Report

11.1.1.1 A review of the existing and planned development framework for the proposed sites and context has been conducted. Legislation, Standards, Guidelines and Criteria relevant to the consideration of landscape and visual sensitivity in this Working Paper include the following:

11.1.2 Legislation and Planning Standards

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap.499.S.16) and the EIAO-TM, particularly Annexes 3,10, 11, 18 and 20;

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Guidance Note 8/2010 Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment;

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap.131);

· Town Planning (Amendment) Ordinance, 2004;

· Country Parks Ordinance (Cap.208);

· The Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap.96) – prohibiting the felling, cutting, burning or destruction of trees, growing plants and forests on Government land;

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

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

11.1.3 Technical Circulars/ Guidelines

· Development Bureau Technical Circular (Works) (DEVB TCW) No. 7/2015 – Tree Preservation;

· LAO Practice Note No. 7/2007 - Tree Preservation and Tree Removal Application for Building Development in Private Projects;

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

· DEVB TCW No. 2/2012 – Allocation of Space for Quality Greening on Roads;

· DEVB, Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section (GLTM) – Guidelines on Tree Preservation during Development, April 2015;

· DEVB (GLTM) – Management Guidelines for Mature Trees, December 2014;

· DEVB (GLTM) – Guidelines on Tree Transplanting, September 2014;

· Environment, Transport and Works Bureau Technical Circular (Works) (ETWB TCW) No. 29/2004 – Registration of Old and Valuable Trees, and Guidelines for their Preservation;

· Environmental Protection Department (EPD) Professional Persons Environmental Consultative Committee (ProPECC) PN 1/94 – Construction Site Drainage;

· EPD and Highways Department (HyD) – Guidelines on Design of Noise Barriers, January 2003; and

· Drainage Services Department (DSD) PN No.1/2015 – Guidelines on Environmental and Ecological Considerations for River Channel Design.

11.1.4 Existing Statutory and Departmental Plans

11.1.4.1 The following statutory plans and departmental plans fall within the 500m Assessment Area.

· The northern part of the Draft Tai Ho Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) No. S/I-TH/1;

· The eastern part of the Approved Tung Chung Extension Area OZP No. S/I-TCE/2;

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

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

11.2 Assessment Methodology

11.2.1 General

11.2.1.1 The methodology for the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) has been written in accordance with the EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2012 and follows the requirements as stipulated in the EIA Study Brief. The assessment criteria, analytical techniques and procedures adopted are described in this section.

11.2.1.2 Landscape and visual impacts are separately assessed although they are fundamentally linked by the analysis of landscape effects derived from the landscape baseline. The landscape assessment studies and evaluates the source and magnitude of predicted effects on the existing Landscape Resources (LRs) and Landscape Character Areas (LCAs). The visual impact assessment studies and evaluates the cause and magnitude of predicted effects induced from the Project, on existing views of Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) within the context of the subject site.

11.2.1.3 Landscape and visual impacts are assessed for the construction and operational phases of the Project and evaluate the scheme with and without the implementation of mitigation measures. Residual impacts, if any, are also identified and evaluated.

11.2.1.4 In order to illustrate these landscape and visual impacts, including the effectiveness of the potential mitigation measures, photomontages at representative viewpoints are prepared to illustrate the following:

· Existing Baseline Condition;

· Development without Mitigation (Day 1 of Operational Phase);

· Development with Mitigation (Day 1 of Operational Phase); and

· Development with Mitigation (Year 10 of Operational Phase).

11.2.1.5 Representative viewpoints have been selected which provide a typical view from these areas for VSRs in accordance with EIAO guidelines. As further details emerge on the landscape and urban design, it may be necessary to review viewpoint locations to adapt to the design progression.

11.2.2 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

11.2.2.1 A review of the existing planning and development framework for the proposed subject site and its context is conducted in order to:

· Identify issues/ conflicts in relation to the proposed development;

· Identify the potential resources and sensitive receivers;

· Identify any synergies with the proposed works and the surroundings.

11.2.2.2 The Assessment Area of the Project is covered under the eastern part of the Approved Tung Chung Extension Area OZP No. S/I-TCE/2, Draft Tai Ho OZP No. S/I-TH/1, Siu Ho Wan LP No. L/I-SHW/1A and North-East Lantau Outline Development Plan No. D/I – NEL/1 which will be reviewed in this assessment.

11.2.3 Landscape Impact Assessment Methodology

11.2.3.1 The Assessment Area for landscape impact assessment is defined in accordance with EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010, the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO-TM), particularly Annexes 10 (Criteria for Evaluating Visual and Landscape Impact, and Impact on Sites of Cultural Heritage) and 18 (Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment) and includes all areas within 500m from the Project. A baseline study covering LRs and LCAs has been conducted for the Project.

11.2.4 Identification of the Baseline LRs and LCAs

11.2.4.1 The landscape baseline study identifies all LRs and LCAs located within 500m Assessment Area by site visits and desktop study of topographical maps, information databases and photographs. Aerial photos are shown in Figure 11.2. Types of LR are mapped based on the area of their existing and major physical landscape elements and characteristics.

11.2.4.2 The Assessment Area has been divided into broad units of similar character based on a process of landscape characterisation which draws on the information gathered in the desktop study and site surveys. In addition, the Planning Department Technical Reports ^{[11-1], [11-2]} are also considered. Typical elements which contribute to the landscape character include:

· Local topography;

· Extent and type of vegetation (including woodland, shrubland, grassland, fresh water marshes, mangroves and so on);

· Built form (including scale and appearance);

· Patterns of settlement;

· Wildness;

· Land use;

· Scenic spots;

· Prominent watercourses; and

· Cultural and religious features

11.2.4.3 Details of the identified LRs and LCAs are presented and summarised in Table 11.5.1 and 11.5.2.

11.2.5 Broad Brush Tree Survey

11.2.5.1 The tree survey findings have made reference to the Broad Brush Tree Survey presented under ‘Railway EIA’^[11-3].

11.2.5.2 A broad brush tree survey has also been carried out for the proposed works outside the Subject Site for the proposed development e.g. the sewerage connection to SHWSTW, the western access via Tai Ho Interchange, and the eastern connection access along SSK Drive to review the numbers of existing tree groups, dominant species, diameter at breast height (DBH), health condition and any plant species of conservation interest (including Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs), Potentially Registrable OVT (POVT) and rare/ protected species). Section 11.4.2.2 has outlined the findings.

11.2.6 Sensitivity of LRs and LCAs

11.2.6.1 A qualitative description of LRs and LCAs has been provided and their extent quantified either by area or length. The sensitivity of the LCAs and LRs are evaluated and rated taking into account the following criteria:

· quality of landscape characters/ resources;

· importance and rarity of special landscape elements;

· ability of the landscape to accommodate change;

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

· maturity of the landscape.

11.2.6.2 The sensitivity ratings are classified as below:

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

11.2.7 Identification of Potential Sources of Impact

11.2.7.1 There are various construction works elements and operational procedures that have the potential to generate landscape impacts. Any potential sources of impact related to the Project will be identified.

11.2.8 Magnitude of Change to LRs and LCAs

11.2.8.1 The assessment of “Magnitude of Change” for landscape impacts considers the following criteria:

· compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape,

· duration of impacts under construction and operation phases,

· scale of development, and

· reversibility of change.

11.2.8.2 The magnitude of change is considered separately for the construction phase and operational phase; the ratings are classified as below:

Large:	LR or LCA will suffer a major change.
Intermediate:	LR or LCA will suffer a moderate change.
Small:	LR or LCA will suffer a barely perceptible change.
Negligible:	LR or LCA will suffer no discernible change.

11.2.9 Impact Significance in relation to LRs and LCAs

11.2.9.1 The assessment of the “Impact Significance Threshold before Mitigation” for landscape impacts is considered during the construction and operational phases (Day 1 and Year 10) by synthesizing the “Sensitivity” and “Magnitude of Change” for various LRs and LCAs according to Table 11.2.1. The degree of significance has been divided into four thresholds identified below:

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

Table 11.2.1 Relationship between sensitivity of LR/ LCA and magnitude of change in defining impact significance

		Receptor Sensitivity (of LR/ LCA)
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
	Small	Slight	Slight/ Moderate	Moderate
	Intermediate	Slight/Moderate	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial
	Large	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial	Substantial

11.2.10 Identification of Potential Landscape Mitigation Measures

11.2.10.1 Potential mitigation measures, alternative design, and/or alignment, and/ or construction methodologies that will make the Project more compatible with its landscape setting will be identified. Alternative design, and/ or alignment, and/ or construction methodologies that will avoid or reduce landscape impacts are considered before adopting other mitigation measures. Design considerations / options that have been explored before arriving to the proposed development scheme had been discussed at Section 2.4 whilst Section 11.8 has discussed how the proposed development scheme are compatible with its local context.

11.2.10.2 Mitigation measures are considered for both construction and operational phases to prevent or minimise unavoidable adverse impacts and/ or generate beneficial long-term impacts. To ensure their effectiveness throughout the construction and operational phases, the agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation measures have been identified.

11.2.11 Residual Landscape Impact Assessment Methodology

11.2.11.1 This part of the assessment describes any unavoidable residual adverse landscape impacts to LRs and LCAs. Residual impacts are those which remain after commissioning of the development (operation Day 1 & Year 10) with mitigation measures implemented.

11.2.11.2 The level of impact is derived from the magnitude of change which the Project will cause to the LR or LCA taking into account its ability to tolerate change and effectiveness of mitigation measures.

11.2.12 Visual Impact Assessment Methodology

11.2.12.1 The Assessment Area for visual impact assessment is defined in accordance with EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010, the EIAO-TM, particularly Annexes 10 (Criteria for Evaluating Visual and Landscape Impact, and Impact on Sites of Cultural Heritage) and 18 (Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment). It includes the areas within the Visual Envelope (VE) that could potentially see the Project, and defines the limit of its visibility.

11.2.13 Identification and Plotting of the Visual Envelope (VE)

11.2.13.1 The Assessment Area is defined by the VE which includes all the points from which the scheme proposals may be visible, comprising the viewshed formed by natural/ manmade features such as ridgelines, built form or areas of woodland/ large trees. This area is identified through a combination of detailed field surveys, desktop study and review of aerial photography.

11.2.13.2 To ensure a comprehensive understanding of the visual setting and to demonstrate the potential impacts of the development from varying distances and scales, representative VSRs have been selected which cover the following VSR levels:

Strategic	This refers to a point in the landscape which provides a large scale overview of the site incorporating the adjacent districts within the wider landscape setting such as from very tall buildings, high ground and mountain peaks.
District	This refers to a point where a medium scale view covering the site and the immediate setting or district is possible such as from medium scale buildings or low hillsides.
Local	This refers to a point where a small scale view of part of the site is possible such as from the local streetscape or low rise buildings in the vicinity.

11.2.14 Sensitivity of VSRs

11.2.14.1 VSRs within the VE during the construction and operational phases of the development are identified. Views from these points are recorded, described and the sensitivity assessed.

11.2.14.2 The assessment of sensitivity is based on the quality and extent of the existing view. The factors affecting the sensitivity of receivers for evaluation of visual impacts include the following:

· Value and quality of existing views;

· Availability and amenity of alternative views;

· Type and estimated number of receiver population;

· Duration or frequency of view; and

· Degree of visibility.

11.2.14.3 The VSRs and their sensitivity can be broadly categorised as follows:

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

11.2.14.4 The duration of the impact during construction and operation is determined based on the following:

Construction:	Construction work will be visible throughout the whole construction period.

Operation:
Temporary [Short]	Elements of the project that will be open to the view for a short period of time but is likely disappear at an early stage in the operational phase with minimal intervention or mitigation, for example, further growth of existing tree screening.
Temporary [Medium]	Elements of the project that will be open to views initially for a medium duration but will eventually disappear once visual mitigation such as tree planting has established.
Permanent	Views of the project that will remain permanently open to the view.

11.2.15 Prediction of Visual Impact Based on Field of View

11.2.15.1 The visual impact of a development can be quantified by reference to the degree of influence on a person’s field of vision referencing the typical parameters of human vision based on anthropometric data. These data provide a basis for assessing and interpreting the impact of a development by comparing the extent to which the development would intrude into the centre field of vision (both vertically and horizontally, refer to Appendix 11.1).

11.2.16 Identification of Potential Sources of Visual Impact

11.2.16.1 There are various elements of the construction works and operational procedures that could generate visual impacts. They will create varying levels of visual impact due to factors such as visual obstruction, degradation of the quality of existing views and incompatibility with the surrounding landscape setting.

11.2.17 Magnitude of Change to VSRs

11.2.17.1 Magnitude of change to an existing view can be determined by a number of interrelated factors, including:

· Visual compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape;

· duration of impacts under construction and operation phases;

· scale of development;

· reversibility of change;

· viewing distance; and

· potential obstruction of view.

11.2.17.2 The magnitude of changes at different stages of the construction and operational phases are considered separately, with ratings set out below:

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

11.2.18 Impact Significance in relation to VSRs

11.2.18.1 The impact significance to VSRs deals with the prediction of “Impact Significance Threshold before Mitigation” for visual impacts through combining the “Sensitivity to Change” and “Magnitude of Change” for various VSRs according to Table 11.2.2 below.

11.2.18.2 The degree of significance is divided into four thresholds:

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

Table 11.2.2 Relationship between sensitivity of VSRs and magnitude of change in defining impact significance

		Receptor Sensitivity (of VSR)
		Low	Medium	High
Magnitude of Change	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
	Small	Slight	Slight/ Moderate	Moderate
	Intermediate	Slight/ Moderate	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial
	Large	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial	Substantial

11.2.19 Identification of Potential Visual Mitigation Measures

11.2.19.1 Identification of potential mitigation measures, alternative design configurations, design and construction methodologies that will make the project visually more compatible with its landscape setting are examined before adopting other mitigation measures. Mitigation measures are considered for both construction and operational phases to prevent or minimise unavoidable adverse impacts and/ or generate beneficial long-term impacts.

11.2.20 Residual Visual Impacts Assessment Methodology

11.2.20.1 This part of the assessment indicates the influence to VSRs after applying mitigation measures, assuming that all proposed measures would be fully implemented. Residual impacts are those impacts which remain after commissioning of the development (operation Day 1 & Year 10) with mitigation measures implemented.

11.2.20.2 The level of impact is derived from the magnitude of change which the Project will cause to the existing view and its ability to tolerate change, i.e. the quality and sensitivity of the view taking into account the beneficial effects of the proposed mitigation.

11.2.21 Overall result of the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

11.2.21.1 An overall assessment is made on the development based on the identified landscape and visual impacts as follows:

Table 11.2.3 Residual impact assessment methodology

Overall Result of LVIA Assessment	Description
Beneficial	The impact is beneficial if the project will complement the landscape and visual character of its setting, will follow the relevant planning objectives and will improve overall and visual quality
Acceptable	The impact is acceptable if the assessment indicates that there will be no significant effects on the landscape, no significant visual effects caused by the appearance of the project, or no interference with key views
Acceptable with mitigation measures	The impact is acceptable with mitigation measures if there will be some adverse effects, but these can be eliminated, reduced or offset to a large extent by specific measures
Unacceptable	The impact is unacceptable if the adverse effects are considered too excessive and are unable to mitigate practically
Undetermined	The impact is undetermined if significant adverse effects are likely, but the extent to which they may occur or may be mitigated cannot be determined from the study. Further detailed study will be required for the specific effects in question

11.3 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

11.3.1.1 A review of relevant statutory and departmental plans has been undertaken to identify areas of high landscape value, open space, amenity area, conservation area, green belt designations and existing and planned visually sensitive receivers.

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

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

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

11.3.2 Tentative Development Key Parameters

11.3.2.1 The proposed development scheme comprises 108 residential towers of 15 to 22 residential storeys (with maximum building heights ranging from about +86mPD to +106mPD) situated on a terraced podium over the reprovisioned SHD. The proposed development would provide about 14,000 residential units for population of approximately 37,800 persons.

11.3.2.2 The 108 residential towers will be erected upon a terraced podium with platforms at +20.1 mPD and +26.5 mPD. Three schools will also be provided on the podium deck level (+26.5 mPD). Commercial /retail of about 30,000 m² GFA, kindergarten, PTI, access road, car parking, SHO concourse and private recreational facilities (club houses) and utility plant rooms will also be incorporated within the podium, subject to detailed design.

11.3.2.3 The Project will be implemented by 4 phases based on the progress of SHD replanning works. Subject to Government approval processes and detailed design, population intake is anticipated to begin in Year 2026 and the final phase of population intake is targeted by Year 2038.

11.3.2.4 Table 11.3.1 sets out the tentative development key parameters at this stage.

Table 11.3.1 Tentative development key parameters

Development Component	Key Parameters
Residential	14,000 flats (37,800 population)
Commercial/ Retail	30,000 sqm
School	3 nos. of 30 classrooms
Kindergarten	4 nos. of 6 classrooms

11.3.3 Additional Sewage Rising Mains and Road Improvement Works

11.3.3.1 The upgrading of the sewerage networks with installation of new sewage pumping station (SPS), eastern connection access on Sham Shui Kok Drive and western access via Tai Ho Interchange are also accessed in this EIA. According to the latest design, the sewage generated by the Project will be conveyed to SHWSTW. A new SPS with additional utilities connecting to SHWSTW will be required for sewage delivery and it will be located within the eastern portion of the Subject Site.

11.3.3.2 The eastern connection access on Sham Shui Kok Drive is an at-grade road of about 1000m while the western access via Tai Ho Interchange is a short viaduct of approximately 50m long. The road improvement work involved is not of large scale, and would generally involve the following construction activities:

· Break up of road surface;

· Excavation of soil material;

· Laying of new sewers;

· Steel fixing and concreting of manholes;

· Laying of bedding material;

· Backfilling and soil compaction; and

· Reinstatement of road surface.

11.4 Landscape Baseline Study

11.4.1 Recognised Sites of Conservation Importance

11.4.1.1 A number of sites of recognised conservation importance were identified within the 500m Assessment Area (refer to Figure 11.2), including:

· Tai Ho Priority Site;

· The Brothers Marine Park (BMP);

· Country Park (North Lantau (Extension) Country Park);

· Tai Ho Stream "Site of Special Scientific Interest" (SSSI); and

· Coastal Protection Area (CPA) within Tai Ho Wan.

11.4.1.2 Tai Ho Priority Site is one of 12 sites for enhanced conservation under New Nature Conservation Policy. It consists of a natural stream with several tributaries running from upland to lowland estuary. The site comprises four major habitat types, namely natural stream, mangrove stand / mudflat, agricultural land and woodland. The natural stream is a medium-sized natural stream running from upland to estuary without any fragmentation. The stream is impossible to be recreated. Moderate diversity of freshwater fish (53 species as of 2004) and amphibians (10 species as of 2004) including the endemic Romer’s Tree Frog were recorded. (See Section 9 – Ecology Impact Assessment for more details).

11.4.1.3 The Brothers Marine Park covers an area of about 970 hectares, with its boundary based on scientific records which confirm the waters around The Brothers as one of the important habitat for Chinese White Dolphin.

11.4.1.4 North Lantau (Extension) Country Park consists mountainous and upland valleys covered with natural woodland and unspoiled stream courses, which provide a scenic backdrop to the urban development at North Lantau. The well-established areas of secondary woodlands, shrubland, grassland and fresh water habitats are of high conservation and landscape value.

11.4.1.5 Tai Ho Stream SSSI was designated as a "Site of Special Scientific Interest" (SSSI), with a total area of 5 ha. It is rated as a good freshwater stream in Hong Kong as it is one of the few lowland streams that have not yet been affected by river channelisation work.

11.4.1.6 Coastal Protection Area (CPA) within Tai Ho Wan is a portion of the coastline in Tai Ho Wan, which is zoned as CPA according to the Draft Tai Ho OZP No. S/I-TH/1. This zone is intended to conserve, protect and retain the natural coastlines and the sensitive coastal natural environment.

11.4.2 Broad Brush Tree Survey

Within Subject Site

11.4.2.1 As mentioned in Section 11.2.5.1, a broad brush tree survey has been carried out within existing SHD to identify dominant tree species, maturity, rarity and any plant species of conservation interest, etc. It is estimated that approximately 510 nos. of trees were found within existing SHD. The dominant tree species include Archontophoenix alexandrae, Bauhinia blakeana, Ficus virens, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Livistona chinensis and Phoenix roebelenii. They are generally of semi-mature to mature size, with DBH varies from size 95mm to 500mm, 1.5m to 12m height and 1m to 10m spread. There is no OVT and tree of specific conservation interest identified within the Subject Site. All tree species surveyed are common in Hong Kong.

Proposed Works outside Subject Site

11.4.2.2 A broad brush tree survey has been carried out along the alignment of the proposed utilities, western access via Tai Ho Interchange and eastern connection on Sham Shui Kok Drive where about 91 nos. of trees were located. The dominant tree species include Acacia confusa, Bombax ceiba, Ficus microcarpa, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Leucaena leucocephala and Macaranga tanarius, which are all common species. The DBH varies from 110mm to 250 mm and their health condition range from fair to poor. None of these trees are OVT and tree of specific conservation interest.

11.5 Identification of Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas

11.5.1 Identified Landscape Resources

11.5.1.1 Besides the recognized sites of conservation importance, there are also important LRs with known landscape value in the area. The highest value and most sensitive LRs generally occur within the upland areas of the Study Area. Complex LRs can be classified into different major categories, as follow:

· LR1 – Secondary Woodland

· LR2 – Hillside Shrubland and Grassland

· LR3 – Coastal Waters

· LR4 – Transitional Waters

· LR5 – Rocky Shore

· LR6 – Sandy Shore

· LR7 – Natural Watercourse

· LR8 – Channelised Watercourse/ Ditch

· LR9 – Plantation

· LR10 – Existing Siu Ho Wan Depot with Amenity Planting

· LR11 – Roads & Urban Infrastructures with Amenity Planting

· LR12 – Urbanised Development

· LR13 – Artificial Seawall

11.5.2 Sensitivity of LRs

11.5.2.1 Landscape resources affected by the Project within 500m of the subject site and associated infrastructure have been identified and mapped using a combination of aerial photography followed by on site verification. Each component affecting the sensitivity of the LR will be reviewed in relation to:

· Quality of landscape character/ resources;

· Importance and rarity of special landscape elements;

· Ability of the landscape to accommodate change;

· Significance of the change in local and regional context; and

· Maturity of the landscape.

11.5.2.2 Physical landscape resources are the natural components of the landscape and include geology, topography, soils, vegetation and hydrological features. Each resource possesses a varying sensitivity to development. Therefore, the 500m Assessment Area incorporates a diversity of LRs of greatly varying extents and sensitivities.

11.5.2.3 The highest value and most sensitive LRs generally occur within the upland areas of the assessment area. These comprise secondary woodland, hillside shrublands & grasslands, natural streams and transitional waters which have not been overly disturbed by human activities or development. These resources are highly abundant and protected by steep and inaccessible terrain provided by the local hillsides.

11.5.2.4 The LRs associated with human development are considered to have medium or lower landscape value and sensitivity due to their previously disturbed and man-made nature. These LRs include coastal waters, artificial shoreline, plantation, urbanised development and roads & urban infrastructures across the Project Site.

11.5.2.5 The sensitivity of LR is assessed in Table 11.5.1 with detailed descriptions. The extent of these resources is presented in Figure 11.4.

Table 11.5.1 Identified LRs and their sensitivity

ID Code	Landscape Resource (Area)	Quality (High/ Medium/ Low)	Rarity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Importance (Local/ Regional/ National/ Global)	Ability to Accommodate Change (Low/ Medium/ High)	Maturity (Low/ Medium/ High)	Sensitivity (Low/Medium/High)
LR1	Secondary Woodland (20.2 ha.)	High	High	Local	Low	Medium	High
Description: The LR refers to the clusters of secondary woodland found on the foothills near Tai Ho Wan and Siu Ho Wan, it is mostly scattered over the slopes. Some extents of the LR lie within the boundary of Lantau North (Extension) Country Park and are broken up by shrubland and grassland. Common tree and shrub species include Litsea gltinosa, Bridelia tomentosa, and Celtis sinensis. No species of conservation importance was recorded within this LR. The quality and value of these natural landscape resources is considered as ‘High’. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘High’.
LR2	Hillside Shrubland & Grassland (105.1 ha.)	High	High	Local	Low	Medium	High
Description: The LR refers to the patches of shrubland and grassland on the hillsides near Tai Ho Wan and Siu Ho Wan and extend down the steep slopes of the surrounding mountains. The extents of the LR are broken up by bare rocks and secondary woodland. Three floral species of conservation importance were found within this LR during the survey, including Arundina graminifolia, Diospyros vacciniodes and Nepethes mirabilis. In addition, common species include Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Baeckea frutescens, Miscanthus spp, and Dicranopteris pedata combined with grassland. The landscape quality and rarity is considered as ‘High’, the overall sensitivity is considered as ‘High’.
LR3	Coastal Waters (167.2 ha.)	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	N/A	Medium
Description: The LR refers to the seawater (excluding transitional waters) within in the vicinity. This LR covers a large proportion of the Assessment Area, therefore the rarity is considered to be ‘Medium’. Since there are reclamation works nearby (i.e. HKBCF), therefore the landscape quality and value is considered to be medium. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Medium’.
LR4	Transitional Waters (5.4 ha.)	High	High	Local	Low	N/A	High
Description: The LR refers to the waters to the south of North Lantau Highway in Tai Ho Wan, where a mixture of freshwater and marine waters exist, it is localized to the natural coastal and estuary which provide quality landscape amenity and supporting adjacent coastal habitat. As the coast is located near to the Tai Ho Stream Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and ecologically sensitive, it has a ‘low’ capacity to accept change. The landscape quality and value is considered to be high. The overall sensitivity is ‘High’.
LR5	Rocky Shore (0.2 ha.)	High	High	Local	Low	N/A	High
Description: The LR refers to small stretches of rocky shore located at Tai Ho Wan. Plant species including some mangrove and backshore vegetation (including Aegiceras corniculatum, Clerodendrum inerme, Scaevola taccada and Pandanus tectorius) colonised in the rocky crevices and along the shore. As the coast is located near the Tai Ho Stream Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and ecologically sensitive, the landscape quality and value is considered to be high. The overall sensitivity is ‘High’.
LR6	Sandy Shore (0.1 ha.)	High	High	Local	Low	N/A	High
Description: The LR refers to the small area of sandy shores which located at Sham Shui Kok. While the LR was void of vegetation, this LR is an important contributor to landscape character of the coastal area. Therefore, the landscape quality and value is considered to be high. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘High’.
LR7	Natural Watercourse (2640 m.)	High	High	Local	Low	N/A	High
Description: This LR refers to natural watercourses within the assessment area, the streams originate from the Country Park feeding the larger streams which then enter Tai Ho Wan. Given the naturalness and relative vulnerability of the LR it is considered to have a ‘Low’ capacity to accept change. The landscape quality and value is considered to be high. The overall sensitivity is also ‘High’.
LR8	Channelised Watercourse/ Ditch (1640 m.)	Low	Low	Local	High	N/A	Low
Description: This LR refers to the artificial water channel/ ditch within the assessment, it is located along the southern boundary of the SHWWTW. Given the naturalness and relative vulnerability of the LR it is considered to have a ‘High’ capacity to accept change. The landscape quality and value is considered to be low. The overall sensitivity is also ‘Low’.
LR9	Plantation (16.3 ha.)	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium	Medium
Description: The LR refers to the amenity tree/ vegetation planting which found within urbanised area, such as engineering slopes and pedestrian/ roadside planters. Exotic species commonly found in the canopy included Acacia confusa, Acacia mangium, Eucalyptus spp., Lophostemon conferta, Aporosa dioica, Sterculia lanceolata, Daphniphyllum calycinum, Psychotria asiatica, Blechnum orientale. An individual of plant of conservation importance, Cibotium barometz, was recorded at the ravine under this LR. There are no Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs) or Potentially Registrable Old and Valuable Trees (POVTs) within this LR. The landscape value and quality is considered to be medium. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Medium’.
LR10	Existing Siu Ho Wan Depot with Amenity Planting (30.1 ha.)	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium	Medium
Description: This LR covers trees and shrubs planting within the Siu Ho Wan Depot (SHD). Trees and shrubs are found at the periphery and some isolated planter beds in the Depot. Trees planted within SHD are all common species, including Acacia confusa, Bauhinia blakeana, Ficus virens, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Livistona chinensis. There are no OVTs, endangered and protected species identified within this resource. Most of the trees are semi-mature to mature size. It is a common landscape resource. The quality of the existing vegetation is considered to be medium. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Medium’.
LR11	Roads & Urban Infrastructures with Amenity Planting (38.6 ha.)	Medium	Medium	Local	High	Medium	Medium
Description: This LR covers roadside tree and shrub within the amenity planting areas, embankments at both sides the North Lantau Expressway. Plantings found are all common species, including Acacia confusa, Acacia auriculiformis, Bombax ceiba, Macaranga tanarius, Nerium oleander, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Leucaena leucocephala. Most of the trees are semi-mature to mature size. It is a common landscape resource. The landscape quality and value is considered to be medium. The overall sensitivity is also ‘Medium’.
LR12	Urbanised Development (40.7 ha.)	Low	Low	Local	High	N/A	Low
Description: The LR refers to the urbanised areas of Siu Ho Wan area including the SHWWTW, SHWSTW, etc. Given the man-made nature of this LR, the quality and value is considered to be low. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Low’.
LR13	Artificial Seawall (5.1 ha)	Medium	Low	Local	High	N/A	Low
Description: The LR refers to the artificial coastline along reclaimed land of SHW, it is a rubble mound revetment constructed with pedestrian and vehicular parapet along footpath/ road interfaces. Given the man-made nature, the quality and value is considered to be medium. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Low’.

11.5.3 Summary of LRs and their Sensitivity

11.5.3.1 LRs of high sensitivity are generally natural elements with little human intervention, such as LR1 ‘Secondary Woodland’ and LR2 ‘Hillside Shrubland & Grassland’.

11.5.3.2 LRs associated with natural water bodies within Tai Ho Priority Site such as LR4 ‘Transitional Waters’, LR5 ‘Rocky Shore’, LR6 ‘ Sandy Shore’ and LR7 ‘Natural Watercourse’ are often considered higher value resources and have high sensitivity.

11.5.3.3 LRs of medium sensitivity are considered less valuable and common resources, such as LR9 ‘Plantation’, LR10 ‘Existing Siu Ho Wan Depot with Amenity Planting’ and LR11 ‘Roads & Urban Infrastructures with Amenity Planting’. In addition, due to the nearby reclamation works, LR3 ‘Coastal Waters’ is considered to be medium value resource and hence in a medium sensitivity.

11.5.3.4 LRs of low sensitivity are LR8 ‘Channelised Watercourse/ Ditch’, LR12 ‘Urbanised Development’ and LR13 ‘Artificial Sea Wall’. They are with low sensitivity for their artificial nature and lower landscape significance.

11.5.4 Sensitivity of LCAs

11.5.4.1 The landscape character of the 500m assessment area has been influenced by many different types and scales of human development set within a dramatic natural landscape of mountains, urban development landscape and coastal areas; this has formed a series of LCAs of varying landscape value and development sensitivity.

11.5.4.2 The sensitivity of LCA is assessed in Table 11.5.2. The extents of these LCAs are presented in Figure 11.6.

Table 11.5.2 Identified LCAs and their sensitivity

ID Code	Landscape Character Area (Area)	Quality (High/ Medium/ Low)	Rarity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Importance (Local/ Regional/ National/ Global)	Ability to Accommodate Change (Low/ Medium/ High)	Maturity (Low/ Medium/ High)	Sensitivity (Low/Medium/High)
LCA1	Upland Hillside Landscape (102 ha.)	High	High	Local	Low	High	High
Description: The LCA refers to densely vegetation area on the slopes of the mountains which forms the backdrop to Siu Ho Wan. Part of this area falls within the Lantau North (Extension) Country Park. It also refers to undeveloped upland hillside landscape surrounding the assessment area generally above 40mPD. The natural terrain comprises mainly shrubland/ grassland with some strips of secondary woodland and rocky outcrops. As a result of the natural unaltered terrain, the capacity to accept change is ‘Low’. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘High’.
LCA2	Coastal Upland and Hillside Landscape (26 ha.)	High	High	Local	Low	High	High
Description: The LCA refers to the natural hillsides and valleys in Siu Ho Wan at Lantau North. These landscapes lie above 40mPD and are generally characterized by high levels of topographic relief. The landscape is characterised by a very low density of built development and largely covered by vegetation. Due to its strong natural characteristics, the ability to accommodate changes is considered to be low. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘High’.
LCA3	Inshore Water Landscape (172 ha.)	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	N/A	Medium
Description: The LCA refers to the waterscape which located to the north and west of SHD. The coastal interface is predominantly constructed in artificial stone revetment. Seascape is open to the north towards Tuen Mun. The LCA has historically been encroached upon through phases of reclamation to form the NLH, AEL, Tung Chung waterfront and HKIA; it is therefore considered that the LR has a medium capacity to accept change. The LCA is very common; its rarity is therefore ‘Medium’. Seascape is a contributor to landscape character, the landscape value and quality is considered to be ‘Medium’. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Medium’.
LCA4	Industrial Urban Landscape (40 ha.)	Medium	Low	Local	High	N/A	Low
Description: The LCA refers to the utilities/ infrastructure area in Siu Ho Wan, including SHWSTW, Siu Ho Wan Government Maintenance Depot, Discovery Bay Tunnel Administration Building and New Lantau Bus Company Siu Ho Wan Depot. As this landscape has been heavily developed, it is considered to have a high capacity to accept change. The landscape contains some mature planting and formalised landscape spaces which provide some landscape amenity, in this case the landscape value and quality is ‘Medium’. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Low’.
LCA5	Transportation Corridor Landscape (84 ha.)	Low	Low	Local	High	N/A	Low
Description: The LCA refers to the transport corridor approaching the reclaimed land of Siu Ho Wan from the east containing the SHD, NLH, TCL/AEL and Tung Chung Road. The NLH comprises a 6-lane highway delineated with concrete barriers and boundary fencing. The corridor is entirely built on top of reclaimed landscape. Vegetation cover is restricted to narrow verges with grass, hedge and small tree planting. As a result of the man-made nature of the LCA, it is considered to have a high capacity to accept change. Infrastructure routes are not considered to be rare therefore the rating is ‘Low’. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Low’.

11.5.5 Summary of LCAs and their Sensitivity

11.5.5.1 LCA1 ‘Upland Hillside Landscape’ and LCA2 ‘Coastal Upland and Hillside Landscape’ are the natural components with high sensitivity within the assessment area.

11.5.5.2 LCA3 ‘Inshore Water Landscape’ is a landscape character that is common and has been influenced through phases of reclamation works nearby. Therefore, it is of medium sensitivity.

11.5.5.3 The remaining LCAs including LCA4 ‘Industrial Urban Landscape’ and LCA5 ‘Transportation Corridor Landscape’, which are regarded as artificial development landscape, are of low sensitivity.

11.6 Visual Baseline Study

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

11.6.2 Visual Baseline Conditions

11.6.2.1 The VE is embraced by the ridgeline of Lantau Island to the south and the ridgelines of Castle Peak and Tai Tam in Tuen Mun area to the north. The proposed development and its associated facilities are likely to generate potential impacts on the existing views, such as views from the waterfront of future Tung Chung New Town Extension, HKIA & Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF) Islands, and south coastal area of Tuen Mun, views along the North Lantau Highway, views from designated hiking trails in Lantau North (Extension) Country Park and Tai Lam Country Park, and also views from other existing built forms within the VE.

11.6.2.2 The assessment area and its visual setting is characterised by the landscape of natural hillside, mountains and coastal areas. The southern extent of the assessment area is dominated by the hilly ranges and their associated ridgeline. Tai Che Tung (+302mPD) and Lo Fu Tau (+465mPD) together provide a mountain backdrop to the Project for viewers north of the Subject Site. Designated hiking trails including Olympic Hiking Trail and Lo Fu Tau Country Trail, villages in Tai Ho and Tai Ho Wan are also located within the southern extent of the assessment area (see Figure 11.8). At a strategic level, these hillside uplands provide the major vantage points over the Subject Site, the views encompass extensive areas of natural resources and geographic features, such as mountain landscape setting, hillside woodland and offshore seascape. At the same time, the ridgeline and vegetation of these mountains enhance the visual experience of the viewers and provide alternative visual resources and amenities to viewers for their enjoyment.

11.6.3 Identification of Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

11.6.3.1 The potential VSRs include residents of nearby residential buildings and dwellings in Tung Chung Town and Tai Ho Wan, future users of G/IC and waterfront open space/ promenade at TCNTE TCE Development, travelers and recreational users along the Tuen Mun south coast; travelers along North Lantau Highway, future workers and drivers in HKBCF Island; workers in Siu Ho Wan (SHW) Government Maintenance Depot, recreational users of public footpaths and trails within the Lantau North (Extension) Country Park, Tai Lam Country Park, Tung Chung Valley and coastal promenades along the south beach of Tuen Mun area.

11.6.3.2 Table 11.6.1 below presents the types of VSRs identified within the visual envelope. The location of each VSR is presented on Figure 11.8.

Table 11.6.1 Type of VSRs

ID Code	Location	VSRs	Type of VSRs (Residential/ Recreational/ Occupational/ Transportation)
VSR 1	Tung Chung New Town Extension Tung Chung East Development (TCNTE TCE Development)	Future users of waterfront open space/ promenade at TCNTE TCE Development	Recreational
VSR 2	Waterfront near Tung Chung Area 55	Future recreational users of open space	Recreational
VSR 3	Pak Mong Village	Villagers of Pak Mong Village;	Residential
VSR 4	Hong Kong Olympic Trail	Hikers along Hong Kong Olympic Trail	Recreational
VSR 5	Lo Fu Tau Country Trail	Hikers along Lo Fu Tau Country Trail	Recreational
VSR 6	Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF)	Future visitors at HKBCF	Recreational
VSR 7	Tai O - Tuen Mun Ferry	Passengers of the Tai O – Tuen Mun Ferry	Transportation
VSR 8	North Lantau Highway	Passengers and drivers of vehicles along the trunk road	Transportation
VSR 9	Siu Ho Wan (SHW) Government Maintenance Depot	Workers of SHW Government Maintenance Depot	Occupational
VSR10	Along Tuen Mun Road and Castle Peak Road	Passengers and drivers of vehicles along the trunk road and passengers waiting at the Tuen Mun Road Bus-Bus Interchange	Transportation
VSR11	Tai Lam Country Park	Hikers of Tai Lam Country Park	Recreational
VSR12a	Tuen Mun South Coast	Residents at Tuen Mun South Coast	Residential
VSR12b	Tuen Mun South Coast	Users of Tuen Mun Promenade	Recreational
VSR13	Cheung Tung Road	Passengers and drivers of vehicles along the trunk road	Transportation

11.6.4 Sensitivity of VSRs

11.6.4.1 Amongst the VSRs, the most sensitive views are those which currently experience a direct and broad connection with the wider undeveloped landscape setting, in particular those overlooking south towards the Lantau North (Extension) Country Park.

11.6.4.2 The assessment of sensitivity is based on the quality and extent of the existing view. The factors affecting the sensitivity of receivers for evaluation of visual impacts include the following:

· Value and quality of existing views;

· Availability and amenity of alternative views;

· Type and estimated number of receiver population;

· Duration or frequency of view, and

· Degree of visibility.

11.6.4.3 The description & sensitivity of VSRs is assessed in Table 11.6.2.

Table 11.6.2 Description & sensitivity of VSRs

VSR Code / Location	Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Type of VSR (Residential / Recreational / Occupational / Transportation)	Approx. Closest Viewing Distance to Proposed Development Site (m)	No. of VSRs (Few, Medium, Many)	Quality of View (Good, Fair, Poor)	Availability of Alternative View (Yes, No)	Degree of Visibility (Glimpse, Partial, Full)	Duration of View (Short, Medium, Long)	Frequency of View (Rare, Occasional, Frequent)	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)
VSR Code / Location	Description of Existing View, Particularly toward the proposed development site
VSR1/ Tung Chung New Town Extension Tung Chung East Development (TCNTE TCE Development)	Future users of waterfront open space/ promenade at TCNTE TCE Development	Recreational	1470	Medium	Good	Yes	Partial	Medium	Occasional	Medium
	This VSR is located at the open space area for recreational purpose within the eastern extent of the TCNTE (under planning). The existing view towards the Proposed Development is characterised by the open sea, rocky shore and viaduct structures (under construction) of Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link (TM – CLK). The foothills of Lantau North (Extension) Country Park form the background to this view. The VSR represents future recreational users of waterfront open space / promenade of TCNTE TCE Development, who will engage in recreational activities and also have an alternative view across the sea. This VSR has a medium duration of the view. Given the above, the overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Medium’.
VSR2/ Waterfront near Tung Chung Area 55	Future recreational users of open space	Recreational	2825	Medium	Fair	Yes	Partial	Medium	Occasional	Medium
VSR2/ Waterfront near Tung Chung Area 55	This VSR is located at the waterfront areas that will be developed as open spaces near Tung Chung Area 55. The existing view towards the Proposed Development is characterised by public housing in Area 55 (under construction), Road L5 (under construction), temporary structures within the construction site and vegetation cover along the waterfront. The foothills of Lantau North (Extension) Country Park form the background. The future developments at TCNTE TCE would largely intercept the views to the Proposed Development. The VSR represents the users of the future open space, which will be moderately sensitive to any changes in the viewing experience. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Medium’.
VSR3/ Pak Mong Village	Villagers of Pak Mong Village	Residential	1130	Few	Good	Yes	Partial	Long	Frequent	Medium
VSR3/ Pak Mong Village	This VSR is located at the Entrance of Pak Mong Village near Tai Ho Wan. The existing view to the Proposed Development is characterised by the water body and vegetation of Tai Ho Wan in the foreground and the vegetated foothills in the background. This VSR represents mainly residents of Pak Mong and villages further south (which, according to the 2011 census, only had a population of about 150 people when take into account the nearby village). Given the surrounding topography, the views of villagers at Pak Mong towards the Proposed Development are limited as it will be visible at the village entrance. The residents of villages further south would only have limited views toward the proposed development when they pass by the entrance of Pak Mong village. Given the above, the overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Medium’.
VSR4/ Hong Kong Olympic Trail	Hikers along Hong Kong Olympic Trail	Recreational	1930	Few	Good	Yes	Glimpse	Short	Occasional	Low
VSR4/ Hong Kong Olympic Trail	This VSR is located at the Hong Kong Olympic Trail, which is located to the south of Pak Mong with limited view to the Proposed Development. This VSR is elevated at about +100mPD and about 1.9km from the closest site boundary. The existing view is characterized by vegetated foothills of Lo Fu Tau, which would largely intercept the views to the Proposed Development. Tai Ho Wan and a part of NLH can be seen in the far distance. This VSR represents the hikers engage in recreational activities along the trail, which will have a short duration of view at this location. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Low’.
VSR5/ Lo Fu Tau Country Trail	Hikers along Lo Fu Tau Country Trail	Recreational	1525	Few	Good	Yes	Partial	Short	Occasional	Low
VSR5/ Lo Fu Tau Country Trail	This VSR is located at the Lo Fu Tau Country Trail within the Lantau North (Extension) Country Park, which is the closest hiking trail to the Proposed Development. This VSR is elevated at +465mPD next to the Lookout Point, and is about 1.5km from the closest site boundary. The existing view towards the Proposed Development is characterised by vegetated foothills in the foreground and open sea in the background, but with limited views of the north shore of Lantau. This VSR represents the hikers engage in recreational activities and generally transient in nature, which will have a short duration of view. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Low’.
VSR6/ Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF)	Future visitors at HKBCF	Recreational	2390	Medium	Good	Yes	Full	Medium	Occasional	Medium
VSR6/ Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF)	This VSR is located on the HKBCF island which is still under construction. The existing view towards the Proposed Project is characterised by the open sea and existing built forms along the NLH. The foothills of Lantau North (Extension) Country Park form the background to this view. This VSR represents future visitors to the HKBCF and its potential Topside Development. Users of the HKBCF will take the existing view as a secondary view and experience a medium duration of view as the buildings of HKBCF and the potential topside development will be in their foreground and would form their primary view. Given the above, the overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Medium’.
VSR7/ Tai O - Tuen Mun Ferry	Passengers of the Tai O – Tuen Mun Ferry	Transportation	1825	Few	Good	Yes	Full	Short	Rare	Low
VSR7/ Tai O - Tuen Mun Ferry	This VSR is located along the sailing line of Tai O – Tuen Mun Ferry, which will have a frontal view of the Proposed Development at nearly 3km from the closest site boundary. The existing view is characterised by the open sea in the foreground and a mountain backdrop. This VSR represents the passengers travelling on the ferry, who are transient receivers with short duration of the view to the Proposed Development. They will also have an alternative view towards Tuen Mun across the sea. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Low’.
VSR8/ North Lantau Highway	Passengers and drivers of vehicles along the trunk road	Transportation	275	Medium	Fair	Yes	Full	Short	Rare	Low
VSR8/ North Lantau Highway	This VSR is located at NLH that in the north shore of Lantau. The existing view towards the Proposed Development is characterised by the transport infrastructure and their amenities, including but not limited to light poles, fencing, amenity planting and railway masts. This VSR represents passengers and drivers of vehicles travelling along NLH in a high speed (110 km / hour). Given the above, although these transient receivers will have a full view to the Proposed Development as they pass by, the proposed development may only generate slight noticeable effect inside the view. Thus, the overall sensitivity is rated as ‘Low’.
VSR9/ SHW Government Maintenance Depot	Workers of the SHW Government Maintenance Depot	Occupational	120	Few	Fair	Yes	Partial	Short	Rare	Low
VSR9/ SHW Government Maintenance Depot	This VSR is located at the building entrance of the SHW Government Maintenance Depot south of NLH, Cheung Tung Road and the Proposed Development. This VSR is selected to represent the occupational receivers working at the low-rise utilitarian premises (e.g. SHW Government Maintenance Depot, SHWSTW, SHWWTW and Discovery Bay Tunnel Administration Building, etc.) south of NLH given it is the closest to the Proposed Development. Given the utilitarian nature, there are few workers within the vicinity and they generally have a view set back from the adjacent roads / no outward view. The VSRs therefore have a short duration of the view. The existing view towards the Proposed Development is intercepted by the roadside planting. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Low’.
VSR10/ Along Tuen Mun Road and Castle Peak Road	Passengers and drivers of vehicles along the trunk road and passengers waiting at the Tuen Mun Road Bus-Bus Interchange	Transportation	5870	Medium	Good	Yes	Full	Short	Rare	Low
VSR10/ Along Tuen Mun Road and Castle Peak Road	This VSR is located at Tuen Mun Road and Castle Peak Road, which is about 5.8km from the closest site boundary. The existing view towards the Proposed Development is characterised by traffic roads, vegetation of modified slopes and the open sea. The foothills of Lantau North (Extension) Country Park and HKBCF island form the background to this view. This VSR represents passengers waiting at Tuen Mun Road Bus-Bus Interchange, passengers and drivers of vehicles along the trunk road, which will experience a very quick view with a low frequency. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Low’.
VSR11/ Tai Lam Country Park	Hikers of Tai Lam Country Park	Recreational	8315	Few	Good	Yes	Partial	Short	Occasional	Low
VSR11/ Tai Lam Country Park	This VSR is located along the Tuen Mun Trail (Section 2) in the Tai Lam Country Park, which is about 8.3km from the closest site boundary and has a distant view to the Proposed Development. The existing view towards the Proposed Development is dominated by urban development of Tuen Mun and upland hillsides of Tai Lam Country Park in the foreground whilst the mountains of Lantau Island and the open sea form the backdrop. From this VSR, the Proposed Development is small in scale when compared to other visual elements. This VSR represents the hikers of the Tai Lam Country Park, who will engage in recreational activities and are transient in nature. They will experience a short duration of view. The overall sensitivity is therefore considered as ‘Low’.
VSR12a/ Tuen Mun South Coast	Residents at Tuen Mun South Coast	Residential	7100	Many	Good	Yes	Full	Long	Frequent	High
VSR12a/ Tuen Mun South Coast	This VSR is located at the podium of the Ocean Walk at Tuen Mun South Coast, which is nearly 7km from the Proposed Development. The existing view to the Proposed Development is characterised by the amenity planting, open sea and passing boats. The sky and topography of Lantau North (Extension) Country Park forms the background to this view. This VSR represents the residents from the nearby residential development at Tuen Mun South Coast, who will have a long duration of view but in a far viewing distance. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘High’.
VSR12b/ Tuen Mun South Coast	Users of Tuen Mun Promenade;	Recreational	6955	Medium	Good	Yes	Full	Medium	Occasional	Medium
VSR12b/ Tuen Mun South Coast	This VSR is located at Tuen Mun Promenade, which is nearly 7km from the Proposed Development. The existing view to the Proposed Development is characterised by the open sea and passing boats. The topography of Lantau North (Extension) Country Park forms the background to this view. This VSR represents the users of the promenade for recreational purposes, who will have a medium duration of view. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Medium’.
VSR13/ Cheung Tung Road	Passengers and drivers of vehicles along the Cheung Tung Road	Transportation	50	Few	Fair	Yes	Full	Short	Rare	Low
VSR13/ Cheung Tung Road	This VSR is located at Cheung Tung Road next to the North Lantau Highway, which is in a close distance to the Siu Ho Wan Depot. The existing view to the Proposed Development is characterised by transport infrastructures like light poles and fences, high-speed passing vehicles and roadside plantation. This VSR represents passengers and drivers of vehicles along the Cheung Tung Road. With a high speed passing this traffic road, those users will have a glimpse of the Proposed Development and short duration of view. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Low’.

11.7 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment before Mitigation

11.7.1 Aims of Review

11.7.1.1 A review of the existing and planned development framework for the proposed development and context has been conducted to:

· Assist with identification of existing landscape resources and potentially sensitive receivers;

· Highlight potential issues for neighbouring planned land uses;

· Optimise the compatibility of the development with the surrounding land uses.

11.7.2 Sources of Landscape and Visual Impacts

11.7.2.1 The landscape and visual impact assessment has been carried out taking into consideration the baseline LRs, LCAs and VSRs described in Section 11.4, 11.5 and 11.6. During the construction stage, potential landscape and visual impacts will generally result from the following:

· Phase 1 to 4 superstructure works; as well as the construction of SPS are likely to generate negative landscape and visual impacts due to the appearance of construction activities and loss of vegetation cover.

· Storage of construction equipment and mechanical plant would generate negative visual impact as a result of these operations intruding into existing views.

· Construction of the associated facilities, such as additional utilities and road widening works, the earthwork and breaking out hard surface are likely to generate negative intruding into existing views.

· Temporary structures within the Project Site including site offices, boundary fencing/ hoarding and parking areas would generate negative visual impact due to generally low aesthetical value of these types of structures.

· Visual intrusion from the night-time lighting of the construction site.

11.7.2.2 During the operational phase, potential impacts will result from the following:

· Operation of the proposed development such as the new appearance of new building structures and noise canopies would generate negative visual impacts due to the potential obstruction of existing views, visibility of new structures.

· Residual impacts from loss of trees and vegetation during the construction phase would generate negative landscape impacts.

11.7.3 Noise Mitigation Proposal

11.7.3.1 Refer to the noise assessment in Section 4, current recommended noise mitigation consists of structures including sections of noise canopy and acoustic windows etc., in order to comply with relevant noise criteria. It is anticipated that the proposed noise canopies may generate potential visual intrusion to the surrounding sensitive receivers.

11.7.3.2 A total of about 1.1km 15m-wide section of noise canopy has been proposed along the southern edge of the podium at +23mPD at strategic locations for shielding of rail noise, with due considerations given to the smoke extraction in case of fire from the reprovisioned SHD. It is expected that VSRs in a close distance will have a view to the structures. Thus, potential visual impact by these noise canopies will be reviewed and assessed in the following assessment.

11.7.3.3 This being said, as discussed in Section 4, the future developers, in subsequent project implementation stage, may wish to explore alternative approaches including alternative layout, to address noise issues.

11.7.4 Prediction of Visual Impact during Interim Phase

11.7.4.1 According to the EIA Report for Railway EIA, temporary 12m high and approximately 500m long noise barrier, 150m long and 7m wide noise canopy and 30m long and 15m wide noise canopy along the podium edge of Phase 1 area is required to mitigate the noise impacts caused by the operation of existing SHD (refer to Section 2.4.2). It is anticipated that the proposed temporary noise barrier and canopies would generate visual blockage and visual intrusion to the Phase 1 residential developments in the interim stage, especially for those in the lower floors.

11.7.4.2 The visual impact of these temporary noise barriers and canopies will need to be mitigated by appropriate detailed design, including suitable transparent material, appropriate colour selection of panels and supporting structures, or provision of planting of trees, shrubs and/ or climbers camouflage to the barriers, as well as incorporate resistance to the effects of ultra-violet light on the plastic panels. Guidelines on Design of Noise Barriers by HyD and EPD in 2003 shall be referenced.

11.7.4.3 With the implementation of the recommended mitigation measure, it is anticipated that the residual visual effects during interim phase can be alleviated to an acceptable level for those visual receptors.

11.7.5 Magnitude of Change to LRs and LCAs

11.7.5.1 The magnitude of change on LRs and LCAs are presented in Tables 11.7.1 and 11.7.2 below.

Table 11.7.1 Magnitude of change on LRs

LR Code	Name	Approx. Area of LR within Project Site	^[3]Physical extent of the impact (Small/ Medium/ Large)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Good/ Fair/ Poor)		Duration of Impact (Temporary / Permanent)		Reversibility of Change (Reversible/ Irreversible)		Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
LR Code	Name	Approx. Area of LR within Project Site		CON^[1]	OP^[2]	CON	OP	CON	OP	CON	OP
LR1	Secondary Woodland (20.2 ha)	N/A^[4]	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR1	LR falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.
LR2	Hillside Shrubland & Grassland (105.1 ha)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR2	LR falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.
LR3	Coastal Waters (167.2 ha)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR3	LR falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.
LR4	Transitional Waters (5.4 ha)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR4	LR falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.
LR5	Rocky Shore (0.2 ha)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR5	No rocky shore will be located within the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.
LR6	Sandy Shore (0.1 ha)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR6	No sandy shore will be located within the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.
LR7	Natural Watercourse (2640 m)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR7	LR falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.
LR8	Channelised Watercourse/ Ditch (1640 m)	500m	Large	Poor	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Intermediate	Negligible
LR8	It is anticipated that the works involved for the additional Utilities connecting to SHWSTW would involve breaking out hard surface and earthworks near this LR, these works would induce temporary and reversible landscape impact to the channelised watercourse/ ditch along the southern boundary of the SHWWTW. Therefore, the compatibility is considered to be poor in construction phase. The excavated area will be reinstated after the construction. Thus, the magnitude of change is considered as ‘Intermediate’ during construction and ‘Negligible’ in operational stage.
LR9	Plantation (16.3 ha)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR9	No trees or vegetation will be affected by the Project and therefore the Project will have no impact on it in general.
LR10	Existing Siu Ho Wan Depot with Amenity Planting (30.1 ha)	30.1 ha	Large	Poor	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Large	Large
LR10	The amenity planting (about 510 common trees) will be cleared by the SHO and SHD Replanning Works Project before handing over for construction of the proposed topside development. For the area of the proposed SPS, only one existing common tree may be affected by the construction works of sewage pumping station. Taking into account the trees affected by the SHO and SHD Replanning Works and the SPS, the magnitude of change is considered as ‘Large’ during both construction and operational stage.
LR11	Roads & Urban Infrastructures with Amenity Planting (38.6 ha)	1.2 ha	Small	Fair	Good	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Small	Small
LR11	During construction phase, potential landscape impacts to the LR would be arisen from the proposed road improvement works (Western access via Tai Ho Interchange and eastern connection access to Sham Shui Kok Drive), which would be induce temporary and reversible. However, it is anticipated that above 5 trees within the extent of SSK Drive may be affected. The excavated area will be reinstated after the construction. Therefore, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Small’ during both construction and operational stage.
LR12	Urbanised Development (40.7 ha)	0.23 ha	Small	Fair	Good	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Small	Negligible
LR12	Similar to the discussion in LR8, the construction of utilities would induce temporary and reversible landscape impact to this LR, the magnitude of change is considered as ‘Small’ during construction and ‘Negligible’ in operational stage.
LR13	Artificial Sea Wall (5.1 ha)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR13	This area is located outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.

Table 11.7.2 Magnitude of change on LCAs

LCA Code	Name	Approx. Area of LCA within Project Site	^[3]Physical extent of the impact (Small/ Medium/ Large)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Good/ Fair/ Poor)		Duration of Impact (Temporary / Permanent)		Reversibility of Change (Reversible/ Irreversible)		Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
LCA Code	Name	Approx. Area of LCA within Project Site		CON^[1]	OP^[2]	CON	OP	CON	OP	CON	OP
LCA1	Upland Hillside Landscape Area (102 ha)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA1	LCA falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.
LCA2	Coastal Upland and Hillside Landscape (26 ha)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA2	LCA falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.
LCA3	Inshore Water Landscape (172 ha)	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA3	LCA falls outside the subject site and associated works. The Project will have no impact on it in general.
LCA4	Industrial Urban Landscape (40 ha)	0.3 ha	Small	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Small	Negligible
LCA4	The utilities would be mainly constructed by trenchless construction method, no landscape elements will be affected by the additional sewage works with this LCA. Given to its relatively small works extent, there will be no significant changes on this LCA after the construction, the changes during construction is considered to be reversible. Therefore, the magnitude of change is rated as ‘Small’ in construction stage; and ‘Negligible’ in operational stage.
LCA5	Transportation Corridor Landscape (84 ha)	30.3 ha	Large	Poor	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
LCA5	The Proposed Development will lead to an irreversible change to this LCA. During the construction phase, the construction works at existing SHD will lead to a large change of landscape character due to the extensive works areas which cover majority of this LCA. During operational phase, there would still be large magnitude of change as the significant change of landscape character from transportation to comprehensive development. Therefore, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Large’ during both construction and operational stage.

Note: [1] CON – Construction Stage

[2] OP – Operation Stage

[3] Large physical extent of impact - >20% of total LR/ LCA area within 500m assessment area

Medium physical extent of impact - 5 to 20 % of total LR/ LCA area within 500m assessment area

Small physical extent of impact - <5 % of total LR/ LCA area within 500m assessment area

[4] N/A – As the footprint Project will not lie on the LR/ LCA, the related LR/ LCA will not be affected.

11.7.6 Impact on Existing Trees

11.7.6.1 There will be no site clearance work for the superstructure works for Phase 1 to 4 developments. However, the site clearance works will be conducted under the SHO and SHD Replanning Works Project. Impacts on existing trees have been reviewed and assessed in their EIA report ^[11-3]. Only one existing tree which is of a common species with a poor health condition may be affected by the SPS, depending on the future design layout.

11.7.6.2 As discussed in Section 2.7.1.6, the utilities crossing NLH would be mainly constructed by trenchless construction method. Therefore, the works for the utilities will not affect any existing tree groups along Cheung Tung Road. For the western access via Tai Ho Interchange, no trees will be affected by the development as the access is an elevated road bridge, which is unlikely to affect the existing tree groups on ground level.

11.7.6.3 For the eastern connection access on Sham Shui Kok Drive, approximate 30 trees are identified and these trees are common species with fair to poor health condition. About 5 trees may be affected by the potential road widening works.

11.7.6.4 A detailed tree survey will be carried out for the Tree Removal Application (TRA) process which will be conducted at the later project implementation stage. Further landscape treatments on tree (retained, transplanted or felled and compensation) shall be recommended in the TRA.

11.7.7 Significance of Landscape Impact before Mitigation

11.7.7.1 The potential significance of landscape impacts during the construction and operational phases, before mitigation, is provided in Tables 11.7.3 and 11.7.4 below. The assessment follows the methodology proposed in Section 11.2.10 and the matrix provided in Table 11.2.3.

Table 11.7.3 Significance of impacts on LRs before mitigation

LR Code	Name	LR Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)		Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
LR Code	Name	LR Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Con^[1]	Op^[2]	Con	Op
LR1	Secondary Woodland	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR2	Hillside Shrubland & Grassland	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR3	Coastal Waters	Medium	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR4	Transitional Waters	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR5	Rocky Shore	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR6	Sandy Shore	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR7	Natural Watercourse	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR8	Channelised Watercourse/ Ditch	Low	Intermediate	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant
LR9	Plantation	Medium	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR10	Existing Siu Ho Wan Depot with Amenity Planting	Medium	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate
LR11	Roads & Urban Infrastructures with Amenity Planting	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
LR12	Urbanised Development	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
LR13	Artificial Seawall	Low	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Note: [1] CON – Construction Stage

[2] OP – Operation Stage

11.7.8 Significance of Impacts on LRs before Mitigation

11.7.8.1 In summary for LRs, LR8 ‘Channelised Watercourse/ Ditch’ is rated with ‘Low’ sensitivity for its artificial nature and lower landscape significance. The construction of utilities adjacent to the channelized watercourse would induce temporary and reversible landscape impact to the channelised watercourse/ ditch of the SHWWTW. Therefore, the magnitude of change of LR8 ‘Channelised Watercourse/ Ditch’ is considered as ‘Intermediate’ during construction. According to Table 11.2.1, the significance of landscape impact is derived from its sensitivity and magnitude of change, therefore this LR is predicted to experience moderate adverse impacts during construction stage.

11.7.8.2 For LR 10 ‘Existing Siu Ho Wan Depot with Amenity Planting ‘and LR11 ‘Roads & Urban Infrastructures with Amenity Planting’, the sensitivity is considered to be ‘Medium’. Taking into account the trees affected by the SHO and SHD Replanning Works and the SPS, the magnitude of change to LR10 is considered to be ‘Large’ during construction phase. For LR11, about 5 existing common trees within the extent of proposed works may be affected by the construction works, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Small’ during construction. As a result, LR10 and LR11, respectively, are predicted to experience moderate and slight adverse impacts during construction phase without mitigation.

11.7.8.3 Given the man-made nature of LR12 ‘Urbanised Development’, the overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Low’. Only minor construction works for utilities, temporary breaking of road surface will be reinstated, thus the magnitude of change is considered as ‘Small’ during construction. Therefore, this LR is predicted to experience slight adverse impacts during construction stage.

11.7.8.4 The remaining LRs will experience insignificant impacts, as the LRs will not be affected by the Project.

Table 11.7.4 Significance of impacts on LCAs before mitigation

LCA Code	Name	LCA Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible		Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
LCA Code	Name	LCA Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Con^[1]	Op^[2]	Con	Op
LCA1	Upland and Hillside Landscape	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA2	Coastal Upland and Hillside Landscape	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA3	Inshore Water Landscape	Medium	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA4	Industrial Urban Landscape	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
LCA5	Transportation Corridor Landscape	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate

Note: [1] CON – Construction Stage

[2] OP – Operation Stage

11.7.9 Significance of Impacts on LCAs before Mitigation

11.7.9.1 In summary for LCAs, LCA5 ‘Transportation Corridor Landscape’ is considered as ‘Low’ sensitivity due to the man-made nature. The proposed development will change the existing landscape character from transportation to comprehensive development, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Large’ during construction and operational phase. Therefore, based on Table 11.2.1, the significance of landscape impact is derived from its sensitivity and magnitude of change, this LCA will experience moderate adverse impacts during construction and operational phase.

11.7.9.2 Similar as above, LCA4 ‘Industrial Urban Landscape’ is considered as ‘Low’ sensitivity due to the artificial development landscape. Given the relatively small physical extent of impact, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Small’ during construction phase. As a result, this LCA will experience slight adverse impacts during construction and insignificant impact during operational stage.

11.7.9.3 The remaining LCAs will not have significant impacts caused by the development.

11.7.10 Magnitude of Change to VSRs

11.7.10.1 The potential sources of visual impact due to the Project are described in Section 11.7.2. The magnitude of visual change depends on a number of factors as outlined in the methodology of visual assessment, and with considering of the potential sources of visual impact above.

11.7.10.2 The magnitude of change on VSRs is presented in Tables 11.7.5 below.

Table 11.7.5 Magnitude of change on VSRs

VSR Code	Name	Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Nil)	Approx. Closest Viewing Distance to Project (m)	Scale of Development in the View (Large/ Medium/ Small)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Good/ Fair/ Poor)		Duration of Impact (Temporary / Permanent)		Reversibility of Change (Reversible/ Irreversible)		Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
	Name	Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Nil)	Approx. Closest Viewing Distance to Project (m)	Scale of Development in the View (Large/ Medium/ Small)	CON	OP	CON	OP	CON	OP	CON	OP
	Description of impacts during Construction and Operation
VSR 1	Tung Chung New Town Extension Tung Chung East Development (TCNTE TCE Development)	Partial	1470	Medium	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR 1	The view from this VSR is dominated by the water body of open sea, working boats and viaduct structures (under construction) of Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link (TM-CLK Link) in the foreground. The sky and foothills of Lantau North (Extension) Country Park, together with its ridgeline, form the background to this view. The Proposed Development is located about 1.4km from TCNTE TCE Development and partly shielded by the viaducts of the TM-CLK Link. Due to a far viewing distance and partly intercepted, a medium scale of residential buildings of the Proposed Development would be visible (As shown in Figure 11.11a). The construction works including the erection of high-rise buildings and structures would be partly visible during construction due to the blockage of viaducts of TM-CLK Link. In operation, the appearance of new urban development would be noticed. However, the Proposed Development will also be partly blocked by the viaduct structures when completed. In addition, only a small portion of the foothills will be blocked by the Proposed Development, and the ridgeline in the background will still be noticeable. Thus, the compatibility of the development is considered to be fair during both construction and operation. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be ‘Intermediate’.
VSR 2	Waterfront near Tung Chung Area 55	Nil	2825	Negligible	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 2	The view from this VSR is dominated by the high-rise public housing in Area 55 (under construction), Road L5 (under construction), temporary structures within the construction site, and vegetation cover along the waterfront. The Proposed Development is located nearly 2.8km from this VSR and largely shielded by the future high rise developments (up to +140 mPD) in TCNTE TCE Development (As shown in Figure 11.9b), the extent of the Proposed Development would not be visible. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be ‘Negligible’.
VSR 3	Pak Mong Village	Partial	1130	Medium	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR 3	The view from VSR is dominated by the water body of Tai Ho Wan and nearby vegetation in the foreground, and the viaducts of the TM-CLK Link in the background. The sky and vegetated foothills of Lantau North (Extension) Country Park, together with its ridgeline, also form part of the visual background. The Proposed Development is located nearly 1.2km from Pak Mong Village and the view to the Proposed Development is partly intercepted by the viaduct structures of the TM-CLK Link. A medium scale of high-rise buildings of the Proposed Development is predicted to be visible (As shown in Figure 11.11c). The construction works including the erection of high-rise buildings would be partly visible during construction due to the blockage of viaducts of TM-CLK Link and vegetation at ground. In operation, the appearance of new urban development would be noticed. However, the Proposed Development will also be partly shielded by the viaducts and vegetation when completed. In addition, a small portion of the sky, foothills and its ridgeline in the background will be blocked by the Proposed Development, and it will not obstruct the view to the water body of Tai Ho Wan. Thus, the compatibility of the development is considered to be fair during both construction and operation. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be ‘Intermediate’.
VSR 4	Hong Kong Olympic Trail	Partial	1930	Small	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
VSR 4	The view from this VSR is largely dominated by the dense vegetation and foothills of Lo Fu Tau in the foreground. The water body of Tai Ho Wan, the open sea and the sky form the background to this view. The Proposed Development is about 1.9km from this VSR which is elevated at about +100mPD. Man-made structures, including the North Lantau Highway (NLH) and the slip roads of the TM-CLK Link (under construction) are also visible. The view to the Proposed Development is largely intercepted by the foothills of Lo Fu Tau and only a small scale of the western part of the Proposed Development can be visible due the far viewing distance (As shown in Figure 11.11e). The construction works including site clearance, site formation and erection of high-rise buildings would be partly visible during construction due to the blockage of foothills. In operation, only the western edge of the Proposed Development can be seen. The Proposed Development will obstruct a limited extent of the open sea water north of Lantau, most visual elements such as water body of Tai Ho Wan, the sky, the NLH and slop roads of TM-CLK Link will remain visually accessible to the hikers. Thus, the compatibility of the development is considered to be fair during both construction and operation. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be ‘Small’.
VSR 5	Lo Fu Tau Country Trail	Nil	1525	Small	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
VSR 5	The view from this VSR is dominated by vegetated foothills of Lo Fu Tau in the foreground. The sky, open sea and foothills of Tai Lam Country Park form the background to this view. The Proposed Development is located about 1.5km from this VSR which is elevated at +465mPD. Given the trail is setback, this VSR has a limited view to the north shore of Lantau, only a small scale of the top floors of buildings of the Proposed Development will be visible (As shown in Figure 11.11g). The construction works at lower levels within the Proposed Development cannot be seen from the VSR, only the construction of the upper levels of the residential towers and the eastern extent of the road improvement works to Sham Shui Kok Drive can be seen. In operation, only the top floors of the building towers within the eastern extent of the Proposed Development can be seen. In addition, the Proposed Development will obstruct a very limited amount of open sea, the open sea will remain a dominating visual element from this VSR. Thus, the compatibility of the development is considered to be fair during both construction and operation. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be ‘Small’.
VSR 6	Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF)	Partial	2390	Medium	Poor	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR 6	The view from this VSR is dominated by the open sea north of Lantau, artificial coastline of the existing SHD and other existing low-rise built forms along the NLH in the foreground. Lo Fu Tau and its adjoining hills, together with the ridgeline, provide a green and verdant backdrop to this view. The Proposed Development is located about 2.4km from this VSR, and a medium scale of building towers at the waterfront of north Lantau can be seen (As shown in Figure 11.11i). The construction works including site clearance, site formation and erection of high-rise buildings would be visible during construction. The Proposed Development will obstruct the views to the foothills in the background. The compatibility of the development is considered to be poor during construction. In operation, the Proposed Development is expected to change the visual character from low-rise industrial to a suburban development node. However, the Proposed Development will not cause any visual obstruction to the open sea in the foreground, coastline of north Lantau and ridgeline of the mountain backdrop. In addition, the landscaped visual corridors proposed will allow views to penetrate through the development to reach mountain backdrop (As shown in Figure 11.11i). Thus, the compatibility during operation is considered to be fair. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be ‘Intermediate’.
VSR 7	Tai O – Tuen Mun Ferry	Partial	1825	Medium	Poor	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR 7	Similar to the description for VSR at HKBCF, a medium scale of the Proposed Development will be visible (As shown in Figure 11.11k). As a result, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be ‘Intermediate’.
VSR 8	North Lantau Highway	Partial	275	Large	Poor	Poor	Temporary	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 8	The view from this VSR is dominated by the transport infrastructure, roadside amenity and the railway masts of NLH in the foreground. The sky and foothills of Lantau North (Extension) Country Park form the background to this view. The Proposed Development is located 275m from this VSR, due to the close viewing distance, a large scale of building towers and structures can be seen (As shown in Figure 11.11m). The construction works including site clearance, site formation and erection of high-rise buildings would be visible during construction. The Proposed Development will partially block the views to the foothills and sky in the background. The compatibility of the development is considered to be poor during construction. In operation, the appearance of the building towers and the preferred noise canopy option can be noticed. However, as the VSR represents the users of transportation, the degree of obstruction will alleviate as the public viewer travels pass the Proposed Development. The duration of visual obstruction is also limited, due to the high travelling speed along the NLH. Thus, the compatibility is considered to be poor during operation. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be ‘Large’.
VSR 9	SHW Government Maintenance Depot	Partial	120	Negligible	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 9	The view from this VSR is dominated by the roadside amenity and plantation near the SHW Government Maintenance Depot in the foreground. The sky and foothill of Lantau North (Extension) Country Park form the background to this view. The Proposed Development is located 120m from this VSR, however, the view to the Proposed Development is largely shielded by the man-made plantation and the extent of the development is not noticeable (As shown in Figure 11.9i). Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be ‘Negligible ’.
VSR 10	Along Tuen Mun Road and Castle Peak Road	Nil	5870	Small	Good	Good	Temporary	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
VSR 10	The view from this VSR is dominated by the traffic roads, roadside planting and the open sea south of Tuen Mun in the foreground. The foothills of Lantau North (Extension) Country Park and HKBCF island form the background to this view. The Proposed Development is located about 5.8km from this VSR, and due to the far viewing distance, a small extent of the Proposed Development will be visible (As shown in Figure 11.9j). Since the Proposed Development will not obstruct the existing visual elements such as open sea, foothills and its ridgeline of the mountain backdrop, no change of visual character for this view is predicted for this VSR. In addition, the duration of visual obstruction is also limited, due to the high travelling speed along the traffic roads and short duration of waiting period for the passengers at Tuen Mun Road Bus-Bus Interchange. Thus, the compatibility of the Proposed Development is considered to be good during both construction and operation. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be ‘Small’.
VSR 11	Tai Lam Country Park	Nil	8315	Negligible	Good	Good	Temporary	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 11	The view from this VSR is dominated by urban development of Tuen Mun and upland hillsides of Tai Lam Country Park in the foreground whilst the mountains of Lantau Island and the open sea form the backdrop. The Proposed Development is located about 8.3km from this VSR, and the view to the Proposed Development is partly blocked by the high-rise buildings along the coastline of Tuen Mun. Due to the far viewing distance, a very limited extent of the development can be seen (As shown in Figure 11.9k). Since the Proposed Development will not obstruct the existing visual elements such as open sea, foothills and its ridgeline of the mountain backdrop, no change of visual character for this view is predicted for this VSR. The visual amenity for this view experienced by the hikers will remain. Thus, the compatibility of the Proposed Development is considered to be good during both construction and operation. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be ‘Negligible’.
VSR 12a	Tuen Mun South Coast	Nil	7100	Small	Good	Good	Temporary	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
VSR 12a	The view from this VSR is dominated by the amenity planting, open sea south of Tuen Mun South Coast and passing boats. The sky and foothills of Lantau North (Extension) Country Park, together with its ridgeline, form the background to this view. The Proposed Development is located about 7.1km from this VSR, and due to the far viewing distance, a small extent of the Proposed Development will be visible (As shown in Figure 11.9l). Since the Proposed Development will not obstruct the existing visual elements such as open sea, foothills and its ridgeline of the mountain backdrop, no change of visual character for this view is predicted for this VSR. The visual amenity for this view mainly formed by the open sea water will remain. Thus, the compatibility of the Proposed Development is considered to be good during both construction and operation. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be ‘Small’.
VSR 12b	Tuen Mun South Coast	Nil	6955	Small	Good	Good	Temporary	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
VSR 12b	The view from this VSR is dominated by the open sea south of Tuen Mun South Coast and passing boats. The foothills of Lantau North (Extension) Country Park, together with its ridgeline, form the background to this view. The Proposed Development is located about 6.9km from this VSR, and due to the far viewing distance, a small extent of the Proposed Development will be visible (As shown in Figure 11.11o). Since the Proposed Development will not obstruct the existing visual elements such as open sea, foothills and its ridgeline of the mountain backdrop, no change of visual character for this view is predicted for this VSR. The visual amenity for this view mainly formed by the open sea water will remain. Thus, the compatibility of the Proposed Development is considered to be good during both construction and operation. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be ‘Small’.
VSR 13	Cheung Tung Road	Partial	50	Large	Poor	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 13	The view from this VSR is dominated by the transport infrastructure, roadside amenity and the railway masts of NLH in the foreground. The open sky and foothills form the background to this view. The Proposed Development is located 50m from this VSR, due to the close viewing distance, a large scale of building towers and structures can be seen (As shown in Figure 11.11q). The construction works including site formation and erection of high-rise buildings and structures would be visible during construction. The Proposed Development will partially block the views to the foothills and sky in the background. The compatibility of the development is considered to be poor during construction. In operation, the appearance of the new suburban development and the preferred noise canopy option can be noticed. However, as the VSR represents the users of transportation, the degree of obstruction will alleviate as the public viewer travels pass the Proposed Development. The duration of visual obstruction is also limited, due to the high travelling speed along the NLH. In addition, the landscaped visual corridors proposed will allow views to penetrate through the development to reach the open sky in the background. Thus, the compatibility is considered to be fair during operation. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be ‘Large’.

11.7.11 Significance of Impact on VSRs before Mitigation

11.7.11.1 Based on the sensitivity assessment of VSRs and the magnitude of change described above, the potential significance of the unmitigated visual impacts during the construction and operational phases have been evaluated.

11.7.11.2 The potential significance of visual impacts during the construction and operational phases, before mitigation, is provided in Tables 11.7.6 below. The assessment follows the methodology proposed in Section 11.2.10 and the matrix provided in Table 11.2.3.

Table 11.7.6 Significance of impacts on VSRs before mitigation

VSR Code	Name	VSR Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible		Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
VSR Code	Name	VSR Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Con	Op	Con	Op
VSR 1	Tung Chung New Town Extension Tung Chung East Development (TCNTE TCE Development)	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR 2	Waterfront near Tung Chung Area 55	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR 3	Pak Mong Village	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR 4	Hong Kong Olympic Trail	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
VSR 5	Lo Fu Tau Country Trail	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
VSR 6	Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF)	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR 7	Tai O- Tuen Mun Ferry	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR 8	North Lantau Highway	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate
VSR 9	SHW Government Maintenance Depot	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR 10	Along Tuen Mun Road and Castle Peak Road	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
VSR 11	Tai Lam Country Park	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR 12a	Tuen Mun South Coast	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
VSR 12b	Tuen Mun South Coast	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
VSR 13	Cheung Tung Road	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate

11.7.11.3 Regarding to the matrix in Table 11.2.3, Moderate adverse visual impacts would be experienced by VSR8 ‘North Lantau Highway’ and VSR13 ‘Cheung Tung Road’, which have a direct and close view to the SHD Topside Development. The adverse impacts are caused by direct viewing of the construction works such as construction of buildings and structures during the construction phase, and full visibility of new buildings, utilities and road works during the operational phase, which would cause large magnitude of visual change. However, based on their low visual sensitivity as transportation VSRs, duration of impacts are predicted to be short due to the high travelling speed by the users, moderate visual impacts would be generated.

11.7.11.4 Moderate impacts would also be generated on VSR1 ‘Tung Chung New Town Extension Tung Chung East Development (TCNTE TCE Development)’, VSR3 ‘Pak Mong Village’, VSR6 ‘Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF)’ and VSR7 ‘Tai O- Tuen Mun Ferry’ due to their intermediate magnitude of change, these VSRs would have a full view of the Proposed Development with no blockage, and with their medium/ low sensitivity, moderate impacts are predicted.

11.7.11.5 Slight impacts would be experienced by VSR4 ‘Hong Kong Olympic Trail’, VSR5 ‘Lo Fu Tau Country Trail’ and VSR10 ‘Along Tuen Mun Road and Castle Peak Road’ due to their small magnitude of change. The Proposed Development can be partly visible by these VSRs, due to the obstruction by viaducts, plantation, foothills and etc.

11.7.11.6 Slight impacts would also be anticipated for VSR12a & 12b ‘Tuen Mun South Coast’, given their far viewing distance (7100m and 6955m respectively) and the small magnitude of change that will be generated by the Proposed Development (the proposed development will only form a small extent of their views).

11.7.11.7 Insignificant impacts would be generated on VSR2 ‘Waterfront near Tung Chung Area 55’ and VSR9 ‘SHW Government Maintenance Depot’ due to the large viewing blockage by buildings and man-made plantation. The Proposed Development cannot be seen by these VSRs. Insignificant impacts would also be experienced by VSR11 ‘Tai Lam Country Park’, because the viewing distance is so far and the visual change is expected to be negligible.

11.8 Formulation of the Development Design Concept

11.8.1.1 The proposed layout, scale, massing and height profile of the proposed development scheme option (see Figure 11.3) has undergone progressive design iterations to investigate the capacity of the receiving landscape in terms of potential landscape and visual impacts and respond to the existing site constraints. The considerations of development options for the Proposed Development, as presented at Section 2.4, had included a range of design and environmental considerations such as the local settings of the Subject Site, before arriving to the Proposed Development Scheme (Section 2.5).

11.8.1.2 To avoid the creation of a visually monotonous wall of development, the following planning and design consideration have been incorporated to minimise the negative impacts to the surrounding landscape.

Curvilinear Layout and Provision of Visual Corridors

11.8.1.3 Whilst buildings of self-protecting design along the southern site boundary are essential for noise mitigation purpose, curvilinear layout would be adopted to optimize permeability. Moreover, the facade would be broken up by the corridors with buffer planting to ameliorate potential visual impact. Four Prominent visual corridors of 30m wide are introduced across the Project Site with open space/ low-rise structure planned at the intersections to ensure visual permeability. These four visual corridors are purposely placed diagonally so that drivers and passengers of vehicles travelling along the NLH would be able to enjoy the view through these visual corridors when they pass by in both directions. In addition to the four diagonal visual corridors, six supplementary visual corridor (each with a minimum width of 15m) are proposed running northwest-southwest perpendicular to NLH /LAR across the Project Site, to break down the overall building mass and further enhance the visual permeability of the proposed development.

Development Height Profile

11.8.1.4 Terraced podium with enhanced greening opportunities has been incorporated to break down the physical bulk, enhance visual interest from the waterfront. Compared to a podium with uniform height, the proposed terraced podium with platforms stepping towards the waterfront echoes with its existing landscape setting which the topography descends towards the waterfront.

11.8.1.5 With adherence to the Airport Height Restriction, medium-rise towers have been deployed with building height diminishing gradually towards the Tai Ho Estuary to create a harmonious profile, while preserving the ridgeline of mountain backdrop.

Development Permeability

11.8.1.6 The Proposed Development is designed with reference to the Sustainable Building Design (SBD) Guidelines PNAP APP-152 with the objective to achieve better air ventilation, enhance the environmental quality of living space, particularly at pedestrian level, provide more greenery and mitigate the heat island effect. Due consideration has been given to development bulk reduction, building orientation, disposition and building form to enhance visual porosity and create a more spacious pedestrian environment. Visual corridors have been introduced at strategic locations across the development site to enhance visual permeability of the Proposed Development. In fulfilling the building separation requirements, the residential towers have been broken down into clusters to allow sufficient permeability. About 30% site coverage of greenery would be planted with trees, shrubs or other plants located primarily at podium deck level which is the primary (pedestrian) zone of the Project.

Provision of Greening

11.8.1.7 About 30% site coverage of greenery at the podium deck to create visual amenities for the community. Buffer planting and greening has also been proposed along the landscaped visual corridors, which will help to break up the appearance of built form, allow views to penetrate through the development to reach mountain backdrop, and make the project more compatible with surroundings. Upon full completion of the proposed development, tree planting would be provided on the podium deck level for compensatory planting of trees affected by the SHD Depot Replanning Works. The provision of greening endeavors to achieve some compatibility with its existing landscape setting and would maintain some connection with the existing landscape resources in the area e.g. the vegetation on the hill slopes on the opposite side of NLH.

Building Deposition

11.8.1.8 As discussed in the EIA Report for SHO and SHD Replanning Works, the SHD replanning work has constrained the shape of the podium of Phase 1 development and hence the associated building depositions. In order to address the potential wall effects for the frontage along NLH, special considerations have been proactively taken in the current design to adopt a curvilinear layout comprising of smaller clusters of buildings (maximum 4 blocks in a row) and with varying building height profiles atop the podium. This could help further breaking down the longitudinal façade perception and creating more visual interests in perspective view.

Design of Building Façade Treatment

11.8.1.9 The southern facades of residential towers along the southern boundary are more exposed to noise sources including the road traffic noise from NLH, TM-CLK Link, rail noise from AEL and TCL as discussed in Section 4.4. The current design has proactively located all the openable windows for living rooms and bedrooms facing north instead to minimise the traffic noise and rail noise impacts to the maximum practicable extent. The southern facade has therefore opened up a great opportunity for creative and interesting treatment. The proposed development scheme has included self-protecting design buildings that allow for more than 2/3 of the southern façade are for rooms with fixed windows/ curtain wall (living rooms/ bedroom etc.), and with the other 1/3 of façade being glazed/ solid wall. This architectural treatment will provide an optimal opportunity to have solid & void (glazing) articulation and other innovative façade treatments, and prevent a less favourable monotonous treatment with either all solid or all glazed facades.

11.8.1.10 It should be noted that, while the southern facades are fronting NLH and TM-CLK Link, the areas further south comprise green and natural scenery in North Lantau. For example, the Lantau North (Extension) Country Park starts at almost immediately across the NLH. The natural and green terrain progressively increases in varying heights towards the south, protruding as interesting landscape attractions including but not limited to Lo Fu Tau. The southwestern view on part of Tai Ho Wan (which is 600m away from the Proposed Development) is also an interesting landscape element that consists of natural shoreline and the sensitive coastal natural environment, including attractive geological features, physical landform of high value landscapes. To this end, the provision of glazing towards the south will have add-on benefits to the future residents which, will in turn promote the adoption of visually interesting façade design along the southern boundary.

11.8.1.11 Other than addressing the visual quality of the future residents, the current design has also considered those VSRs from the south including those on NLH, TM-CLK Link and those inside the trails of the country park. As discussed in previous paragraphs, the southern facade has allowed for a combination of fixed windows/ curtain wall (living rooms/ bedroom etc), and with the other facade to be glazed/ solid wall. In fact, from these VSRs perspectives, whether those windows are fixed or would not make noticeable differences with typical residential building in terms of façade. Where necessary, glazing at the core (e.g. staircase), different type of materials with different texture and colour (e.g. metal cladding/ stone cladding/ tiles/ external paint etc), architectural projections (e.g. architectural fins or utility platform), different façade features (e.g. vertical greening/ metal grilles/ architectural fins/ louvre), façade lighting articulation for nighttime, roof feature design, etc can also be considered during the detailed design for façade articulation to further enhance the visual interests.

11.9 Preliminary Compensatory Planting Proposal

11.9.1.1 According to the findings in Section 11.7.6, it is estimated that approximately 510 nos. of trees will be affected by the SHO and SHD Replanting Works Project, about 5 trees may be affected by the potential road widening works associated with the eastern connection access. To compensate for the tree loss, the proposed development scheme (refer to Figure 11.3) has provided adequate planting areas for tree compensation (about 9 hectares) at the podium deck of the proposed topside development. Tree compensation will be provided in a ratio not less than 1:1 in terms of number in accordance with DEVB TCW No.7/2015 or LAO PN 7/2007. The compensatory planting could be provided at locations such as the landscape corridors, open space, amenity area and buffer planting along the podium edge, etc. Please refer to Figure 11.10 for the indicative location of the compensatory tree planting areas.

11.9.1.2 With reference to “Characteristics of Major Local Tree Species Propagated by AFCD”, the species to be planted should comprise predominantly native species, and include the existing species in the surroundings of the proposed development, such as Bauhinia blakeana, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Macaranga tanarius. The new heavy standard trees with average DBH of 75mm will be planted (planting density shall be at least 3m spacing) and will have a minimum soil depth of 1200mm excluding drainage layer. The final tree species mix, planting theme and proposed ranges of tree size will be determined in the detailed design stage.

11.10 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

11.10.1.1 During the construction and operational phases, the mitigation measures listed and responsibility matrix are provided in Table 11.8.1 and Table 11.8.2 respectively, which have been be considered to address any potential residual adverse landscape and visual impacts. The construction mitigation measures focus on the methods of preservation or minimisation of potential impacts from working extent, which effectiveness will take effect during the construction phase. Reinstatement measures (i.e. OM1), compensatory measures (i.e. OM4) and soft landscape mitigation measures (i.e. OM5) will be incorporated during detailed design, and implemented during construction. The full effect of mitigation measures are often appreciated by year 10 of operation. Detailed design measures (i.e. OM2 and OM3) such as aesthetic design of buildings and structures will also take effect during operational phase.

11.10.1.2 Mitigation Measures Plans (Figure 11.10) show the indicative location of implementation of these mitigation measures in the conceptual LMP.

Table 11.8.1 Mitigation measures for construction and operational phases

Mitigation Measure Code	Summary Description	Mitigate Landscape Impacts	Mitigate Visual Impacts
Construction Phase
CM1	Optimization of Construction Areas	√	√
CM2	Transplanting of Affected Trees	√
CM3	Screen Hoarding		√
CM4	Construction Lighting Control		√
CM5	Prevention and Restoration of Man-made Watercourse Channel	√
CM6	Tree Preservation	√
Operational Phase
OM1	Re-instatement of Excavated Area	√	√
OM2	Aesthetic Design of Built Development		√
OM3	Appearance of the Proposed Structures		√
OM4	Compensatory Planting	√
OM5	Buffer Planting	√	√
OM6	Visual Design on Noise Mitigation Measures		√

Table 11.8.2 Responsibility matrix

Code	Proposed Mitigation Measures	Nature/ Type	Funding/ Implementation	Post-Construction Management/ Maintenance	Relevant Legislation and Guidelines
CM1	Optimization of Construction Areas	Design/ Construction Planning	Project Proponent/ Contractor	N/A	EIAO-GN8/2010
CM2	Transplanting of Affected Trees	Design/ Construction Planning	Project Proponent/ Contractor/ Relevant Government Departments	N/A	EIAO-GN8/2010; DEVB TCW No.7/2015; LAO PN No.7/2007
CM3	Screen Hoarding	Design/ Construction Planning	Project Proponent / Contractor	N/A	EIAO-GN8/2010
CM4	Construction Lighting Control	Site Practice	Project Proponent / Contractor	N/A	EIAO-GN8/2010
CM5	Prevention and Restoration of Man-made Watercourse Channel	Site Practice	Project Proponent/ Contractor/ Relevant Government Departments	N/A	EIAO-GN8/2010; EPD ProPECC PN1/94; DSD PN No.1/2015
CM6	Tree Preservation	Design/ Construction Planning	Project Proponent / Contractor/ Relevant Government Departments	N/A	EIAO-GN8/2010; DEVB TCW No.7/2015; LAO PN No.7/2007
OM1	Re-instatement of Excavated Area	Design/ Construction Planning	Project Proponent / Contractor	Project Proponent	EIAO-GN8/2010; DEVB TCW No.6/2015
OM2	Aesthetic Design of Built Development	Design/ Construction Planning	Project Proponent / Contractor	Project Proponent	EIAO-GN8/2010; HKPSG Ch4
OM3	Appearance of the Proposed Structures	Design/ Construction Planning	Project Proponent / Contractor	Project Proponent / Contractor	EIAO-GN8/2010; HKPSG Ch4
OM4	Compensatory Planting	Design/ Construction Planning	Project Proponent/ Contractor/ Relevant Government Departments	Project Proponent/ Relevant Government Departments	EIAO-GN8/2010; DEVB TCW No.7/2015; LAO PN No.7/2007
OM5	Buffer Planting	Design/ Construction Planning	Project Proponent / Contractor	Project Proponent / Contractor	EIAO-GN8/2010
OM6	Visual Design on Noise Mitigation Measures	Design/ Construction Planning	Project Proponent / Contractor	Project Proponent / Contractor	Guidelines on Design of Noise Barriers by HyD and EPD, 2003

11.10.1.3 CM1 Optimisation of Construction Areas: Construction areas’ control shall be enforced, where possible, to ensure that the landscape and visual impacts arising from the construction activities are minimised. It includes optimising the extent of working areas and temporary works areas, management on storing and using the construction equipment and materials, and consideration of detailed schedules to shorten the construction period.

11.10.1.4 CM2 Transplanting of Affected Trees: Trees unavoidably affected by the construction of associated works should be transplanted where practical. The number of trees to be transplanted shall be subject to further detailed tree survey to be conducted in project implementation stage.

11.10.1.5 CM3 Screen Hoarding: To reduce negative visual impact, construction site hoarding should be erected around the site to screen pedestrian level views into the construction area from visual sensitive receivers. Hoarding design should consider greening measures such as colour variations or plantation, and should be adopted to improve its visual appearance.

11.10.1.6 CM4 Construction Light Control: All security floodlights for construction sites should be carefully controlled to minimize light pollution and night-time glare to nearby users.

11.10.1.7 CM5 Prevention and Restoration of Man-made Watercourse Channel: Man-made watercourse channels within the site and works area will be potentially affected by the construction works. To reduce possible impacts on the channels, effective prevention measures should be implemented in accordance with EPD ProPECC PN 1/94.

11.10.1.8 CM6 Tree Preservation: Existing trees to be retained, where practical, should be carefully protected during construction.

11.10.1.9 OM1 Re-instatement of excavated Area: In accordance with DEVB TCW No. 6/2015, all excavated area and disturbed area for utilities diversion and temporary road diversion will be reinstated to former conditions.

11.10.1.10 OM2 Aesthetic Design of Built Development: Innovative façade treatment e.g. the use of different colour tones/ building design will be explored at the detailed design stage to enhance visual interests of the proposed residential buildings and promote visual harmony with its surroundings.

11.10.1.11 OM3 Appearance of the Proposed Structures: Compatible design, construction materials and surface finishes of the proposed structure should match with the nearby existing external appearance of the proposed buildings for achieving visual uniformity. Finishing materials shall have due consideration to form, chromatic treatments, micro- and macro-texture, and reflectivity/ light absorbance to avoid glare.

11.10.1.12 OM4 Compensatory Planting: Compensatory tree planting for felled trees shall be provided to the satisfaction of relevant Government departments. Compensatory planting is proposed at the potential open areas such as open spaces, amenity areas on the podium. The exact numbers and locations of compensatory trees shall be determined during the Tree Removal Application process in accordance with DEVB TCW No. 7/2015 – Tree Preservation and LAO PN No. 7/2007 – Tree Preservation and Tree Removal Application for Building Development in Private Projects, where appropriate. Section 11.9 has outlined further details of the preliminary compensatory planting proposal.

11.10.1.13 OM5 Buffer Planting: Trees and shrubs should be planted along the podium to assist in soften the hard edge of the proposed SHD Topside Development and will improve compatibility with the surrounding environment and provide a form of visual relief.

11.10.1.14 OM6 Visual Design on Noise Mitigation Measure: The visual impact of noise mitigation structures will be mitigated by appropriate detailed design in accordance with Guidelines on Design of Noise Barriers by HyD and EPD in 2003, such as suitable combination of transparent and sound absorbent materials, appropriate colour selection of panels and supporting structures to incorporate a high level of quality and aesthetics.

11.10.1.15 In summary, it is considered that these measures implemented during construction and operational phases will assist in avoiding potential adverse impacts in relation to LRs, LCAs and VSRs.

11.11 Residual Landscape Impact upon Mitigation

11.11.1.1 The proposed mitigation measures, as described in Table 11.8.1 have been applied to the various impacts and potential residual impacts identified. The potential significance of residual landscape impacts on LRs and LCAs during operation of the development, completion day 1 and year 10 are provided in Tables 11.9.1 and 11.9.2.

11.11.1.2 Sections 11.3 and 11.4 have examined and identified the existing and planned development contexts and recognized sites of conservation importance. Tai Ho Priority Site, the Brothers Marine Park, North Lantau (Extension) Country Park, Tai Ho Stream SSSI and CPA at Tai Ho Wan are of considerable landscape value, the proposed development will not have any direct impact on these areas. It is therefore considered that the proposed development will not degrade the value of its existing or planned landscape setting. Given the Subject Site is located within an area which features a mix of man-made and natural landscape features, it is anticipated that the proposed development, with the implementation of its proposed mitigation measures, will be largely compatible with its landscape settings.

Table 11.9.1 Significance of residual impacts upon mitigation on LRs

LR ID	Landscape Resources	Sensitivity (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH)	Magnitude of Change before Mitigation (SMALL, INTERMEDIATE, LARGE)		Impact significance Threshold before Mitigation (INSIGNIFICANT, SLIGHT, MODERATE, SUBSTANTIAL)		Recommended Mitigation Measures (TABLES 11.8.1).	Residual Impact Significance Threshold After Mitigation (INSIGNIFICANT, SLIGHT, MODERATE, SUBSTANTIAL)
								Con	Op
			Con	Op	Con	Op		Con	Day 1	Year 10
LR1	Secondary Woodland	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR1	Description: Since this LR falls outside the subject site and associated works, there will be no impact by this Project in general. The mitigation measures are therefore not required.
LR2	Hillside Shrubland & Grassland	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR2	Description: Since this LR falls outside the subject site and associated works, there will be no impact by this Project in general. The mitigation measures are therefore not required.
LR3	Coastal Waters	Medium	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR3	Description: Since this LR falls outside the subject site and associated works, there will be no impact by this Project in general. The mitigation measures are therefore not required.
LR4	Transitional Waters	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR4	Description: Since this LR falls outside the subject site and associated works, there will be no impact by this Project in general. The mitigation measures are therefore not required.
LR5	Rocky Shore	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR5	Description: Since this LR falls outside the subject site and associated works, there will be no impact by this Project in general. The mitigation measures are therefore not required.
LR6	Sandy Shore	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR6	Description: Since this LR falls outside the subject site and associated works, there will be no impact by this Project in general. The mitigation measures are therefore not required.
LR7	Natural Watercourse	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR7	Description: Since this LR falls outside the subject site and associated works, there will be no impact by this Project in general. The mitigation measures are therefore not required.
LR8	Channelised Watercourse/ Ditch	Low	Intermediate	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant	CM1 & 5; OM1	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR8	Description: Since this LR falls outside the extent of the proposed utilities, there will be no direct impact by this Project in general. However, during the construction, the nearby site clearance and site formation works would lead to potential disturbance on this LR. With implementation of Optimisation of Construction Areas (CM1) and Prevention and Restoration of Man-made Watercourse Channel (CM5), the adverse impact from construction can be reduced to a lower level.
LR9	Plantation	Medium	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR9	Description: Since the utilities would be constructed by the trenchless construction method, there will be no impact by this Project in general. The mitigation measures are therefore not required.
LR10	Existing Siu Ho Wan Depot with Amenity Planting	Medium	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate	CM1 & CM2; OM1, OM4 & OM5	Moderate	Slight	Slight
LR10	Description: Construction mitigation measures including Optimisation of Construction Areas (CM1) and Transplanting of Affected Trees (CM2) will ameliorate the landscape impact during construction phase, by minimising areas of earthworks and protecting planting resources of LR10, as far as practicable. At operational phase, by reinstating excavated and disturbed areas for utilities (OM1) and providing compensatory planting for the trees felled (OM4), the impact caused by the Project on LR10 will be alleviated. The establishment of Buffer Planting (OM5) will also provide screen planting that can improve the compatibility of the Project with the surrounding environment. The residual impact can therefore be alleviated at Day 1 and Year 10 of operation when the compensatory planting are well established.
LR11	Roads & Urban Infrastructures with Amenity Planting	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2 & CM6; OM1 & OM4	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR11	Description: The road improvement works in Sham Shui Kok would lead to vegetation clearance and demolition of existing structures, which would generate slight impacts on this LR. With the implementation of mitigation measures, such as Optimisation of Construction Areas (CM1), Transplanting of Affected Trees (CM2) and Tree Preservation (CM6) during construction, the adverse landscape impacts from the construction works can be reduced. During the operational stage, since the appearance of new road infrastructures would not change the nature of this LR, with mitigation measures such as Re-instatement of Excavated Area (OM1) and Compensatory Planting (OM4), the residual impacts can be alleviated.
LR12	Urbanised Development	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	CM1; OM1	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR12	Description: The utilities works would lead to some demolition of existing structures within the existing facilities, which would generate slight impacts on this LR. With the implementation of mitigation measures as Optimisation of Construction Areas (CM1) during construction, the adverse impacts from the construction works can be reduced. During the operational stage, since the new utilities would be located underground and would not change the nature of this LR, with mitigation measures such as Re-instatement of Excavated Area (OM1), the residual impacts can be alleviated.
LR13	Artificial Seawall	Low	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR13	Description: Since this LR falls outside the subject site and associated works, there will be no impact by this Project in general. The mitigation measures are therefore not required.

Table 11.9.2 Significance of residual impacts upon mitigation on LCAs

LCA ID	Landscape Character	Sensitivity (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH)	Magnitude of Change before Mitigation (SMALL, INTERMEDIATE, LARGE)		Impact significance Threshold before Mitigation (INSIGNIFICANT, SLIGHT, MODERATE, SUBSTANTIAL)		Recommended Mitigation Measures (TABLES 11.8.1).	Residual Impact Significance Threshold After Mitigation (INSIGNIFICANT, SLIGHT, MODERATE, SUBSTANTIAL)
								Con	Op
			Con	Op	Con	Op		Con	Day 1	Year 10
LCA1	Upland and Hillside Landscape	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA1	Description: Since this LCA falls outside the subject site and associated works and the landscape character would not be changed, there will be no impact by this Project in general. The mitigation measures are therefore not required.
LCA2	Coastal Upland and Hillside Landscape	High	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA2	Description: Since this LCA falls outside the subject site and associated works and the landscape character would not be changed, there will be no impact by this Project in general. The mitigation measures are therefore not required.
LCA3	Inshore Water Landscape	Medium	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA3	Description: Since this LCA falls outside the subject site and associated works and the landscape character would not be changed, there will be no impact by this Project in general. The mitigation measures are therefore not required.
LCA4	Industrial Urban Landscape	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant	CM1 & 5; OM1	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LCA4	Description: Although the recommended mitigation of Optimisation of Construction Areas (CM1), Prevention and Restoration of Man-made Watercourse Channel (CM5) and Re-instatement of Excavated Area (OM1) would help to minimise the changes within this LCA, however, some construction activities (i.e stockpiling of construction and of construction equipment) would still lead to a temporary impacts within this LCA, therefore, the adverse residual impact is remained at the same level in both construction and operation.
LCA5	Transportation Corridor Landscape	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, 2 & 6; OM1 & 4	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LCA5	Description: The construction works for the Project would lead to a substantial loss of existing structures within the SHD, which would lead to a large change of this landscape character. With the implementation of mitigation measures as Optimisation of Construction Areas (CM1), Transplanting of Affected Trees (CM2) and Tree Preservation (CM6) during construction to minimise the landscape change, the adverse impacts from the construction works can be reduced to a lower level. During the operational stage, although the change of this landscape character cannot be completely mitigated, with mitigation measures such as Re-instatement of Excavated Area (OM1) and Compensatory Planting (OM4), the proposed development would be more compatible with the existing landscape in local, thus, the adverse impacts can be reduced to slight level eventually.

11.12 Residual Visual Impact upon Mitigation

11.12.1.1 The proposed mitigation measures, as described in Table 11.8.1 have been applied to the various impacts and potential residual impacts identified. The potential significance of residual visual impacts on VSRs during operation of the development, completion day 1 and year 10 are provided in Table 11.9.3.

11.12.1.2 Photomontages for VSR 1, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 12b and 13 (Figures 11.11a to 11.11r) have been generated to provide views on the scale and extent of the proposed development. It should be noted that the photomontages intend to demonstrate only the scale and massing of the proposed development and effect of the proposed mitigation measures. The architectural design, finishes or any other related detailed design components are subject to refinement and changes at the detailed design stage.

Table 11.9.3 Significance of residual impacts upon mitigation on VSRs

VSR ID	Visual Sensitive Receiver	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)	Magnitude of Change in View before Mitigation (N/A, Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact significance threshold before mitigation (N/A, Insignificant, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance Threshold after Mitigation (N/A, Insignificant, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
			Con	Op	Con	Op		Con	Op
			Con	Op	Con	Op		Con	Day 1	Year 10
VSR 1	Tung Chung New Town Extension Tung Chung East Development (TCNTE TCE Development)	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, 3 & 4; OM1, 2 ,3 & 5	Slight	Slight	Slight
VSR 2	Waterfront near Tung Chung Area 55	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	N/A	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR 3	Pak Mong Village	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1 & 4; OM2 & 3	Slight	Slight	Slight
VSR 4	Hong Kong Olympic Trail	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, 3 & 4; OM2 & 3	Slight	Insignificant/Slight	Insignificant
VSR 5	Lo Fu Tau Country Trail	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1 & 4; OM2 & 3	Slight	Insignificant/Slight	Insignificant
VSR 6	Hong Kong Boundary Crossing Facilities (HKBCF)	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, 3 & 4; OM2, 3 & 5	Moderate	Slight/ Moderate	Slight/ Moderate
VSR 7	Tai O- Tuen Mun Ferry	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, 3 & 4; OM2, 3 & 5	Moderate	Slight/ Moderate	Slight/ Moderate
VSR 8	North Lantau Highway	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, 3 & 4; OM2, 3, 5 & 6	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR 9	SHW Government Maintenance Depot	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	N/A	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR 10	Along Tuen Mun Road and Castle Peak Road	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	OM2	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR 11	Tai Lam Country Park	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	N/A	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR 12a	Tuen Mun South Coast	High	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	OM2	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR 12b	Tuen Mun South Coast	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	OM2	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR 13	Cheung Tung Road	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, 3 & 4; OM2, 3, 5 & 6	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate

Summary of Residual Impacts on LRs & LCAs

11.12.1.3 Prior to mitigation, LR8 ‘Channelised Watercourse/ Ditch’, LR11 ‘Roads & Urban Infrastructures with Amenity Planting’ and LR12 ‘Urbanised Development’ are likely to experience moderate/ slight residual impacts due to encroachment on those LRs in construction stage. With the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, it is predicted that the residual impact would be reduced to slight level during construction and in day 1 operation. Although the slight/ insignificant impacts would still be experienced for some LRs in day 1 operation, it is anticipated that they would be further reduced to insignificant in year 10 of operation when the proposed mitigation measures are well established and taken effect. Although LR10 ‘Existing Siu Ho Wan Depot with Amenity Planting’ is likely experience moderate residual impacts largely due to the removal of existing vegetation, with the implementation of the proposed compensatory mitigation measure (compensatory planting), it is predicted that the residual impact would be reduced to slight level during operational phases at both day 1 and Year 10.

11.12.1.4 In addition, there would be moderate residual impact on LCA5 ‘Transportation Corridor Landscape’ during construction phase and day 1 operation. Due to the large scale of changes on LCA5, it is considered that the adverse impacts cannot be mitigated effectively, thus, the residual impacts in day 1 operation will still remain in a moderate level, but when the recommended measures (such as buffer planting and roadside planting) are well established, residual impact on this LCA would be further reduced to slight by Year 10 operational stage. It is also anticipated that LCA4 ‘Industrial Urban Landscape’ would experience slight impacts during construction and insignificant impacts during operation, upon reinstatement of the affected area.

11.12.1.5 It is expected that the remaining LRs and LCAs would have insignificant residual impact given no works of the Project will take place on these LRs/ LCAs.

Summary of Residual Impacts on VSRs

11.12.1.6 In summary for VSRs, given the limited visibility and long viewing distance to the proposed developments, it is anticipated that VSRs 2, 9 and 11 would experience insignificant residual impacts during construction and operation phase.

11.12.1.7 Prior to mitigation, VSRs 1, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 13 would experience ‘moderate’ impact during construction phase, due to the visible construction works of the proposed development. With the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, such as optimization of construction areas, use of screen hoardings and control on construction light, the residual impact significance of VSRs 1 and 3 will reduce from ‘moderate’ to ‘slight’ during construction stage. For VSRs 6, 7, 8 and 13 are expected to remain unchanged even after mitigation, given the large extent of the temporary construction activities that would remain visible to these VSRs.

11.12.1.8 VSRs 4, 5, 10, 12a and 12b would experience slight adverse impact during construction phase before and after the implementation of mitigation measures, given the VSRs are located at a far distance from the Subject Site / have limited visibility to the proposed development and the proposed mitigation measures.

11.12.1.9 According to Figure 11.11n and Figure 11.11r, prior to the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, moderate visual impact would be experienced by VSRs 1, 3, 6, 7, 8 and 13 during operational phase, given the potential change of existing visual character and visual obstruction introduced by the proposed development.

11.12.1.10 When the proposed mitigation measures matured and taken into effect, such as compensatory planting and buffer planting, together with the aesthetic design of built development, appearance of the proposed structures, visual design on noise mitigation measures and proposed visual corridors by the development, residual impacts would be reduced to ‘slight/ moderate’ for VSR6 and VSR7 and to ‘slight’ for VSRs 1 and 3 by early and Year 10 of the operational phase. For VSR8 and VSR13, the potential mitigation measures may not be able completely alleviate the visual impacts and therefore its residual impacts during operational phase would remain as moderate. Whilst some low-rise structures such as recreational facilities, plant rooms and club houses will be located on the podium deck in association with the open space, they are unlikely to cause adverse visual impact given their small-scale and low-rise nature and that the VSRs are generally at a lower level than where these structures will be located.

11.12.1.11 For VSRs at a far viewing distance, slight impact would be experienced by VSRs 4, 5, 10, 12a and 12b before mitigation. With the implementation of mitigation measures, such as the adoption of innovative façade treatment on the residential towers, the residual impact of VSRs 4 and 5 can be reduced to ‘insignificant/ slight’ during early operation and further reduce to insignificant on Year 10. For VSR10, VSR12a and VSR12b, given that they will have limited visibility to the proposed development and the proposed development is compatible with the mixed landscape of its surroundings, their residual impacts would be reduce to insignificant level by early and Year 10 during operational phase.

11.13 Landscape and Visual Implications Caused by Elements to be Implemented by SHO and SHD Replanning Works

11.13.1.1 As discussed in Section 1.3, the latest implementation strategy has recommended the following items in EIA Study Brief ESB-296/2016 will be separately implemented by the Railway Works project which will be addressed in a separate Railway EIA.

· Railway depot replanning works within the existing site boundary;

· Podium deck and property enabling works for the topside development;

· A new SHO and associated track works, as well as local access roads and emergency vehicular access (EVA); and

· Provision of the sewerage network with SPS to cater sewage generated by Railway Works.

11.13.1.2 According to their latest findings and recommendations, they have exhausted all the practicable measures to avoid, minimise and mitigate the landscape and visual impacts during both construction and operational phases. Their EIA report has also recommended a series of mitigation measures similar to those as described in Section 11.9 for implementation. Their EIA has concluded that, with the implementation of those mitigation measures, insurmountable landscape and visual impacts are not anticipated.

Landscape and Visual impacts due to SHO and SHD Replanning Works

11.13.1.3 It is planned in Railway EIA study that a new SHO, would be built along the existing Tung Chung Line to provide a choice of transportation for the Project. The construction programme of SHO shall commence in 2019 and be completed by 2026 according to the current construction programme (refer Section 2 – Table 2.3).

11.13.1.4 Landscape impact on LR10 (Existing Siu Ho Wan Depot with Amenity Planting) is anticipated as a result of the removal of about 510 trees for SHO and SHD Replanning works and had been considered in the assessment. The proposed SHO and SHD Replanning works would also induce temporary and reversible landscape impact on LCA5 (Transportation Corridor Landscape) during construction, the impact of LCA is predicted to be ‘slight’ for day 1 of operational phase. However, when taking into account the proposed topside development, the impact on LCA5 is predicted to be ‘moderate’ for day 1 of operation and further alleviate to ‘slight’ for Year 10 of operation phase, with the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures.

11.13.1.5 In terms of visual impact, the SHO and SHD Replanning works involves the re-provision of depot facilities within the existing SHD, and construction and operation of SHO which is an aboveground structure to be newly added. During operational phase, it is anticipated that the SHO and reprovisioned SHD would not cause any substantial visual impact on adjacent VSRs as the aboveground structures (i.e. SHO and re-provisioned SHD) will be integrated with the Project and are considered to be highly compatible with the Proposed Development. It is therefore anticipated that there will be no substantial long term cumulative visual impact on the visual amenity of VSRs.

11.14 Cumulative Impact

11.14.1 General

11.14.1.1 Cumulative landscape and visual impacts during construction and operational phases from other projects in the vicinity are assessed. Key concurrent projects include TM-CLK Link and TCNTE Tung Chung East Development. Key concurrent projects could be referred to Figure 11.1. Other concurrent projects as described in Section 1 and illustrated on Figure 1.2.

TM-CLK Link

11.14.1.2 TM-CLK Link includes a 9km long dual two-lane carriageway between Tuen Mun and North Lantau. With reference to the TM-CLK Link EIA report^[11-4], there will be some landscape impacts on LR11 (Roads & Urban Infrastructures with Amenity Planting). Nonetheless the loss can be mitigated by re-instatement of removal/ excavation and soft landscape treatment. With the implementation of recommended mitigation measures for TM-CLK Link, any adverse cumulative landscape resources impacts on the construction and operational phases would be reduced to an insignificant level.

11.14.1.3 TM-CLK Link will induce partial blockage of views and permanent loss of open seascape view. There will be moderate adverse residual visual impact on the travelling VSRs during the construction phase. With mitigation measures in place during construction and operational phases, the residual visual impacts would be reduced to slight level as the development would be compatible with the visual character of surrounding areas with mitigation measures.

Tung Chung New Town Extension (TCNTE) – Tung Chung East (TCE) Development

11.14.1.4 The TCNTE TCE Development involves about 130 ha of reclaimed land, and total population of about 147,000 upon full population intake. With reference to the Tung Chung New Town Extension EIA report^[11-5], the TCNTE TCE Development would generate key impacts on LR3 coastal waters and LCA1 Inshore Water Landscape. Given SHD development will not involve any reclamation works, no cumulative landscape impacts will be anticipated.

11.14.1.5 The TCNTE TCE Development is located about 1km away from SHD development. Therefore, potential visual impact would experience negligible to slight visual impact due to integration of the Tung Chung Town in view of their similarity in appearance and relatively building structures. Major mitigation measures have been set up for TCNTE TCE Development, for instance aesthetic engineering and architectural design minimise any major visual impacts.

11.14.1.6 Since the overall visual character in Tung Chung Town would be completely changed after the major construction works, therefore it is predicted that the residual cumulative impacts would be slight/ moderate to insignificant on the visual amenity of VSRs by operational phase when the visual character has been changed into urban landscape.

11.15 Conclusion

11.15.1.1 The Project will inevitably result in some landscape and visual impacts during construction and operational phases, which are identified and addressed in this EIA with the aim of minimising such impacts to within acceptable levels. There are opportunities, at the Project’s design, construction and operational phases, for incorporating environmental mitigation measures into the Project. These include providing sensitive treatments of its external appearance and associated planting works.

11.15.1.2 Cumulative landscape and visual during the construction and operational phases from other concurrent projects which include TM-CLK Link and TCNTE TCE Development are assessed. These concurrent projects would not cause any insurmountable cumulative landscape and visual impact.

11.15.1.3 On review of the likely residual impacts and possibility to reduce most of them to slight/ moderate to slight level by operation year 10 when the mitigation measures have matured and taken effect. Based on the above assessment, it is considered that in accordance with the criteria and guidelines for evaluating and assessing impacts as stated in Annex 10 and 18 of the EIAO-TM, the overall residual landscape and visual impacts of the proposed Project are acceptable with mitigation during the construction and operational phases.

11.16 Reference

[11-1] Technical Report of “Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong” by Planning Department;

[11-2] ‘Map of Land Utilization in Hong Kong’ by Planning Department;

[11-3] EIA Report for Siu Ho Wan Station and Siu Ho Wan Depot Replanning Works, 2016 (Railway EIA);

[11-4] Agreement No. CE 52/2007 (HY) “Tuen Mun – Chek Lap Kok Link – Investigation”;

[11-5] Agreement No. CE 32/2011 (CE) “Tung Chung New Town Extension – Environmental Impact Assessment Report”; and

[11-6] Government General Regulation 740 – setting out restrictions on the preservation and felling of trees in Hong Kong.