.	Small	Small
LCA 5.2	Kwai Chung Park Urban Landscape LCA	· Construction of new, elevated road and noise barriers.	The works and resultant roads, flyovers and junctions involve intermediate scale works, including widening of road and partial removal of an inaccessible vegetated slope. The magnitude of change is rated as intermediate in view of loss of vegetation on slope.	Intermediate	Intermediate
Mixed Modern Comprehensive Urban Development Landscape
LCA 6	Mixed Modern Comprehensive Urban Development Landscape LCA	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Cemetery Landscape LCA
LCA 7	Cemetery Landscape LCA	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Strait Landscape LCA
LCA 8	Strait Landscape LCA	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible

Significance of Unmitigated Landscape Impacts

11.8.5 The significance of landscape impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, in the construction and operation phases are assessed and presented in Table 11.11.

11.8.6 The landscape impacts before mitigation on LR 4.1, LR 4.4, LR 4.5, LCA 1, LCA 5.1 and LCA 5.2 are moderate both during construction and operation phases. These landscape resources and character areas exhibit either high sensitivity and/or are predicted to undergo large magnitude of change due to their proximity to the works.

11.8.7 LR 1, LCA 2.2 and LCA 4.1 will experience slight to moderate impact during construction and operation phases. LR 1 is medium in sensitivity and widespread across the works area. LCA 2.2 and LCA 4.1 are low in sensitivity but will experience a relatively large scale of works.

11.8.8 Landscape impact for LR 4.2 will be insubstantial to slight. The LR though in close proximity to the works, the scale of works is relatively small with minimal blockage to the current view.

11.8.9 There shall be negligible magnitude of change for LR 2, LR 3, LR 4.2, LR 4.4, LR 4.6, LR 5, LCA 2, LCA 3, LCA 4.2, LCA 4.3, LCA 4.6 and LCA 5 hence their landscape impact before mitigation is considered insubstantial for both construction and operation phases.

11.9 Visual Impact Assessment

Sources of Visual Impacts

11.9.1 The sources of visual impacts in the construction phase would include:

· Site clearance and tree removal/transplanting;

· Site formation works and slope works including creation of hoarding, cutting and filling;

· Construction of new lanes, widen existing roads, depressed roads, underpass, flyovers, noise barriers / enclosures, bridges and associated slope works;

· Re-arrangement of footbridge, pedestrian subway and cycle path system affected by the road works;

· Temporary site areas, site offices, haul road, storage of construction materials, equipment and plants, hoarding, construction traffic etc.;

· Potential night-time glare arising from the lighting of construction activities; and

· Dust and construction debris.

11.9.2 The sources of visual impacts in the operation phase would include:

· Operation of new lanes, widen existing roads, depressed roads, underpass, flyovers, noise barriers / enclosures, bridges and associated slope works;

· Operation of re-arranged footbridge, pedestrian subway and cycle path system affected by the road widening works; and

· Increased road traffic and road lighting.

Magnitude of Visual Changes

11.9.3 The magnitude of visual changes before implementation of mitigation measures during construction and operation phases is assessed based on the viewing distance, compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape, duration of changes, scale of development, reversibility of change, potential blockage of view as shown in Table 11.8.

11.9.4 In general, the duration of impacts will be medium as the construction works will last for months, and the duration of impacts will be long during operation phase since the road improvement works are permanent and irreversible. In view of the nature and the scale of the road works for the travelling VSRs during construction phase will be large. The scale of the improvement works for most of the north-western areas will be small. Road improvement works near Tsuen Tsing Interchange, Kwai Tsing Road and eastern Tsuen Wan Road will be large in scale as new elevated roads and noise barriers will be constructed.

11.9.5 VSR REC-7 will experience large magnitude of change as the existing playground area will be demolished to accommodate for the extension of the elevated roadworks and associated structures. The scale of work is large and view from this location shall be largely taken up by the works.

11.9.6 VSRs REC-5, GIC-1, GIC-2, GIC-3, GIC-6 and T-6 will experience intermediate magnitude of change. And VSRs R-5, R-7, R-8, REC-2, O-2, O-3, O-5, T-2, T-4 are frequent view.

11.9.7 Some VSRs involve partial blockage to existing views and a relatively medium to long distance from the works, resulting in small magnitude of change. They include R-1, R-2, R-3, R-4, R-5, REC-1, REC-3, REC-4, O-1, O-4, T-1 and T-5.

11.9.8 There will be no blockage to existing views and the scale of development is small or not visible for VSRs R-6, REC-6, GIC-4, GIC-5 and T-3. The magnitude of change for these VSRs is considered to be negligible considering there will be no change in view.

Table 11.8 Magnitude of Visual Impacts during Construction and Operation

VSR ID.	VSR	Major Source of Visual Impact	Viewing Distance (m)	Compatibility of the Project with the Surrounding Landscape (High/ Medium/ Low)		Duration of Impacts (Long/ Medium/ Short)		Scale of Development (Large/ Medium/ Small)		Reversibility of Change (Yes/ No)		Potential Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Nil)		Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
				Const-ruction	Operat-ion	Const-ruction	Operat-ion	Const-ruction	Operat-ion	Const-ruction	Operat-ion	Const-ruction	Operat-ion	Const-ruction	Operat-ion
R-1	Residential developments along Tsuen King Circuit	New elevated road and associated slope works	450m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
R-2	Residential developments along Hoi On Road	New elevated road	80m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
R-3	Residential developments near Tsuen Wan West Station	New bridges, depressed roads, noise barriers and re-arrangement of pedestrian subway and cycle path system	90-110m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
R-4	Residential developments near Tsuen Tsing Interchange	New lane, road widening, noise enclosures and associated slope works	40m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
R-5	Residential developments along Tsing Yi Promenade	New elevated roads and noise barriers	950m	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
R-6	Residential developments along Kwai Shing Circuit	New elevated road, underpass, depressed roads, noise barriers and re-arrangement of footbridge, pedestrian subway and cycle path system	200m	High	High	Medium	Long	Large	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
R-7	Residential developments near Lai King Station	New elevated road and noise barriers	200m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
R-8	Residential developments along Wah Yiu Road	New elevated road and associated slope works	450m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
REC-1	Tsuen Wan Park	New elevated road, bridges and noise barriers	100m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
REC-2	Tsuen Wan Promenade	New bridges, depressed roads, noise barriers and re-arrangement of pedestrian subway and cycle path system	40m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
REC-3	Tsing Yi Promenade	New roads, noise enclosures and associated slope works	830m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
REC-4	Hikers at Ha Fa Shan	New roads, noise enclosures and associated slope works	840m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
REC-5	Wing Kei Road 5-a-Side Soccer Pitch	New roads, noise enclosures and associated slope works	35m	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
REC-6	Kwai Chung Park	New roads, noise enclosures and associated slope works	70m	Low	Low	Medium	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
REC-7	Kwai Shun Street Playground	New bridges and noise barriers	30m	Low	Low	Long	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Full	Full	Large	Large
GIC-1	Workers of Tsuen Wan Saltwater Pumping Station	New elevated road	30m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
GIC-2	Workers of Tsuen Wan Sewage Pumping Station and Tsuen Wan South Electric Substation	New elevated road and noise barriers	60m	High	High	Long	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
GIC-3	Workers of Kwai Chung Industrial Wastewater Pumping Station	Depressed roads, noise barriers, underpass and re-arrangement of footbridge	40m	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
GIC-4	The Salvation Army Ng Kwok Wai Memorial Kindergarten	Depressed roads, underpass, road widening, noise barriers and noise enclosures	60m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
GIC-5	School along Kwai Shing Circuit	New elevated road and noise barriers	110m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
GIC-6	Schools along Lai King Hill Road	New elevated road and noise barriers	75m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
O-1	Workers in industrial or office buildings along Hoi Shing Road	New bridges, depressed roads, noise barriers, underpass and re-arrangement of pedestrian subway and cycle path system	75m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
O-2	Workers in industrial or office buildings along Texaco Road	Depressed roads, noise barriers, underpass and re-arrangement of footbridge	80m	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
O-3	Workers in industrial or office buildings along Wing Kei Road	Depressed roads, noise barriers, underpass and re-arrangement of footbridge	50m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
O-4	Workers in industrial or office buildings along Kwai Hei Road	New roads, noise enclosures and associated slope works	70m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Small	Small
O-5	Workers in industrial or office buildings along Container Port Road	New elevated road and noise barriers	65m	Medium	Medium	Long	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
T-1	Traveller along Tsuen Wan Road	New elevated road and noise barriers	0-5m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
T-2	Traveller along Hoi Hing Road and Hoi On Road	New elevated road and noise barriers	0-5m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
T-3	Traveller at Nina Tower Bus Terminus	New elevated road and noise barriers	80m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Small	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
T-4	Traveller near Tsuen Tsing Interchange	New elevated road and noise barriers	45m	High	High	Long	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
T-5	Traveller along Kwai Tsing Road and Hing Fong Road	New elevated road and noise barriers	0-5m	High	High	Long	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
T-6	Traveller at Kwai Fong (South) Bus Terminus	New elevated road and noise barriers	145m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate

Significance of Unmitigated Visual Impacts

11.9.9 The significance of visual impacts, before the implementation of mitigation measures, in the construction phase and operation phase are assessed in accordance with the methodology set out in Table 11.2 of the Report and described in Table 11.12.

11.9.10 The visual impacts before mitigation on VSR REC-7 with high sensitivity and large magnitude of change is considered substantial during both construction and operation phases as the playground will be demolished to make way for the road extension works and immediately adjacent proximity.

11.9.11 The unmitigated visual impacts on VSRs R-7, R-8, O-1, O-2, O-3, O-5, T-2, T-4 and T-5 with high sensitivity and intermediate magnitude of change, are considered moderate to substantial both during construction and operation phases. This is a result of their relative full-view and proximity to the works area.

11.9.12 Visual impact before mitigation for R-4, REC-2, REC-5, GIC-1, GIC-2, GIC-3, GIC-6, T-1 and T-6 with medium to high sensitivity and generally intermediate magnitude of change is considered moderate both during construction and operation phases.

11.9.13 The unmitigated visual impacts on R-2, R-3, REC-1 and O-4 with generally medium sensitivity and small magnitude of change are considered slight to moderate both during construction and operation phases. These VSRs in general experience none to partial blockage of view.

11.9.14 VSRs R-1, R-5, REC-3 and REC-4 exhibits low sensitivity and experience small magnitude of change, their visual impacts before mitigation is slight to insubstantial for both construction and operation phases.

11.9.15 The unmitigated visual impacts during construction and operation phases for VSRs R-6, REC-6, GIC-4, GIC-5 and T-3 with generally low sensitivity and negligible magnitude of change are considered insubstantial due to no change in their views.

Recommended Photomontage Viewpoints

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

· 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 proposed 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.

11.9.17 Based on the location of the proposed aboveground structures, proposed viewpoint (VP) representing the key VSRs are mapped in Figure 11.24 and indicated in Table 11.8, and the existing condition of the VPs is shown in Figure 11.25. They are described as follow:

· Viewpoint VP01 near the Ha Fan Shan Hiking Trail is approximately 1000m from the proposed works. It represents VP of residents in residential developments along Tsuen King Circuit (R-1) and recreational hikers at Ha Fa Shan (REC-4), the viewpoint illustrates the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed road improvement works with noise barrier viewed from an elevated, distant vantage.

· Viewpoint VP02 near the Tsuen Wan Promenade is approximately 70m from the proposed works. It represents VP of residents in residential developments along Hoi On Road (R-2), recreational visitors along Tsuen Wan Promenade (REC-2) occupational workers in industrial/office buildings along Hoi Shing Road and travellers along Hoi Hing and Hoi On Road. It illustrates the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed junction improvement and new road construction works linking Hoi Hing and Hoi On Road at a close distance.

· Viewpoint VP03 near the Tsuen Wan West Promenade is approximately 85m from the proposed works. It represents VP of G/IC visitors and workers of Tsuen Wan Saltwater Pumping Station and The Salvation Army Ng Kwok Wai Memorial Kindergarden (GIC-1 and GIC-4). The viewpoint illustrates the potential landscape and visual impact cause by the proposed road improvement works at the north-west section of the Site.

· Viewpoint VP04 in the Tsuen Wan Park is approximately 20m from the proposed works. It represents VP of residents at residential developments near Tsuen Wan West Station (R-03), recreational visitors at Tsuen Wan Park (REC-1) and travellers along Tsuen Wan Road (T-1) and those at Nina Tower Bus Terminus. It illustrates the potential landscape and visual impact due to proposed works and associated temporary storage and works area at the centre portion of the Works.

· Viewpoint VP05 along Texaco Road is approximately 60m from the proposed works. It represents VP of G/IC workers of Tsuen Wan Sewage Pumping Station and Tsuen Wan South Electric Substation (GIC-2), travellers near Tsuen Tsing Interchange (T-4) and occupational workers in industrial/office buildings along Texaco Road (O-2) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed modification and widening works at the interchange in proximity.

· Viewpoint VP06 at Wing Kei Road Soccer Pitch is approximately 15m from the proposed works. It represents VP of recreational visitors at Wing Kei Road 5-a-side soccer pitch (REC-5) and occupational workers in industrial/office buildings along Wing Kei Road (O-3). This location illustrates the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed road improvement works in close distance.

· Viewpoint VP07 at the footbridge to Kwai Chung Park is approximately 30m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of travellers along Tsuen Wan Road (T-1), G/IC visitors and workers at the school along Kwai Shing Court (GIC-5), residents at residential developments along Kwai Shing Circuit (R-6), recreational visitors at Kwai Chung Park (REC-6) and occupational workers in industrial/office buildings along Kwai Hei Road (O-4). The viewpoint illustrates the potential landscape and visual impact due to the road improvement works at the south-eastern portion of Works area in proximity.

· Viewpoint VP08 at Kwai Shun Street Playground is approximately 50m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of travellers at Kwai Fong (South) Bus Terminus (T-6), occupational workers in industrial/office buildings along Container Port Road (O-5) and recreational visitors at Kwai Shun Street Playground (REC-7). It illustrates the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed elevated road extension with noise barriers at a close distant at pedestrian level.

· Viewpoint VP09 near Tsing Yi Promenade is approximately 750m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of residents in residents in residential developments along Tsing Yi Promenade (R-5) and recreational visitors at Tsing Yi Promenade (REC-3). The viewpoint illustrates the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed works from a distance at a major publicly accessible open space.

11.10 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

11.10.1 The proposed engineering works have been designed to minimise any potential landscape and visual impact as much as possible. Unavoidably, there would be some potential landscape and visual impact. Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures are therefore proposed to alleviate the potential adverse landscape and visual impact.

11.10.2 The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures in the construction and operation are listed in Table 11.9 and Table 11.10 below, together with an indication of Funding, Implementation and Maintenance Agencies and illustrated in Landscape and Visual Mitigation Plan in Figure 11.26, Figure 11.27, Figure 11.28, Figure 11.29, Figure 11.30, Figure 11.31 and Figure 11.32 with sections illustrated in Figure 11.42, Figure 11.43, Figure 11.44 and Figure 11.45.

Table 11.9 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency
CM1	Preservation of Existing Vegetation All the existing vegetation and trees to be retained and not to be affected by the Project shall be carefully protected during construction accordance with DEVB TC(W) No. 4/2020 - Tree Preservation and the latest Guidelines on Tree Preservation during Development issued by GLTMS of DEVB. Any existing vegetation in amneity areas and natural terrain not to be affected by the Project shall be carefully preserved.	HyD	HyD (via Contractor)
CM2	Transplanting of Affected Trees Trees with particular interest and high amenity value unavoidably affected by the works shall be transplanted where practical. A detailed transplanting proposal will be submitted to relevant government departments for approval in accordance with DEVB TC(W) Nos. 6/2015 and 4/2020 and Guidelines on Tree Transplanting by DEVB and final locations of transplanted trees should be agreed prior to commencement of the work. 1 no. of tree (Tree no. T1986) is recommended to be transplanted.	HyD	HyD (via Contractor until handover to the future tree maintenance departments)
CM3	Control of Night-time Lighting Glare Any lighting provision of the construction works at night shall be carefully control to prevent light overspill to the nearby VSRs and into the sky. Relevant best practices as suggested in the “Guidelines on Industry Best Practices for External Lighting Installations” promulgated by ENB shall be adopted.	HyD	HyD (via Contractor)
CM4	Erection of Decorative Screen Hoarding Decorative Hoarding, which is compatible with the surrounding settings, shall be erected during construction to minimise the potential landscape and visual impacts due to the construction works and activities. Greening measure such as planting of peripheral screening plants/vertical green along hoarding shall be explored.	HyD	HyD (via Contractor)
CM5	Management of Construction Activities and Facilities The facilities and activities at works sites and areas, which include site office, temporary storage areas, temporary works etc., shall be carefully managed and controlled on the height, deposition and arrangement to minimise any potential adverse landscape and visual impacts.	HyD	HyD (via Contractor)
CM6	Reinstatement of Temporarily Disturbed Landscape Areas All hard and soft landscape areas disturbed temporarily during construction due to temporary excavations, temporary works sites and works areas shall be reinstated to equal or better quality, to the satisfaction of the relevant Government Departments.	HyD	HyD (via Contractor)

Table 11.10 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Operation Phase

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implement-ation Agency	Maintenance/ Management Agency*
OM1	Compensatory Planting for Loss of Existing Trees Any trees felling under the Project shall be compensated in accordance with DEVB TC(W) No. 4/2020 - Tree Preservation. The compensatory plantings shall be realistic, practicable and sustainable with a holistic consideration to balance the quantity and quality of tree planting and follow the “right tree for the right place” principles. For trees to be compensated on slopes, the guidelines for tree planting stipulated in GEO Publication No. 1/2011 will be followed. Should the compensatory quantity ratio of 1:1 cannot be achieved, the quality aspects such as improving the vegetation diversity of native species mix, enhancing ecological value and improving overall value of landscape setting etc. of the compensatory planting proposal shall be fully considered. The proposed planting species shall reference the Greening Master Plan issued by CEDD and the Street Tree Selection Guide issued by DEVB.	HyD	HyD (via Contractor)	LCSD / HyD / Allocatee of the SIMAR slopes as per DEVB TC(W) No. 6/2015
OM2	Landscape reinstatement and treatment of Slopes Woodland mix planting, tree whips and/or shrub mix shall be applied at new and reprovisioned amenity areas, shrub and climber planting shall be applied to toe-wall planters along retaining structures as far as possible in accordance with technical guidelines set out in GEO Publication No. 1/2011 to maximize the greening provision along the road improvement works. Use of native species shall be maximized as far as possible in accordance with the Guiding Principles on Use of Native Plant Species in Public Works Projects issued by DEVB. Use of unobtrusive colours and tones shall be proposed for all hard elements on slopes.	HyD	HyD (via Contractor)	Allocatee of the SIMAR slopes as per DEVB TC(W) No. 6/2015
OM3	Maximization of Roadside Planting Although most of the works are carried out along the existing transportation corridors, greening opportunities for roadside planting shall be maximized as far as possible. Roadside Planting shall be effective visual relief to the adjacent VSRs. Planting opportunities shall be explored at covered fringe area underneath the proposed elevated roads to maximize the greening effect by shade-tolerant shrub species. Due consideration shall be given to the selection of appropriate plant species on shade-tolerance, hardiness and headroom of the structure above. The roadside plant species shall be made reference to the Greening Master Plan issued by CEDD and the Street Tree Selection Guide issued by DEVB.	HyD	HyD (via Contractor)	LCSD / HyD as per DEVB TC(W) No. 6/2015
OM4	Re-provision of Affected Open Space To re-provide the affected open space of Kwai Shun Street Playground Sitting-out Area, that will be reduced in size and close during the construction phase of the Project, in better quality and design for the enjoyment of the local residents. Both soft and hard landscape proposals shall be provided for LCSD’s agreement.	HyD	HyD (via Contractor)	LCSD
OM5	Visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures Sensitive design of noise barriers and noise enclosures with chromatic measures. The design and colour themes shall be coherent with the existing noise barrier design along the adjourning transportation corridors to echo with the visual context and character of the transportation corridors. A combination of tinted or transparent panels at top and solid panels at the bottom could allow the daylight to pass through and lighten the visual impact. AFCD’s advice on the design of anti-bird collision measures shall be sought. The detail design of noise barriers and noise enclosures shall make reference to "Guidelines on Greening of Noise Barriers" published by EPD and HyD in appropriate locations, subject to the agreement of future maintenance departments. Greening measures such as screen planting and/or climbers along the barriers shall be fully explored in design stage. Early advice from maintenance / management parties and ACABAS shall be sought. The extent and height of the noise barrier shall be sensitively designed to minimise visual impact.	HyD	HyD (via Contractor)	HyD
OM6	Aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, carriageways and other highways structures Carriageways and other highways structures proposed shall be sensitively designed in the regard of form, tonal colour and texture so as to minimise any potential adverse landscape and visual impact. Greening measures such as climbers along viaduct piers and shrubs along footbridges shall be fully explored in design stage. Early advice from maintenance / management parties and ACABAS shall be sought.	HyD	HyD (via Contractor)	LCSD for soft landscape / HyD for hard landscape

* Remarks: The arrangement of maintenance/management agencies is subject to agreement with corresponding departments/parties in accordance with DEVB TCW No. 6/2015.

11.10.3 The construction phase mitigation measures listed above shall be implemented as early as possible to minimise the landscape impacts in the construction stage. The operation phase mitigation measures listed above shall be adopted during the detailed design and be built as part of the construction works at the last stage of the construction period so that they are in place at the date of commissioning of the Project. However, it should be noted that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be appreciated after year 10 of the operation.

11.11 Residual Impact

Significance of Residual Landscape Impacts

11.11.1 The potential significance of the landscape impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is provided in Table 11.11. The assessment follows the proposed methodology and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 11.9 and Table 11.10 above would be implemented, and the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be realised after ten years.

Residual Impacts on LRs

11.11.2 The significance of residual landscape impacts after mitigation (Table 11.9 and Table 11.10 refers) on LR 4.1, LR 4.4, and LR 4.5 shall be slight to moderate during construction and at day 1. These landscape resources represent major public open space in the area. It is anticipated hoarding/screening of works and adequate management of construction works shall minimise impacts during works. Upon completion of works it is anticipated that LR 4.1 and LR 4.4 shall be reinstated to its former state. Approximately 418 nos. new light standard compensatory trees and 1 no. transplanted tree are proposed to be planted within LR 4.4 which will help add to the landscape quality. LR 4.5 shall be reprovisioned as a new open space area. The impact in year 10 is anticipated to reduce to slight to insubstantial.

11.11.3 LR 1 will experience slight to moderate impact with mitigation (Table 11.9 and Table 11.10 refers) during construction and at day 1. LR 1 is widespread across the works area and it is assumed areas affected by works shall be reinstated to it former condition and quality and the impact shall be reduced to insubstantial in year 10.

11.11.4 Residual impact for LR 2, LR 3, LR 4.2, LR 4.3, LR 4.6 and LR 5 will be insubstantial with mitigation during construction, at day 1 and in year 10. These areas are unaffected by the works.

Residual Impacts on LCAs

11.11.5 Under the Project, it is anticipated that there would be permanent change to LCA 1, LCA 5.1 and LCA 5.2. These include the permanent expansion of LCA 1, the reduction in LCA 5.2 to make way for LCA 1 and major works area overlap at the public open space of LCA 5.1. With mitigation measures in place (Table 11.9 and Table 11.10 refers), the significance impact during construction and at day 1 is considered slight to moderate for these LCAs. With the implementation of mitigation measure, it is anticipated the impacts reduced to slight to insubstantial in year 10.

11.11.6 It is predicted that there would be some permanent changes in to LCA 2.2 and LCA 4.1 and their significance residual impact during construction and at day 1 will be insubstantial to slight with the implementation of proposed mitigation measures including control of night-time lighting glare, erection of decorative screen hoarding, management of construction activities and facilities and reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (table 11.9 and 11.10 refers). It is predicted when the roadside amenity planting become mature during year 10 of the operation, the impact will reduce to insubstantial.

11.11.7 it is predicted that there would not be any discernible change in LCA 2.1, LCA 3.1, LCA 3.2, LCA 4.2, LCA 6, LCA 7 and LCA 8. Their residual impact during construction, at day 1 and in year 10 shall be insubstantial. These areas are unaffected by the works.

Summary on Recommendation in Individual Tree and Vegetation Survey

11.11.8 1064 nos. of trees are proposed to be retained. 1 no. of tree is proposed to be transplanted. 431 nos. of trees, including 13 nos. of undesired Leucaena leucocephala and 12 nos. of dead trees, are proposed to be felled

11.11.9 Due to the limited site areas within developed built-up road network areas, a total of 418 nos. of light standard trees is proposed to be planted at locations such as road side amenity areas, Tsuen Wan Park and other nearby districts to compensate for the tree loss and reinstate the greening and landscape character of the affected area. Compensatory planting at a ratio of 1:1 is provided in accordance with DEVB TCW No. 4/2020 – Tree Preservation. The recommendation is summarised in the table below:

No. of trees surveyed	No. of trees to be retained	No. of trees to be transplanted	No. of trees to be felled (including 13 nos. of undesired species)	No. of compensatory tree planting
1496	1064	1	431	418

The exact location of tree compensation and tree transplant is subject to further liaison with relevant maintenance departments under the design and construction stage of the Project.

11.11.10 Reference could be made to Greening Master Plan issued by CEDD and Street Tree Selection Guide promulgated by DEVB.

Table 11.11 Significance of Landscape Impacts during Construction and Operation Phases

ID No.	Landscape Resource / Character Areas	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Change (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance before Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Significance of Residual Impact (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation
										Day 1	Year 10
Landscape Resources
LR 1	Vegetation on Slope and Roadside Planting	medium	medium	intermediate	small	slight/ moderate	slight/ moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM2, OM3, OM5 and OM6	insubstantial/ slight	insubstantial/slight	insubstantial
LR 2	Vegetation within G/IC Site	low	low	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
LR 3	Waterbody in Rambler Channel	medium	medium	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
LR 4.1	Tsuen Wan Park	high	high	small	small	moderate	moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	slight/ moderate	slight/ moderate	insubstantial/ slight
LR 4.2	Tsuen Wan Promenade and Tsuen Wan Riviera Park	medium	medium	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
LR 4.3	Other Open Spaces in Tsuen Wan	medium	medium	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
LR 4.4	Kwai Chung Park	medium	medium	intermediate	intermediate	moderate	moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM1, OM3, OM5 and OM6	slight/ moderate	slight/ moderate	insubstantial/ slight
LR 4.5	Kwai Shun Street Playground	low	low	large	large	moderate	moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM4, OM5 and OM6	slight/ moderate	slight/ moderate	insubstantial/ slight
LR 4.6	Other Open Spaces in Kwai Tsing	medium	medium	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
LR 5	Landscape Areas in Residential Development in Tsuen Wan	medium	medium	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
Landscape Character Area
LCA 1	Transportation Corridor Landscape LCA	low	low	large	large	moderate	moderate	CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	slight /moderate	slight/ moderate	insubstantial/ slight
LCA 2.1	Tsuen Wan Industrial Urban Landscape LCA	low	low	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
LCA 2.2	Kwai Chung Industrial Urban Landscape LCA	low	low	intermediate	intermediate	Slight/ moderate	slight/ moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	insubstantial/ slight	insubstantial/slight	insubstantial
LCA 3.1	Tsuen Wan Residential Urban Landscape LCA	medium	medium	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
LCA 3.2	Kwai Chung Residential Urban Landscape LCA	medium	medium	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
LCA 4.1	Tsuen Wan Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape LCA	low	low	intermediate	intermediate	slight/ moderate	slight/ moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	insubstantial/ slight	insubstantial/slight	insubstantial
LCA 4.2	Kwai Chung Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape LCA	low	low	small	small	insubstantial/ slight	insubstantial/ slight	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
LCA 5.1	Tsuen Wan Park Urban Landscape LCA	high	high	small	small	moderate	moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	slight/ moderate	slight/ moderate	insubstantial/ slight
LCA 5.2	Kwai Chung Park Urban Landscape LCA	medium	medium	intermediate	intermediate	moderate	moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	slight/ moderate	slight/ moderate	insubstantial/ slight
LCA 6	Mixed Modern Comprehensive Urban Development Landscape LCA	medium	medium	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
LCA 7	Cemetery Landscape LCA	low	low	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
LCA 8	Strait Landscape LCA	medium	medium	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial

Significance of Residual Visual Impacts

11.11.11 The potential significance of the visual impacts on VSRs during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is provided in Table 11.12. The assessment followed the proposed methodology and assumed that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 11.10 and Table 11.11 above would be implemented, and the full effect of the visual mitigation measures should be realised after ten years.

11.11.12 Photomontages illustrating the potential visual impact during operation with and without mitigation measures from representative VPs due to the Project are shown in Figure 11.33, Figure 11.34, Figure 11.35, Figure 11.36, Figure 11.37, Figure 11.38, Figure 11.39, Figure 11.40 and Figure 11.41 and the potential visual impacts are assessed and summarised as below:

· Viewpoint VP01 at Ha Fa Shan Hiking Trail

11.11.13 As shown in the photomontage, the proposed works would be visible at a long viewing distance. Located at the centre of the view, the proposed extension works add compatibly to the existing urban context. Both skyline in the distant and greenery in the foreground are maintained. Some greenery is loss due to the extension of an elevated road. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Preservation of Existing Vegetation (CM1) and Visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures/highway structures (OM5, OM6), it is considered that the proposed elevated road works are visually compatible with the adjacent urban landscape and visual setting of the area.

· Viewpoint VP02 at Tsuen Wan Promenade

11.11.14 Proposed works involve mainly foreground at-grade areas at the location. The works would be visible at short viewing distance to pedestrian and vehicular users. A new elevated road at a distant will cause loss to some greenery and trees locally. The skyline in the area and greenery in the foreground shall remain unchanged. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Preservation of Existing Vegetation (CM1), Visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on highway structures (OM6) and Reinstatement of Temporarily Disturbed Landscape Areas (CM6), it is considered that the proposed road works are visually compatible with the adjacent urban landscape and visual setting of the area.

· Viewpoint VP03 along Tsuen Wan West Promenade

11.11.15 The extension of the elevated road would be visible at short viewing distance to pedestrian and vehicular users at this location. A new extension will cause loss to trees and greenery locally. The skyline in the area and greenery in the immediate foreground shall remain unchanged. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on highway structures (OM6) and Reinstatement of Temporarily Disturbed Landscape Areas (CM6), it is considered that the proposed road works are visually compatible with the adjacent urban landscape and visual setting of the area.

· Viewpoint VP04 Tsuen Wan Park

11.11.16 The proposed extension works are located at the southern edge of the existing TWR hence the completed proposed works would not be visible from the park. Mitigation measures at this location will mainly involve those of construction stage measures such as Control of Night-time Lighting Glare (CM3), Erection of Decorative Screen Hoarding (CM4) and Management of Construction Activities and Facilities (CM5) where necessary. The works shall not induce adverse visual impact from to this VP.

· Viewpoint VP05 along Texaco Road

11.11.17 Proposed works visible at the location include the extension of road and erection of noise enclosure. The works would be visible at short viewing distance to pedestrian and vehicular users. An extended road and associated structures will cause loss to some greenery and trees locally at-grade. The skyline from this view will be partially taken up by the newly proposed noise enclosure. Greenery and trees in the foreground shall remain unchanged. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Preservation of Existing Vegetation (CM1), Visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures/highway structures (OM5, OM6) and Reinstatement of Temporarily Disturbed Landscape Areas (CM6), it is considered that the proposed road works are visually compatible with the adjacent urban landscape and visual setting of the area.

· Viewpoint VP06 at Wing Kei Road Soccer Pitch

11.11.18 The extension of the elevated road would be visible at medium viewing distance to open space users from this location. The new road works shall cause no change to the skyline or greenery at the location. Mitigation measures at this location mainly involve those of construction stage measures such as Control of Night-time Lighting Glare (CM3), Erection of Decorative Screen Hoarding (CM4) and Management of Construction Activities and Facilities (CM5) where necessary. The works shall not induce adverse visual impact from to this VP.

· Viewpoint VP07 at Footbridge to Kwai Chung Park

11.11.19 As shown in the photomontage, the proposed extension works would be visible at short viewing distance to pedestrian on the footbridge. A large portion of the view will be occupied by the proposed extension works but remain compatible to the existing context as transport corridor. Greenery and tree loss shall be induced on the left side of the view due to expansion of the road into amenity/slope areas. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Reinstatement of Temporarily Disturbed Landscape Areas (CM6), Visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on highway structures (OM6) and Landscape Reinstatement and treatment of Slopes (OM2), it is considered that the proposed expanded elevated road to be visually compatible with the existing transport corridor character and visual setting of the area.

· Viewpoint VP08 at Kwai Shun Street Playground

11.11.20 The works would be visible at short viewing distance to pedestrian and open space users at this VP. The expanded elevated road and associated structures will cause immediate adjacent area, tree and landscape area loss to the existing Kwai Shun Street Playground. It is anticipated the open space and its associated facilities to be reprovisioned in situ upon completion of the road extension works. The skyline from this view shall be slightly changed as the proposed elevated structure will block partially the view. Through the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Preservation of Existing Vegetation (CM1), Reinstatement of Temporarily Disturbed Landscape Areas (CM6), Compensatory Planting for Loss of Existing Trees (OM1), and Visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on structures (OM6) and Re-provision of Affected Open Space (OM4), it is considered that the visual impact from the expanded roadworks are unavoidable but already minimized to an acceptable level by means of practical mitigation measures to optimise compatibility with the existing urban context and visual setting of the area.

· Viewpoint VP09 along Tsing Yi Promenade

11.11.21 The proposed works would be visible at a long viewing distance on the left side of the view across the waterbody. The visible works involve distant view of a portion of the new elevated road extension. The works is considered compatible to the existing urban context in its surrounding. The overall skyline and distant hillside shall remain unaffected. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Preservation of Existing Vegetation (CM1) and Visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on structures (OM5, OM6), it is considered that the proposed elevated road works are visually compatible with its adjacent urban landscape and visual setting of the area.

Residual Impacts on VSRs

11.11.22 There would be moderate to substantial residual visual impact during construction and at day 1 for VSR REC-7 which is at immediately adjacent to the works with views of the new structures at close range. It is predicted the residual impact for the REC-7 would reduce to moderate in year 10 of operation when the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be realised.

11.11.23 There would be moderate residual impact during construction and day 1 of operation for VSRs R-7, R-8, O-1, O-2, O-3, O-5, T-2, T-4 and T-5. These VSRs are generally at medium distant from the works with high sensitivity and would experience intermediate magnitude of change. It is predicted the residual impact on these VSRs would reduce to slight to insubstantial when the proposed landscape works become mature at year 10 of operation.

11.11.24 For VSRs R-4, REC-2, REC-5, GIC-1, GIC-2, GIC-3, GIC-6, T-1 and T-6, slight to moderate residual impact during construction and day 1 of operation is anticipated. These VSRs are generally medium to high in sensitivity and anticipated to undergo small to intermediate magnitude of change. It is predicted the residual impact on these VSRs would reduce to slight to insubstantial when the proposed landscape works reach maturity ay year 10 of operation.

11.11.25 For VSRs with generally low to medium sensitivity and anticipated for small to intermediate magnitude of change, i.e. VSRs R-2, R-3, REC-1 and O-4, their residual impact is considered to be insubstantial to slight during construction and at day 1 of operation. These VSRs are generally far from the works or that the works are mostly not visible from their location. At operation at year 10 it is anticipated their impact to reduce to insubstantial.

11.11.26 It is predicted that there would be insubstantial residual visual impact during construction and operation VSRs R-1, R-5, R-6, REC-3, REC-4, REC-6, GIC-4, GIC-5 and T-3. These VSRs are mostly low in sensitivity and are considered to undergo negligible to small magnitude of change. Glimpse views of the work or unchanged views are anticipated for these VSRs. Their residual visual impact is considered to remain insubstantial at year 10 of operation.

Table 11.12 Significance of Visual Impacts during Construction and Operation Phases

ID. No.	Key VSRs	Represent -ting VPs	Receptor Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Change (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance Threshold BEFORE Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance Threshold AFTER Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
										Construction	Operation
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation			Day 1	Year 10
R-1	Residential developments along Tsuen King Circuit	VP01	Low	Low	small	small	insubstantial/slight	insubstantial/slight	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
R-2	Residential developments along Hoi On Road	VP02	Medium	Medium	small	small	slight /moderate	slight /moderate	-	insubstantial/slight	insubstantial /slight	insubstantial
R-3	Residential developments near Tsuen Wan West Station	VP04	Medium	Medium	small	small	slight /moderate	slight /moderate	-	insubstantial/slight	insubstantial /slight	insubstantial
R-4	Residential developments near Tsuen Tsing Interchange	VP05	Medium	Medium	intermediate	intermediate	moderate	moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	slight /moderate	slight /moderate	insubstantial /slight
R-5	Residential developments along Tsing Yi Promenade	VP09	Low	Low	small	small	insubstantial/slight	insubstantial/slight	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
R-6	Residential developments along Kwai Shing Circuit	VP07	Low	Low	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
R-7	Residential developments near Lai King Station	-	High	High	intermediate	intermediate	moderate /substantial	moderate /substantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	moderate	moderate	insubstantial/slight
R-8	Residential developments along Wah Yiu Road	-	High	High	intermediate	intermediate	moderate /substantial	moderate /substantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	moderate	moderate	insubstantial/slight
REC-1	Tsuen Wan Park	VP04	Medium	Medium	small	small	slight /moderate	slight /moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	insubstantial/slight	insubstantial /slight	insubstantial
REC-2	Tsuen Wan Promenade	VP02	Medium	Medium	intermediate	intermediate	moderate	moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	slight /moderate	slight/ moderate	insubstantial/slight
REC-3	Tsing Yi Promenade	VP09	Low	Low	small	small	insubstantial/slight	insubstantial/slight	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
REC-4	Hikers at Ha Fa Shan	VP01	Low	Low	small	small	insubstantial/slight	insubstantial/slight	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
REC-5	Wing Kei Road 5-a-Side Soccer Pitch	VP06	Medium	Medium	intermediate	intermediate	moderate	moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	slight/ moderate	slight /moderate	insubstantial/slight
REC-6	Kwai Chung Park	VP07	Low	Low	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
REC-7	Kwai Shun Street Playground	VP08	High	High	large	large	substantial	substantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM4, OM5 and OM6	moderate /substantial	moderate /substantial	moderate
GIC-1	Workers of Tsuen Wan Saltwater Pumping Station	VP03	Medium	Medium	intermediate	intermediate	moderate	moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	slight /moderate	slight /moderate	insubstantial/slight
GIC-2	Workers of Tsuen Wan Sewage Pumping Station and Tsuen Wan South Electric Substation	VP05	Medium	Medium	intermediate	intermediate	moderate	moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	slight /moderate	slight /moderate	insubstantial/slight
GIC-3	Workers of Kwai Chung Industrial Wastewater Pumping Station	VP08	Medium	Medium	intermediate	intermediate	moderate	moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	slight /moderate	slight /moderate	insubstantial/slight
GIC-4	The Salvation Army Ng Kwok Wai Memorial Kindergarten	VP03	Medium	Medium	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
GIC-5	School along Kwai Shing Circuit	VP07	Low	Low	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
GIC-6	Schools along Lai King Hill Road	-	Medium	Medium	intermediate	intermediate	moderate	moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	slight /moderate	slight /moderate	insubstantial/slight
O-1	Workers in industrial or office buildings along Hoi Shing Road	VP02	High	High	intermediate	intermediate	moderate/ substantial	moderate/ substantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	moderate	moderate	insubstantial/slight
O-2	Workers in industrial or office buildings along Texaco Road	VP05	High	High	intermediate	intermediate	moderate/ substantial	moderate/ substantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	moderate	moderate	insubstantial/slight
O-3	Workers in industrial or office buildings along Wing Kei Road	VP06	High	High	intermediate	intermediate	moderate/ substantial	moderate/ substantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	moderate	moderate	insubstantial/slight
O-4	Workers in industrial or office buildings along Kwai Hei Road	VP07	Medium	Medium	small	small	slight/ moderate	slight/ moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	insubstantial/slight	insubstantial /slight	insubstantial
O-5	Workers in industrial or office buildings along Container Port Road	VP08	High	High	intermediate	intermediate	moderate/ substantial	moderate/ substantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	moderate	moderate	insubstantial/slight
T-1	Traveller along Tsuen Wan Road	VP07	High	High	small	small	moderate	moderate	CM4, CM6, OM5 and OM6	slight /moderate	slight /moderate	insubstantial/slight
T-2	Traveller along Hoi Hing Road and Hoi On Road	VP02	High	High	intermediate	intermediate	moderate/ substantial	moderate/ substantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	moderate	moderate	insubstantial/slight
T-3	Traveller at Nina Tower Bus Terminus	VP04	Low	Low	negligible	negligible	insubstantial	insubstantial	-	insubstantial	insubstantial	insubstantial
T-4	Traveller near Tsuen Tsing Interchange	VP05	High	High	intermediate	intermediate	moderate/ substantial	moderate/ substantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	moderate	moderate	insubstantial/slight
T-5	Traveller along Kwai Tsing Road and Hing Fong Road	VP08	High	High	intermediate	intermediate	moderate/ substantial	moderate/ substantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	moderate	moderate	insubstantial/slight
T-6	Traveller at Kwai Fong (South) Bus Terminus	VP08	Medium	Medium	intermediate	intermediate	moderate	moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM3, OM5 and OM6	slight /moderate	slight/ moderate	insubstantial/slight

11.12 Cumulative Impacts

11.12.1 The construction works of the Works will tentatively commence in 2028 for completion in 2033. According to Section 2, the following projects in the vicinity are likely to be constructed/operated concurrently with the Project:

· Improvement Works at Tsuen Tsing Interchange

· Flyover from Kwai Tsing Interchange Upramp to Kwai Chung Road

· Proposed Columbarium Building at Site No. 10 Tsing Tsuen Road

· Improvement Works at Tai Chung Road Interchange

11.13 Environmental Monitoring and Audit

11.13.1 The detailed landscape and engineering design of the Project shall be undertaken so as to ensure compliance with the landscape and visual mitigation measures described in Section 11.10.

11.13.2 A baseline review shall be undertaken at the commencement of the construction contracts to update the status of landscape resources, character areas and VSRs.

11.13.3 Implementation of the recommended mitigation measures would be regularly audited during construction phase. Details of environmental monitoring and audit (EM&A) requirement are discussed in the separate EM&A Manual.

11.14 Conclusion

11.14.1 The Project will inevitably result in some landscape and visual impacts during construction and operation phases. These impacts have been minimized through careful consideration of alternatives to minimize works areas within the existing road system, and incorporation of sensitive and aesthetic external designs of noise mitigation structures with minimum disturbance to the residence and travellers along the roads’ extent and appropriate landscape and visual treatments along the improved Tsuen Wan Road.

11.14.2 Under the individual tree survey, approximately 1,496 nos. of trees surveyed, approximate 431 nos. of existing trees including will be unavoidably affected by the Works, including 13 nos. of undesired Leucaena leucocephala and 12 nos. of dead trees. 1 no. of tree is proposed to be transplanted and 1064 nos. of trees are proposed to be retained.

11.14.3 Due to the limited site areas within developed built-up road network areas, 418 nos. light standard trees are proposed to be planted at locations such as road side amenity areas, Tsuen Wan Park and other nearby districts to compensate for the tree loss in accordance with the compensatory planting ratio of 1:1 stipulated under DEVB TCW No. 4/2020 – Tree Preservation and with reference to Greening Master Plan issued by CEDD and Street Tree Selection Guide promulgated by DEVB. The exact location of tree compensation and tree transplant is subject to further liaison with relevant maintenance departments under the design and construction stage of the Project.

11.14.4 With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, The significance of residual landscape impacts after mitigation on LR 4.1, LR 4.4, and LR 4.5 shall be slight to insubstantial at year 10 of operation; LR 1 will experience insubstantial residual landscape impact in year 10; and impact for LR 2, LR 3, LR 4.2, LR 4.3, LR 4.6 and LR 5 will be insubstantial with mitigation during construction, at day 1 and in year 10 as they are unaffected by the works.

11.14.5 Residual landscape impact to all LCAs shall be insubstantial in year 10 upon implementation proposed of mitigation measures.

11.14.6 With implementation of mitigation measure, the visual impact for VSR REC-7 would be moderate at year 10 of operation when the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be realised; for VSRs R-4, R-7, R-8, REC-2, REC-5, GIC-1, GIC-2, GIC-3, GIC-6, O-1, O-2, O-3, O-5, T-1, T-2, T-4, T-5 and T-6, it is predicted the residual impact to be slight to insubstantial at year 10 of operation; VSRs R-1, R-2, R-3, R-5, R-6, REC-1, REC-3, REC-4, REC-6, GIC-4, GIC-5, O-4 and T-3 will not be experiencing adverse visual impact at year 10 hence their residual visual impact shall be insubstantial.

11.14.7 In summary, it is considered that the residual landscape and visual impact to be acceptable with mitigation measures implemented during construction and operation phases.