Report

10 Landscape and Visual Impacts

10.1.1.1 The following sections identify the potential landscape and visual impacts during the construction and operation of the PDA in YLS, in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance.

10.1.1.2 In accordance with the criteria as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the Technical Memorandum on EIAO-TM, the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (LVIA) for this project includes:

· a list of the relevant environmental legislation, standards and guidelines;

· a review of the relevant planning and development control framework;

· a landscape and visual impact assessment methodology;

· a landscape impact assessment section, including:

o a landscape baseline study providing a comprehensive and accurate description of the baseline Landscape Resources (LRs) and Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) within the YLS assessment area;

o identification of potential landscape impacts;

o prediction of the nature of landscape impacts and the potential magnitude of change they will cause as well as the potential significance of impacts before the implementation of mitigation measures;

o recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures and associated implementation programmes;

o prediction of the significance of residual landscape impacts after the implementation of the suggested mitigation measures;

· a visual impact assessment section, including:

o a visual baseline study, providing comprehensive details of visual elements surrounding each PDA and their Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs);

o identification of potential visual impacts;

o prediction of the nature of visual impacts and the potential magnitude of change they will cause, as well as the potential significance of impacts before the implementation of mitigation measures;

o recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures and associated implementation programmes;

o prediction of the significance of residual visual impacts after implementation of the suggested mitigation measures; and

· an assessment of the acceptability or otherwise of the predicted residual impacts, according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM, namely beneficial, acceptable, acceptable with mitigation measures, unacceptable or undetermined.

10.2 Environmental Legislation, Standards and Guidelines

10.2.1.1 The following legislation, standards and guidelines are applicable to this LVIA associated with the construction and operation of the YLS PDA:

Legislation and Planning Standards

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499. S16) and the EIAO-TM 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 (Cap131);

· Town Planning (Amendment) Ordinance, 2004;

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) Chapters 4, 10, 11 and 12;

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

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

Technical Circulars/ Guidelines

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

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

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

· DEVB TC(W) No. 2/2013 – Greening on Footbridges and Flyovers;

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

· Greening, Landscape and Tree Management (GLTM) Section of DEVB – Guidelines on Greening of Noise Barriers, April 2012;

· Environment, Transport and Works Bureau (ETWB) TC(W) No. 11/2004 – Cyber Manual for Greening;

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

· ETWB TC(W) No. 5/2005 – Protection of Natural Streams/ Rivers from Adverse Impacts Arising from Construction Works;Geotechnical Engineering Office (GEO) Publication No. 1/2011 – Technical Guidelines on Landscaping Treatment for Slopes;

· Highways Department (HyD) Guidelines No. HQ/GN/13 – Interim Guidelines for Tree Transplanting Works under Highways Department's Vegetation Maintenance Ambit;

· HyD Guidelines No. HQ/GN/15 – Guidelines for Greening Works along Highways; and

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

Other Reference Information and Planning Studies

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

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

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

10.3 Landscape Impact Assessment Methodology

10.3.1 Identification of the Baseline LRs and LCAs within the Study Area

10.3.1.1 The landscape baseline study identifies all LRs and LCAs located within 500m of the Project Boundary using a combination of desktop study and site verification.

10.3.1.2 The Project Site 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 “Study of Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong” and “Map of Land Utilization in Hong Kong” are also considered. Typical elements which contribute to the landscape character include:

· Local topography;

· Woodland extent and type;

· Other vegetation/ ground cover types;

· Built form (including scale and appearance);

· Patterns of settlement;

· Wildness.

· Land use;

· Scenic spots;

· Details of local materials, styles, streetscapes condition;

· Prominent watercourses;

· Cultural and religious features;

10.3.2 Broad Brush Tree Survey

10.3.2.1 For Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment purposes, the study carried out a broad-brush tree survey within the development boundary to estimate the numbers of existing trees, dominant species, maturity, rarity and any plant species of conservation interest (including Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs), Potentially Registrable OVT (POVT) or rare/ protected species) and areas for tree preservation and landscape restoration.

10.3.2.2 The detail tree survey methodology and tree survey record shall be referred to Appendix 10.1.

10.3.3 Sensitivity of LCAs and LRs

10.3.3.1 A qualitative description of LCAs and LRs 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:

· whether the landscape character/ resource is common or rare;

· whether it is considered to be of local, regional, national or global importance;

· whether there are any statutory or regulatory limitations/ requirements relating to the resource;

· the quality and condition of the resource;

· the maturity of the resource; and

· the capacity of the landscape character/ resource to accommodate change.

10.3.3.2 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 with low quality and value, which is largely tolerant to change.

10.3.4 Magnitude of Change to LRs and LCAs

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

· the physical extent of the impact;

· the landscape context of the impact; and

· the time-scale of the impact - temporary (short, medium or long term) or a permanent reversible/ irreversible change.

10.3.4.2 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.

10.3.5 Impact Significance in Relation to LRs and LCAs

10.3.5.1 The assessment of the “Impact Significance Threshold before Mitigation” for landscape impacts is considered during the construction and operational phases by synthesizing the “Sensitivity” and “Magnitude of Change” for various LRs and LCAs according to Table 10.3.1. 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
Insubstantial	No discernible change in the existing landscape quality

Table 10.3.1 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	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
	Small	Slight	Slight/ Moderate	Moderate
	Intermediate	Slight/ Moderate	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial
	Large	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial	Substantial

10.4 Visual Impact Assessment Methodology

10.4.1 Identification and Plotting of the Visual Envelope (VE)

10.4.1.1 The assessment area for the visual impact assessment 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.

10.4.1.2 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.

10.4.2 Sensitivity of VSRs

10.4.2.1 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.

10.4.2.2 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.

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

High	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	The VSR is moderately sensitive to any changes in the viewing experience - Outdoor workers, office workers, recreational users, residential properties where the secondary view is of the development.
Low	The VSR is slightly sensitive to any changes in the viewing experience - People travelling though the landscape (by private/ public motorised transport).

10.4.3 Identification of Potential Sources of Visual Impact

10.4.3.1 These are the 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.

10.4.4 Magnitude of Change to VSRs

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

· 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.

10.4.4.2 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. The prediction of visual impact based on the field of view can be referred to Appendix 10.2.

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

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

10.4.4.4 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.

10.4.5 Impact Significance to VSRs

10.4.5.1 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 10.4.1 below.

10.4.5.2 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 10.4.1 Relationship between sensitivity of VSRs and magnitude of change in
defining impact significance

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

10.5 Identification of Potential Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

10.5.1.1 Alternative design configurations, design and construction methodologies that will avoid or reduce landscape and visual impacts are considered before adopting other mitigation measures. The recommended mitigation measures are considered for both construction and operational phases to prevent or minimise unavoidable adverse impacts.

10.6 Residual Impact Assessment Methodology

10.6.1 Identification of Residual Impact

10.6.1.1 This part of the assessment describes any unavoidable residual adverse landscape and visual impacts to LRs, LCAs and VSRs. Residual impacts are those which remain post implementation of mitigation measures after commissioning of the development (operation Day 1 & Year 10). According to the implementation programme (refer to Chapter 2), the whole Project is divided into four main stages and the construction period for these stages are overlapped. Operation phase will start at the first year of population intake for each stage listed as below:

· Stage One: Construction phase commences in Year 2020, Operation phase starts from Year 2029;

· Stage Two: Construction phase commences in Year 2022, Operation phase starts from Year 2033 ;

· Stage Three: Construction phase commences in Year 2031, Operation phase starts from Year 2038; and

· Stage Four: Construction phase commences in Year 2032, Operation phase starts from Year 2038.

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

10.7 Overall Result of the Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

10.7.1.1 An overall assessment is made on the development based on the identified landscape and visual impacts described in Table 10.7.1:

Table 10.7.1 Residual impact assessment methodology

Overall Result of LVIA Assessment	Description
Beneficial	The impact is beneficial if the Project will complement and enhance the landscape value and visual character of its setting, will follow the relevant planning objectives and will improve overall landscape 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.

10.8 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

10.8.1 Review of Existing OZPs

10.8.1.1 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.

10.8.1.2 The PDA and works area of the proposed infrastructures (including road improvement works, service reservoir, nullah and road widening works) have been superimposed onto existing OZPs and RODP (as shown on Figure 10.1 and 10.2) to determine the potential influence on the existing zonings. Their extent are covered by the following OZPs:

· Approved Tong Yan San Tsuen (TYST) OZP No. S/YL-TYST/10

· Approved Tai Tong (TT) OZP No. S/YL-TT/16

· Yuen Long OZP No. S/YL/23,

10.8.1.3 A breakdown of the land use zonings within the study area and site boundary is provided in Table 10.8.1 below.

Table 10.8.1 Review of RODP under the Existing OZPs

Item	Existing Zoning Type *	Proposed Development Works within OZP	Changes in RODP^
1	Green Belt (GB)	Preserved Agricultural Land, Public Recreational Areas, Open Storage Development, Proposed Road Network, Road Improvement Works, Service Reservoir	(GB), GB(1), AGR, LO, A, OU(OS), OU (SU)2, (OU (SU)1, OU(Service Reservoir), Road
2	Industrial (I) (Group D)	Storage and Workshop, Public Recreational Areas, Proposed Road Network	OU(SU)1, OU (S+W), LO, DO, Road
3	Government/ Institution/ Community (G/IC)	Government and Institution Development, Residential Development, Open Storage Development, Public Recreational Areas, Road Improvement Works	G/IC, OU(SU)1, LO (1), R5, Road
4	Residential (Group B) R(B))	Low-rise Residential Development, Retained Existing Development Area, Public Recreational Areas	R5, R5(EDA), LO (1), LO, DO
5	Residential (Group C) R(C)	Low-rise Residential Development, Green Buffer Area	A, R5, GB
6	Residential (Group D) R(D)	Retained Existing Development Area, Low-rise Residential Development, Government and Institutional Development, Mixed Use Development, Agricultural Land, Public Recreational Areas	DO, OU(MU), G, E, R4, R5, GB, GB(1), AGR, LO, R6, R5(EDA), Road
7	Open Storage (OS)	Mixed Use Development, Village Development, Proposed Road Network	OU(MU), A, V, Road
8	Undetermined (U)	Retained Existing Development Area, Residential Development, Government and Institutional Development, Mixed Use Development, Public Recreational Areas, Sewage Treatment Works, Proposed Road Network, Nullah Revitalisation Works	RSc, R1(SSF)c, R1c, R6, R(EDA), R2c, R3, R2(SSF)c, G, OU(MU), OU(STW), E, DO, LO, A, GB, GB(1), Road
9	Other Specified Uses (OU, Rural Use)	Retained Existing Development Area, Middle-rise Residential Development, Government and Institutional Development, Public Recreational Areas, Proposed Road Network	R3, R6, G, E, DO, LO, R5 (EDA), Road
10	Agriculture (AGR)	Agricultural Land, Government and Institutional Development, Public Recreational Areas, Proposed Road Network	E, G, AGR, DO, LO, Road
11	Open Space (O)	Road Improvement Works	Road

Note: [*] Within 500m assessment area only. Zonings that are not affected are omitted.

[^] Land Use Types of RODP. Refer to Figure 10.2.

10.8.1.4 In OZP No. S/YL-TYST/10, the proposed PDA of YLS would modify mainly the ‘Undetermined (U)’ which comprises previously developed in OZP No. S/YL-TYST/10 into a new comprehensive development, which includes residential, commercial, government, education, mixed use, open space and etc. It is considered that the proposed development would be broadly compatible and in some cases positive impacts may be generated where degraded and poor quality current landscapes are redeveloped.

10.8.1.5 In relation to ‘GB’ zoning which comprises the existing agricultural land near Shan Ha Tsuen, the RODP would retain most of these areas as ‘GB’ and ‘AGR’. The other parts would be changed into open space, amenity and some storage uses.

10.8.1.6 The ‘R(B)’, ‘R(C)’ and ‘R (D)’ which have undergone previous development and will be affected under the RODP would be redeveloped and differentiated into new zonings of residential development. It is considered that these landuses would generally be compatible with the propose development.

10.8.1.7 In addition, the landuses affected in OZP No. S/YL-TT/16 including relatively small areas of ‘OU (Rural use)’, ‘AGR’ and ‘O’ along Kung Um Road, are proposed to be generated into various kinds of landuses within the PDA, such as residential, education and G/IC. The road improvement works of the RODP would also cover some small patches of ‘O’ and ‘G/ IC’ in OZP No. S/YL/23.

10.8.2 Consideration of The Development Option

10.8.2.1 In general, the Project Proponent has been proactively conducting a series of community engagement (CE) exercise (including forums and workshops) to collect views and opinions from stakeholders, green groups and local communities etc. on the development proposals. Therefore, the Stage 1, 2 and 3 of CE will help to enhance the overall visual quality of the PDA through the displacement of brownfield sites.

10.8.2.2 PODP was formulated in 2014 which aimed to maximize the development potential for housing supply by introducing high to medium density zones at the northern part of PDA and Medium to Low Density zone at the southern part of the PDA. All proposed new development was directly adjacent to the existing villages.

10.8.2.3 Further to the public comments received in CE2, additional 20m wide “Local Open Space”, “Low Building Area” and “Non Building Area” were introduced on the draft RODP to further enhance the visual compatibility and permeability by respecting the surrounding development and natural environment.

10.8.2.4 The RODP has further optimized the green space network throughout the PDA by enlarging the district open space and separation between development sites. Apart from retaining the key view corridor, the secondary view corridors within the PDA have been further expanded to enhance the visual linkage between Yuen Long New Town and Tai Lam Country Park.

10.8.3 Key Development Parameters

10.8.3.1 The proposed development of YLS follows a tapering building height profile from the urban north to the Tai Lam Country Park in the south. With the intention to integrate the PDA with its surrounding context, plots within higher building height profile are situated to be located to the north near the existing Yuen Long New Town. The north of the PDA at Kung Um Road proposes housing development of 30-33 domestic storeys (approx. from 101m to 110m).

10.8.3.2 To the south, the RODP will have a much lower building height profile to provide a transition towards the rural setting of Tai Lam Country Park. Along the edges and towards the south of this planning area, housing development ranging from 11 to 27 storeys (approx. from 40m to 95m) is permitted.

10.8.3.3 For the low-rise development in TYST, building height of majority of the proposed developments will be 4-5 storeys (approx. from 13m to 16m). The proposed developments at “OU(MU)” zone located adjacent to the TYST Interchange is restricted to a maximum building height of 12 storeys (approx.. up to 68m).

10.8.4 Proposed Infrastructure Works

Road Improvement Works

10.8.4.1 Improving connectivity is one of the guiding principles and planning and urban design framework. The main objective of the proposed road network is to improve connectivity with Yuen Long New Town, the proposed Hung Shui Kiu (HSK) NDA, and provide a direct access and egress to Yuen Long Highway(YLH). Long Hon Road is proposed to be upgraded and extended to Kung Um Road to form a key corridor of the PDA (refer to Figure 10.2 and 10.12).

10.8.4.2 In terms of external connectivity to Yuen Long Highway, the improved TYST Interchange would be modified to cater for all traffic movements to and from YLH, Long Tin Road and Long Hon Road. In addition, a pair of slip roads running on both sides and parallel with YLH y from Kung Um Road eastward are proposed to provide connectivity to YLH via Shap Pat Heung Interchange.

10.8.4.3 A continuous cycle track designated as “Road” will be provided along proposed residential developments with the cycle track network along the road (refer to Figure 10.2 and 10.12).

Nullah Revitalisation

10.8.4.4 There are three existing drainage channels within the PDA, namely Yuen Long Nullah, Tin Tsuen Channel and Yuen Long West Nullah, and decking of these channels would be avoided as far as practicable. Through revitalisation, these channels would provide a landscaped and pleasure walking environment for the community (refer to Figure 10.2 and 10.12).

Service Reservoir

10.8.4.5 The zoning of OU located to the south of the PDA at TYST area is intended for a potential reclaimed water service reservoir. Considering the topography, the proposed location is recommended to minimise cut extent and hence visual impact. The zone is subject to a maximum building height of 1 storey (refer to Figure 10.2).

Retention Tank

10.8.4.6 An underground Retention Tank (RT) or a retention lake integrating with the open space design is proposed near TYST interchange to mitigate the impact of additional surface runoff generated from the proposed development. This facility will be constructed underground, and the upper would be designed with some landscape features to mitigate the potential impacts (refer to Figure 10.2).

Sewerage Alignment

10.8.4.7 A new sewerage alignment connecting Yuen Long South to the existing inert chamber of the NWNT effluent tunnel at San Tai for discharging to Urmston Road submarine outfall has also been proposed by the development. The alignment of the sewage mains are installed underground.

10.9 Baseline Study

10.9.1 Landscape Baseline Conditions

10.9.1.1 The landscape baseline review comprises the identification of all existing LCAs and LRs within 500m assessment area.

10.9.1.2 The landscape character 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. The LCAs in the study area are classified into major categories as follows:

LCA1 – Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape, this LCA is subcategorized as follows:

· LCA1a – Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape - Open Storage/ Rural Built Area

· LCA1b – Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape - Lowland Agricultural Land

LCA2 – Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape

LCA3 – Upland and Hillside Landscape

LCA4 – Settled Valley Landscape

LCA5 – Park Urban Landscape

LCA6 – “Hui” Urban Landscape

LCA7 – Urban Peripheral Village Landscape

LCA8 – Transportation Corridor Landscape

10.9.1.3 There are important LRs with known landscape value in the area. The highest value and most sensitive LRs generally occur within the upland areas within the assessment area. Complex LRs can be classified into different major categories, as follows:

LR1 – Agricultural Land, this LR is subcategorized as follows:

· LR1a – Active Agricultural Land

· LR1b – Abandoned Agricultural Land

· LR1c – Orchard

LR2 – Lowland Mixed Trees, Shrubland and Grassland

LR3 – Hillside Shrubland and Grassland

LR4 – Secondary Woodland

LR5 – Plantation

LR6 – Urban Park

LR7 – Road and Urban Infrastructure

LR8 – Major Transport Corridor

LR9 – Urbanised Development

LR10 – Village Type Development

LR11 – Open Storage/ Rural Built Area

LR12 – Disturbed Area

LR13 – Agricultural Pond

LR14 – Channelised Watercourse

LR15 – Watercourses of higher ecological value

LR16 – Reservoir

10.9.1.4 The landscape resources and landscape character areas within the assessment area are described in further detail in Section 10.9.3 together with their sensitivity.

10.9.2 Broad Brush Tree Survey Result

10.9.2.1 A broad-brush tree survey has been carried out within the development boundary that estimates that there are approximately 17,421 trees consisting of approx. 170 species. 35 trees were rare species (Aquilaria sinensis and Artocarpus hypargyreus) and 42 trees were POVT. The dominant tree species were Acacia confusa, Leucaena leucocephala, Ficus microcarpa, Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa, and Bauhinia spp. While most of the trees surveyed belong to common tree species of variable qualities, some rare tree species and other trees of relatively outstanding quality were found occasionally. These are summarised with individual LR descriptions. Many trees are found in the foothills of the natural upland, as well as the rural fringe in between different villages and they are generally mature. The indicative locations of the tree groups as well as the identified rare/ protected specimens are marked on the Broad Brush Tree Survey Report in Appendix 10.1.

10.9.2.2 The area of identified Landscape Resources within the development boundary and estimated number of trees within each LR are presented in Table 10.9.1.

Table 10.9.1 Broad Estimated Number of Trees within each LR

ID	Landscape Resources	Area within PDA and Working Area for the Proposed Infrastructure (ha)	Within Tree Groups	Estimated Number of Trees within the LR
LR1a	Active Agricultural Land	15.0	Group1,Group6,Group9,Group15,Group19	498
LR1b	Abandoned Agricultural Land	1.1	Group8, Group9, Group15	52
LR1c	Orchard	2.7	Group4,Group10, Group11,Group15	811
LR2	Lowland Mixed Trees, Shrubland and Grassland	11.6	Group1,Group3,Group5, Group6,Group8,Group9,Group11,Group13, Group15, Group16, Group19	1926
LR3	Hillside Shrubland and Grassland	3.8	Group4,Group9, Group11, Group17	330
LR4	Secondary Woodland	14.6	Group2, Group4, Group5, Group8, Group9, Group10, Group11,Group13	3704
LR5	Plantation	17.4	Group2, Group5, Group11, Group12, Group13, Group14	4798
LR6	Urban Park	0.2	Group5	74
LR7	Road and Urban Infrastructure	8.8	Group5,Group6, Group11,Group15	138
LR8	Major Transport Corridor	0	N/A	N/A
LR9	Urbanised Development	12.1	Group4,Group5, Group6, Group8	493
LR10	Village Type Development	10.2	Group3,Group5, Group6, Group8, Group9, Group11, Group15, Group16	730
LR11	Open Storage/ Rural Built Area	142.2	Group1, Group4, Group5, Group6,Group7, Group8, Group9, Group12,Group13, Group14, Group15, Group16, Group17, Group18, Group19	3670
LR12	Disturbed Area	2.9	Group5, Group6,Group8	197
LR13	Agricultural Pond	0.3	N/A	N/A
LR14	Channelised Watercourse	7.7km	N/A	N/A
LR15	Watercourses of higher ecological value	4.1km	N/A	N/A
LR16	Reservoir	0	N/A	N/A

10.9.3 Baseline Landscape Character Areas and Landscape Resources

10.9.3.1 The baseline LCAs and LRs of the 500m assessment area are detailed along with their sensitivity in Tables 10.9.2 and 10.9.3. The figures presenting this information are shown in Figure 10.4 to 10.6.

Table 10.9.2 LCAs in the Assessment Area and their Sensitivity

LCA 1a Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape – Open Storage/ Rural Built Area (545.6ha)

LCA refers to previous agricultural landscape to the south of Yuen Long which has been colonised by open storage, horticulture, industrial estates as well as parking land uses which has fragmented the development pattern of the local landscape. In places, ad-hoc development appears to have followed traditional agricultural field boundary to generate an organic development pattern when viewed from elevated points around the site. These developments are predominantly located in the southern portion of the Project area. Small pockets of woodland are scattered within the landscape helping to break up the monotonous roofline of temporary sheds and retain a sense of rural character. One built heritage, the Yeung Hau Temple at Tong Yan San Tsuen, is identified within this LCA (Detail information refer to Chapter 13). Major drainage nullahs which sit within Kung Um Road, Kiu Hing Road and Lam Tai West Road are high visible geometric features which sit awkwardly against the rural context and against the grain of sprawling development in the surrounding developed areas.

Quality and Maturity – Low

Rarity – Low

Ability to accommodate change – High

Sensitivity - Low

LCA 1b Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape - Lowland Agricultural Land (71.0ha)

LCA refers to existing agricultural landscape within the assessment area, which is found mainly in the village areas on the east of Kiu Hing Road, southeast of Shan Ha Tsuen and east of Tong Yan San Tsuen. Tree vegetation is generally sparse and restricted to field boundaries. These areas remain many of the rural characteristics to the local landscape, but are also undergoing significant changes in characters by the rural land use changes in recent decades.

Quality and Maturity – Medium

Rarity – Medium

Ability to accommodate change – Medium

Sensitivity - Medium

LCA 2 Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape (91.9ha)

LCA refers to landscape found on the periphery of Yuen Long between Castle Peak Road, YLH y and Long Hon Road forming the transition point from the dense urban core of Yuen Long New Town to the rural outskirts. Locally the development pattern includes a mixture of industrial, village (Tong Yan San Tsuen), burial grounds, low to medium rise residential and GIC land uses. This is set within pockets of mature woodland planting which cover a significant area although are very fragmented/ disconnected from each other.

Quality and Maturity – Medium

Rarity – Low

Ability to accommodate change – High

Sensitivity - Low

LCA 3 Upland and Hillside Landscape (161.8ha)

LCA refers to the large scale elevated upland landscape (generally between 40 to 300mPD) of Tai Lam Country Park. The hillsides consist of rocky outcrops, exposed soils, scrub vegetation and pockets of woodland cover. Numerous pylons cross this landscape detracting from the naturalness of the setting. Informal un-surfaced paths provide pedestrian access to the top of the hill, significant erosion has occurred as a result of use by motorcyclists which has spread beyond these access routes which has affected vegetation cover and visual amenity. Due to lack of development, the character of this area is wild, and feels remote from the surrounding urban developments. Numerous seasonal and permanence streams emanate from the hillside following the shallow ravines to the foot of the hillside.

Quality and Maturity – Medium

Rarity – Low

Ability to accommodate change – Low

Sensitivity - High

LCA 4 Settled Valley Landscape (11.6ha)

LCA refers to the valley landscape belonging to the Tai Lam Country Park. This valley area is almost surrounding by other uplands of Tai Lam Mountains while a small area of countryside and villages in the north. Several paths from the top of the hill provide the pedestrian access from the mountains to the local villages. With low development density, most part of this area covers with vegetation and plants, so the landscape character quality and value consider as high. The area has low tolerance to accept change and the sensitivity is high.

Quality and Maturity – Medium

Rarity – Medium

Ability to accommodate change – Low

Sensitivity - High

LCA 5 Park Urban Landscape (10.4ha)

LCA refers to Yuen Long Park, the major passive recreational park within Yuen Long New Town which falls partly within the study area. The park consists of sports facilities, ornamental planting, lawns, pathways, sitting areas, water features, pavilions, an aviary/ viewing tower and park operation/ maintenance buildings. The elevation of the landscape increases towards the centre which helps to evoke a more naturalistic appearance. The landscape is a mixture of informal and formal landscape styles with a strong presence of soft landscape. The park is surrounded by development which creates a distinct boundary or edge.

Quality and Maturity – High

Rarity – High

Ability to accommodate change – Low

Sensitivity - High

LCA 6 “Hui” Urban Landscape (34.9ha)

LCA refers to a very small portion of the core of the Yuen Long New Town which formed the centre of the town prior to the New Town development, which falls within the outer edge of study. In this location, the LCA covers the Park Royale Development to the west of Yuen Long Park comprising medium rise residential development along Shan Ha Road. Typically this landscape is distinguishable from the surrounding new town by the simple building character, older building stock, intimate scale, narrow streets and orthogonal street blocks.

Quality and Maturity – Low

Rarity – Medium

Ability to accommodate change – High

Sensitivity - Low

LCA 7 Urban Peripheral Village Landscape (238.8ha)

LCA refers to the medium scale village within the assessment area. The area consists of grouped village houses, which include traditional dwellings and temples as well as newer houses, all separated by narrow footpaths or lanes. A declared monument (Cheung Anchestral Hall) is found within this LCA (Detail information refer to Chapter 13). Part of the area has been changed to car park uses. Vegetation consists of scattered matured trees and peripheral woodland at the backside of the village.

Quality and Maturity – Medium

Rarity – Medium

Ability to accommodate change – Medium

Sensitivity - Medium

LCA 8 Transportation Corridor Landscape (55.1ha)

LCA refers to the main transport corridor like YLH, which connecting different areas from Yuen Long to Tuen Mun. The YLH comprises a 4 lane highway delineated with vertical concrete barriers and boundary fencing. Vegetation cover is restricted to a narrow verges with grass, hedge and small tree planting.

Quality and Maturity – Low

Rarity – Low

Ability to accommodate change – High

Sensitivity - Low

10.9.3.2 In summary, LCAs of ‘High’ sensitivity include LCA3 ‘Upland and Hillside Landscape, LCA4 ‘Settled Valley Landscape’ and LCA5 ‘Park Urban Landscape’. This is as a result of the natural qualities or high amenity landscape features of these LCAs.

10.9.3.3 LCAs of ‘Medium’ sensitivity include LCA1b ‘Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape – Lowland Agricultural Land’ and LCA7 ‘Urban Peripheral Village Landscape’. In this case, these resource have undergone disturbance as a result of human activity or urban development, however, they retain some natural features and landscape amenity value.

10.9.3.4 The other LCAs are considered to have ‘Low’ sensitivity including LCA1a ‘Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape – Open Storage/ Rural Built Area’, LCA2 ‘Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape’, LCA6 ‘“Hui” Urban Landscape’ and LCA8 ‘Transportation Corridor Landscape’. In this case, these LCAs have undergone significant change as a result of urban development.

Table 10.9.3 LRs in the Assessment Area and their Sensitivity

LR 1a Active Agricultural Land (53.6ha)

LR refers to various scale active agricultural land holdings within the assessment area, including wet and dry agricultural lands under cultivation. They are mainly located within the village areas on the east of Kiu Hing Road (including those near Ma Tin Pok, Fraser Village and Tin Liu Tsuen, west of Shui Tsiu San Tsuen Road, and in Yeung Ka Tsuen), north of TYST Interchange, near Fui Shan Wai, southeast of Sha Tseng Tsuen, southwest of Shan Ha Tsuen and those scattered in Shap Pat Heung, Kong Tau Tsuen and Chuk San Tsuen. Among those, the agricultural land adjoining Shan Ha Tsuen is the largest agricultural land in the PDA and the Assessment Area.

The periphery of the land conatins numerous tree, typical species include Macaranga tanarius, Eucalyptus spp., Ficus spp. Fruit trees such as Artocarpus heterophyllus, Carica papaya, Clausena lansium, Dimocarpus longan, Litichi chinensis and Mangifera indica are also commonly planted in this LR type. These trees range from semi-mature and mature and are generally in fair to good condition.

Two (2) nos. of POVTs as Important Trees, T-0018 (Ficus elastica) and T-0026 (Celtis sinensis), are located within the extent of this LR. No trees of rare and protected species are found during the survey.

This resource is considered as ‘High’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘High’.

Quality and Maturity – High

Rarity – Medium

Ability to accommodate change – Low

Sensitivity - High

LR 1b Abandoned Agricultural Land (3.5ha)

LR refers to these inactive agricultural lands identified in the assessment area. These fallow fields were recorded outside the PDA in Yeung Ka Tsuen, Tai Kei Leung, Sheung Yau Tin Tsuen and in the village areas east of Kiu Hing Road, and within the PDA in the large agricultural land adjoining the southwest of Shan Ha Tsuen respectively.

These inactive agricultural fields are dominated by weedy trees and shrubs such as Leucaena leucocephala and Lantana camara. Tree age ranges between semi-mature and mature and general condition is fair.

No trees of POVT, rare and protected species are found during the survey.

This resource is considered as ‘Medium’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Medium’.

Quality and Maturity – Medium

Rarity – Medium

Ability to accommodate change – Medium

Sensitivity - Medium

LR 1c Orchard (13.9ha)

LR refers to those orchards of varying sizes comprising common fruit trees dominated by Clausena lansium, Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis and Mangifera indica. The resources are mainly located in Yeung Ka Tsuen, in the village areas to the west of Shui Tsui San Tsuen Road and in Fui Sha Wai, and the planting areas near the Tin Shui Wai West Interchange and existing Tan Kwai Tsuen Fresh Water Service Reservoir. These trees range from semi-mature and mature and are generally in fair to good condition.

In addition, there are two considerable sizes of Lychee orchards located at the junction between the mature secondary woodland and large agricultural lands in Shan Han Tsuen. These Lychee woodlands appeared to be abandoned orchards and comprise mature/ over-mature trees of Litchi chinensis and with very sparse understory and lack of native plant species.

Among these trees, two (2) nos. of POVTs as Important Trees, T-0015 (Litchi chinensis) and T-0016 (Celtis sinensis), are identified. No trees of rare and protected species are found during the survey.

This resource is considered as ‘High’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘High’, due to its important ecological function.

Quality and Maturity – High

Rarity – Medium

Ability to accommodate change – Low

Sensitivity - High

LR 2 Lowland Mixed Trees, Shrubland and Grassland (36.1ha)

LR refers the fringes of the developed area within the low lying plains, isolated undeveloped landscape between village areas, scattered open space within villages and settlements. In those areas, a mixture vegetation cover of trees, shrubs and grasses has colonised the spaces. The density of trees’ coverage ranges from low to medium.

Typical species include Bauhinia blakeana, Acacia confusa, Chukrasia tabularis var. velutina, Delonix regia, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Ficus microcarpa, Bombax ceiba, Callistemon viminalis, Macaranga tanarius and Cinnamomum camphora. Tree ages range between semi-mature and mature and general condition is fair to good.

Five (5) nos. of POVTs as Important Trees, T-0013 (Ficus microcarpa), T-0023 (Bombax ceiba), T-0028 (Celtis sinensis), T-0033 (Ficus elastica) and T-0042 (Ficus elastica), are also identified within this LR. No trees of rare and protected species are found during the survey.

This resource is considered as ‘Medium’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Medium’.

Quality and Maturity – Medium

Rarity – Medium

Ability to accommodate change – Medium

Sensitivity - Medium

LR 3 Hillside Shrubland and Grassland (151.2ha)

LR refers to mixture of shrubland and grassland located on the hillsides to the west and south of the PDA. Dense woodland filters out to shrubland and scattered trees further up the slope with a mixture of grassland at intervals. Erosion is a result of unmanaged access and use of motorcycles has damaged large areas of the hillside, exposed soils and impacted on vegetation to a certain extent.

This LR comprises native shrub species including Baeckea frutescens, Glochidion eriocarpum, Helicteres angustifolia, Melastoma dodecandrum, Melastoma sanguineum, Rhaphiolepis indica, and Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, and native grass species such as Arundinella nepalensis, Neyraudia reynaudiana, Paspalum conjugatum, Dicranopteris pedata, Imperata cylindrica var. major, Ischaemum barbatum, Miscanthus floridulus and Miscanthus sinensis.

In addition, three (3) nos. of rare and protected species as Important Trees, R-0001(Aquilaria sinensis), R-0002 (Aquilaria sinensis) and R-0003 (Aquilaria sinensis), are located on the slopes in the south of Long Hon Road. No POVTs are found during the survey.

This resource is considered as ‘Medium’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Medium’.

Quality and Maturity – Medium

Rarity – Medium

Ability to accommodate change – Medium

Sensitivity - Medium

LR 4 Secondary Woodland (87.1ha)

LR refers to dense secondary woodlands within the Assessment Area, which are found both in the PDA and outside of the PDA. These secondary woodlands are established on the continuous upland adjoining the western boundary of PDA, adjoining south of Shan Ha Tsuen, in or near Tong Yan San Tsuen, near Lam Hau Tsuen and Lam Hau Wai Tsuen, under the pylon near Yeung Ka Tsuen, and some small woodlands scattered through the village or developed areas.

Those woodlands comprise a varing diversity of mature trees of typical native woodland species including Acronychia pedunculata, Aporusa dioica, Bischofia javanica, Breynia fruticosa, Bridelia tomentosa, Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum burmannii, Cinnamomum camphora, Ficus variegata, Litsea glutinosa, Litsea monopetela, Microcos nervosa, Rhus chinensis, Rhus succedanea, Sapium sebiferum and Schefflera heptaphylla. Exotic plantation species such as Acacia confusa are also scattered through some of these woodland areas. Tree age ranges between semi-mature and mature and general condition is fair to good.

Thirty-seven (37) nos. of Important Trees are found within the extent of this LR. Among these trees, thirty (30) nos. of rare and protected species were recorded in the hillside woodland area in the south of Tong Yan San Tsuen, including R-0004, R-0005, R-0006, R-0007, R-0008, R-0009, R-0010, R-0011, R-0012, R-0013, R-0014, R-0015, R-0016, R-0017, R-0018, R-0019, R-0020, R-0022, R-0023, R-0024, R-0025, R-0026, R-0027, R-0028, R-0029, R-0030, R-0031, R-0032, R-0033, R-0034. These trees all belong to Artocarpus hypargyreus. Seven (7) nos. of POVTs, T-0003 (Ficus virens var. sublanceolata), T-0005 (Ficus microcarpa), T-0006 (Celtis sinensis), T-0008 (Delonix regia), T-0010 (Ficus microcarpa), T-0012 (Bombax ceiba) and T-0014 (Celtis sinensis) are also identified during the survey.

This resource is considered as ‘High’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘High’.

Quality and Maturity – High

Rarity – High

Ability to accommodate change – Low

Sensitivity - High

LR 5 Plantation (37.9ha)

LR refers to dense plantation on modified slopes of Tai Lam Country Park, roadside plantings along YLH and planting of nursery. The LR is a mixture of secondary and man-made plantation woodland covering substantial areas and providing important landscape amenity.

Typical species include Macaranga tanarius, Bauhinia blakeana, Acacia confusa, Dimocarpus longan, Cinnamomum camphora, Eucalyptus spp. and Magnifera indica. Tree age ranges between semi-mature and mature and general condition is fair to good.

In addition, one (1) POVT as Important Trees, T-0031 (Ficus microcarpa), is found within this LR. No trees of rare and protected species are found during the survey.

This resource is considered as ‘Medium’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Medium’.

Quality and Maturity – Medium

Rarity – Low

Ability to accommodate change – Medium

Sensitivity - Medium

LR 6 Urban Park (9.5ha)

LR refers to Yuen Long Park, the major passive recreational park within Yuen Long New Town and public playgrounds in Tong Yan Shan Tsuen, which partly are within the Assessment Area. The Yuen Long Park consists of sports facilities, ornamental planting, lawns, pathways, sitting areas, water features, pavilions, an aviary/ viewing tower and park operation/ maintenance buildings. The elevation of the landscape is a mixture of informal and formal landscape styles with a strong presence of soft landscape. The park is surrounded by development which creates a distinct boundary or edge.

Typical species include: Melaleuca leucadendron, Acacia confuse, Bauhinia blackeana, Aleurites moluccana, Roystonea regia, Bombax ceiba, Eucalyptus citriodora and Araucaria heterophylla. The trees range from semi-mature to mature and the feneral condition is good.

Two OVTs, ARCHSD YL/1 and ARCHSD YL/2 are located in the Yuen Long Park, with species of Dracontomelon duperreanum. No POVTs, trees of rare and protected species are found during the survey.

This resource is considered as ‘High’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Medium’.

Quality and Maturity – High

Rarity – Medium

Ability to accommodate change –Medium

Sensitivity - Medium

LR 7 Road and Urban Infrastructure (60.6ha)

LR refers to the distributor roads and other urban infrastructures like public parking areas, associated with the road plantings of tree avenues, verges and amenity landscaped areas throughout the urbanized areas. The roadside trees can soften the hard infrastructure surface.

Typical species include Bauhinia blackeana, Macaranga tanarius, Araucaria cunninghamia, Bombax ceiba, Dimocarpus longan and Melaleuca leucadendra. Generally those trees are in fair condition.

Moreover, four (4) nos. of POVTs as Important Trees, T-0011 (Eucalyptus robusta), T-0024 (Bombax ceiba), T-0036 (Ficus elastica) and T-0037 (Ficus elastica), are identified within this LR. No trees of rare and protected species are found during the survey.

This resource is considered as ‘Medium’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Medium’.

Quality and Maturity – Medium

Rarity – Low

Ability to accommodate change – Medium

Sensitivity - Medium

LR 8 Major Transport Corridor (29.2ha)

LR refers to the major infrastructure corridor forming the YLH, which is the premiere road within the Assessment Area. Generally this route does not comprise any vegetation cover and are predominantly formed of engineered structures/barriers, modified slopes & embankments.

No trees of POVT, rare and protected species are found during the survey.

This resource is considered as ‘Low’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Low’.

Quality and Maturity – Low

Rarity – Low

Ability to accommodate change – High

Sensitivity - Low

LR 9 Urbanised Development (163.6ha)

LR refers to the developed area dominated by low-rise rural residential developments, and parts of commercial, educational and recreational development of Yuen Long New Town within the Assessment Area.

This LR comprises low diversity of planted exotic trees such as Bombax ceiba, Bauhinia variegata and wasteland vegetation type of low floristic diversity and ecological value. Other plantation consists of a mixture of municipal roadside tree and shrub planting and amenity planting in open spaces and around residential estate. Tree age ranges between semi-mature and mature and general condition is fair to good.

Moreover, one (1) nos. of rare and protected species and two (2) nos. of POVTs, R-0035 (Artocarpus hypargyreus), T-0002 (Delonix regia) and T-0020 (Eucalyptus citriodora), are found within this LR.

This resource is considered as ‘Low’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Low’.

Quality and Maturity – Low

Rarity – Low

Ability to accommodate change – High

Sensitivity - Low

LR 10 Village Type Development (219.4ha)

LR refers to the rural village areas within the Assessment Area. This LR type is mainly located east of Kiu Hing Road adjoining the eastern boundary of the PDA, and between Area 2 and Area 3 of PDA.

This LR comprises diverse plant diversity of planted fruit trees including Citrus reticulata, Clausena lansium, Dimocarpus longan, Eriobotrya japonica, Litchi chinensis and a wide range of ornamental species. Mature trees and ornamental planting appear along roadsides and within garden areas, pockets of mature woodland and horticultural plots sit intertwined within the developed areas and on the periphery of the villages. Typical tree species include Ficus microcarpa, Bauhinia blakeana, Bombax ceiba, Acacia confusa, Callistemon viminalis, Macaranga tanarius, Cinnamomum camphora and Lagerstroemia speciosa. The age of trees range from semi-mature to mature, generally the quality of planting is fair.

In addition, two (2) nos. of POVTs and one (1) nos. of rare and protected species, T-0004 (Ficus microcarpa), T0041 (Ficus microcarpa) and R-0021 (Aquilaria sinensis), are found within this LR.

This resource is considered as ‘Medium’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Medium’.

Quality and Maturity – Medium

Rarity – Low

Ability to accommodate change – Medium

Sensitivity - Medium

LR 11 Open Storage/Rural Built Area (245.5ha)

LR refers to the areas composed of formal and informal industrial buildings (warehouses, sheds, offices, workshops) open/ un-surfaced ground, access roads/ parking (surfaced and un-surfaced) and open storage, which surrounding Tong Ya San Tsuen, along Kung Um Road and in isolated pockets to the north of the YLH. There is only a small portion of planting located on the periphery of the plots where space is limited; planting in this location is of poor quality. This LR also includes some roadside trees together with scattered planting within the plots.

Typical tree species include Archontophoenix alexandrae, Dimocarpus longan, Eucalyptus spp., Ficus elastica, Ficus Microcarpa, Terminalia mantaly, Bauhinia blakeana, Bombax ceiba, Acacia confusa, Callistemon viminalis, Macaranga tanarius, Cinnamomum camphora and Lagerstroemia speciosa. Tree age ranges between semi-mature and mature, general condition is fair to good.

Moreover, fourteen (14) nos. of POVTs as Important Trees, T-0001 (Celtis sinensis), T-0007 (Bombax ceiba), T-0009 (Ficus microcarpa), T-0017 (Ficus microcarpa), T-0019 (Ficus microcarpa), T-0022 (Bombax ceiba), T-0027 (Celtis sinensis), T-0029 (Ficus microcarpa), T-0032 (Ficus microcarpa), T-0034 (Ficus microcarpa), T-0035 (Ficus virens var. sublanceolata), T-0038 (Bombax ceiba), T-0039 (Melia azedarach) and T-0040 (Celtis sinensis), are identified within this LR. No trees of rare and protected species are found during the survey.

This resource is considered as ‘Medium’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Medium’.

Quality and Maturity – Medium

Rarity – Low

Ability to accommodate change – Medium

Sensitivity - Medium

LR 12 Disturbed Area (56.5ha)

LR refers to the disturbed land and undeveloped lands within the Assessment Area, which are located in the fringes of the developed areas and scattered within the village areas. This LR is mainly derived from fallow cultivation and woodland clearance and has become overgrown with weedy vegetation after a long period of abandonment.

This resource comprising mainly pioneer herbaceous species such as Bidens alba, Cynodon dactylon, Ipomoea cairica, Mikania micrantha, Kyllinga polyphylla, and Pueraria lobata and is lack of tree stands.

In addition, one (1) nos. of POVT, T-0021 (Ficus microcarpa), is found within this LR. No trees of rare and protected species are found during the survey.

This resource is considered as ‘Low’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Low’.

Quality and Maturity – Low

Rarity – Low

Ability to accommodate change – High

Sensitivity - Low

LR 13 Agricultural Pond (2.0ha)

LR refers to the scattered fish ponds within agricultural areas south of Fui Sha Wai, east of Tin Lung Yuen, south of Tai Tong Tsuen and within agricultural areas to the west of the PDA. Those ponds are man-made with soft bank edges and relatively geometric forms. They are fed by a series of irrigation channels linking to streams emanating from the local hillsides.

The two ponds located in Fui Sha Wai and Ying Lung Wai respectively, are both outside of the proposed PDA and surrounded with metal fences, common herbaceous vegetation and a few fruit trees including Morus alba and Mangifera indica were recorded along the pond bunds in Fui Sha Wai. The Ying Lung Wai pond bund area was vegetated with ornamental species including the palm tree Archontophoenix alexandrae. In addition, there is one inactive fish pond located near Fui Sha Wai. Some fruit trees were found during the survey, including Artocarpus heterophyllus, Psidium guajava, and a few common native tree species such as Celtis sinensis, Listea glutinosa, were the most dominant species along the pond bund. Tree age ranges between semi-mature and mature and general condition is fair to good.

No trees of POVT, rare and protected species are found during the survey.

Since the varying quality of those ponds, this resource is considered as ‘Medium’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Medium’.

Quality and Maturity – Medium

Rarity – Medium

Ability to accommodate change – Medium

Sensitivity - Medium

LR 14 Channelised Watercourse (19.4km)

LR refers to several large, trapezoidal and boxed concrete channels run through the Assessment Area, including the major drainage Nullah within Long Han Road, Lam Tai West Road and Kung Um Road. These are largely concrete lined with a dry weather flow channel at the base. Part of the lower section of the main drainage channel (to the north of the As sessment Area) has been lined with grasscrete and there are areas of riparian vegetation.

Ficus hispida, Ficus microcarpa and Ficus subpisocarpa are the dominant tree species that had established along the narrow embankment of some channelized watercourses.

No trees of POVTs, rare and protected species are found during the survey.

Since those large scale trapezoidal concrete lined channels do not provide any landscape amenity, this resource is considered as ‘Low’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Low’.

Quality and Maturity – Low

Rarity – Low

Ability to accommodate change – High

Sensitivity - Low

LR 15 Watercourses of higher ecological value (20.9km)

LR refers to watercourses of higher ecological value (permanent and seasonal) mainly concentrated within the natural hillsides to the west of the study area, where there has been little or no human impact to the channels or banks of these watercourses. These either enters into agricultural irrigation channels or Nullahs. Given the topography, particularly in the west, many of these watercourses are seasonal, with water restricted to pools or slow flow in the dry season.

Semi-natural shrubby grasslands are the dominant riparian vegetation of these seasonal watercourses in the upland. Most of the lowland watercourse sections are very exposed and with riparian vegetation, common native tree species such as Celtis sinensis, Ficus hispida, Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa and Microcos nervosa were the most dominate species within this LR.

No trees of POVTs, rare and protectd species are found during the survey.

This resource is considered as ‘High’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘High’.

Quality and Maturity – High

Rarity – High

Ability to accommodate change – Low

Sensitivity - High

LR 16 Reservoir (1.7ha)

LR refers to the Tan Kwai Tsuen North fresh water service reservoir within the Assessment Area, which located along the western side of the site adjacent to the YLH but outside of the proposed PDA boundaries. The current status of the reservoir is labelled as abandoned. The surrounding vegetation consists of woodland and orchard planting. But there is a small portion of vegetation cover in this resource.

No trees of POVTs, rare and protectd species are found during the survey.

This resource is considered as ‘Low’ for landscape quality. The overall sensitivity is considered to be ‘Low’.

Quality and Maturity – Low

Rarity – Low

Ability to accommodate change – High

Sensitivity - Low

10.9.3.5 In summary LRs of ‘High’ sensitivity include LR1a ‘Active Agricultural Land’, LR1c ‘Orchard’, LR4 ‘Secondary Woodland’ and LR15 ‘Watercourses of higher ecological value’. This is as a result of the natural qualities or high amenity landscape features of these LRs.

10.9.3.6 LRs of ‘Medium’ sensitivity include LR1b ‘Abandoned Agricultural Land’, LR2 ‘Lowland Mixed Trees, Shrubland and Grassland’, LR3 ‘Hillside Shrubland and Grassland’, LR5 ‘Plantation’, LR6 ‘Urban Park’, LR10 ‘Village Type Development’, LR11 ‘Open Storage/Rural Built Area’ and LR13 ‘Agricultural Pond’. In this case these resource have undergone disturbance as a result of human activity or urban development however, they retain some natural features and landscape amenity value.

10.9.3.7 LRs considered to have a low sensitivity as a result of their heavily disturbed, low landscape amenity value or dominance of urban/ built form include LR7 ‘Road and Urban Infrastructure’, LR8 ‘Major Transport Corridor’, LR9 ‘Urbanised Development’, LR12 ‘Disturbed Area’, LR14 ‘Channelised Watercourse’ and LR16 ‘Reservoir’.

10.9.4 Identification of Existing Visual Resources

10.9.4.1 The YLS PDA is located to the south of Yuen Long Town and bounded by YLH, Kung Um Road and Tai Lam Country Park. Upon review of the existing visual condition, the PDA is largely dominated by the brownfield in Tai Tong, which include open storages, warehouses, rural workshops, industrial operations, agricultural land and unused land.

10.9.4.2 Another visually dominating resource is the Yuen Long Nullah along Kung Um Road and Kiu Hing Road. The nullah is currently channelised and lined with concrete, with narrow traffic roads on both sides and limited area for pedestrian passage.

10.9.4.3 For the low-rise residential developments within the PDA, include Pak Sha Tsuen, Tong Yan San Tsuen, Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen and Shan Ha Tsuen are located at the north of the PDA.

10.9.4.4 In addition, YLH is an elevated bypass expressway within the PDA. This present transport infrastructure will form a visual obstruction to the viewers within the PDA, which may partially block the views of the proposed developments from some VSRs.

10.9.4.5 For the natural visual resource within the PDA, the vegetated woodland hillsides are located at the foothill of Tai Lam Country Park and Ho Hok Shan. This extensive hillside forms a green and pleasant backdrop to the urban areas in Yuen Long Town, which enhances the visual experience of the public viewers.

10.9.5 Visual Envelope (VE)

10.9.5.1 The VE is generated by viewshed that confines to the south and east by the ridgeline of Tai Lam Country Park and Ho Hok Shan, to the north by the high-rise residential/ recreational buildings in Yuen Long New Town, and to the west by the village houses, public housing, plantation and viaduct of MTR West Line in HSK and Ping Shan. Within the VE the predominantly level landscape means that views from elevated positions can generally see very long distances whereas many ground level views are limited by intervening vegetation cover and built form.

10.9.6 Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

10.9.6.1 Elevated ground surrounding the study area to the south provides the opportunity for uninterrupted long distance views over the study area from prominences in the local landscape, local landmarks such as Yuen Long Park viewing tower, existing high rise residential developments and from high points (including trails) in Tai Lam Country Park to the south. Key visual receptors within the visual envelope include the settlements of Tong Yan San Tsuen, Lung Tin Tsuen, Tai Tong Tsuen, Shung Ching San Tsuen, Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen and residential estates on the southern fringe of Yuen Long. In addition other key receptors include users of local pedestrian routes, transport infrastructure corridors such as the YLH, occupational receptors within local industrial estates, recreational views from tracks within Tai Lam Country Park and areas of open countryside to the south.

10.9.6.2 As part of the development works it is likely that landscape and visual impacts would arise from removal or disturbance of mature trees, vegetation and natural topography. In addition impacts may arise from the visibility of construction operations, temporary works, changes in the existing landscape character, visibility of larger scale comprehensive development and changes in views from sensitive receivers.

10.9.6.3 The type of VSRs within the study area has been identified in Table 10.9.3, their sensitivity has assessed in Table 10.9.4. The location of viewpoints from these VSRs is presented on Figure 10.10 with representative photographic views taken from these points shown on Figure 10.11a to 10.11q.

Table 10.9.3 Identification of VSR Types

VSR Code	Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Type of VSRs (Residential / Recreational / Occupational / Transportation/ Vehicular / Pedestrian)	VSR Category (Strategic/ District/ Local)
VSR 1	Yuen Long Park Tower	Recreational, Residential	District
VSR 2	Fui Sha Wai South Road	Transportation, Vehicular	Local
VSR 3	Tong Yan San Tsuen Track	Occupational	Local
VSR 4	Fui Sha Wai	Residential	District
VSR 5	Forefront Cyber Centre	Occupational, Transportation	District
VSR 6	Jasper Court and Long Tin Road	Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation	District
VSR 7	Park Side Villa	Residential, Occupational ,Pedestrian, Transportation	District
VSR 8	Tong Yan San Tsuen Interchange	Pedestrian, Transportation	District
VSR 9	Intersection of Kung Um Road and Shap Pat Heung Road	Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation	District
VSR 10	Intersection of Lam Hei Road and Kung Um Road	Pedestrian, Transportation	District
VSR 11	Tin Liu Tsuen	Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 12	Chun Fai Garden	Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 13	Pathway near Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen	Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 14	Kiu Hing Road near Pak Sha Tsuen	Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 15	One Hyde Park Bus Station	Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 16	Channel Pathway on Kung Um Road	Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 17	Pak Sha Tsuen Facing Southwest	Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 18	Tai Lam Mountain 1 Facing Northeast	Recreational	District
VSR 19	Tai Lam Mountain 2 Facing East	Recreational	District
VSR 20	Tai Lam Mountain 3 Facing Southeast	Recreational	District
VSR 21	Tai Lam Mountain 4 Facing Northeast	Recreational	District
VSR 22	Tai Lam Mountain 5 Facing Northeast	Recreational	District
VSR 23	Tai Lam Mountain 6 Facing North	Recreational	District
VSR 24	Tai Lam Mountain 7 Facing Northeast	Recreational	District
VSR 25	Tai Lam Mountain 8 Facing Northeast	Recreational	District
VSR 26	Access Road off Tai Tong Shan Road	Recreational, Occupational, Transportation	Local
VSR 27	Shui Tsiu San Tsuen Road near Wong Nai Tun Tsuen	Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 28	Shui Tsui San Tsuen	Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 29	Sham Chung Tsuen	Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 30	Shan Ha Tsuen	Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 31	Ho Hok Shan 1 Facing Southwest	Recreational	District
VSR 32	Ton Yan San Tsuen	Residential, Occupational, Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 33	Tan Kwai Tsuen Road near Open Storage	Residential, Occupational, Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 34	Tan Kwai Tsuen Road near Osmanthus Arnold Garden	Residential, Occupational, Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 35	Cheung Ngau Shan Facing Northwest	Recreational	District
VSR 36	Near Yuen Long Government Primary School	Residential, Occupational, Pedestrian	Local
VSR 37	Pok Oi Hospital	Occupational, Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 38a	Yoho Town (Ground Level)	Occupational, Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 38b	Yoho Town (Upper Level)	Residential, Occupational, Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 39	Yau Tin West Road near Hoover Garden	Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation	Local
VSR 40	Intersection of Tai Tong Road	Residential, Pedestrian Transportation	Local
VSR 41	Tai Kei Leng Road	Pedestrian Transportation	Local
VSR 42	Tai Shu Ha Road East Facing Northwest	Residential, Pedestrian Transportation	Local
VSR 43	Hung Tin Road	Pedestrian Transportation	Local
VSR 44	Shap Pat Heung Road near La Grove	Pedestrian Transportation	Local

Table 10.9.4 VSRs and their sensitivity

VSR 1 Yuen Long Park Tower

VSR Type: Recreational, Residential

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Good

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Long

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: High

Description:

VSR represents recreational views from the park tower together with illustrating the typical view from residential receivers (including Long Bin Interim Housing, Park Royale, Parkside Villa, Scenic Gardens) on the southern edge of Yuen Long looking south over the Study Area. Give the level nature of the study area, elevated views from this point of Yuen gain a panoramic view across a significant area and the mountain backdrop. The level landscape and low rise built form in the study area allow unobstructed views of the PDA.

VSR 2 Fui Sha Wai South Road

VSR Type: Transportation

Number of VSRS: Few

Quality of View: Poor

Availability of Alternative Views: No

Degree of Visibility: Glimpse

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR represents vehicular views from Fui Sha Wa South Road which sits at the western point of PDA Area 1 adjacent to the YLH. Views from Fui Sha Wai South Road are limited by dense mature vegetation and existing noise barriers of YLH.

VSR 3 Tong Yan San Tsuen Track

VSR Type: Occupational

Number of VSRS: Few

Quality of View: Poor

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Glimpse

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR represents occupational views associated with the surrounding industrial area. Medium distance views are limited by dense vegetation cover with some glimpse views available to local upland areas. Industrial buildings, disturbed ground and poorly maintained vegetation cover lower the overall amenity of views.

VSR 4 Fui Sha Wai

VSR Type: Residential

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Long

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR represents residential views from Fui Sha Wau to the north of Area 1 across the YLH. Vegetation cover in limited as a result of village house development and drainage works. Visibility of road infrastructure and industrial development lowers the quality of the view. Glimpse views to hillside to the south of Yuen Long are visible on the horizon.

VSR 5 Forefront Cyber Centre

VSR Type: Occupational, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Long

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR represents occupational and transportation views from the Forefront Cyber Centre with sits adjacent to the YLH with southerly views across the Study Area, with Area 1 in the foreground. Views from the highway are possible as a result of the transparent noise barriers within this section. The highway and industrial buildings are significant visual detractors in the view. Scattered mature vegetation and views to the hillsides surrounding the Study Area provide important visual respite. Longer distance views further to south over Area 3 are also possible.

VSR 6 Jasper Court and Long Tin Road

VSR Type: Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Poor

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Glimpse

Duration of View: short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR represents residential, pedestrian and transportation views from Jasper Court (low rise) and Long Tin Road. Road infrastructure, including noise barriers dominates the views. Medium to long distance views are generally restricted by intervening built form. Local vegetation cover provides little visual amenity.

VSR 7 Park Side Villa

VSR Type: Residential, Occupational, Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Long

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR represents residential, occupational, pedestrian and transportation views from medium-rise Parkside Villa development. At present ground level views overlook an open storage area and YLH. Views at higher elevation have an open and unobstructed vantage point over the study area and mountain landscape beyond.

VSR 8 Tong Yan San Tsuen Interchange

VSR Type: Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Poor

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR represents ground level pedestrian and vehicular receivers from the TYST Interchange with the Shan Ha Road. The roadscape, surrounding open storage and Nullah are dominant visual detractors. Dense vegetation especially in the form of plantation associated with the YLH provides important visual respite. The low level nature of development allows unobstructed views to the local hillside. Ground level views over the study area are limited by mature vegetation, fencing and storage yards.

VSR 9 Intersection of Kung Um Road and Shap Pat Heung Road

VSR Type: Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Poor

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Glimpse

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR represents low level views from residential, pedestrian and vehicular receivers at the intersection of Kung Um Road and Shap Pat Heung Road at Lung Tin Tsuen. Views are heavily dominated by the immediate roadscape and Nullah which heavily detract from the quality of the view. Longer distance views along the road corridor are partially obscured by the YLH. Some mature vegetation appears in between developed areas and open storage compounds.

VSR 10 Intersection of Lam Hei Rd and Kung Um Rd

VSR Type: Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Poor

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR represents view further along the Kung Um Road as this passes beneath the YLH. The raised structure of the YLH and surrounding plantation obstructs medium distance views. The surrounding roadscape and Nullah dominate the foreground of the view.

VSR 11 Tin Liu Tsuen

VSR Type: Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Poor

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Glimpse

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR represents residential, pedestrian and vehicular receivers at Tin Liu Tsuen with westerly views over the Study Area and Area 2. At ground level the view is generally contained by local 3 storey village house development and vegetation cover. Glimpse longer distance views are possible in between buildings. The lack of vegetation cover, dominance of the road, open Nullah and low visual amenity of built form detract from the quality of the view.

VSR 12 Chun Fai Garden

VSR Type: Residential, Pedestrian, Vehicular

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Poor

Availability of Alternative Views: No

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR represents residential, pedestrian and vehicular views at Chun Fai Garden on Kiu Hing Road with westerly views over the Study Area and Area 2. The roadscape, Nullah and open storage detract from the quality of the view. The development pattern is more open at this point allowing greater visual connection with the hillsides to the west of the study area. Ground level views towards the study area are obscured by vegetation cover.

VSR 13 Pathway near Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen

VSR Type: Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR 13 represents pedestrian and vehicular views at ground level at Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen towards Area 2. At points along Kiu Hing Road small pedestrian foot bridges cross the wide Nullah. The straight Nullah system and adjacent roads create a wide visual corridor to the south. The lack of vegetation, uniform concrete surfaces and associated engineering create a very low quality visual setting. The views of the hillsides within the country park to the south provide some visual respite.

VSR 14 Kiu Hing Road near Pak Sha Tsuen

VSR Type: Residential, Pedestrian Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Long

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR represents residential, pedestrian and vehicular views at Kiu Hing Road near Pak Sha Tsuen. The presence of quality residential development including ornamental planting in the foreground of the view rather than open storage or low quality built form helps to improve the visual appearance of development in the foreground. The existing road and Nullah system still detract heavily from the quality of the view. Ground level views toward the study area are obstructed by intervening built form and vegetation cover. Longer distance views towards local hillside beyond the study area are readily available.

VSR 15 One Hyde Park Bus Station

VSR Type: Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR represents residential, pedestrian and vehicular views near the One Hyde Park Bus Station with views to the west and south west over the study area. The presence of residential development including some ornamental planting in the foreground of the view rather than open storage or low quality built form helps to improve the visual quality. In this location the density of new housing layout tends to form a low level wall of development alongside the road. The existing road and Nullah system still detract heavily from the quality of the view. Ground level views toward the study area are obstructed by intervening built form and vegetation cover. Longer distance views towards local hillside beyond the study area are readily available.

VSR 16 Channel Pathway on Kung Um Road

VSR Type: Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Poor

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Long

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR represents pedestrian and transportation receivers with northerly views along the Kiu Hing Road/ Kung Um Road over the Study Area and Area 3 from the vicinity of Pak Sha Tsuen. The view demonstrates the openness of the view along the Nullah with the southern extent of Yuen Long visible in the distance. The roadscape and Nullah are significant visual detractors in the view. Pockets of mature planting along the roads provide some visual respite. Ground level views towards the study area of blocked by intervening built form.

VSR 17 Pak Sha Tsuen Facing Southwest

VSR Type: Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Long

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR represents residential, pedestrian and transportation views at ground level in the vicinity of Pak Sha Tsuen with south westerly over the Study Area and Area 3 at the convergence point of two major Nullah channels. The open Nullah and adjacent roads allow view corridors through the local landscape at ground level towards the hillside landscape in the south. Open storage functions in the foreground detract from the quality of the view. Ground level views into the study area are blocked by intervening built form whereas long distance views of the hillsides beyond the Study Area are readily available.

VSR 18 Tai Lam Mountain 1 Facing Northeast

VSR Type: Recreational

Number of VSRS: Few

Quality of View: Good

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR describes recreation views from surrounding mountainsides which form a horseshoe around the local landscape. VSR provides an overview of Area 1 & 2 and vicinity of Tong Yan San Tsuen. View illustrates a series of development patterns including the high density Yuen Long New Town, rural settlements, industrial areas, agricultural land and villages. Woodland pockets throughout the landscape help to break up the visibility of uniform low scale development. The elevation allows very long distance views to mountains in the background. The existing development within the study appears fragmented with open storage and surface car parking areas detracting from the quality of the view. The agricultural area south of TYST is a distinctive component of the view, which is the new location for the fresh water service reservoir as well.

VSR 19 Tai Lam Mountain 2 Facing East

VSR Type: Recreational

Number of VSRS: Few

Quality of View: Good

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR describes recreation views from surrounding mountainsides which form a horseshoe around the local landscape. VSR provides an overview of part of Area 1 and Area 2 & 3 along Kung Um Road. Open storage functions at the foot of the hillside create an almost uniform carpet of development broken only by small and isolated tree pockets. The view demonstrates the full extent of low scale sprawl which has taken place on the low level plains. The high density built form of Yuen Long New Town forms a distinctive wall of development across the low scale development elsewhere in the landscape. Mountain peaks and ridgelines are often visible in the background.

VSR 20 Tai Lam Mountain 3 Facing Southeast

VSR Type: Recreational

Number of VSRS: Few

Quality of View: Good

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR describes recreation views from surrounding mountainsides which form a horseshoe around the local landscape. VSR provides an overview of Area 2 & 3 along Kung Um Road. Open storage functions at the foot of the hillside create an almost uniform carpet of development broken only by small and isolated tree pockets. The view demonstrates the full extent of low scale sprawl which has taken place on the low level plains. The high density built form of Yuen Long New Town forms a distinctive wall of development across the low scale development elsewhere in the landscape. Mountain peaks and ridgelines are often visible in the background.

VSR 21 Tai Lam Mountain 4 Facing Northeast

VSR Type: Recreational

Number of VSRS: Few

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR describes recreation views from surrounding mountainsides which form a horseshoe around the local landscape including the Country Park. VSR provides an overview of Area 3 along Kung Um Road. Open storage functions at the foot of the hillside create an almost uniform carpet of development broken only by small and isolated tree pockets. The view demonstrates the full extent of low scale sprawl which has taken place on the low level plains. Electricity pylons entre the hillside at this point and detract from the quality of the natural landscape. Hillside erosion is more visible to the south of the study area.

VSR 22 Tai Lam Mountain 5 Facing Northeast

VSR Type: Recreational

Number of VSRS: Few

Quality of View: Good

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR describes recreation views from surrounding mountainsides which form a horseshoe around the local landscape. VSR provides an overview of Area 1, 2 & 3. The linear Nullah along Kung Um Road creates a highly visible open corridor through the landscape. Open storage functions at the foot of the hillside create an almost uniform carpet of development broken only by small and isolated tree pockets. The view demonstrates the full extent of low scale sprawl which has taken place on the low level plains. Hillside erosion is more visible in the foreground of the view. Electricity pylons also enter the hillside at the point. The high density built form of Yuen Long New Town forms a distinctive wall of development across the low scale development elsewhere in the landscape. Mountain peaks and ridgelines are omnipresent in the background.

VSR 23 Tai Lam Mountain 6 Facing North

VSR Type: Recreational

Number of VSRS: Few

Quality of View: Good

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR 24 Tai Lam Mountain 7 Facing Northeast

VSR Type: Recreational

Number of VSRS: Few

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR describes recreation views from surrounding mountainsides which form a horseshoe around the local landscape. VSR provides an overview of Area 1, 2 & 3. The linear Nullah along Kung Um Road creates a highly visible open corridor through the landscape. Open storage functions at the foot of the hillside create an almost uniform carpet of development broken only by small and isolated tree pockets. The view demonstrates the full extent of low scale sprawl which has taken place on the low level plains. Hillside erosion is more visible in the foreground together with burial grounds. Electricity pylons also enter the hillside at the point. The high density built form of Yuen Long New Town forms a distinctive wall of development across the low scale development elsewhere in the landscape. Mountain peaks and ridgelines are often visible in the background.

VSR 25 Tai Lam Mountain 8 Facing Northeast

VSR Type: Recreational

Number of VSRS: Few

Quality of View: Good

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR describes recreational views from surrounding mountainsides which form a horseshoe around the local landscape. VSR provide an overview of Area 1. The view demonstrates the North of Area 1 and the new fresh water service reservoir, which is locate at the south of Tong Yan San Tsuen. The existing development within the study appears fragmented with open storage and surface car parking areas detracting from the quality of the view.

VSR 26 Access Road off Tai Tong Shan Road

VSR Type: Recreation, Occupational, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Medium

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR represents recreation, occupational, transportation receivers from the south east of the Study Area off Tai Tong Shan Road. Open storage function and road construction have heavily degraded the local landscape removing natural vegetation and altering natural terrain. Glimpse views towards the Study Area towards Area 3 above the tree canopy and compound areas are possible. The hillsides to the west of the study area have a strong visual presence on the skyline.

VSR 27 Shui Tsiu San Tsuen Road near Wong Nai Tun Tsuen

VSR Type: Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Medium

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR represents typical views experienced at Shui Tsiu San Tsuen Road near Wang Nai Tun Tsuen, with westerly views over the Study Area, Area 2 and Area 3. Views generally comprise village house development and development plots in the foreground and middle ground. Vegetation cover is relatively sparse with individual mature trees are scattered throughout the village. Ground level views towards the study area are limited by intervening built form and tree cover beyond the village. The hillsides to the west of the study area are highly visible.

VSR 28 Shui Tsiu San Tsuen

VSR Type: Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Medium

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR represents typical views experienced by residential, pedestrian and transportation receivers at Shui Tsiu San Tsuen with westerly views over the Study Area, Area 2 and 3. The intervening landscape between the village and study area is less developed with lower scale built forms which blends into the vegetation cover. Ground level views towards the study area are limited with views to the hillsides to the west of the study area being highly visible.

VSR 29 Sham Chung Tsuen

VSR Type: Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Good

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Medium

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: High

Description:

VSR represents typical views experienced by residential, pedestrian and transportation receivers at Sham Chung Tsuen with westerly views over the Study Area and Area 2. Well-tended agricultural plots give the local landscape a higher amenity appearance. Pockets of woodland planting are visible together with clusters of village houses. Medium rise development on the southern edge of Yuen Long New Town is also visible. Ground level views towards the study area are limited with views to the hillsides to the west of the study area being readily available.

VSR 30 Shan Ha Tsuen

VSR Type: Residential, Pedestrian, Transporation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Medium

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR represents typical views experienced by residential, pedestrian and transportation receivers at Sha Ha Tsuen with westerly views over the Study Area and Area 1. The view comprises a mixture of village houses of varying ages. Pockets of woodland planting are visible together with dense clusters of village houses. Ground level views towards the study area are limited with views to the hillsides to the west of the study area being highly visible above the existing development.

VSR 31 Ho Hok Shan and Facing Southwest

VSR Type: Recreational

Number of VSRS: Few

Quality of View: Good

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR represents recreational views from the hillside at Ho Hok Shan located to the west of Yuen Long New Town. The elevation at this point allows a long distance view towards the Study Area including Area 1, 2 and 3. The landscape in the foreground appears relatively undeveloped. The medium rise development on the southern edge of Yuen Long New Town is very conspicuous where this meets the small scale development to the south of the YLH. Views to the hillside west of the Study Area form the back drop and contain the view.

VSR 32 Tong Yan San Tsuen

VSR Type: Residential, Occupational, Pedestrian, Transportation.

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Long

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Medium

VSR represents the typical view experienced by residential, occupational, pedestrian and transportation receivers within the environs of TYST within Area 1. Modern village house developments and more formalised streetscape create a slightly higher level of visual amenity although lack substantial vegetation cover. Medium distance views are restricted by intervening built form and vegetation cover. Glimpse views to the hillsides west of the study area are possible.

VSR 33 Tan Kwai Tsuen Road near Open Storage

VSR Type: Residential, Occupational, Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Medium

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR represents residential, occupational, pedestrian and transportation receivers at Tan Kwai Tsuen to the west of the Study Area and Area 1. Locally the landscape comprises a mixture of development including village houses, open storage/compounds, workshop and public open space. Ornamental and mature tree planting helps to provide visual amenity by breaking up the appearance of low quality development such as metal sheds. Views towards the study area are limited at ground level by intervening development and vegetation cover. Views towards the hillsides adjacent to the study area are possible.

VSR 34 Tan Kwai Tsuen Road near Osmanthus Arnold Garden

VSR Type: Residential, Occupational, Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Medium

Quality of View: Good

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Long

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: High

Description:

VSR represents residential, occupational, pedestrian and transportation receivers at Tan Kwai Tsuen Road to the Tai Lam Mountain. It is situated on the shared road of vehicle and pedestrian walkway, and it is surrounded by the residential villa house, pockets of mature planting with vegetated hillsides is visible at the foreground of the view, which has provide some visual respite.

VSR 35 Cheung Ngau Shan Facing Northwest

VSR Type: Recreational

Number of VSRS: Few

Quality of View: Good

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: -Short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR represents recreational views from the hillside at Cheung Ngau Shan located to the west of Yuen Long New Town. It is a long distance panoramic view on the top of the mountain of Cheung Ngau Shan facing to the Northwest of Development Area 2 and Yuen Long Town Centre. Electricity Pylons is visible at the foreground of the view. Views of YLH are obstructed by intervening built form and vegetation cover. Due to the low usage of hiking trial, the sensitivity of the receiver is considered as ‘’medium’’.

VSR 36 Near Yuen Long Government Primary School

VSR Type: Residential, Occupational, Pedestrian

Number of VSRS: Medium

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Long

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR represents residential, occupational, pedestrian receivers at Yau Chuen Street to the north of Yuen Long New Town and PDA Area 2. The existing view towards north is characterized by low rise village buildings and scattered vegetation in a close view. The high rise buildings of Yuen Long New Town contain the view in a middle distance. View towards the study area are limited due to the far distance and blocked by intervening built form.

VSR 37 Pok Oi Hospital

VSR Type: Occupational, Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Medium

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Long

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR represents occupational and transportation views from the Pok Oi Hospital which sits adjacent to the Castle Peak Road with southerly view across the high rise buildings of Yuen Long New Town. Views from the highway are possible as a result of scattered mature vegetation and Pok Oi Hospital buildings. Longer distance views further to south over Area 2 are also possible.

VSR 38a Yoho Town (Ground Level)

VSR Type: Occupational, Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Medium

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

For 38a, VSR represents views from pedestrian, occupational and transportation users along the Yuen Ching Road near Yoho Town. At present ground level views overlook an open storage area and Kwong Ming Ying Loi School. Short distances views to Major Road infrastructures on Yuen Ching Road are possible. Due to the short duration of views, the sensitivity of the receiver is considered as “Low”.

VSR 38b Yoho Town (Upper Level)

VSR Type: Residential

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Long

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: High

Description:

For 38b, VSR represents residential views at higher elevation which have an open and unobstructed views over the Castle Peak Road, YLH and mountain landscape beyond. Short distances views to Major Road infrastructures on Yuen Ching Road are possible. Due to the long duration of view for residential users, the sensitivity of the receiver is considered as “High”.

VSR 39 Yau Tin West Road near Hoover Garden

VSR Type: Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Medium

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Long

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR represents residential, pedestrian and vehicular views from Hoover Garden. At points along Yau Tain West Road pedestrian foot bridges cross the wide Nullah. The lack of vegetation, uniform concrete surfaces and associated engineering create a very low quality visual setting. Longer distance views towards local hillside beyond the study area provide some visual respite.

VSR 40 Intersection of Tai Tong Road

VSR Type: Occupational, Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Many

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR represents occupational, pedestrian and transportation views at ground level at Tai Tong Road. The straight Nullah system and adjacent roads create a wide visual corridor to the south. The raised structure of the YLH and surrounding plantation obstructs medium distance views. Partial views to hillside to the south of Yuen Long are visible on the horizon.

VSR 41 Tai Kei Leng Road

VSR Type: Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Few

Quality of View: Poor

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Glimpse

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR represent transportation and pedestrian views from Tai Kei Leng Road. Views from south east at Tai Kei Leng Road are limited by dense mature vegetation and existing noise barriers of YLH.

VSR 42 Tai Shu Ha Road East Facing Northwest

VSR Type: Residential, Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Medium

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Partial

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Frequent

Sensitivity: Medium

Description:

VSR represent view further along Tai Shu Ha Road East as this passes beneath the YLH. The raised structure of the YLH and surrounding plantation obstructs medium distance views. The surrounding roadscape and Nullah dominate the foreground of the view and some residential villa houses are involved on the west.

VSR 43 Hung Tin Road

VSR Type: Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Few

Quality of View: Poor

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR represent transportation and pedestrian views from Hung Tin Road. Short distances views to Utilities Construction on Hung Tin Road are possible. Due to the short duration of views, the sensitivity of the receiver is considered as “Low”.

VSR 44 Shap Pat Heung Road near La Grove

VSR Type: Pedestrian, Transportation

Number of VSRS: Few

Quality of View: Fair

Availability of Alternative Views: Yes

Degree of Visibility: Full

Duration of View: Short

Frequency of View: Occasional

Sensitivity: Low

Description:

VSR represents pedestrian and vehicular users along Shap Pat Heung Road near La Grove. A close distance views to the proposed noise enclosure in Kung Um Road and Kiu Hing Road are possible. Due to the short duration of views, the sensitivity of the receiver is considered as “Low”.

10.10 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment before Mitigation Measures

10.10.1 Aims of Review

10.10.1.1 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.

10.10.2 Sources of Landscape and Visual Impacts

10.10.2.1 The landscape impact assessment has been carried out taking into consideration the baseline LRs and LCAs described in Section 10.9 and potential impacts described in Section 10.7.5.

10.10.2.2 During the construction stage, potential landscape and visual impacts will generally result from the following:

· Site clearance including demolition of structures, tree removal/ transplantation and other vegetation removal would have a negative landscape and visual impact due to the appearance of construction activities and loss of vegetation cover. Demolition of unsightly or temporary structures may generate positive impacts.

· Site formation works including cutting of slopes and filling of land e.g. filling of farmland, streams would generate negative impacts as a result of the loss of these features of high landscape value.

· Stockpiling of construction and demolition materials, including existing topsoil, storage of construction equipment and mechanical plant would generate negative visual impact as a result of these operations intruding into existing views.

· Construction of at-grade and above ground facilities including, bridges, viaducts, interchanges, roads and noise barriers are likely to generate negative visual impacts as a result of these operations intruding into existing views and the scale of the construction footprint.

· Construction of the sewage alignment connecting YLS to the existing inert chamber of the NWNT effluent tunnel at San Tai for discharging to Urmston Road submarine outfall may 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.

· Re-alignment of roads would generate negative landscape and visual impacts due to the visibility of construction operations and the scale of the construction footprint.

· Re-alignment, culverting and filling of streams and other watercourses would generate negative impacts due to the loss of visual amenity and natural value provided by these resources.

10.10.2.3 During the operation phase, potential impacts will result from the following:

· Construction of building structures would generate negative visual impacts due to the erection of new developments would be the visual intrusion to the existing view.

· Operation of new roads including intersections and viaducts would generate negative visual impacts due to the potential obstruction of existing views, visibility of new structures, and traffic movements.

· Provisions of noise mitigation structures are likely to generate some negative visual impacts due to the appearance of new built form and potential to obstruct existing views. This may be balanced where these barriers may provide screening from visual detractors.

· Residual impacts from loss of trees and vegetation during the construction phase would generate negative landscape and visual impacts in the short term until compensation planting has established and replaced these resources.

· Landscaping maintenance operations.

10.10.2.4 For the mitigation of the noise impact, due to site constraints at the concerned nullah (the roads locate right adjacent to the nullah) and the objective to achieve full noise compliance for all existing and planned NSRs according to EIAO-TM, it is inevitably to propose nullah feature/ barrier (3m to 5m high) to alleviate the road traffic noise impact. Please refer to Appendix 10.4 for the locations of noise mitigation measures.

10.10.2.5 Therefore, it is anticipated that the proposed temporary noise barrier is likely to generate visual blockage and visual intrusion to the surrounding sensitive receivers.

10.10.2.6 The visual impact of these temporary or movable noise barriers and noise enclosure proposed along the new road sections need to be mitigated through 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.

10.10.3 Prediction of Potential Impacts throughout the Development Stages

10.10.3.1 Refer to Section 2.5 and Figure 2.1 for Chapter 2, the overall Project is proposed to be implemented into four main stages to ensure a balanced and programmed development. The construction period of these stages are overlapped according to the implementation program. A review of main developments from each stage has been carried out to predict the potential impacts on existing landscape in YLS as follows:

Stage One (2020 – 2029)

10.10.3.2 The infrastructure works are the major development of this stage, including new road connection and road improvement works along the YLH and Kiu Hing Road. It is anticipated that these constructions of road works may cause disturbance on the roadside plantation and man-made channels. In addition, the proposed service reservoir has fallen into the woodland & plantation area on the hillside next to TYST. The initial residential developments are located in open storage sites across Lam Tai East Road. According to the proposed building footprint, estimated some of the existing trees within open storage are in direct conflict with the development.

10.10.3.3 The landscape character of the proposed residential site may change from rural industrial landscape into an urbanised setting. The character changes by other developments are temporary and reversible.

Stage Two (2022 – 2033)

10.10.3.4 Industrial settings as one of the major development are located near Tin Shui Wai West Interchange (TSW West Interchange), roadside plantation and a small plot of woodland in TYST are in direct conflict with the proposed building footprint. Another major development is the residential development within the open storage sites of Tai Fat Tsuen, which would lead to potential impacts on existing tree plots. In addition, educational facilities are proposed next to Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen may also affect the scattered plantings. Furthermore, infrastructure works including new slip road across Sha Ha Tsuen may have disturbance on agricultural land. The nullah revitalisation along Kung Um Road are proposed to enhance the landscape amenity of the man-made channels. Additional sewage treatment works in the south edge of Kung Um Road may generate direct impacts on existing trees in the rural built area.

10.10.3.5 The landscape character for residential and educational development sites next to Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen will be changed from the rural industrial setting into urbanised landscape. The existing industrial settings near TSW West Interchange are considered to experience reversible changes of landscape character.

Stage Three (2031 – 2038)

10.10.3.6 The development of this stage includes comprehensive development of residential, government buildings, open space and associated facilities. Potential impacts would be generated on the existing trees plots within open storage sites in the south-western of Kung Um Road.

10.10.3.7 After the above works, an urbanised landscape character would completely replace the existing industrial development.

Stage Four (2032-2038)

10.10.3.8 The major development of this final stage includes the residential buildings in TYST. Small scattered plots of woods, agricultural land, plantation and open storage sites would experience adverse impacts by the construction works. In addition, road improvement works for TSW West Interchange are needed, which may lead to the disturbance on the roadside plantation.

10.10.3.9 The landscape character in TYST is considered to be changed into urbanised character after the completion of these developments.

10.10.3.10 The detailed landscape impact assessment on each LRs and LCAs during construction and operation by the Project have been carried out in the following sections. The overall impacts on existing trees will be reviewed and discussed under the Tree Impact Assessment in Section 10.10.5.

10.10.4 Magnitude of Change of LCAs and LRs

10.10.4.1 Further details of the potential landscape impacts are provided for each below. The magnitude of change on LRs and LCAs are presented in Tables 10.10.1 and 10.10.2 below.

10.10.4.2 Landscape Impacts on LCAs and LRs are mapped on Figure 10.8 and 10.9.

Table 10.10.1 Magnitude of Change on LCAs

LCA Code	Name	Land Use Type* Impacting LCA	Approx. Area of LCA within RODP	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	Land Use Type* Impacting LCA	Approx. Area of LCA within RODP	Physical extent of the impact (Small/ Medium/ Large) ^	CON	OP	CON	OP	CON	OP	CON	OP
LCA1a	Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape – Open Storage/ Rural Built Area (706.1 ha)	All Land Use Types	234.3 ha	Large (33.2 %)	Poor	Poor	Permanent	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
LCA1a		Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n A large area (approx. 234.3ha) of this character area falls within the RODP scheme of overall developments throughout the four implementation stages, which is proposed with various land use such as agriculture, commercial, residential and open space, retrofitting the whole area with a miscellaneous urban landscape character. n During construction, site clearance works will require the demolition of buildings, structures, clearance of vegetation (including trees), breaking out hard surfaces, soil stripping and construction of new developments. These construction works would directly lead to changes of landscape quality on a large scale of character area within this LCA (33.2%). The compatibility during construction stage is considered to be poor. n In operation, the affected character area will be replaced with a newly urban layout together with a comprehensive road network, which represents a different type of landscape character, therefore the compatibility is considered to be poor during operational stage. n As a result of the large scale of construction footprint on this LCA, the magnitude of change is considered to be Large in both construction and operational stage.
LCA1b	Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape – Lowland Agricultural Land (92.7 ha)	AGR/OU (MU)/DO/G/GB/E/A/RSc/R1(SSF)/R2c	18.8 ha (approx. 10ha preserved within AGR)	Medium (9.5 %)	Poor	Poor	Permanent	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
LCA1b		Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n Approximately 18.8ha of this character area falls within the RODP scheme of overall developments throughout the four implementation stages, which is proposed with various land use such as agriculture, commercial, residential and open space. However, one portion (approx. 10ha) of this character will be reserved as the future agricultural uses, which retain the rural character of this LCA. n During construction, site clearance works will require the clearance of vegetation (including trees), breaking out hard surfaces, soil stripping and construction of new developments. These construction works would directly lead to changes of landscape quality on a medium scale of character area within this LCA (9.5%). The compatibility during construction stage is considered to be poor. n In operation, the affected character area will be replaced with a newly urban layout, which represents a different type of landscape character, therefore the compatibility is considered to be poor during operational stage. n Given the above, the magnitude of change is considered to be Intermediate in both construction and operational stage.
LCA 2	Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape (218.4 ha)	Proposed Infrastructure (Road Improvement works)	2.8 ha	Small (1.2 %)	Poor	Fair	Permanent	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
LCA 2	Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape (218.4 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n A small area of this character (approx. 2.8ha) falls within the works area of proposed infrastructures development (road improvement works) in Stage One. n During construction, site formation and clearance will require the demolition of existing structures, clearance of vegetation (including trees), breaking out hard surfaces, soil stripping and earthworks. These construction works would lead to landscape changes on a small scale of the character area (1.2%). The compatibility during construction stage is considered to be poor. n In operation, the affected character area will be replaced with the proposed road infrastructures and a public transport interchange, which are considered to be fair compatibility with the existing landscape character in place. n Due to the small proportion of the LCA within the 500m assessment area affected, the magnitude of change is considered to be Small.
LCA 3	Upland and Hillside Landscape (188.1 ha)	OU(Service Reservoir)	3.8 ha	Small (2.0%)	Poor	Poor	Permanent	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
LCA 3	Upland and Hillside Landscape (188.1 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n A small area of this character area (approx. 3.8ha) will be in direct conflict with the footprint of the proposed development of service reservoir in Stage One. n During Construction, site clearance works would lead to a loss of small area of vegetation cover (2.0%) at the periphery of Area 1 west and alter the landscape quality of this LCA. The compatibility during construction stage is considered to be poor. n In operation, these areas will be replaced with land use designated as open storage (OS) that is incompatible with the wider LCA, therefore the compatibility is considered to be poor in construction and operation. n As a result of the relatively small scale of the works within the wider LCA, the magnitude of change is considered to be Small during construction and operation.
LCA 4	Settled Valley Landscape (11.6 ha)	N/A	0 ha	Nil	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA 4	Settled Valley Landscape (11.6 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n This LCA falls outside the RODP and therefore the Project will have no impact on it.
LCA 5	Park Urban Landscape (10.4 ha)	N/A	0 ha	Nil	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA 5	Park Urban Landscape (10.4 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n This LCA falls outside the RODP and therefore the Project will have no impact on it.
LCA 6	“Hui” Urban Landscape (34.96 ha)	N/A	0 ha	Nil	Fair	Fair	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LCA 6	“Hui” Urban Landscape (34.96 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n This LCA falls outside the RODP and therefore the Project will have no impact on it.
LCA 7	Urban Peripheral Village Landscape (224.4 ha)	OU(OS)/A/AGR/R5/R5(EDA)/R6/LO/DO	10.2ha	Small (4.5 %)	Poor	Fair	Permanent	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
LCA 7	Urban Peripheral Village Landscape (224.4 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n A small area (approx. 10.2ha) of this character falls within the RODP scheme of major developments in Stage One, Two and Three , some of which is proposed with new land use such as agriculture, open space, residential and open storage. n During construction, site formation and new development will require the clearance of vegetation cover, soil stripping, demolition of buildings and structures, soil stripping and earthworks. These construction works would directly lead to changes of landscape quality on a small scale of character area within this LCA (4.5%). The compatibility during construction stage is considered to be poor. n In operation, these areas will be replaced with new urban development that is fair compatible with the existing landscape character. n As a result of the relatively small scale of the works area within this LCA, the magnitude of change is considered to be Small during construction and operation.
LCA 8	Transportation Corridor Landscape (55.1 ha)	Proposed Infrastructure (Road Improvement works)	13.05ha	Large (24 %)	Fair	Good	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Large	Small
LCA 8	Transportation Corridor Landscape (55.1 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n A large area of this character (approx. 13.05ha) will be encroached by the works area of road improvement along YLH in Stage One. n During construction, the construction works will result in temporary impacts through the demolition of existing highway structures and clearance of some vegetation cover. Temporary traffic diversion will possibly be needed in the construction phase. n In operation, taking into account the majority of works sit within the existing LCA and the reversible impact, as the land use remain the same (road) before and after the development, it is considered that the compatibility will be good during operation. n Due to the large proportion of the LCA within the 500m assessment area affected, the magnitude of change is regarded to be Large during construction. As the new road will form part of this LCA in the future, the magnitude of change is considered to be Small during operation.

Note: [^] 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

[*] Land Use Types of RODP. Refer to Figure 10.2.

Table 10.10.2 Magnitude of Change on LRs

LR Code	Name	Land Use Type* Impacting LR	Approx. Area of LR within RODP	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	Land Use Type* Impacting LR	Approx. Area of LR within RODP	Physical extent of the impact (Small/ Medium/ Large)*	CON	OP		CON	OP	CON	OP	CON	OP
LR1a	Active Agricultural Land (65.6 ha)	AGR/OU (MU)/DO/G/GB/E/A/RSc/R1(SSF)/R2c	15.0ha (approx. 9 ha preserved within AGR)	Medium (9.1%)	Fair	Fair	Permanent		Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR1a	Active Agricultural Land (65.6 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n Approximately 15.0ha of this LR falls within the PDA boundaries. The large scale of active agricultural land near the Shan Ha Tsuen will be reserved for most areas (approx. 9ha) as the future agricultural uses. The potential impacts are generated from the new slip road works across Shan Ha Tsuen in Stage Two and residential development at TYST in Stage Four. n During construction, site formation will involve vegetation clearance, soil stripping and earthworks, and which leading to a permanent loss of approx. 6 ha (9.1%) of this resource within the RODP scheme. A total of approx. 139 nos, of trees including one potentially affected POVT (T-0026) within this LR are anticipated to be impacted. n In operation, these affected areas will be replaced with district open spaces, government uses and other mixed land use together with proposed road network in the west of Long Hon Road. Small scale of the agricultural plots next to Shan Ha Tsuen will be retained in existing development area as shown in the RODP. Three scattered plots in Area 2 will be reserved for residential and educational use that are incompatible with the existing landscape. n Apart from sites reserved for future agriculture use, a medium scale of this LR will be affected during construction and operation. Overall, the magnitude of change is considered as ‘Intermediate’ at both construction and operation.
LR1b	Abandoned Agricultural Land (3.54 ha)	AGR	1.1ha (approx. 1.0ha preserved within AGR)	Small (3%)	Fair	Fair		Permanent	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
LR1b	Abandoned Agricultural Land (3.54 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n Approximately 1.1ha of this LR falls within the PDA boundaries. Most areas of this LR (approx. 1.0ha) will be reserved as the future agricultural uses inside the large scale agricultural land near Shan Ha Tsuen. It is anticipated that the adverse impacts are mainly from the new slip road works across Shan Ha Tsuen in Stage Two and residential development at TYST in Stage Four. n During Construction, site formation will involve vegetation clearance, soil stripping and earthworks for road construction, and which leading to a permanent loss of a small scale of area (approx. 0.1 ha, 3%) within the RODP scheme. A total of approx. 5 nos. of trees within this LR are anticipated to be impacted. n In operation, the existing vegetation will be replaced with the new roads of the RODP scheme. n Apart from the areas reserved for future agriculture use, a small scale of this LR will be affected during construction and operation. Overall, the magnitude of change is considered as ‘Small’ at both construction and operation.
LR1c	Orchard (20.8 ha)	OU(SU)2/A/R5	2.7 ha	Medium (13.0%)	Poor	Poor	Permanent		Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR1c	Orchard (20.8 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n Approximately 2.7ha of this LR falls within PDA boundaries, which are in direct conflict with the footprint of sites designated for storage uses, amenity uses, residential use at TYST in Stage Four and proposed road network near the Tin Shui Wai West Interchange in Stage Two. n During construction, site formation including vegetation clearance, soil stripping and earthworks will lead to a permanent loss of a medium scale area (13.0%) of this LR. A total of approx. 568 nos. of trees within this LR are estimated to be impacted. n In operation, the affected areas of this LR will be totally replaced with a series of amenity landscape, infrastructures and buildings of the RODP scheme. n As a result of the relatively medium scale of this LR that will be affected, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Intermediate’ during construction and operation.
LR2	Lowland Mixed Trees, Shrubland and Grassland (42.9 ha)	LO/DO/OU(SU)2/OU(OS)/GB/R5/G/E/RSc/R1c/AGR/A	11.6 ha	Large (27.0%)	Poor	Poor	Permanent		Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
LR2	Lowland Mixed Trees, Shrubland and Grassland (42.9 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n Approximately 11.6ha of this LR falls within PDA boundaries. Those areas are designated as various land use such as residential uses, educational uses, amenity uses, government uses, storage uses, open spaces and the proposed roads for developments in Stage Two, Three and Four, which is incompatible with existing landscape. Other areas will be reserved for future agricultural uses and green belt which will be compatible with surroundings. n During construction, site formation will result in clearance of mature trees and vegetation, which will lead to a permanent loss of a large scale area (27.0%) of this LR. A total of approx. 1348 nos. of trees including five potentially affected POVTs (T-0013, T-0023, T-0028, T-0033 and T-0042) within this LR are estimated to be impacted. Therefore, the compatibility is considered to be poor. n In operation, the affected area will be replaced with a series of residential buildings, institutional buildings, industrial storages, amenity infrastructures and future agricultural lands of the RODP scheme. n In this case, due to a large scale of this LR will be affected, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Large’ during construction and operation.
LR3	Hillside Shrubland and Grassland (162.1 ha)	OU(service reservoir)/OU/R2c/A/GB/LO/AGR	3.8 ha	Small (2.3%)	Poor	Poor	Permanent		Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
LR3	Hillside Shrubland and Grassland (162.1 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n Approximately 3.8ha of this LR falls within the PDA boundaries, which is in direct conflict with the sites designated as future agricultural uses (in the southwest lower land areas of Tong Yan Shan Tsuen), residential uses, local open spaces and other land uses for development near TSW West Interchange in Stage Two. n Construction impacts will result in the clearance of vegetation and earthworks, which will lead a permanent loss of a small scale area (2.3%) of this LR. A total of approx. 231 nos. of trees including three potentially affected rare/ protected species (R-0001, R-0002 and R-0003) within the LR are estimated to be impacted. n In operation, the affected area will be replaced by residential buildings, amenity infrastructures, modified slopes of the proposed service reservoir and future agricultural land. The compatibility is considered as poor as well. n Given the above, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Small’ in construction and operation.
LR4	Secondary Woodland (126.8 ha)	GB//GB(1)/A/R5/OU (services reservoir)/ OU/LO(1)	14.6 ha (approx. 4.8 ha preserved within GB)	Medium (7.7%)	Poor	Poor	Permanent		Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR4	Secondary Woodland (126.8 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n Approximately 14.6ha of this LR falls within PDA boundaries. The plots (approx. 4.8ha) in the south of Tong Yan Shan Tsuen will be reserved as green belts for purposes of conservation woodland. However, a small area of this LR closed to Tin Shui Wai West Interchange are designated as amenity uses in Stage Two. And other clusters of woodlands inside Tong Yan Shan Tsuen are designated as residential uses, local open spaces and parts of proposed road network in relation to the development in Stage Four. Furthermore, the proposed service reservoir in Stage One will also replace some areas of this LR. n Construction works will require vegetation clearance (including trees), soil stripping and excavation throughout the site. Cut and fill works will be required to achieve the correct levels. Those works will lead to a permanent loss of a medium scale area (7.7%) of this LR and significantly influence the integrity of the wider resource, therefore the compatibility would be poor. A total of approx. 1740 nos. of trees including two potentially affected POVT (T-0012 and T-0014) and two rare/ protected species (R-0007 and R-0008) within this LR are anticipated to be impacted. n In operation, these woodland areas will be replaced with residential buildings, infrastructures, utility facilities (proposed service reservoir), open spaces and roads that are conflict with the existing landscape. The compatibility is considered as poor as well. n Given the above, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Intermediate’ during construction and operation.
LR5	Plantation (46.7 ha)	A/OU (service reservoir)/ OU(SU1)/ OU (S+W)/ Roads	17.4 ha	Large (37.2%)	Fair	Fair	Temporary		Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Large	Large
LR5	Plantation (46.7 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n Approximately 17.4ha of this LR falls within PDA boundaries. Two relative small portions are designated as amenity uses near the Tin Shui Wai West Interchange and in the west of Tin Liu Tsuen for development in Stage Two. The proposed service reservoir on the hillside next to TYST in Stage One and its access road will replace some areas of this LR. Several plots of this LR along the YLH will be impacted by the formation of the proposed major road infrastructures in Stage One. n Construction will require clearance of associated plantation for site formation of new developments, which will lead to a temporary loss of a large scale area (37.2%) of this LR. A total of approx. 3358 nos. of trees including one potentially affected POVT (T-0031) within this LR are anticipated to be impacted. The area affected by the works will not influence the integrity of the wider resource, therefore the compatibility would be fair in construction and operation. n In operation, the affected area will be replaced by infrastructures for amenity uses, utility facilities (proposed service reservoir) and roads. The compatibility is considered to be fair. n As a result, given that large extent of the LR will be influence by various land uses, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Large’ during construction and operation.
LR6	Urban Park (10.6 ha)	LO	0.2 ha (preserved in LO)	Small (1.8%)	Good	Good	Temporary		Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Negligible	Negligible
LR6	Urban Park (10.6 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n Approximately 0.2ha of this LR falls within PDA boundaries. A small scale area (1.8%) of this LR, which belongs to the TYST Garden, will be reserved for local open space within the Draft RODP. n Since the area of this LR within the Draft RODP will be retained for future open space use, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Negligible’ during construction and operation.
LR7	Road and Urban Infrastructure (90.1 ha)	OU/LO	8.8 ha	Medium (9.7%)	Fair	Good	Temporary		Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Intermediate	Small
LR7	Road and Urban Infrastructure (90.1 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n Approximately 8.8ha of this LR falls within the PDA boundaries. A part of section of Lam Tai West Road are designated as local open space and other land use, and the alignment will be amended according to the RODP for development in Stage Two. n During construction, site formation will require clearance of associated plantation for building new infrastructures. Breaking hard surface, loss of amenity trees, amending layout of the existing channels (along Lam Tai West Road),cut and fill works achieve the correct levels will directly affect a medium scale area of the LR (9.7%). A total of approx. 96 nos. of trees including three potentially affected POVT (T-0011, T-0036 and T-0037) within this LR are estimated to be impacted. n In operation, the affected area will be replaced with open space and sites of other land uses. However, the new proposed road network by the RODP shceme will compensate for the loss of this LR in operation. Therefore the compatibility would be good in operation. n Given the above, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Intermediate’ during construction and ‘Small’ during operation.
LR8	Major Transport Corridor (29.2 ha)	N/A	0ha	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A		N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR8	Major Transport Corridor (29.2 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n The existing major transport corridor, the YLH falls outside of the PDA boundaries and the works area of the proposed major road infrastructures, which will not be impacted by the Project.
LR9	Urbanised Development (188.6 ha)	R5(EDA)/ LO/R5	12.1 ha	Medium (6.4%)	Fair	Good	Temporary		Permanent	Reversible	Reversible	Intermediate	Small
LR9	Urbanised Development (188.6 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n Most of the areas within the PDA boundaries are the existing buildings which will be reserved for the residential uses in Tong Yan San Tsuen. According to the development at TYST in Stage Four, approximately 12.7ha of this LR falls within the footprint of the designated local open space in the south of TYST Road and the proposed road network of RODP scheme. n Construction impacts will include vegetation clearance, soil stripping and excavation, which lead to a temporary loss of a medium scale area (6.4%) of this LR. A total of approx. 345 nos. of trees including two potentially affected POVT (T-0002 and T-0020) and one rare/ protected species (R-0035) within this LR are anticipated to be impacted. n In operation, most of the affected areas will be replaced with new residential buildings, which would not change the nature of this LR. Therefore, the compatibility would be good in operation as the proposed land uses can be integrated within the surroundings. n As a result, taking into account that most of this LR will be retained and the limited extent affected by the project, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Intermediate’ in construction and ‘Small’ in operation.
LR10	Village Type Development (265.8 ha)	OU(OS)/A/AGR/R5/R6/LO/DO	10.2 ha	Small (3.8%)	Fair	Fair	Permanent		Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
LR10	Village Type Development (265.8 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n Although some village areas will be preserved as existing development area within the PDA boundaries, approximately 10.2ha of this LR is still affected by sites designated for residential uses, local & district open spaces uses and proposed road network at TYST in Stage Four, amenity uses and open storage uses near the Tin Shui Wai Interchange for development in Stage Two, and future agricultural land uses in the existing areas next to Shan Ha Tsuen in Stage Four. n Construction will require demolition of the existing interim road, structures, clearance of vegetation (including trees), and earthworks to achieve the correct levels. A small scale (3.8%) of village areas will be lost. A total of approx. 511 nos. of trees including one potentially affected POVT (T-0004) within this LR are anticipated to be impacted. n In operation, the affected village areas will be replaced by new residential buildings, infrastructures, open spaces, future agricultural lands and roads. Since the proposed open space uses and road network can incorporate with this rural character area and introduce more formalised roads into the village environment during operation, the compatibility is considered to be fair. However, the impacts from the loss of village areas are still experienced. n Given the above, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Small’ during construction and operation.
LR11	Open Storage/ Rural Built Area (405.1 ha)	OU(S+W)/OU(SU1)/ LO/LO1/ DO/R5/R4/E/OU(MU)/RSc/R1c/R2c/R3/G/ GB/C	142.2 ha	Large (35.1%)	Fair	Fair	Permanent		Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
LR11	Open Storage/ Rural Built Area (405.1 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n Approximately 142.2ha of this LR falls within the footprint of the RODP scheme and are mainly affected by various land uses for the further developments throughout Stage Two, Three and Four. n Construction will require demolition of the existing interim road, storages, rural industrial buildings, structures, clearance of vegetation, breaking out hard surface and earthworks. These works will lead a permanent loss of large scale areas (35.1%) of the LR. A total of approx. 2570 nos. of trees including eleven potentially affected POVT (T-0001, T-0007, T-0009, T-0017, T-0022, T-0027, T-0032, T-0034, T-0035, T-0038 and T-0040) within this LR are anticipated to be impacted. n In operation, these large affected areas will be totally replaced with a series of new buildings and infrastructures in accordance with the RODP. Since landscape enhancement works such as open spaces, revitalisation of nullahs and reedbed enhancement have been proposed, the development will be fairly compatible with the existing and partially enhance it. n As a result of the relatively large scale of this LR that will be affected, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Large’ during both construction and operation.
LR12	Disturbed Area (58.8 ha)	R5/DO/G/R2c/R3/GB	2.9 ha	Small (4.9%)	Fair	Fair	Permanent		Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
LR12	Disturbed Area (58.8 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n Approximately 2.9ha of this LR falls within RODP scheme for developments in Stage Two, Three and Four. Those areas are mainly in direct conflict with designated sites for residential uses, government uses, district open spaces and green belt in Tong Yan San Tsuen. In addition, some other plots will be covered by the proposed road networks. n During construction, site formation works will result in vegetation clearance, demolition of temporary structures and earthworks throughout this LR area. These works will lead to a loss of a small scale area (4.9%) of this LR. A total of approx. 138 nos. of trees within this LR are anticipated to be impacted. n In operation, the affected areas will be replaced with a series of residential buildings, government infrastructures, amenity landscape and road systems. The adverse impacts due to the replacement are still experienced. While some areas will also be reserved for open space and green belt uses. Therefore the compatibility with the surroundings is considered to be fair. n Given the above, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Small’ during both construction and operation.
LR13	Agricultural Pond (4.3 ha)	DO/OU (MU)	0.3 ha	Medium (6.9%)	Fair	Fair	Temporary		Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR13	Agricultural Pond (4.3 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n The existing ponds are mainly used for agricultural irrigation and water collection. Approximately 0.3ha of this LR within PDA is designated for district open space and mixed land use near the TYST Interchange for development in Stage Four. n During construction, site formation works will result in filling the existing ponds, which will lead a permanent loss of a medium scale area (6.9%) of this LR. n In operation, the affected ponds will be totally placed with infrastructures and facilities for amenity use. The adverse impact from the loss of this resource are still experienced. n As a result, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Intermediate’ in construction and operation.
LR14	Channelised Watercourse (22.2 km)	OU(SU)1/AGR/R6 /R5/OU (MU)	7.7 km	Large (34.6%)	Fair	Fair	Temporary		Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Large	Small
LR14	Channelised Watercourse (22.2 km)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n Approximately 7.7km of this LR flows throughout the PDA boundaries. Most of these man-made channels and drainages fall into the working area for nullah decking and revitalisation works in Stage One and Two. They need to be upgraded and beautified with amenity vegetation together with road improvement works in various sections, including areas within the channel or along the ridgeline of embankment. Specially, part of the nullahs along Kung Um Road and Lam Tai West Road will be decked over for carriageway subject to the proposed road network. Other small parts of this LR will be filled for sites designated as storage uses and mixed uses. n Construction works will result in breaking concrete embankment and earthworks to achieve the planting requirement, and filling of some channels. These works will lead to temporary disturbance on a large scale area (34.6%) of this LR. n In operation, the landscape quality of most channels will be improved in operation. The adverse impacts are anticpated for the loss of some sections that are filled for other land uses. n Due to the large scale extent of construction works, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Large’ in construction but ‘Small’ in operation when the revitalisation works of these nullahs are completed.
LR15	Watercourses of higher ecological value (21.8km)	GB/OU/LO/R5	4.1km (approx. 2.1km preserved in GB)	Medium (9.1%)	Fair	Fair	Temporary		Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
LR15	Watercourses of higher ecological value (21.8km)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n Approximately 4.1km of this LR flow through the PDA boundaries, some sections (approx. 2.1km) will be preserved to minimise the impacts by offsetting 15m green buffer on either side of the watercourses. And for the section near the Lam Tai West Road, it will be designated as the area for hillside river corridor with scenic cycle track for development in Stage Three. However, some sections of watercourses of higher ecological value will still be affected by the development at TYST in Stage Four. n During construction, slope formation and vegetation planting will be required to create natural buffers to the existing watercourses but this will have no impacts to this resource. Construction works for the affected sections will require partly filling of the watercourses, breaking the embankment and earthworks. These works will lead to a permanent loss of a medium scale area (9.1%) of this LR. n In operation, the affected sections will be replaced with a series of buildings and infrastructures. The adverse impacts from the loss of this resource are still experienced. n Given the above, the magnitude of change is considered to be ‘Intermediate’ during construction and operation.
LR16	Reservoir (1.76 ha)	N/A	0 ha	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A		N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR16	Reservoir (1.76 ha)	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation n The extent of the reservoir and its associated planting falls within the 500m offset buffer range but does not fall within the PDA boundary. It is therefore considered the proposed development to have no impact physically upon the reservoir.

Note: [^] 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

[*] Land Use Types of RODP. Refer to Figure 10.2.

Item	Tree ID	Species	Chinese Name	Estimate Tree Size	Health (Good / Fair / Poor)	Form (Good / Fair / Poor)	Survival Rate after Transplanting (High/ Medium/ Low)	Remarks
1	T-0001	Celtis sinensis	朴樹	1120	11.0	6.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT *
2	T-0002	Delonix regia	鳳凰木	1010	14.0	11.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
3	T-0004	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	1580	14.0	17.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
4	T-0007	Bombax ceiba	木棉	1045	16.0	11.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
5	T-0009	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	1000	14.0	14.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
6	T-0011	Eucalyptus robusta	大葉桉	1200	12.0	10.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
7	T-0012	Bombax ceiba	木棉	1300	16.0	12.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
8	T-0013	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	1050	20.0	20.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
9	T-0014	Celtis sinensis	朴樹	1100	16.0	14.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
10	T-0017	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	1200	13.0	12.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
11	T-0020	Eucalyptus citriodora	檸檬桉	1000	18.0	10.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
12	T-0022	Bombax ceiba	木棉	1100	20.0	10.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
13	T-0023	Bombax ceiba	木棉	1700	25.0	15.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
14	T-0025	Celtis sinensis	朴樹	1000	10.0	10.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
15	T-0026	Celtis sinensis	朴樹	1020	16.0	13.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
16	T-0027	Celtis sinensis	朴樹	1050	12.0	6.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
17	T-0028	Celtis sinensis	朴樹	1007	12.0	10.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
18	T-0030	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	1925	16.0	20.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
19	T-0031	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	1260	16.0	10.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
20	T-0032	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	1200	12.0	18.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
21	T-0033	Ficus elastica	印度榕	1200	10.0	12.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
22	T-0034	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	1100	10.0	13.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
23	T-0035	Ficus virens var. sublanceolata	大葉榕	1050	10.0	10.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
24	T-0036	Ficus elastica	印度榕	1500	13.0	10.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
25	T-0037	Ficus elastica	印度榕	1700	13.0	10.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
26	T-0038	Bombax ceiba	木棉	1600	17.0	10.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
27	T-0040	Celtis sinensis	朴樹	1100	10.0	11.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
28	T-0042	Ficus elastica	印度榕	1200	10.0	10.0	Fair	Fair	Low	POVT
29	R-0001	Aquilaria sinensis	土沉香	162	7.0	4.0	Fair	Fair	Low	Tree of rare/ protected species
30	R-0002	Aquilaria sinensis	土沉香	126	6.0	3.0	Fair	Fair	Low	Tree of rare/ protected species
31	R-0003	Aquilaria sinensis	土沉香	108	6.0	2.0	Fair	Fair	Low	Tree of rare/ protected species
32	R-0007	Artocarpus hypargyreus	白桂木	499	12.0	7.0	Fair	Fair	Low	Tree of rare/ protected species
33	R-0008	Artocarpus hypargyreus	白桂木	576	12.0	8.0	Fair	Fair	Low	Tree of rare/ protected species
34	R-0035	Artocarpus hypargyreus	白桂木	400	11.0	7.0	Fair	Fair	Low	Tree of rare/ protected species

LR Code	Name	LR Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible	Impact Significance Before Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
LR1a	Active Agricultural Land	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
LR1b	Abandoned Agricultural Land	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
LR1c	Orchard	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
LR2	Lowland Mixed Trees, Shrubland and Grassland	Medium	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate
LR3	Hillside Shrubland and Grassland	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
LR4	Secondary Woodland	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
LR5	Plantation	Medium	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate
LR6	Urban Park	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR7	Road and Urban Infrastructure	Medium	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Slight
LR8	Major Transport Corridor	Low	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
LR9	Urbanised Development	Low	Intermediate	Small	Slight	Slight
LR10	Village Type Development	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
LR11	Open Storage/Rural Built Area	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial
LR12	Disturbed Area	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
LR13	Agricultural Pond	Medium	Intermeidate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
LR14	Channelised Watercourse	Low	Large	Small	Moderate	Slight
LR15	Watercourses of higher ecological value	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
LR16	Reservoir	Low	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A

Table 10.10.6 Magnitude of visual change for VSRs

VSR Code	Name	Key Designated Projects (DPs)/ Sites with Structures causing Visual Impact (Land Use Type) *	Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Nil)	Approx. Closest Viewing Distance to PDA (m)	Scale of Development (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)
VSR Code	Name		Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Nil)	Approx. Closest Viewing Distance to PDA (m)	Scale of Development (Large/ Medium/ Small)	CON	OP	CON	OP	CON	OP	CON	OP
VSR1	Yuen Long Park Tower	OU(MU)/OU(RCP&SPS)/A/V/R5(EDA)/R6/ DO/G/IC/LO	Partial	540	Large	Poor	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR1	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation The elevated level from this VSR can provide a broad view to the development area even though partial views are blocked by the high-rise residential buildings in Yuen Long New Town. During the construction, the ancillary structures such as site offices, construction facilities, and erection of structures as well as loss of trees are considered to be significant sources of visual impact. In the night time, the lighting requirements for these developments would generate night-time glare. In operation, high rise residential buildings will obstruct views towards hillside landscape in the backdrop. Due to the extensive visual extent affected by the Project, the magnitude of change is considered to be large both in construction and operation.
VSR2	Fui Sha Wai South Road	OU(SU)2/A/LO/R5(EDA)/IC	Partial	0	Medium	Poor	Poor	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR2	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation During the construction stage, construction works require clearance of the existing trees and shrubs, which will degrade visual quality of the view. The erection of high-rise building blocks will be significant source of visual impact, while lighting from construction facilities would detract the nightscape. Control of night-time lighting by shrouding all lights, using directional lights and through minimisation of night working periods will be considered. Avoid use of reflective surfaces on buildings or other structures. During operation, even though roadside tree can reduce the blockage of new industrial buildings, degree of visibility from this VSR is still glimpse. Therefore, the magnitude of change is considered as intermediate both in construction and operation.
VSR3	Tong Yan San Tsuen Track	OU(S+W)/ OU(SU)1/DO/ LO(1)	Partial	0	Medium	Poor	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR3	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation During construction, vegetation clearance, earthworks and erection of building structures will degrade the existing visual quality. The proposed developments, especially industrial buildings form ing detracting elements, would also block view to the hillside landscape. Night-time glare by the construction facilities is also noticeable. In operation, facade of the proposed industrial buildings would detract the existing visual quality and block most of the view. Therefore, the magnitude of change is considered to be intermediate during construction and operation.
VSR4	Fui Sha Wai	OU(S+W)/ OU(SU)1/A/ LO(1)	Partial	230	Medium	Poor	Poor	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR4	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation During the construction stage, the clearance of vegetation and trees would degrade the existing landscape. The erection of high-rise building blocks will be significant source of visual impact. As the existing environment mainly consist of low-rise buildings, whereas the proposed industrial developments are up to 70 to 90mPD, thus the compatibility of the development is considered to be poor during construction and operation. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be intermediate.
VSR5	Forefront Cyber Centre	OU(S+W)/ OU(SU)1/A/LO/LO(1)/DO/R5 (EDA)	Partial	140	Medium	Poor	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Small
VSR5	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation During construction, the demolition of buildings and structures, clearance of vegetation and trees would degrade the existing landscape. Night time glare from construction facilities would detract the nightscape. Control of night-time lighting by shrouding all lights, using directional lights and through minimisation of night working periods and avoidance of reflective surface on buildings or other structures will be considered during construction. In operation, loss of mature trees and erection of industrial buildings would be the significant source of visual impact. Roadside tree planting next to new developments would introduce more natural elements to the view thus reduce adverse impacts. Therefore, the magnitude of change is considered to be small in operation.”
VSR6	Jasper Court and Long Tin Road	OU(RCP&SPS)/OU(MU)/A/V/R6	Partial	260	Small	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
VSR6	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation From the ground level of this VSR, views towards the proposed developments are restricted by the YLH and associated roadside plants. Since only small scale of development will be visible in a distance, the magnitude of change is considered to be small during construction and operation stage.
VSR7	Parkside Villa	OU(RCP&SPS)/OU(MU)/A/V/R6	Partial	280	Medium	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR7	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation During construction, construction works such as clearance of vegetation, demolition of structures and site earthworks will degrade the visual quality, especially from the elevated level, where a broad view to the site is possible. At ground level, the adverse impacts can be reduced due to the blockage from the YLH, open storage and associated trees. Night time glare from the construction facilities is also considered as significant sources of visual impacts. In operation, major visual impact would generate by the erection of high-rise buildings, which would obstruct views towards natural hillside landscape in the backdrop. The magnitude of change is considered intermediate both in construction and operation.
VSR8	Tong Yan San Tsuen Interchange	OU(MU)/R5(EDA)/DO	Partial	0	Small	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR8	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation During construction, construction works such as clearance of mature roadside vegetation and erection of the high-rise buildings are considered as the significant sources of visual impact. Night-time glare from construction facilities will become significant sources of visual impact and detract the nightscape. Control of night-time lighting by shrouding all lights, using directional lights and through minimisation of night working periods and avoidance of reflective surface on buildings or other structures will be considered during construction. In operation, even though mitigation plants would be implemented on site, the erection of commercial and residential buildings would be the intrusion to rural landscape view. The magnitude of change is considered intermediate in construction and operation.
VSR9	Intersection of Kung Um Road and Shap Pat Heung Road	R5(EDA) Enclosure Noise Barrier	Partial	290	Large	Poor	Poor	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR9	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation Given the existing buildings and vegetation would be a blockage to the proposed development, only a small scale of residential buildings will be partially visible from this VSR. Besides, a 6m high semi-enclosure would be constructed next to Kung Um Road and Kiu Hing Road, which will be considered as significant sources of visual impacts (Refer to the section AA - North of Kung Um Road & Kiu Hing Road in Appendix 10.3). Therefore the magnitude of change is considered as large level during construction and operation.
VSR 10	Intersection of Lam Hei Rd and Kung Um Rd	R5(EDA)/ OU(RCP&SPS)	Partial	35	Medium	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Small
VSR 10	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation View from this VSR is restricted by the existing roadside plantation. In construction, main source of visual impact come from the erection of high-rise buildings as well as lighting from construction facilities. In operation, the Project comprised of more urbanised elements can integrate with wider visual extent. Due to the blockage of YLH, the magnitude of change is considered to be intermediate in construction but small in operation given mitigation plants would link the proposed developments with wider landscape.
VSR 11	Tin Liu Tsuen	R5(EDA)/ OU(RCP&SPS)/LO	Partial	210	Large	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Irreversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR 11	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation During construction, road improvement works including the provision of footpath, cycle track, amenity plants, as well as coverage of the existing nullah, would be the significant sources of visual quality. The erection of high-rise residential buildings and night-time lighting from construction facilities are also considered. In operation, a more urbanised road system with amenity plants would enhance the visual quality and the magnitude of change is considered to be intermediate in operation.
VSR 12	Chun Fai Garden	OU(ESS)/RSc/LO	Partial	35	Medium	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR 12	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation During construction, construction works including the demolition of temporary structures, vegetation clearance, road improvement, would be the significant sources of visual quality. The erection of high-rise residential buildings and night-time glare from construction facilities will further detract the view and generate unpleasant visual impacts. Control of night-time lighting by shrouding all lights, using directional lights and through minimisation of night working periods and avoidance of reflective surface on buildings or other structures will be considered during construction. In operation, amenity plants from the PRN and DO would enhance the visual quality and thus the magnitude of change is considered to be intermediate in operation.
VSR 13	Pathway near Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen	DO/R1(SSF)c/ LO/G	Partial	15	Medium	Poor	Poor	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 13	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation From this sensitive receiver, the proposed developments can be seen along both sides of the Kung Um Road. Construction works include the demolition of temporary structures, vegetation clearance as well as road improvement. Night-time glare is also considered as source of visual impact. The monotonous appearance of the artificial channel would be decked over as a formalised urban road system comprised of amenity plants, pedestrian and outdoor furniture, forming a more attracting urban fabric. Given the GIC/Residential buildings sitting along the roadside will obstruct part of views towards the hillside landscape, the compatibility of the developments is considered to be poor during construction and operation. Therefore, the magnitude of change is considered to be large in construction and operation.
VSR 14	Kiu Hing Road near Pak Sha Tsuen	R2C/R2(SSF)c/LO	Partial	655	Medium	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR 14	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation The main source of visual impact during the construction includes the road improvement works and erection of high-rise residential buildings. Night-time glare from construction facilities is also considered. Even though a more attracting streetscape can enhance the visual quality in operation, the visual extent and elements would be changed significantly. Therefore, the magnitude of change is considered to be intermediate in operation and construction.
VSR 15	One Hyde Park Bus Station	R2(SSF)c/LO	Partial	300	Medium	Poor	Poor	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 15	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation The main source of visual impact during the construction includes the road improvement works and erection of high-rise residential buildings. Night-time glare from construction facilities is also considered. During operation, trees and vegetation would become mature and form various green spaces along the roadside and parkland area. Providing the visual extent and elements would be changed significantly. Thus, the compatibility of the development is considered to be poor during construction and operation. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be large.
VSR 16	Channel Pathway on Kung Um Road	R5(EDA)/E/A/LO/OU(MU)/G	Partial	0	Medium	Poor	Poor	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 16	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation The main source of visual impact during the construction includes the road improvement works and erection of high-rise residential buildings on either side of Kung Um Road. Night-time glare from construction facilities is also considered. Even though a more attracting streetscape can enhance the visual quality in operation, the scale and composition of visual elements would be changed significantly. Therefore, the compatibility of the development is considered to be poor during construction and operation. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be large.
VSR 17	Pak Sha Tsuen Facing Southwest	C/R2(SSF)c/LO	Partial	50	Medium	Poor	Poor	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 17	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation During construction, road improvement works include clearance of the existing vegetation, demolition of temporary structures, earthworks as well as the construction of footpath, cycle track and amenity planting. Together with the erection of high-rise residential buildings, these would be the intrusion elements to the existing view. In operation, providing softscape fully implemented, part of the adverse impacts can be reduced. The coverage of the existing nullah would change the existing view significantly. In addition, the erection of public houses at the foothill area would partially block the natural views. Therefore, the compatibility of the development is considered to be poor during both construction and operation. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be large.
VSR 18	Tai Lam Mountain 1 Facing Northeast	R4/R5/R6/ R5(EDA)/GB/ AGR/GB(1)/LO/IC/DO/LO(1)/OU(SU)1/ OU(S+W)/ OU(MU)/E/G/A/V	Nil	1220	Large	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 18	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation This sensitive receiver is located on the high level area of the Tai Lam Mountain, which offers a broad view of the proposed developments. In the construction, works will require the demolition of existing buildings, clearance of vegetation and earthworks to achieve the correct roads levels throughout the PDA. The erection of building structures, loss of mixed woodland and agricultural land will be the significant sources of visual impact. Due to the long distance and high level of the view, there will be no blockage of the existing view. In operation, a more urbanised landscape would characterized the view connecting with the Yuen Long New Town to the north. Considering the extent and land use types affected, the magnitude of change is considered to be large in construction and operation.
VSR 19	Tai Lam Mountain 2 Facing East	A/OU/G/LO/C/E/RSc/R2c/ R2(SSF)c/ R5(EDA)/R3/ DO/GB(1)/ OU(STW)/ OU(MU)	Partial	665	Large	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 19	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation High level of this VSR offers a broad view towards the overall development area. In the construction, works will require the demolition of existing buildings, clearance of vegetation and earthworks to achieve the correct roads levels throughout the PDA. The erection of building structures, loss of mixed woodland and agricultural land will be the significant sources of visual impact. Partial views have been blocked by ridgeline of the hillside mountain. In operation, a more urbanised landscape will dominate the view connecting with the Yuen Long New Town to the north. Due to the large scale of the Project, the magnitude of change is considered to be large in construction and operation.
VSR 20	Tai Lam Mountain 3 Facing Southeast	AGR/A/V/OU/G/LO/C/E/RSc/ R2c/R2(SSF)c/ R5(EDA)/R3/ DO/GB(1)/ OU(STW)/ OU(MU)	Partial	760	Large	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 20	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation An overall view throughout the site is possible due to the elevated level of this VSR. In the construction, works will require the demolition of existing buildings, clearance of vegetation and earthworks to achieve the correct roads levels throughout the PDA. The erection of building structures, loss of mixed woodland and agricultural land will be the significant sources of visual impact. Partial views have been blocked by ridgeline of the hillside mountain. In operation, residential building blocks would replace the existing industrial buildings, which can enhance the visual quality. The magnitude of change is considered to be large in construction and operation. as a result of extensive perspective towards the whole site.
VSR 21	Tai Lam Mountain 4 Facing Northeast	AGR/A/OU/G/LO/C/E/RSc/ R2c/R2(SSF)c/ R5(EDA)/R3/ DO/GB(1)/ OU(STW)/ OU(MU)	Nil	1335	Large	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 21	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation High level of this VSR offers a broad view towards the overall development area. In the construction, works will require the demolition of existing buildings, clearance of vegetation and earthworks to achieve the correct roads levels throughout the PDA. The erection of building structures, loss of mixed woodland and agricultural land will be the significant sources of visual impact. Partial views have been blocked by ridgeline of the hillside mountain. In operation, residential building blocks would replace the existing industrial buildings, which can enhance the visual quality. Due to the large extent of the Project, the magnitude of change is considered to be large in construction and operation.
VSR 22	Tai Lam Mountain 5 Facing Northeast	AGR/A/V/OU/G/LO/C/E/RSc/ R2c/R2(SSF)c/ R5(EDA)/R3/ DO/GB(1)/ OU(STW)/ OU(MU)	Nil	615	Large	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 22	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation A broad view throughout the site is possible due to the elevated hillside level. In the construction, works will require the demolition of existing buildings, clearance of vegetation and earthworks to achieve the correct roads levels throughout the PDA. The erection of building structures, loss of mixed woodland and agricultural land will be the significant sources of visual impact. Partial views have been blocked by ridgeline of the hillside mountain and woodland at the foothill area. In operation, residential building blocks would replace the existing industrial buildings, which can enhance the visual quality. Due to the large scale of the Project, the magnitude of change is considered to be large in construction and operation.
VSR 23	Tai Lam Mountain 6 Facing North	AGR/A/V/OU/G/LO/C/E/RSc/ R2c/R2(SSF)c/ R5(EDA)/R3/ R6/DO/GB(1)/ OU(STW)/ OU(MU)	Nil	780	Large	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 23	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation From an elevated level of this VSR, an overall view is possible throughout the site. In the construction, the demolition of existing buildings, clearance of vegetation and earthworks would become the significant sources of visual impacts. The erection of building structures, loss of mixed woodland and agricultural land is also considered. Partial views have been blocked by ridgeline of the hillside mountain and woodland along the foothill side. In operation, high-rise residential building blocks would replace the existing industrial buildings, which can enhance the visual quality. Due to the large scale of visual impacts, the magnitude of change is considered to be large in construction and operation.
VSR 24	Tai Lam Mountain 7 Facing Northeast	AGR/A/V/G/ LO/C/E/R2c/ R2(SSF)c/ R5(EDA)/R3/ DO/GB(1)/ OU(STW)	Partial	220	Medium	Poor	Poor	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 24	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation View from this VSR is restricted by the hillside woodland and burial ground. In the construction, the demolition of existing buildings, clearance of vegetation and earthworks would become the significant sources of visual impacts. The erection of building structures, loss of mixed woodland and agricultural land is also considered. In operation, residential building blocks would replace the existing industrial buildings, which would result in blockage view towards the northwest of the PDA. Therefore, the compatibility of the development is considered to be poor during both construction and operation. Given the above, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be large.
VSR 25	Tai Lam Mountain 8 Facing Northeast	R4/R5/ R5(EDA)/GB/AGR/GB(1)/LO/IC/DO/LO(1)/ OU(SU)/ OU(SU)1/ OU(SU)2/ OU(S+W)/ OU(MU)/E/G/A	Full	542	Large	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 25	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation High level of this VSR offers a broad view towards the Area 1. In the construction, works will require the demolition of existing buildings, clearance of vegetation and earthworks to achieve the correct roads levels throughout the PDA. The erection of building structures, loss of mixed woodland and agricultural land will be significant sources of visual impact. Due to the long distance and high level of the view, there will be no blockage of the existing view. In operation, a more urbanised landscape would characterized the view connecting with Area 1. Due to the large scale of the Project, the magnitude of change is considered to be large in construction and operation.
VSR 26	Access Road off Tai Tong Shan Road	DO/V/E/R3/R2(SSF)c/LO	Nil	1000	Small	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
VSR 26	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation This sensitive receiver is located on one access way to Tai Tong Tsuen, from which a natural landscape of Tai Tam Country Park is visible. Due the relative long distance and blockage by the mixed trees and shurbland, the construction works on the ground level will not be noticed in this view. Building construction works such as erection of structures together with the facilities in the site and night-time glare will be the significant source of the visual impact. In operation, the erection of high-rise buildings would have small impact on the quality of natural view as a result of small extent visible from this VSR.
VSR 27	Shui Tsiu San Tsuen Road near Wong Nai Tun Tsuen	R3/R2(SSF)c/ LO	Partial	365	Medium	Fair	Good	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
VSR 27	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation The proposed developments will be noticed behind the existing village houses of Wong Nai Tun Tsuen. During construction, works including demolition of structures and buildings, clearance of vegetation will be the source of visual impact. The erection of high-rise buildings will be more significant impact on the view. Due to long distance and blockage of existing residential blocks, the views towards the proposed developments are of limited extent. The magnitude of change is considered as small both in construction and operation.
VSR 28	Shui Tsiu San Tsuen	A/E/LO/ R5(EDA)	Partial	312	Medium	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR 28	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation The natural skyline at the ground level from this VSR will be affected by the erection of high-rise residential building and generate significant blockage to the hillside landscape. The clearance of vegetation and trees, site formation, and demolition of the existing structures would degrade the visual quality during construction. In operation, due the blockage of views towards hillside landscape, the magnitude of change is considered to be intermediate.
VSR 29	Sham Chung Tsuen	DO/R5(EDA)/ LO/RSc/DO	Partial	208	Medium	Poor	Poor	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 29	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation The proposed developments will be noticed from Sham Chung Tsuen to the west of the PDA. Construction works will require the demolition of structures and buildings, clearance of vegetation. Due to the low density developed area, the erection of high-rise buildings will be the significant impact on the view. The night-time glare will also be considered as the source of visual impact. In operation, the high-rise buildings of public housing or private housing will be the blockage of the landscape view to the Tai Lam Country Park. Given the compatibility of the development is considered to be poor during both construction and operation, the magnitude of change is considered to be large.
VSR 30	Shan Ha Tsuen	R6	Partial	217	Medium	Poor	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR 30	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation From the VSR, view is restricted by the low-rise village houses. Visual impacts mainly come from the construction and erection of high rise residential buildings within the existing secondary woodland area. During construction, works including clearance of vegetation and trees will degrade the visual quality. Night-time glare will also be considered. In operation, the erection of high-rise buildings will partially blocked the view towards the natural landscape from the backdrop. Due the limited visual extent being affected, the magnitude of change is considered to be intermediate.
VSR 31	Ho Hok Shan Facing Southwest	R5(EDA)/DO/LO/RSc/G/A	Partial	2804	Large	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
VSR 31	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation Facing the southwest, this VSR represents the high level areas of Ho Hok Shan in Au Tau, where a broad view to the proposed developments is possible. In the construction, works such as the demolition of existing buildings, clearance of vegetation and earthworks would not have significant visual impact due to the long distance. However, the erection of building structures and the ancillary structures, facilities on the site will be the significant sources of visual impact in operation. While the site will be replaced with urban landscape, the skyline linking the natural landscape and Yuen Long New Town would be affected. Considering the long distance and blockage to the hillside from the backdrop, the magnitude of change is considered to be small during construction and operation stage.
VSR 32	Tong Yan San Tsuen	R5(EDA)/R5	Partial	0	Medium	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR 32	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation Partial view to the natural landscape will be blocked by the Residential building proposed within the existing woodland area. Construction works mainly include site formation of the PRN, clearance of vegetation, breaking the hard surface as well demolition of ancillary structures, which would degrade the visual quality. The erection of high-rise buildings will have more significant impacts on the view due to the close distance. The night-time glare will also be considered as the source of visual impact. During operation, the high-rise buildings of public housing or private housing will partially obstructed the natural view towards Tai Lam Country Park.
VSR 33	Tan Kwai Tsuen Road near Open Storage	OU(OS)/OU(SU)2	Partial	391	Small	Fair	Good	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
VSR 33	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation View from this VSR is restricted by the exiting temporary structures and roadside plantings. From the ground level, the distance of view and blockage of existing buildings and structures will reduce the impact. However, from the elevated level, visual quality would be degraded due to the construction of open storage buildings which require the clearance of existing vegetation and trees near Tin Shui Wai West Interchange. During operation, the erection of new development in Area 1 would block part of views towards the hillside area. Given that there are a long distance and limited views to PDA, the magnitude of change is considered to be small in construction and operation.
VSR 34	Tan Kwai Tsuen Road near Osmanthus Arnold Garden	OU(OS)	Partial	600	Small	Fair	Good	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
VSR 34	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation From the VSR, view is restricted by the low rise buildings and mature vegetation. During construction, works including clearance of vegetation and trees will degrade the visual quality. Control of night time lighting by shrouding all lights, using directional lights and through minimisation of night working periods will be considered. During Operation, major visual impact would generate by the erection of high rise buildings in Area 1, which would obstruct part of views towards natural hillside landscape in the backdrop. Due to the relatively long distance and limited visual angle to PDA, the magnitude of change is considered to be small in construction and operation.
VSR 35	Cheung Ngau Shan Facing Northwest	R5(EDA)/DO/ LO/RSc	Nil	1224	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 35	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation Given the proposed developments will be compatible with the surroundings, also the road infrastructures will not be significant due to the blockage of existing vegetation, thus the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible during construction and operation stage.
VSR 36	Near Yuen Long Government Primary School	RSc / Proposed Road Infrastructures	Nil	440	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 36	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation The proposed developments and road infrastructures will not be visible due to the blockage of the existing village buildings and the mature vegetation, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible in both stage.
VSR 37	Pok Oi Hospital	Proposed Public Transport Interchange	Nil	235	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 37	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation Similar as above. The proposed development and road infrastructures will not be visible due to the blockage of the mature vegetation and the viaduct of YLH, thus the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible in both stage.
VSR 38a	Yoho Town (Ground Level)	Proposed Public Transport Interchange/ Proposed Road Infrastructures	Partial	230	Medium	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 38a	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation The elevated level from this VSR can provide a broad view to the YLH and other main road infrastructures. The main source of visual impact during the construction includes the road improvement works. Night time glare from construction facilities is also considered. During operation, trees and vegetation would become mature and form various green spaces along the roadside. Providing the visual extent and elements would be changed significantly. The magnitude of change is considered as large in construction and operation.
VSR 38b	Yoho Town (Upper Level)	Proposed Public Transport Interchange/ Proposed Road Infrastructures	Partial	230	Medium	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Large	Large
VSR 38b	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation The elevated level from this VSR can provide a broad view to the YLH and other main road infrastructures. The main source of visual impact during the construction includes the road improvement works. Night time glare from construction facilities is also considered. During operation, trees and vegetation would become mature and form various green spaces along the roadside. Providing the visual extent and elements would be changed significantly. The magnitude of change is considered as large in construction and operation.
VSR 39	Yau Tin West Road near Hoover Garden	Proposed Road Infrastructures	Nil	270	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 39	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation Given the blockage of the existing planation, the visual impacts produced by the Project would be insignificant. Therefore, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible in construction and operation.
VSR 40	Intersection of Tai Tong Road	Proposed Road Infrastructures	Partial	487	Small	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
VSR 40	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation Since only small scale of development will be visible in a distance, and the proposed road infrastructures will be compatible with the existing surroundings, the magnitude of change is considered to be small in construction and operation stage.
VSR 41	Tai Kei Leng Road	Proposed Road Infrastructures	Nil	253	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	Negligible	Negligible
VSR 41	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation The proposed road infrastructures would not be significant due to the blockage of the roadside plantation. Therefore, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible in construction and operation.
VSR 42	Tai Shu Ha Road East Facing Northwest	Proposed Road Infrastructures	Partial	153	Medium	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR 42	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation View from this VSR is limited by the existing roadside planation. Construction work include the demolition of temporary structures, vegetation clearance as well as road improvement. Night time glare is considered as source of visual impact. Even though a more attracting streetscape can enhance the visual quality in operation, the scale and composition of visual elements would be changed significantly. Therefore, the magnitude of change is considered to be intermediate in operation and construction.
VSR 43	Hung Tin Road	Utilities Construction	Nil	0	Medium	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Negligible
VSR 43	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation The main source of visual impact during the construction includes site clearance, earthworks, movement of construction vehicles and temporary structures within the Project site. Night-time glare from construction facilities is also considered. Due to the significance of the construction activities, the magnitude of change is considered to be intermediate in the construction stage. In operation, as the utilities are installed underground, the change will be insignificant. Therefore, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible in operation.
VSR 44	Shap Pat Heung Road near La Grove	Proposed Noise Enclosure	Partial		Medium	Fair	Fair	Temporary	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Intermediate	Intermediate
VSR 44	Description of Impacts during Construction and Operation The proposed noise enclosure would be the main source of visual impact. As the construction works include vegetation clearance and earthworks would degrade the existing visual quality. Besides, the erection of noise enclosure would be significant in a short distance. Therefore, the magnitude of change is considered to be intermediate during construction and operation stage.

Remarks: The approximate closest viewing distance to the PDA is measured from the edge of the VSR group to the closest built structure proposed within the VE.

*Refer to code for Land Use Types in Section 10.8.2

10.10.9 Significance of Visual Impacts Before Mitigation

10.10.9.1 The potential significance of visual impacts during the construction and operational phases, before mitigation, is provided in Tables 10.10.7 below. The assessment follows the methodology proposed in Section 10.4.5 and the matrix provided in Table 10.3.2.

Table 10.10.7 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	Yuen Long Park Tower	High	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial
VSR 2	Fui Sha Wai South Road	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR 3	Tong Yan San Tsuen Track	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR 4	Fui Sha Wai	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR 5	Forefront Cyber Centre	Low	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Slight
VSR 6	Jasper Court and Long Tin Road	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
VSR 7	Parkside Villa	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR 8	Tong Yan San Tsuen Interchange	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR 9	Intersection of Kung Um Road and Shap Pat Heung Road	Low	Large	Large	Substantial	Moderate
VSR 10	Intersection of Lam Hei Rd and Kung Um Rd	Low	Intermediate	Small	Slight	Slight
VSR 11	Tin Liu Tsuen	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR 12	Chun Fai Garden	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR13	Pathway near Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate
VSR14	Kiu Hing Road near Pak Sha Tsuen	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR15	One Hyde Park Bus Station	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial
VSR16	Channel Pathway on Kung Um Road	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate
VSR17	Pak Sha Tsuen Facing Southwest	High	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial
VSR18	Tai Lam Mountain1 Facing Northeast	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial
VSR19	Tai Lam Mountain2 Facing East	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial
VSR20	Tai Lam Mountain3 Facing Southeast	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial
VSR21	Tai Lam Mountain4 Facing Northeast	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial
VSR22	Tai Lam Mountain5 Facing Northeast	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial
VSR23	Tai Lam Mountain6 Facing North	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial
VSR24	Tai Lam Mountain7 Facing Northeast	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial
VSR25	Tai Lam Mountain 8 Facing Northeast	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial
VSR26	Access Road off Tai Tong Shan Road	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
VSR27	Shui Tsiu San Tsuen Road near Wong Nai Tun Tsuen	Medium	Small	Small	Moderate	Slight
VSR28	Shui Tsiu San Tsuen	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR29	Sham Chung Tsuen	High	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial
VSR30	Shan Ha Tsuen	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR31	Ho Hok Shan 1 and Facing Southwest	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
VSR32	Tong Yan San Tsuen	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR33	Tan Kwai Tsuen Road near Open Storage	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
VSR34	Tan Kwai Tsuen Road near Osmanthus Arnold Garden	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate
VSR35	Cheung Ngau Shan and Facing Northwest	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR36	Near Yuen Long Government Primary School	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR37	Pok Oi Hospital	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR38a	Yoho Town (Ground Level)	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate
VSR38b	Yoho Town (Upper Level)	High	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial
VSR39	Yau Tin West Road near Hoover Garden	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR40	Intersection of Tai Tong Road	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
VSR41	Tai Kei Leng Road	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR42	Tai Shu Ha Road East Facing Northwest	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR43	Hung Tin Road	Low	Intermediate	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant
VSR44	Shap Pat Heung Road near La Grove	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate

10.10.9.2 Proposal to construct additional sewage alignment connecting YLS to the existing inert chamber of the NWNT effluent tunnel at San Tai for discharging to Urmston Road submarine outfall would require breaking hard surface and earthworks. Since this utility is constructed underground, with the blockage of roadside plantation, the magnitude change of view would be small, only slight visual impact would be anticipated during construction and no adverse impact during operation.

10.11 Minimisation of Landscape and Visual Impact

10.11.1 Avoidance of Potential Impacts

10.11.1.1 At the Project planning stage, many factors have been considered in the RODP to avoid, reduce and/ or help compensate for the potential landscape and visual impacts of the DPs, with highest priority given to avoidance of impacts.

Preservation of Areas with High Landscape Value

10.11.1.2 The woodland with landscape value, “GB” and “Conservation Area” (“CA”) in the foothill areas, Tai Lam Country Park, and the ecologically important features including the watercourses of higher ecological value and egretries are areas of conservation importance within the assessment area. These natural landscapes possess value which should be well protected and preserved, avoiding any negative impacts arising from the proposed developments. The RODP has preserved approx. 4.8ha of secondary woodland and about 2,060m of watercourses of higher ecological value in the PDA.

10.11.2 Enhancement in Landscape and Visual Aspect

Creating Open Space and Green Network

10.11.2.1 The landscape network reflects the rural history of the area and creates a new focal point by connecting the residential communities of which will, in effect, enhance the existing rural character context of the region and provide a focal point connecting the residential communities of the PDA. Additionally, a buffer is proposed between the existing low-rise villages and the new high-rise public and private developments to address grave concerns on the local villages on the possible wall effect. This buffer consists of a 20m green strip, zoned as “Local Open Space” (“LO”) and a 10m low building area (LBA) along the development lots.

Revitalisation of Nullahs

10.11.2.2 In line with the recent advocate of integrated green infrastructure system and aspiration to improve aesthetics and ecological value of the land, a green and eco-hydraulics approach will be applied. A key consideration is to improve aesthetic whilst maintain and compensate for the hydraulic performance of about 2.5km of Yuen Long Nullah along Kung Um Road / Kiu Hing Road. Some of green and eco-hydraulics approaches are considered are:

· Using grasscreting and extensive vegetation embankment, e.g. Nullahs in Jordan Valley and Tsui Ping;

· Using gabions and geo-fabric reinforced grass lining, e.g. Yuen Long Bypass Floodway;

· Using unlined channel beds such as rip-rap base and retaining meanders, e.g. Kam Tin River, Shan Pui River & Ng Tung River; and

· Creating shallow ponds, wetland habitats and reed beds, e.g. Yuen Long Bypass Floodway & San Tin.

Reedbed Enhancemnt Opportunities

10.11.2.3 A reedbed with an area of about 4ha is proposed to be built at the south of Area 3. Such a treatment system can provide dual roles i.e. as a clean-up reedbed and providing significant ecological and landscape enhancement to the area. Further development and design of the reedbed at a later stage will be required to optimise clean-up capabilities and also provision of ecological function.

Building Height Respecting the Surroundings to Keep View Corridors

10.11.2.4 Through the tapering of development intensities and building heights, YLS will integrate with its settings by high density developments in the north near Yuen Long New Town and transitioning to medium and low-density development in the south to blend in with the rural setting and the Tai Lam Country Park.

10.11.2.5 The key viewing platforms from the Yuen Long Park Aviary Pagoda to the north of YLS has been incorporated in the urban design framework as the key view corridor. The gradation of development intensity and building heights from north to south optimizes views to the mountainous backdrop of the Tai Lam Country Park.

General Planting Design Principle

10.11.2.6 Corresponding to the landscape and environment improvement framework and the understanding of the open spaces and greening networks in YLS, the spatial design component in YLS has been divided into six categories, namely Open Space & Primary Amenity Areas, Greenbelt & Secondary Amenity Areas, Residential Areas, Roadside & Major Corridors, Scenic Routes and Reedbed/ Retention Ponds. Figure 10.12 refers.

· Open Space & Primary Amenity Areas: Includes all the proposed new or renovated green spaces within the Study Area, generally referred to as Public Parks. Integrated with the comprehensive recreational facilities, each public park adopts a set of general principles and is further customized to fit in its context and meet its purpose.

· Greenbelt & Secondary Amenity Areas: As their nature is rather different from the general planting spaces, thus it treated as separate category. Two main typologies are identified; (a) Conservation Woodland which located within the proposed development and (b) Green Buffers between the proposed buildings and Country Park.

· Residential Areas: Includes all the proposed new local open space within the Study Area, generally referred to as Small Community Parks within residential development.

· Roadside & Major Corridors: Includes all roads and streets within the Study Area and is comprised out of the following types; (a) Major Traffic Corridor, (b) Major Pedestrian Corridor, (c) Neighbourhood Connection; Primary & Secondary Streets.

· Scenic Routes: This category is comprised with inlier recreational space, including hillside river corridor and scenic cycling tracks.

· Reedbed/ Retention Ponds: This category works as an enhancement measure to support breeding nearby birds. Planting of stands of bamboo and sizeable trees as potential nesting substrates are proposed around Reedbed and Retention Ponds.

10.11.2.7 The above categories will act as the basis for the formulation of urban planning and landscape design guidelines as a manual in defining the basic design elements (i.e. parklands and streetscapes) in YLS, and to enhance the planting design.

10.11.2.8 As mentioned above, the proposed improvement schemes comprises new planting space to visually soften the surrounding environment, referring to the six categories spatial system as above, thematic planting has been carried out and implemented into the greening proposal as part of the mitigation measures for both landscape and visual aspects, species proposed for the Study Area are chosen regarding to their ecological function for the biodiversity maintenance within project sites, and their attractive foliage, lush colours, and varied shapes in order to create an impressive visual impact.

10.11.2.9 Sample plant materials and criteria is provided as follows:

Table 10.11.1. Tree Selection Criteria with Examples

Spatial Categories	Proposed Species*		Flowering Colour	Criteria
Spatial Categories	Botanical Name	Chinese Name	Flowering Colour	Criteria
Open Space & Primary Amenity Areas:	Bischofia Javanica	秋楓	Green	· Non-poisonous and non-thorny · Non aggressive root-systems to minimise impact on adjacent paving · Bird, Bat and Butterfly attracting species · Colorful flowering species · Varying tree canopy levels
	Sterculia lanceolata	假蘋婆	Pink
	Magnolia grandiflora	荷花玉蘭	White
	Morus alba	白蘭	White
Greenbelt & Secondary Amenity Areas	Liquidambar formosana	楓香	Green	· Low-maintenance species · Shade-tolerant species · Seasonal variety to allow year-round attractiveness · The species selected is complementary with the existing vegetation
	Bridelia tomentosa	土蜜樹	Yellow
	Morus alba	白蘭	White
	Ailanthus fordii	福氏臭樁	Yellow
Residential Areas	Sterculia lanceolata	假蘋婆	Pink	· Non aggressive root-systems to minimise impact on adjacent paving · Relatively high shading capacity (non-continuous) · Varying color and tree canopy level · Extensive maintenance
	Hibiscus tiliaceus	黄槿	Bright Yellow
	Bauhinia variegata	宮粉羊蹄甲	Lavender and Pink
	Peltophorum pterocarpum	盾柱木	Yellow
Roadside & Major Corridors	Melaleuca leucadendron	白千層	Brush White	· Continuous tree canopy providing shade for footpaths and roads · Evergreen trees with minimal loss of flowers or seedpods to avoid drainage cluttering · Pollution tolerant species · Sufficient crown height and · Long-living tree species
	Cinnamomum burmannii	陰香	White and Yellow
	Chukrasia tabularis	麻楝	Green
	Terminalia mantaly	細葉欖仁	Green
Scenic Routes	Koelreuteria bipinnata	複羽葉欒樹	Yellow and Seeds Red	· Season specific features, with flowering/color change in late spring and autumn · Bird, Bat and Butterfly attracting species · Non-poisonous and non-thorny · Relatively high shading capacity (non-continuous)
	Tabebuia impetiginosa	紫花風鈴木	Pink
	Bombax malabaricum	木棉	Orange/ Red
	Liquidambar formosana	楓香	Inconspicuous (leaves turn red in Autumn)
	Spathodea campanulata	火焰木	Bright Orange/ Red
Reedbed/ Retention Ponds	Ficus Microcarpa	榕樹	Inconspicious	· Suitable breeding ground for nearby Egrets · Water-tolerant species · Attract birds
	Celtis Sinensis	朴樹	Inconspicious
	Lagerstroemia speciosa	大花紫薇	Purple/ Pink
	Hibiscus tiliaceus	黃槿	Bright Yellow

Note: [*] = The proposed list of planting species are not definitive and subject to change in the later detailed design stage; The proposed species will follow the principles of ‘Right Tree, Right Place’ in accordance with GLTM, DEVB, ‘Handbook on Tree Management’, April 2016.

10.12 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction and Operation

10.12.1.1 The proposed mitigation measures for the Project are described in the following section and summarised in Table 10.12.1 below. The construction measures focus on the methods of preservation or minimisation of potential impacts from working extent, which effectiveness will take effect during the construction stage. Compensatory measures (OM1 and OM2) and soft landscape mitigation measures (OM4 and OM5) will be considered during detailed design, most likely be implemented during construction, and their full effect are often appreciated by the year 10 of operation. Equally, detailed design measures (OM6, OM7 and OM8) such as design of buildings and structures will also take effect during operational stage. Considering their effectiveness period is operational stage, these measures are classified as operation measures.

10.12.1.2 Table 10.12.2 lists the agents responsible for the capital funding, the implementation and the maintenance of the suggested measures.

Table 10.12.1 Mitigation Measures for Construction and Operation Phase

Mitigation Measure Code	Summary Description	Mitigate Landscape Impacts	Mitigate Visual Impacts
Construction Phase
CM1	Optimisation of Construction Areas and Providing Temporary Landscape on Temporary Construction	√	√
CM2	Minimise Topographical Changes	√	√
CM3	Tree Protection and Preservation	√
CM4	Transplanting of Existing Trees	√
CM5	Screen Hording		√
CM6	Watercourses of higher ecological value/ Channels Protection	√
CM7	Construction Light Control		√
CM8	Woodland Conservation	√
Operational Phase
OM1	Compensatory Planting	√
OM2	Woodland Compensation	√
OM3	Operation Light Control		√
OM4	Screen Planting	√	√
OM5	Road Side Planting	√	√
OM6	Aesthetic Design of Built Development		√
OM7	Maximise Greening on Engineering Structures and Surfaces	√	√
OM8	Noise Barrier Design		√
OM9	Man-made Channel Improvements	√	√
OM10	Slope Landscaping	√	√

Table 10.12.2 Responsibility Matrix

Mitigation Measure Code	Summary Description	Capital Funding Agency	Implementation Agency**	Post-Construction Management Agency*	Post-Construction Maintenance Agency*
CM1	Optimisation of Construction Areas and Providing Temporary Landscape on Temporary Construction	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	N/A	N/A
CM2	Minimise Topographical Changes	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	N/A	N/A
CM3	Tree Protection and Preservation	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	N/A	N/A
CM4	Transplanting of Existing Trees	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	N/A	N/A
CM5	Screen Hoarding	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	N/A	N/A
CM6	Watercourses of higher ecological value/ Channels Protection	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	N/A	N/A
CM7	Construction Light Control	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	N/A	N/A
CM8	Woodland Conservation	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	N/A	N/A
OM1	Compensatory Planting	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	LCSD	LCSD
OM2	Woodland Compensation	CEDD	CEDD/ AFCD	AFCD	AFCD
OM3	Operation Light Control	ArchSD/ Housing Department/ Private Sector	ArchSD/ Housing Department/ Private Sector	ArchSD/ Housing Department/ Private Sector	ArchSD/ Housing Department/ Private Sector
OM4	Screen Planting	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	HyD/ LCSD	HyD/ LCSD
OM5	Road Side Planting	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	HyD (within boundary of expressways)/ LCSD (along non-expressways public roads outside country park)	HyD (within boundary of expressways)/ LCSD (along non-expressways public roads outside country park)
OM6	Aesthetic Design of Built Development	ArchSD/ Housing Department/ Private Sector	ArchSD/ Housing Department/ Private Sector	ArchSD/ Housing Department/ Private Sector	ArchSD/ Housing Department/ Private Sector
OM7	Maximise Greening on Engineering Structures and Surfaces	Initiating Government Department (relevant user department)/ Private Sector	Initiating Government Department (relevant user department)/ Private Sector	Initiating Government Department (relevant user department)/ Private Sector	Initiating Government Department (relevant user department)/ Private Sector
OM8	Noise Barrier Design	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	HyD	HyD
OM9	Man-made Channel Improvements	CEDD	DSD	DSD	DSD
OM10	Slope Landscaping	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	HyD/ LCSD/ LandsD	HyD/ LCSD/ LandsD

Note: {*} Management and Maintenance Agencies are identified as per DEVB TCW No. 6/2015. Agreement from individual agent shall be sought at the detailed design stage before commencement of the contract.

{**} CEDD will only be responsible for construction of the site formation and essential infrastructure

Note: The Contractor shall be responsible for the maintenance of the landscape works during the establishment period at operation phase. The Project Proponent shall then be responsible for the management and maintenance of the implemented Landscape Mitigation Measures until such time those are successfully handed over to the designated agent/department.

10.12.1.3 Optimisation of Construction Areas and Providing Temporary Landscape on Temporary Construction (CM1) - 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 reduction of 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. Temporary landscape treatments are considered to be adopted such as applying hydro-seeding on temporary stockpiles and reclamation areas to alleviate the potential impacts.

10.12.1.4 Minimise Topographical Changes (CM2) - To minimise landscape and visual impacts, the vertical and horizontal alignment of the at-grade road construction works should be optimised to reduce topographical/ landform changes, as well as reduce land take and interference with natural terrain and reduce overall earth movements. Where there is a need to significantly cut into the existing landform, retaining walls should be considered as well as cut slopes, to minimise landform changes and land resumption, whilst also considering visual amenity. Earthworks and engineered slopes should be designed to provide a structurally stable and visually interesting landform, which is compatible with surrounding landscape and mimics the natural contouring and terrain (e.g. introduction and continuation of natural features such as spurs and ridges where appropriate) to support landscape and visual assimilation with the surrounding terrain.

10.12.1.5 Tree Protection & Preservation (CM3) - Existing trees to be retained within the Project Site should be carefully protected during construction. Detailed Tree Protection Specification shall be provided in the Contract Specification. Under this specification, the Contractor shall be required to submit, for approval, a detailed working method statement for the protection of trees prior to undertaking any works adjacent to all retained trees, including trees in contractor’s works areas.

10.12.1.6 A detailed tree survey will be carried out for the Tree Removal Application (TRA) process which will be carried out at the later detailed design stage of the Project. The detailed tree survey will propose which trees should be retained, transplanted or felled and will include details of tree protection measures for those trees to be retained.

10.12.1.7 Transplanting of Existing Trees (CM4) - Trees unavoidably affected by the Project works should be transplanted where practical. Trees should be transplanted straight to their final receptor site and not held in a temporary nursery as far as possible.

10.12.1.8 A detailed transplanting proposal will be submitted to relevant government departments for approval in accordance with DEVB TCW No.6/2015 and DEVB TCW 7/2015 and final locations of transplanted trees should be agreed prior to commencement of the work.

10.12.1.9 For trees associated with highways e.g. roadside planting along highways, that are unavoidably affected and should be transplanted, following HyD Guidelines HQ/GN/13 ‘Interim Guidelines for Tree Transplanting Works under Highways Department's Vegetation Maintenance Ambit’.

10.12.1.10 Screen Hoarding (CM5) - Screen hoarding shall be erected along areas of the construction boundary where the works site borders with publicly accessible routes and/or is close to visually sensitive receivers (VSRs), to screen undesirable views of the works site. It is proposed that the screening be compatible with the surrounding environment in terms of material choice and colour.

10.12.1.11 Watercourses of higher ecological value/ Channels Protection (CM6) - For all the watercourses of higher ecological value inside the development area, in accordance with ETWB TCW 5/2005, consideration of protection measures should be made to minimise any impacts from the construction works. Precast structures or other similar approaches will be used to prevent any construction works in river and thus to avoid any direct water quality impact. Good site management as stipulated in ProPECC PN1/94 will be fully implemented to avoid polluted liquid or solid wastes from falling into the river waters.

10.12.1.12 Construction Light Control (CM7) - All security floodlights for construction sites should be carefully controlled to minimise light pollution and night-time glare to nearby users.

10.12.1.13 Woodland Conservation (CM8) - Woodland conservation is proposed to avoid large scale of potential loss of the existing secondary woodland within the PDA.

10.12.1.14 Compensatory Planting (OM1) - Compensatory tree planting for felled trees shall be provided to the satisfaction of relevant Government departments. The required numbers and locations of compensatory trees shall be determined and agreed separately with Government during the Tree Removal Application process under DEVB TCW No.7/2015. Compensatory planting is proposed at the potential open areas such as open spaces, amenity areas, open areas of the streetscapes, as well as the open areas within development lots. The provision of space for compensatory planting takes into accounts the subsequent schedules.

10.12.1.15 The location of compensatory planting includes the roadside areas, street tree planting, central medians and any soft landscape areas affected by the works area.

10.12.1.16 Woodland Compensation (OM2) - Specific Woodland compensatory planting is proposed for any areas of woodland that are unavoidably affected. The compensatory woodland planting will principally be within the LRs of lower value such as (LR3 Hillside Shrubland and Grassland), where integrity of the wider woodland resource is possible. Plant species should be selected to include a mix of species with pioneering characteristics (fast-growing/ light-tolerant/ drought-tolerant/ wind-tolerant, etc.) and native species and complementary species to the local area. The list of recommended species for the proposed woodland compensation planting are displayed in Table 8.68 in Chapter 8 of Ecological Impact. Given the limited space within the Draft RODP, on site woodland compensation is considered not practicable. The location for off-site woodland compensation has been shown in Figure 10.9.

10.12.1.17 This provision would take some time for the compensatory planting to achieve the landscape and ecological function and value of the area to be lost. In addition, it allows for the fact that not all of the areas identified for planting will be viable, by virtue of topography and ground conditions and, especially the areas, because though the areas identified are largely grassland it is inevitable that these areas will already support some patches of trees and shrubs which would be inappropriate for further planting. The intention of the compensatory woodland will be to recreate areas of quality woodland, not necessarily to compensate for loss of trees on a like for like basis.

10.12.1.18 Operation Light Control (OM3) – Night time lighting should be controlled during operation to minimise glare and light spill from the potential development/ infrastructure. Street and night time lighting shall also be controlled to minimise glare impact to adjacent VSRs during the operation phase.

10.12.1.19 Screen Planting (OM4) - Tall screen/buffer trees and shrubs should be planted to assist in screening proposed road corridors and associated above ground structures such as elevated road sections and engineered embankments. This measure may additionally form part of the compensatory planting and will improve compatibility with the surrounding environment and create a pleasant pedestrian environment.

10.12.1.20 Road Side Planting (OM5) - For LRs that would require road upgrading or realignment should be provided to soften the hard, straight edges, such as (LR7), (LR8) and the new roads within PDA. Shade tolerant plants should be planted, where light is insufficient, to improve aesthetic value of areas under viaducts. The guideline of DEVB TC(W) No.2/2012 – Allocation of Space for Quality Greening on Roads should be followed.

10.12.1.21 Aesthetic Design of Built Development (OM6) - 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, light earthy tone colours treatments, micro- and macro-texture, and reflectivity/ light absorbance to avoid glare.

10.12.1.22 Maximise Greening on Engineering Structures and Surfaces (OM7) - Where space and appropriate planting conditions allow (i.e. where suitable depth of planting medium is possible, maintenance access available and enough light penetration to ground level), climbing plants should be considered to grow up vertical surfaces such as greening facade of building blocks, viaduct piers or noise barriers.

10.12.1.23 The planting once established will assist in breaking up the appearance of uniform engineered structures and surfaces. Tree planting and care that integrate with wider streetscape elements such as hardscape paving, outdoor furniture as well as lighting poles should be considered to create a pedestrian-friendly network. Streetscape design, including integrity with the building space at ground floor, keeping a suitable distance between trees and buildings should follow the Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section (GLTM) of the Development Bureau's Guidelines on Greening of Noise Barriers (April 2012).

10.12.1.24 At-grade road planting should be considered along central median planters and on the road island (Roadside planting is considered part of OM5), DEVB TC(W) No.2/2012 should be referred to. Furthermore, HQ/GN/15 - Guidelines for Greening Works along Highways should be referred to for greening of highways specifically, DEVB TCW No. 2/2013 - Greening on Footbridges and Flyovers for footbridges and flyovers. The above mitigation measures would only be implemented for public developments/projects.

10.12.1.25 Noise Barrier Design (OM8) - The visual impact of noise mitigation measures will be mitigated by appropriate detailed design to reduce visual bulkiness and incorporate aesthetically pleasing surface treatments to promote visual amenity, including suitable combination of transparent and sound absorbent materials, appropriate colour selection of panels and supporting structures, or provision of at-grade planting of trees, shrubs and/or climbers camouflage to the barriers, as well as design of supporting structures to incorporate a high level of quality and aesthetics. A combination of transparent panels at top and solid panels at bottom would lighten the visual impact, and at the same time maintain the attractiveness by using colourful panels. (Noise barrier design has been included in Appendix 10.3 for the section of enclosures noise barrier design, Figure 10.14e to 10.14f and Figure 10.14s to 10.14t for the photomontage of selected VSRs and Figure 10.16 for the reference images of noise barrier design.) The noise barriers would be implemented for District Distributor Roads and Local Distributor Roads. Relevant technical documents DEVB (GLTM) No. 2/2012 - Allocation of Space for Quality Greening on Roads, DEVB (GLTM) No. 3/2012 – Site Coverage of Greenery for Government Building Projects, and Guidelines on Design of Noise Barriers by HyD and EPD in 2003 shall be reference.

10.12.1.26 Man-made Channel Improvements (OM9) - Artificial and man-made watercourse channels within the site will be affected by the works; whilst these are considered to have a low current value there is an opportunity to better integrate these features in to the urban and landscape design. Proposals to integrate these features in to public areas can include creating more natural watercourse with soft banks and ornamental ponds would generate positive impacts.

10.12.1.27 Slope Landscaping (OM10) - Site formation has been reduced as far as possible to avoid substantial slope cutting. Hydroseeding of modified slopes should be done as soon as grading works are completed to prevent erosion and subsequent loss of landscape resources and character. Complementary woodland tree seedlings and/ or shrubs should be planted where the slope gradient and site conditions allow. In addition, landscape planting should be provided for the retaining structures associated with modified slopes, where conditions allow. All slope landscaping works should comply with GEO Publication No. 1/2011-Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment for Slopes. 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.

10.13 Residual Impacts upon Mitigation

10.13.1 Residual Landscape Impacts

10.13.1.1 The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures, as described in Section 10.12 have been applied to the various impacts and used to identify potential residual impacts.

10.13.1.2 The potential significance of residual landscape impacts during the construction and operational phases, before and after mitigation at day 1 and year 10, are provided in Tables 10.13.1 and 10.13.2. The tables assume that the appropriate mitigation measures have been applied and that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be fully realised and established after 10 years. As stated in Section 10.6, the Day 1 of Operation for the Project will start at the year of first population intake for each development stage, and the Year 10 of operation are defined 10 years later after that time.

10.13.1.3 Where insignificant impacts have been identified prior to mitigation, mitigation measures are still shown in the table as these would be applied as best practice in the construction and operational stages as part of a consistent design and construction approach.

LCA Code	Name	Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)	Recommended Mitigation Measures (MM)	Residual Impact Significance UPON Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
LCA1a	Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape – Open Storage/ Rural Built Area	Low	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM6, CM8	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM9, OM10	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LCA1b	Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape – Lowland Agricultural Land	Medium	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4	OM1, OM4, OM5	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LCA2	Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape	Low	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4	OM1, OM4, OM5, OM10	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LCA3	Upland and Hillside Landscape	High	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM8	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM10	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LCA7	Urban Peripheral Village Landscape	Medium	Small	Small	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM8	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5	Slight	Slight	Slight
LCA8	Transportation Corridor Landscape	Low	Moderate	Slight	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4	OM1, OM4, OM5, OM10	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant

LR Code	Name	Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)	Recommended Mitigation Measures (MM)	Residual Impact Significance UPON Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
LR1a	Active Agricultural Land	High	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4	OM1, OM4, OM5	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
LR1b	Abandoned Agricultural Land	Medium	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4	OM1, OM4, OM5	Slight	Slight	Slight
LR1c	Orchard	High	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM8	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM10	Moderate	Slight	Slight
LR2	Lowland Mixed Trees, Shrubland and Grassland	Medium	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM8	OM1, OM4, OM5, OM10	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LR3	Hillside Shrubland and Grassland	Medium	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM6	OM1, OM4, OM5, OM10	Slight	Slight	Slight
LR4	Secondary Woodland	High	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM6, CM8	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM10	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LR5	Plantation	Medium	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM8	OM1, OM2, OM4, OM5, OM10	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LR6	Urban Park	Medium	Insignificant	Insignificant	N/A	N/A	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR7	Road and Urban Infrastructure	Medium	Moderate	Slight	CM1, CM4	OM1, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM10	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR9	Urbanised Development	Low	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4	OM1, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM10	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
LR10	Village Type Development	Medium	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4	OM1, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM10	Slight	Slight	Slight
LR11	Open Storage/Rural Built Area	Medium	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4	OM1, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM10	Substantial	Moderate	Moderate
LR12	Disturbed Area	Low	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4	OM1, OM4, OM5	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
LR13	Agricultural Pond	Medium	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM6	OM1	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
LR14	Channelised Watercourse	Low	Moderate	Slight	CM1, CM2	OM5, OM9, OM10	Moderate	Slight	Slight
LR15	Watercourses of higher ecological value	High	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM6	N/A	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate

Table 10.13.3 Significance of visual impacts

VSR Code	Name	Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)		Impact Significance Before Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)		Recommended Mitigation Measures		Residual Impact Significance UPON Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
VSR Code	Name	Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	CON	OP	CON	OP	CON	OP	CON	OP Day 1	OP Year 10
VSR1	Yuen Long Park Tower	High	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6,	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR1	Description: During the construction stage, the ancillary structures such as site offices, construction facilities, and erection of structures as well as loss of trees would generate substantial impacts on this VSR. However, with mitigation measures as Optimisation of Construction Areas and Providing Temporary Landscape on Temporary Construction (CM1), Screen Hording (CM5) and Construction Light Control (CM7) during construction, the adverse impacts from the construction works can be reduced to a lower level. Refer to Figure 10.14b, although the change of this visual character cannot be completely mitigated, the proposed high-rise developments will be compatible with the existing surroundings during the operational stage, also with the implementation of mitigation measure such as Aesthetic Design of Built Development (OM6), the use of light earthy tone colours with the buildings will help to reduce the visibility of the development components, therefore the adverse impacts can be reduced to moderate level eventually. However, given the large scale of the Project, the change of the visual character would be inevitably large, therefore the visual impact cannot be completely mitigated, the residual impact will stay at moderate level at Year 10 of operation stage.
VSR2	Fui Sha Wai South Road	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM6,	Slight	Slight	Slight
VSR2	Description: Given the blockage of the existing vegetation, the proposed low-rise storage site will not be significant, therefore the residual impact would reduce to slight level during construction and operation stage.
VSR3	Tong Yan San Tsuen Track	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM6	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
VSR3	Description: As the change of the existing visual character would be large, the proposed mitigation measures may not be able to alleviate the impact, therefore the residual impact during construction will remain at moderate level. However, the proposed low-rise storage development will not be visible due to the blockage of existing mature vegetation, therefore the residual impacts will reduce as slight at operation stage in Year 10.
VSR4	Fui Sha Wai	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM6	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR4	Description: Since the existing low-rise residential area will change to an industrial development site, the proposed mitigation measures may not be able to fully alleviate the impact, therefore the residual impact will remain at moderate level during construction and operation phase.
VSR5	Forefront Cyber Centre	Low	Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Slight
VSR5	Description: During the construction stage, the demolition of structures, vegetation removal and erection of building structures would generate moderate impact, the proposed mitigation measures may not be able to alleviate the impact, therefore the residual impact during construction will remain at moderate level. Refer to Figure 10.14d, since the proposed developments would preserve views to the mountain backdrop, also the existing industrial factories have been transformed to a low-rise industrial development site, which will be more compatible with the surrounding context. However, consider with the large changes to the existing visual character, the residual impacts will stay as slight during operation.
VSR6	Jasper Court and Long Tin Road	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM6, OM7, OM8	Slight	Slight	Slight
VSR6	Description: Given the existing low-rise residential environment will change to mid-rise development area, the proposed mitigation measures may not be able to fully alleviate the impact, therefore the residual impact will remain at slight level during construction and operation phase.
VSR7	Parkside Villa	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8	Slight	Slight	Slight
VSR7	Description: The construction works for the proposed developments would lead to clearance of vegetation, earthworks and demolition of structures, which would generate moderate impacts on this VSR. With the implementation of mitigation measures as Optimisation of Construction Areas and Providing Temporary Landscape on Temporary Construction (CM1), Screen Hording (CM5) and Construction Light Control (CM7) during construction to minimise the visual impacts, the adverse impacts from the construction works can be reduced to a slight level. During the operational stage, since the major visual impact would generate by the erection of high-rise buildings, which would obstruct views towards natural hillside landscape and the existing open sky view, with the implementation of mitigation measure such as Aesthetic Design of Built Development (OM6), the use of light earthy tone colours with the buildings will help to reduce the visibility of the development components and improve the visual amenity, the adverse impacts can be reduced to slight level eventually.
VSR8	Tong Yan San Tsuen Interchange	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8	Slight	Slight	Slight
VSR8	Description: Construction of the proposed developments would require clearance of mature roadside vegetation and erection of the high-rise buildings would generate moderate impacts on this VSR. With the implementation of mitigation measures as Optimisation of Construction Areas and Providing Temporary Landscape on Temporary Construction (CM1), Screen Hording (CM5) and Construction Light Control (CM7) during construction, the adverse impacts from the construction works can be reduced to a lower level. During the operational stage, since the proposed commercial and residential buildings would not obstruct views towards natural hillside landscape in the backdrop, the adverse impacts can be reduced to slight level eventually.
VSR9	Intersection of Kung Um Road and Shap Pat Heung Road	Low	Large	Large	Substantial	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8	Substantial	Moderate	Moderate
VSR9	Description: Given the noise enclosure is a 6m high structure which considered to be compatible with the existing environments. With the implementation of mitigation measure such as Noise Barrier Design (OM8), the visual impact of noise mitigation measures will be mitigated by appropriate detailed design, such as suitable combination of transparent and sound absorbent materials, or provision of at-grade planting of trees, shrubs and/or climbers to reduce visual bulkiness and incorporate aesthetically pleasing surface treatments to promote visual amenity. Therefore, the adverse impacts can be reduced to moderate level eventually during operation.
VSR10	Intersection of Lam Hei Rd and Kung Um Rd	Low	Intermediate	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8	Slight	Slight	Slight
VSR10	Description: Since the proposed development would be blocked by the YLH and existing vegetation, besides the proposed development will comprise of more urbanised elements which can integrate with wider visual extent. Therefore the residual of impact would be stay at slight level during construction and operation stage.
VSR11	Tin Liu Tsuen	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM9	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR11	Description: As the proposed developments will change the existing low-rise village environment to a high-rise residential area, the recommended mitigation measures may not be able to alleviate the impacts, therefore the residual impacts will stay as moderate during construction and operation stage.
VSR12	Chun Fai Garden	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM9	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR12	Description: Similar as above. Since the existing village environment will transform to a mid-rise development, the recommended mitigation measures may not be able to fully alleviate the impacts, thus the residual impacts will stay as moderate during construction and operation stage.
VSR13	Pathway near Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen	Low	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM8, OM9	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR13	Description: The construction works for the proposed developments would require clearance of vegetation and erection of building structures, which would generate substantial impacts on this VSR. In addition, a small portion of noise barrier along Kiu Hing Road will be visible from this viewpoint. With the implementation of mitigation measures as Optimisation of Construction Areas and Providing Temporary Landscape on Temporary Construction (CM1), Screen Hording (CM5) and Construction Light Control (CM7) during construction, the adverse impacts from the construction works can be reduced to a lower level. Refer to Figure 10.14f, during operation phase, although the change of this visual character cannot be completely mitigated, the existing nullah will be revitalise and apply natural building materials such as timber on the footpath to improve the aesthetic value of the nullah, also with the Aesthetic Design of Built Development (OM6), the use of light earthy tone colours with the buildings will help to reduce the visibility of the development components and improve the visual amenity. For the noise barrier, with the implementation of mitigation measure such as Noise Barrier Design (OM8), the noise barrier will be mitigated by appropriate detailed design to promote visual amenity, also with the proposed measures including Screen Planting (OM4) and Roadside Tree Planting (OM5) will introduce more natural elements to the view and reduce the visual bulkiness of the noise barrier, thus the adverse impacts can be reduced to moderate level eventually. Since the proposed development will change the existing village environment to a high-rise residential area, the visual impact cannot be completely mitigated by the proposed mitigation measures, therefore the residual impact will stay at moderate level at Year 10 of operation stage.
VSR14	Kiu Hing Road near Pak Sha Tsuen	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR14	Description: Given the proposed development will result in large changes to the existing visual character, the recommended mitigation measures may not be able to alleviate the impacts, therefore the residual impacts will stay as moderate during construction and operation stage.
VSR15	One Hyde Park Bus Station	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM9	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR15	Description: During the construction stage, visual intrusion and degraded visual amenity caused by the road improvement works and erection of building structures would generate substantial impacts on this VSR. With the implementation of mitigation measures as Optimisation of Construction Areas and Providing Temporary Landscape on Temporary Construction (CM1), Screen Hording (CM5) and Construction Light Control (CM7) during construction, the adverse impacts from the construction works can be reduced to a lower level. Refer to Figure 10.14g, during the operational stage, although the change of this visual character cannot be completely mitigated, the existing nullah will be revitalise and apply natural building materials such as timber on the footpath to improve the visual amenity. Besides, with the implementation of mitigation measure such as Aesthetic Design of Built Development (OM6), the use of light earthy tone colours with the buildings will help to reduce the visibility of the development components and improve the visual amenity, the adverse impacts can be reduced to moderate level eventually. However, the proposed development will change the existing village environment to a high-rise residential area, the proposed mitigation measures may not be able to fully alleviate the impact, therefore the residual impact will stay at moderate level at Year 10 of operation stage.
VSR16	Channel Pathway on Kung Um Road	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM9	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
VSR16	Description: The construction works for the proposed developments and infrastructures would require clearance of vegetation, earthworks and erection of building structures, which would generate moderate impacts on this VSR, the proposed mitigation measures may not be able to alleviate the impact, therefore the residual impact will stay as moderate during construction stage. Refer to Figure 10.14j, during the operational stage, the erection of high-rise residential buildings would be the visual intrusion to the existing view, with mitigation measures such as Screen Planting (OM4) and Roadside Tree Planting (OM5) which will introduce more natural elements to the view, also the revitalised nuallah will provide a landscaped and pleasure walking environment for the community, it will enhance the visual amenity of the surroundings. Therefore, the adverse impacts can be alleviated to slight eventually.
VSR17	Pak Sha Tsuen Facing Southwest	High	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM9	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR17	Description: Similar as VSR 15, given the proposed development will result in large changes to the existing visual character, although the recommended mitigation measures may not be able to fully alleviate the impacts, the existing nullah will be revitalise to improve the visual amenity. Besides, with the implementation of mitigation measure such as Aesthetic Design of Built Development (OM6), the use of light earthy tone colours with the buildings will help to reduce the visibility of the development components and improve the visual amenity, the adverse impacts can be reduced to moderate level eventually. However, the proposed development will change the existing village environment to a high-rise residential area, the proposed mitigation measures may not be able to fully alleviate the impact, therefore the residual impacts will stay as moderate during construction and operation stage.
VSR18	Tai Lam Mountain1 Facing Northeast	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM9	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR18	Description: Construction of the proposed infrastructures would require the demolition of existing buildings, clearance of vegetation, loss of mixed woodland and the erection of building structures would generate substantial impacts on this VSR., with the implementation of mitigation measures as Optimisation of Construction Areas and Providing Temporary Landscape on Temporary Construction (CM1), Screen Hording (CM5) and Construction Light Control (CM7), the adverse impacts from the construction works can be reduced. Refer to Figure 10.14l, during the operational stage, a more urbanised landscape would characterised the view connecting with the Yuen Long New Town to the north, also the thematic greening proposal will introduce more natural elements to the view, and comprises new planting spaces to alleviate the visual impacts. Besides, with mitigation measures such as Screen Planting (OM4), Road Side Planting (OM5), Aesthetic Design of Built Development (OM6), Maximise Greening on Engineering Structures and Surfaces (OM7) and Man-made Channel Improvements (OM9), the proposed developments would be more compatible with the surrounding context, the residual impacts can be alleviated eventually. However, due to the large scale of the Project, the change of the visual character would be inevitably large, therefore the visual impact cannot be completely mitigated by the proposed mitigation measures, thus the residual impacts would be remain at moderate level at year 10 of operation.
VSR19	Tai Lam Mountain2 Facing East	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM2, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM9	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR19	Description: Similar as above. Since the large scale of construction activities will be visible even in a far viewing distance, consider with the proposed landscape and visual enhancement works, such as revitalisation of nullah and thematic greening proposal will help to create a pleasant environment for the community, thus the proposed development would be more compatible with the surrounding landscape, and the adverse impacts can be reduced to moderate level eventually.
VSR20	Tai Lam Mountain3 Facing Southeast	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM2, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM9	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR20	Description: Similar as above. Also consider with the proposed development would be compatible with the surroundings, the adverse impacts can be reduced to moderate level eventually.
VSR21	Tai Lam Mountain4 Facing Northeast	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM2, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM9	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR21	Description: Similar as above. As the far viewing distance and the proposed development will be compatible with the existing environment, the adverse impacts can be reduced to moderate level eventually.
VSR22	Tai Lam Mountain5 Facing Northeast	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM2, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM9	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR22	Description: Similar as above. The adverse impacts can be reduced to moderate level eventually.
VSR23	Tai Lam Mountain6 Facing North	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM9	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR23	Description: Due to the far viewing distance of this VSR, the construction works of the development may not be visible. With the implementation of mitigation measures as Optimisation of Construction Areas and Providing Temporary Landscape on Temporary Construction (CM1), Screen Hording (CM5) and Construction Light Control (CM7) during construction, the adverse impacts from the construction works can be reduced to a lower level. Refer to Figure 10.14n, the proposed development will change from the existing brownfield site to a planned new town, besides the thematic greening proposal and revitalised nullah will introduce more nature elements to the site, the proposed development will be more compatible with the surroundings. Therefore, the adverse impacts can be reduced to moderate level eventually.
VSR24	Tai Lam Mountain7 Facing Northeast	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM9	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR24	Description: Similar as above. As the proposed development will be compatible with the surroundings, the adverse impacts can be reduced to moderate level eventually.
VSR25	Tai Lam Mountain 8 Facing Northeast	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM2, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM9, OM10	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR25	Description: As the proposed developments will change from the brownfield site to a planned new town, which will be compatible with the existing landscape. Besides, the thematic greening proposal and revitalised nullah will introduce more nature elements to the site, thus the adverse impacts can be reduced to moderate level eventually.
VSR26	Access Road off Tai Tong Shan Road	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6	Slight	Slight	Slight
VSR26	Description: Since the change of the existing visual character would be large, the proposed mitigation measures may not be able to fully reduce the impact, the residual impact will remain at slight level during construction and operation stage.
VSR27	Shui Tsiu San Tsuen Road near Wong Nai Tun Tsuen	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6	Slight	Slight	Slight
VSR27	Description: Similar as above. The residual impacts will stay at slight during construction and operation stage.
VSR28	Shui Tsiu San Tsuen	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR28	Description: Given the change of the visual character would be inevitably large, the proposed mitigation measures will not able to adequately compensate the visual impact, the residual impact would remain at moderate during construction and operation stage.
VSR29	Sham Chung Tsuen	High	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6	Substantial	Substantial	Substantial
VSR29	Description: Refer to Figure 10.14p, since the existing village environment will be change to high-rise residential area, the change of the visual character would be inevitably large, the proposed mitigation measures may not be able to fully alleviate the impact, therefore the residual impact will remain at substantial level during construction and operation stage.
VSR30	Shan Ha Tsuen	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR30	Description: Since the existing village environment will be change to a high-rise residential area, the proposed mitigation measures will not able to adequately compensate the visual impact, the residual impact would remain at moderate during construction and operation stage.
VSR31	Ho Hok Shan 1 and Facing Southwest	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6	Slight	Slight	Slight
VSR31	Description: Refer to Figure 10.14r, as the change of the existing visual character would be large, the proposed mitigation measures may not be able to fully alleviate the impact, the residual impact will remain at slight level during construction and operation stage.
VSR32	Tong Yan San Tsuen	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR32	Description: Similar as above. Given the change of the visual character would be inevitably large, the residual impact would stay at moderate level during construction and operation stage.
VSR33	Tan Kwai Tsuen Road near Open Storage	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6	Slight	Slight	Slight
VSR33	Description: Similar as above. The residual impact would stay at slight during construction and operation stage.
VSR34	Tan Kwai Tsuen Road near Osmanthus Arnold Garden	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6	Slight	Slight	Slight
VSR34	Description: As the proposed developments will change from the village environment to a high rise residential area, the proposed mitigation measures may not be able to fully alleviate the impact. However, due to the blockage of the existing village buildings and the proposed developments would not obstruct the views to natural hillside landscape in the backdrop, therefore the residual impact would reduce to slight level at construction and operation stage.
VSR35	Cheung Ngau Shan and Facing Northwest	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	-	-	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR35	Description: Given the proposed development would be compatible with the existing surroundings, and the proposed road infrastructures would not be visible due to the blockage of vegetation, the residual impact would stay at slight during construction and operation stage.
VSR36	Near Yuen Long Government Primary School	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	-	-	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR36	Description: Since the proposed development and road infrastructures would not be visible due to the blockage of vegetation and village buildings, the residual impacts will be insignificant during construction and operation stage.
VSR37	Pok Oi Hospital	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	-	-	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR37	Description: Similar as above. Due to the blockage of existing vegetation, the proposed development would not be significant, the residual impacts will be insignificant in both stage.
VSR38a	Yoho Town (Ground Level)	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6	Slight	Slight	Slight
VSR38a	Description: As the proposed road infrastructures will be compatible with the existing landscape, also with the implementation of mitigation measures such as Screen Planting (OM4) and Roadside Tree Planting (OM5), which will introduce more natural elements to the view, thus the adverse impacts can be reduced to slight level eventually.
VSR38b	Yoho Town (Upper Level)	High	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VSR38b	Description: Similar as above. Due to the proposed road infrastructures will be compatible with the existing landscape, also with the implementation of mitigation measures such as Screen Planting (OM4) and Roadside Tree Planting (OM5), which will introduce more natural elements to the view, thus the adverse impacts can be reduced to moderate level eventually.
VSR39	Yau Tin West Road near Hoover Garden	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	-	-	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR39	Description: The proposed road infrastructures would not be visible due to the blockage of existing vegetation, therefore the residual impacts will be insignificant in both stage.
VSR40	Intersection of Tai Tong Road	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6	Slight	Slight	Slight
VSR40	Description: Since the proposed road infrastructures will be compatible with the existing surroundings, the residual impact will be remain as slight during construction and operation stage.
VSR41	Tai Kei Leng Road	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant	-	-	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR41	Description: As the proposed road infrastructures would not be visible due to the blockage of the mature vegetation, the residual impacts will be insignificant in both stage.
VSR42	Tai Shu Ha Road East Facing Northwest	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6	Slight	Slight	Slight
VSR42	Description: Given the proposed road infrastructures would not have a significant change to the existing visual character, also with the implementation of mitigation measures such as Screen Planting (OM4) and Roadside Tree Planting (OM5), which will introduce more natural elements to the view, thus the adverse impacts can be reduced to slight level eventually.
VSR43	Hung Tin Road	Low	Intermediate	Negligible	Moderate	Insignificant	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
VSR43	Description: During construction stage, the proposed utilities construction would include the breaking out hard surfaces and earthworks, which would generate moderate impacts on this VSR. With the implementation of mitigation measures as Optimisation of Construction Areas and Providing Temporary Landscape on Temporary Construction (CM1), Screen Hording (CM5) and Construction Light Control (CM7) during construction, the adverse impacts from the construction works can be reduced to a lower level. As the utilities are installed underground, the residual impacts during operation will be insignificant.
VSR44	Shap Pat Heung Road near La Grove	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM5, CM7	OM3, OM5, OM8	Slight	Slight	Slight
VSR44	Description: As the proposed noise enclosure is a low-rise structure which will not block the natural hillside view in the background, also with the implementation of mitigation measure such as Noise Barrier Design (OM8), the visual impact of noise mitigation measures will be mitigated by appropriate detailed design, such as suitable combination of transparent and sound absorbent materials, or provision of at-grade planting of trees, shrubs and/or climbers to reduce visual bulkiness and incorporate aesthetically pleasing surface treatments to promote visual amenity. The adverse impacts can be reduced to slight level eventually during operation stage.

Figures
Figure 10.1 Figure 10.1a Figure 10.1b Figure 10.1c Figure 10.1d Figure 10.2	Outline Zoning Plan Outline Zoning Plan - Enlargement (Sheet 1 of 4) Outline Zoning Plan - Enlargement (Sheet 2 of 4) Outline Zoning Plan - Enlargement (Sheet 3 of 4) Outline Zoning Plan - Enlargement (Sheet 4 of 4) Recommended Outline Development Plan (RODP)
Figure 10.3	Aerial Photo of Yuen Long South Site
Figure 10.3a	Aerial Photo of Yuen Long South Site-Enlargement(Sheet 1 of 4)
Figure 10.3b	Aerial Photo of Yuen Long South Site-Enlargement(Sheet 2 of 4)
Figure 10.3c Figure 10.3d Figure 10.4 Figure 10.4a Figure 10.4b Figure 10.4c Figure 10.4d Figure 10.5a Figure 10.5b Figure 10.5c Figure 10.6 Figure 10.6a Figure 10.6b Figure 10.6c Figure 10.6d Figure 10.7a Figure 10.7b Figure 10.7c Figure 10.7d Figure 10.7e Figure 10.7f Figure 10.7g Figure 10.7h	Aerial Photo of Yuen Long South Site-Enlargement(Sheet 3 of 4) Aerial Photo of Yuen Long South Site-Enlargement(Sheet 4 of 4) Landscape Character Areas Plan Landscape Character Areas Plan -Enlargement Plan(Sheet 1 of 4) Landscape Character Areas Plan -Enlargement Plan(Sheet 2 of 4) Landscape Character Areas Plan -Enlargement Plan(Sheet 3 of 4) Landscape Character Areas Plan -Enlargement Plan(Sheet 4 of 4) Photographs of Landscape Character Areas(1 of 3) Photographs of Landscape Character Areas(2 of 3) Photographs of Landscape Character Areas(3 of 3) Landscape Resources Plan Landscape Resources Plan -Enlargement Plan(Sheet 1 of 4) Landscape Resources Plan -Enlargement Plan(Sheet 2 of 4) Landscape Resources Plan -Enlargement Plan(Sheet 3 of 4) Landscape Resources Plan -Enlargement Plan(Sheet 4 of 4) Photographs of Landscape Resources (1 of 8) Photographs of Landscape Resources (2 of 8) Photographs of Landscape Resources (3 of 8) Photographs of Landscape Resources (4 of 8) Photographs of Landscape Resources (5 of 8) Photographs of Landscape Resources (6 of 8) Photographs of Landscape Resources (7 of 8) Photographs of Landscape Resources (8 of 8)
Figure 10.8 Figure 10.8a Figure 10.8b Figure 10.8c Figure 10.8d Figure 10.9	Landscape Character Area Plan with RODP Layout Landscape Character Areas Plan with RODP Layout -Enlargement Plan (Sheet 1 of 4) Landscape Character Areas Plan with RODP Layout -Enlargement Plan (Sheet 2 of 4) Landscape Character Areas Plan with RODP Layout -Enlargement Plan (Sheet 3 of 4) Landscape Character Areas Plan with RODP Layout -Enlargement Plan (Sheet 4 of 4) Landscape Resources Plan with RODP Layout
Figure 10.9a	Landscape Resources Plan with RODP Layout -Enlargement Plan(Sheet 1 of 4)
Figure 10.9b	Landscape Resources Plan with RODP Layout -Enlargement Plan(Sheet 2 of 4)
Figure 10.9c Figure 10.9d	Landscape Resources Plan with RODP Layout -Enlargement Plan(Sheet 3 of 4) Landscape Resources Plan with RODP Layout -Enlargement Plan(Sheet 4 of 4)
Figure 10.10	Visual Sensitive Receiver Plan
Figure 10.11a Figure 10.11b Figure 10.11c Figure 10.11d Figure 10.11e Figure 10.11f Figure 10.11g Figure 10.11h Figure 10.11i Figure 10.11j Figure 10.11k Figure 10.11l Figure 10.11m Figure 10.11n Figure 10.11o Figure 10.11p Figure 10.11q Figure 10.11r	Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (1 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (2 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (3 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (4 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (5 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (6 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (7 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (8 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (9 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (10 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (11 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (12 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (13 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (14 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (15 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (16 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (17 of 18) Views of Visual Sensitive Receivers (18 of 18)
Figure 10.12 Figure 10.12a Figure 10.12b Figure 10.12c	Overall Landscape Master Plan Landscape Master Plan Area 1 Landscape Master Plan Area 2 Landscape Master Plan Area 3
Figure 10.13 Figure 10.13a Figure 10.13b Figure 10.13c	Mitigation Measures Plan Mitigation Measures Plan -Enlargement Plan (Sheet 1 of 3) Mitigation Measures Plan -Enlargement Plan (Sheet 2 of 3) Mitigation Measures Plan -Enlargement Plan (Sheet 3 of 3)
Figure 10.14a Figure 10.14b Figure 10.14c Figure 10.14d Figure 10.14e Figure 10.14f Figure 10.14g Figure 10.14h Figure 10.14i Figure 10.14j Figure 10.14k Figure 10.14l Figure 10.14m Figure 10.14n Figure 10.14o Figure 10.14p Figure 10.14q Figure 10.14r Figure 10.14s Figure 10.14t	Sample Photomontage VSR 1 Yuen Long Park tower (1 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 1 Yuen Long Park tower (2 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 5 Forefront Cyber Centre (1 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 5 Forefront Cyber Centre (2 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 13 Pathway near Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen (1 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 13 Pathway near Muk Kiu Tau Tsuen (2 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 15 One Hyde Park (1 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 15 One Hyde Park (2 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 16 Channel Pathway on Kung Um Road (1 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 16 Channel Pathway on Kung Um Road (2 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 18 Tai Lam Mountain1 Facing Northeast (1 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 18 Tai Lam Mountain1 Facing Northeast (2 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 23 Tai Lam Mountain6 Facing North (1 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 23 Tai Lam Mountain6 Facing North (2 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 29 Sham Chung Tsuen (1 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 29 Sham Chung Tsuen (2 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 31 Ho Hok Shan (1 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 31 Ho Hok Shan (2 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 44 Shap Pat Heung Road (1 of 2) Sample Photomontage VSR 44 Shap Pat Heung Road (2 of 2)
Figure 10.15	Typical Detail of Grasscrete
Figure 10.16	Reference Images for Noise Barrier Designs


Appendix
Appendix 10.1	Broad Brush Tree Survey Report
Appendix 10.2	Predication of Visual Impact Based on Field of View
Appendix 10.3	Elevation of Enclosures Noise Barrier Design
Appendix 10.4	Noise Barriers and Enclosures