8. LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMpact Assessment

8.1 Introduction (Mott requests our revised text with track changes)

This section deals with the key landscape and visual impact issues of the proposed 3 x 132kV electricity supply circuits leading from Pui O Substation at Lantau Island south to Cheung Chau Substations (hereafter described as “the project”). The purpose of this section is to:

· identify the relevant legislation and guidelines to be used in the landscape and visual impact assessment (LVIA);

· define the LVIA methodology;

· conduct a LVIA;

· evaluate the significance of landscape and visual impacts:

· recommendation on mitigation measures so as to minimize environmental disturbance and nuisance during c onstruction and operation of the project;

· evaluate the residual landscape and visual impacts with mitigation measures implemented.

8.2 Relevant Legislation and Guidelines

The methodology of the LVIA will be based on Annexes 10 and 18 in the Hong Kong SAR Government's Technical Memorandum on the Environmental Impact Assessment Process (EIAO-TM) under the EIA Ordinance (Cap.499, S16), entitled "Criteria for Evaluating Visual and Landscape Impact" and "Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment", respectively.

8.3 Assessment Methodology

The main components of the LVIA were as follows:

· baseline study of landscape and visual resources including a review of planning and development control framework;

· landscape impact assessment during construction and operation;

· visual impact assessment during construction and operation;

· recommendations for landscape and visual mitigation measures for both construction and operation stage.

· assessment of residual impact and conclusion on the acceptability of the Project.

Figure 8.1 illustrates the Landscape and Visual Impact methodology stages.

Project Description

The project description explains and identifies the major components of the proposed project. It describes both the construction and operational aspects of the project.

Baseline Landscape and Visual Resource Study

The baseline study identified and examined the existing landscape and visual resources within the study area. Under the study brief, the study area defined for the landscape impact assessment is approximately 300 metres out from the proposed works site boundary and the assessment area for the visual impact assessment defined by an visual envelope.

Landscape resources considered included topography, woodland types, other vegetation, built forms, settlement patterns, land use, scenic spots and details of local streetscapes. The baseline study describes the landscape resources by identifying broadly homogenous landscape units (LCUs) of a similar character. The landscape character was rated low, medium or high depending not only on the quality of elements present but also to its sensitivity to change and its importance at a local, district, regional or international level.

Visual resources considered were typical viewpoints, location and direction of views towards the project. An visual envelope (refer to Figure 8.710) was established which approximately defined the extent of visual influence of the project and, therefore, of the potential visual impacts. Definition of the extent of the viewshed was based on desktop study and site investigation. The visual envelop/viewshed is generally formed by natural/man made features such as ridgeline or building blocks. Sensitive visual receivers (SVRs) identified in this report are “representative” in that individuals or groups (SRs) that have a similar sensitivity to changes in the visual and landscape environment are grouped together within a single SVR that can represent the whole group. who would be present at typical viewpoints and likely to be affected by the Project were identified within the viewshed. Sensitive visual receivers (SVRs) are individuals or groups of who are sensitive to changes in the visual environment. The Hong Kong Planning Standards & Guidelines, Chapter 9 Environment, defines sensitive users as “land uses which, by virtue of the nature of the activities thereon….are susceptible to the influence of residual or physical changes generated by polluting uses”.

Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

The next stage was a review of the planning and development control framework. Under Annex 18 of the TM of EIAO, landscape related zonings on the Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) was mapped and analysed to provide an insight to the future outlook of the area affected and the way the Project would fit into its wider context. Conflicts with the statuary town plans were highlighted and appropriate follow-up action was recommended as required from the study brief. The review includes statutory and non-statuary documents are the followings:

· South West New Territories Development Strategy Review

· The Draft South Lantau Coast Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) No. S/SLC/11

· The Cheung Chau South Layout Plan L/I-CCS/2C

· The Cheung Chau Central Layout Plan L/I-CCC/2

· The Cheung Chau North L/I-CCN/IB

Landscape Impact Assessment

The following stage was to assess impacts on the landscape and visual resources during construction and operation. The impact assessments allow predictions to be made about the likely levels and significance of landscape and visual impacts. The assessment of LANDSCAPE impacts will result from:

The overall landscape impact is a product of the following:

· The landscape character and its quality;

· The sensitivity of the landscape in accommodating change;

· Source, nature and magnitude of impacts;

· The degree of change caused by the impacts to the existing landscape;

· Significance of the change in consideration of the local and regional areas and other developments;

· Cumulative effects with other proposals;

· Identification of vegetation of significant value which should be conserved.

The sensitivity / quality of the landscape will be assessed as follows:

· High: e.g. important components or landscape of particularly distinctive character susceptible to small changes;

· Medium: e.g. a landscape of moderately valued characteristics reasonably tolerant to change;

· Low: e.g. a relatively unimportant landscape, which is able to accommodate extensive change.

The magnitude of change in the landscape is as follows:

· High – notable change in the landscape characteristics over an extensive area ranging to very intensive change over a more limited area;

· Moderate – moderate changes to a local area;

· Low –changes to components;

· Negligible – no perceptible changes.

The system for the assessment of landscape impact is summarised in Figure 8.2. The significance threshold of landscape impact is derived from the combined analysis of the magnitude of change and the landscape’s quality and sensitivity to change. A matrix (Figure 8.2) is used to assess the level and range of impact from low to high in relation to sensitivity of the landscape resource and the magnitude of change resulting from the proposal. This analysis of the degree of landscape impact will apply in the majority of situations, however in certain cases a deviation may occur e.g. the impact may be so major that a significant impact may occur to a low quality element.

Visual Impact Assessment

The assessment of potential VISUAL impacts will result from:

· The sensitivity of the viewer groups at SVR locations to change and visual intrusion;

· the magnitude of change to the visual baseline condition.

The sensitivity of viewer groups at SVR locations will be classified as follows:

· High -

- the nature of the viewer groups expects a high degree of control over their immediate environment, (e.g. people residing in their homes); and

- The viewer groups are in proximity to the project; and

- The foreground and middleground cannot visually absorb the Project.

· Medium -

- the nature of the viewer groups expects a high degree of control over their immediate environment, (e.g. people residing in their homes); but

- The viewer groups are not in proximity to the Project; and

- The foreground and middleground can partially absorb views of the Project.

· Low -

- the nature of the viewer groups do not expect a high degree of control over their immediate environment, (e.g. people at their place of employment or temporarily in attendance at the SVR location); and

- People in transit (e.g. drivers and passengers in vehicles); and

The magnitude of change is classified as follows:

· High -

- Prominent and permanent visual changes in the foreground, middleground or background where the project dominates the view;

- Permanent visual changes where the project contrasts conspicuously against the middleground and/or background;

- Temporary visual changes where the project dominates the foreground view.

· Moderate -

- Permanent visual changes in the foreground or middleground where the project is prominent but does not dominate the view;

- Permanent visual changes where the project is discernible against background, but is not conspicuous.

- Temporary visual changes where the project dominates the middleground view.

· Low -

- Permanent visual changes in the foreground, middleground or background where the project is present but not noticeable;

- Temporary visual changes where the project dominates the background view.

· Negligible -

- No visual changes are apparent.

The system for the assessment of visual impact is summarised in Figure 8.3. The significance of visual impact is derived from the combined analysis of the magnitude of change and the visual receivers' sensitivity to change. A matrix (Figure 8.3) is used to assess the level and range of impact from low to high in relation to sensitivity of the visual receiver and the magnitude of change resulting from the proposal. The significance of visual impact is assessed for the construction phase and for the operation phase.

Recommendation for Mitigation Measures

Following impact assessment the next stage is to assess and recommend mitigation measures. The identification of the landscape and visual impacts will highlight those sources of conflict requiring design solutions or modifications to reduce impacts, and if possible absorb the development and associated activities into the surrounding landscape. These mitigation efforts will consider factors such as:-

· Woodland, tree and shrub planting to new or disturbed slopes, amenity strips, highway reservations and adjacent to any proposed structures;

· Contouring of new slopes to blend with existing topography in a natural manner;

· Earth mounding and screening;

· Alternative site planning

· Alternative construction methodology and phasing

The above will result in the formation of landscape and visual mitigation proposals which will as far as possible help to alleviate previously identified impacts.

Residual Landscape and Visual Impacts

The final stage of the LVIA study is to assess the significance of the residual impacts of the study assuming landscape mitigation measures are incorporated into the design. The landscape and visual impacts were then classified into five levels of significance based on criteria in Annex 10 of the EIA-TM, as summarised below:

· The impact is beneficial if the project will complement the landscape and visual character of its setting, will follow the relevant planning objectives and will improve the overall and visual quality of the study area;

· 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;

· 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;

· The impact is unacceptable if the adverse effects are considered too excessive and are unable to mitigate practically;

· 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.

8.4 Project Description

The project and construction methodology is described in detail in Section 2 of this EIA. For the purposes of this LVIA the project comprises the following sections (1-5) and subsections (2a, 3a & 3b) as described in Table 8-1 below.

In brief the proposal is for a new 3 x 132kV electricity supply circuits from the existing Pui O Substation on south Lantau Island, via Chi Ma Wan Peninsula via Adamasta Channel towards Cheung Chau North and Cheung Chau South Substations.. Figure 8.4 & 8.5 indicates the alignment and overall construction of the underground cable. The circuit proposal comprises underground sections on land and sea, as well as 1 tunnel portal (ventilation building) and 2 landfall areas. The most significant above ground structure within the proposal is the tunnel portal located at Pui O (refer to Table 8.1 section 2a). The tunnel portal is an integrated building that comprises access as well as ventilation systems for the tunnel.

The construction phase will require the construction of cut and cover trenches, the boring of a tunnel and lying of a submarine line. Construction will also require the formation of works areas (including a temporary working platformreclaimed land) to allow access to the construction sites for the tunnel portals. The operational phase will be largely related to periodic maintenance of the cable of the underground cable. For the purposes of this LVIA the project comprises the following sections (1-5) and subsections (2a, 3a & 3b) as described in Table 8-1:

Table 8-1 Segmentation of the Cable Alignment

Section	Location	Length	Works Area	Construction Method
1	Pui O Substation to Pui O Beach	approx. length 2350m	along South Lantau Road & Chi Ma Wan Road	Open trench excavation method, 3 x 132kV circuits of underground cable will be laid in trench not exceed 50m long at once time.
2	Pui O Beach to Tai Long Wan east using cable tunnel	approx. length 3000m	Pui O tunnel portal (2a) & Tai Long Wan landfall area (2b)_	Tunnel Boring Machine (TBM), 3 x 132kV circuits will be laid in a tunnel with 3m diameter.
2a	Pui O tunnel portal		Size: Tunnel Portal (with ventilation system ) 6m x 13m x 7m Cut slope area: 750m^2 Height of Cut slope: 23m (Crest 27 mPD Toe 4 mPD) Temporary reclaimed workings platformarea: 180m^20.055 ha	Tunnel Portal with ventilation system. Cut slope for the site work will be back filled. Temporary reclaimed areaTemporary working platform for stockpiles and operation of TBM will be removed. Temporary reclaimed works area during construction for construction vehicle/plant manoeuvring (300 m^2) launching of the TBM machine located in the middle part of the reclamation (100 m^2), equipment and construction material storage area (150 m^2). The existing footpath leading to Mong Tong Wan will be diverted to and follow the proposed temporary seawall alignment. Proposed temporary seawall is vertical with rubble foundation on the sandy beach. and the area is filled with the excavated materials. Temporary working platformworks area will be removed and the existing condition will be reinstated after construction.
3	Tai Long Wan to Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road using submarine cable	approx.. length 2300m	Submarine cable laid in 5m x .75m precast concrete trough	3 x 132kV circuits in submarine cables will be laid by direct burying method and only one submarine cable will be laid during each operation.
3a	Tai Long Wan landfall area		Size: Tai Long Wan landfall area 2.4m by 3.4m Cut slope area: 700m^2 Height of Cut slope: 17m (Crest 49 mPD Toe 32 mPD) Temporary access: 350m^2 and landing area: 0.055 ha	Landfall area for submarine cable. Cut slope and temporary access for delivery for the site work will be back filled and reinstated. Dredging may be required at both landfalls when the water is too shallow. The temporary access and landing area will only be required for constructing the Tai Long Wan landfall area and for transporting the tunnel boring machine off site at later stage in construction stage. Temporary working platforms area will be removed and the existing condition will be reinstated after construction.
3b	Cheung Chau Sai Tai landfall area		Size: 6m x 3m x 3m landing point connected to precast concrete trough	Landfall area for submarine cable. Dredging may be required at both landfalls when the water is too shallow.
4	Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road to Cheung Chau South Station using underground cable	approx . length 100m		Open trench excavation method, 2 x 132kV circuits of underground cable will be laid in trench not exceed 50m once at once time.
5	Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road to Cheung Chau North Station using underground cable	approx. length 1250m		Open trench excavation method, 1 x 132kV circuits of underground cable will be laid in trench not exceed 50m once at once time.

Possible lLandscape and visual impact will arise from the from the following elements of the proposed project:

· loss of existing trees and vegetation owing to construction activity associated with trenching and construction of Pui O Tunnel Portal and Tai Long Wan landfall area;

· Disturbance of rocky shore and sandy beach owing to construction activity associated with trenching and construction of Pui O Tunnel Portal and Tai Long Wan landfall area;

· Impacts on existing manmade promande owing to construction activity associated with trenching and construction of Cheung Chau Sai Tai landfall area;

· loss of scenic quality owing to the presence of built structures in a country park, coastal protection area and other rural landscapes;

· Temporary loss of ground floor view to the sea along Cheung Chau Promenade and Sai Tai Road;

8.5 Landscape and Visual Resources

8.5.1 Landscape and Visual Resources

The project area traverses a complex range of landscape and visual resources comprising the rural townships of Pui O and Cheung Chau and the Lantau South Country Park extending over Chi Ma Wan Peninsula. Figures 8.6 and 8.7. The landscape character ranges from Harbour and Beach coastal edge settlements comprising predominantly 3 storey buildings to predominantly natural coastline and wooded country park. Visual resources are concentrated at the settlements of Pui O and Cheng Chau, but also include visitors to the Country Park and users and passengers of vessels using the Adamasta Channel between Chi Ma Wan Peninsula and Cheng Chau. To assist in identifying specific landscape impacts a detailed tree survey has been undertaken for Pui O tunnel portal and Tai Long Wan landfall area. The results of the tree survey are indicated in Appendix I.

8.5.2 Baseline Landscape Resources

The study area was categorised into distinctive landscape character units (LCUs) depending on presence and combination of landscape pattern, mass and scale of buildings and structures, topography, and existing vegetation. An assessment has also been made of the likely ability of each LCU to accommodate changes caused by the project. The results of landscape baseline study are described in Table 8-2 and shown on Figures 8.6 8 and 8.9

Table 8-2 Summary of Landscape Character Units (LCUs)

Landscape Character Unit	Name	Description	Sensitivity to Change
LCU1	Mixed Village & Agricultural Uses	Low-density village areas with a periphery of agricultural land which is progressively being abandoned; three-storey village houses interspersed by mature trees and fields; generally level to shallow sloping land; easily accessible by roads and paths.	Low
LCU2	Township	Medium-density village areas with commercial activities at G/F, such as seafood restaurant, local shops and cafes, creating unique main street character in island.	Low
LCU3	Community Facility	Community and local commercial uses, such as market, library, post office, clinic etc, two to six storeys buildings.	Medium
LCU4.1	Woodland	Steep to gentle densely wooded slopes with mature woodland; generally inaccessible to access by public except via existing footpath network. Recreation areas, such as camp sites, rest garden, plaza in sections 1 & 4.	High
LCU4.2	Recreation	Publicly accessible recreation areas, such as camp sites, rest garden and plaza	High
LCU5	Coast	Coastal zone dominated by South Lantau Road, lagoon, beaches and woodland with mature trees; coast accessible via paths through woodland or small roads. Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter along Sai Tai Road typical fishing village settings.	High
LCU6	Rock Shore	Natural Rocky Shore-line along Tai Long Wan in Chi Ma Wan Peninsula, adjacent to mature woodland on hillsides, inaccessible by footpaths or roads.	High
LCU7	Harbour/ Boatyards	Boatyards facilitate Cheung Chau kai-to and fishery located at north and south ends of Sai Tai Road.	Low
LCU8	Promenade	Promenade with artificial sea wall, ferry pier and kai-to pier, located at Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road. Tree Planting found along the promenade adjacent to village houses with GF commercial activities.	Medium

8.5.3 Baseline Visual Receivers

In accordance with the study methodology, the Sensitive Visual Receivers (SVRs) within the visual envelope were identified, and grouped into types. (refer to Table 8-4 )and Selected photographic records of the significant key views from SVRs are shown on Figure 8.7 .10-8.12). In summary, the SVRs can be classified into six main groupings according to the location of the proposed works as defined in Table 8-3.

Table 8-3 Classification of Sensitive Visual Receivers (VSRs)

Section	Description	SVRs
1	Pui O Substation to Pui O Beach	SVR 1.1, 1.2, 2.1, 2.2, 4 & 5
2	Pui O Beach to Tai Long Wan east using cable tunnel	Section Not Visible
2a	Pui O tunnel portal	SVR 3 & 4
3	Tai Long Wan to Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road using submarine cable	Section Not Visible
3a	Tai Long Wan landfall area	SVR 6, 7 & 8
3b	Cheung Chau Sai Tai landfall area	SVR 9.1 & 14
4	Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road to Cheung Chau South Station using underground cable	SVR 9.3, 10, 13 & 14
5	Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road to Cheung Chau North Station using underground cable	SVR 9.1, 9.2, 9.3, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15

Detail project description refer to Table 8-.1

Table 8-4 Summary of Sensitive Visual Receivers (SVRs)

SVR	Name	Nature of Viewer Group	Distance to Proposed Works	Frequency and duration of view towards proposed development and source of impact Type of view	Sensitivity to change and visual intrusion
SVR1.1	Pui O South Village Development (approximate number of receivers: small)	Residents at Ham Tin Tsuen	Approx. 200m to nearest point	Elevated and partial views of Section 1 toward Chi Ma Wan Road	Medium
SVR1.2	Pui O North Village Development (approximate number of receivers: moderate)	Residents at Lo Wai Tshuen & San Wai Tshuen	varies between 20m to 200m	Elevated and partial views of Section 1 toward Lantau South Road	Medium
SVR2.1	Chi Ma Wan Road (approximate number of receivers: small)	Users + Pedestrians	Crosses alignment of project	Unobstructed overview of Section 1 in foreground	Medium
SVR2.2	Lantau South Road (approximate number of receivers: moderate)	Users + Pedestrians	Crosses alignment of project	Unobstructed overview of Section 1 in foreground	Medium
SVR3	Pui O Wan Beach camp site (approximate number of receivers: moderate) Noted: Hostel on Pui O Beach is abandoned for years which is not considered as SVR.	Visitors	Approx.300m to 1000m to nearest point	Low unobstructed overview of Section 2a across the river	Medium
SVR4	Village houses near Tin Hau Temple (Pui O Wan) (approximate number of receivers: small)	Residents at couples of village houses	Approx. 100m to 150m to nearest point	Low unobstructed overview of tunnel portal and ventilation shaft in Section 1 & 2a	High
SVR5	Detached Houses (Pui O Wan) (approximate number of receivers: small)	Residents in 10 detached houses	Varies between 100m and 200m	Low partial views of Section 1, screening by foreground vegetation	High
SVR6	On Kai-to along Adamasta Channel (approximate number of receivers: small)	Passengers	Varies between 100m and 2000m	Oblique and unobstructed views of Section 3b, & 5 and partial views of Section 3a	Low
SVR7	Tai Long Wan (approximate number of receivers: small)	Visitors to the beach & walking trail.	Varies between 100m and 2000 m	Elevated and partial views of Section 3a	Low
SVR8	Sea Ranch Yi Long Wan (approximate number of receivers: small)	Visitors to the resort & the waking trail + Residents in the resort	Approx. 2500m to the nearest point	Partial views of Section 3a	Low
SVR9.1	Cheung Chau Central Village Development (approximate number of receivers: moderate)	Residents + Students + Staffs along Pak She Paraya Road, Paraya Street and Tai Hing Road, including Buddhist Wa Yan Memorial College..	Varies between 10m to 800m	Unobstructed overview of Sections 5 in foreground at Ground level along Pak She Praarya Road, Parya Street and Tai Hing Road, Elevated and distant views of Section 3b.	High
SVR9.2	Cheung Chau North Village Development (approximate number of receivers: moderate)	Residents at Cheung Kwai Estate, Pak She San Tsuen.	Varies between 100m to 300m	Elevated and partial views of Section 5 towards the Cheung Chau North Station, North Pek She Parya Road and Parya Street	High
SVR9.3	Cheung Chau South Village Development (approximate number of receivers: moderate)	Residents at the south end of Sai Tai Road, include Greenery Crest and Round Table 1^st Village	Varies between 100m to 300m	Elevated and unobstructed overview of Sections 3b in foreground near the south end of Sai Tai Road; partial views of Section 4 & 5 between buildings.	High
SVR10	Rest Garden at Cheung Chun Road (approximate number of receivers: small)	Users & Visitors	Crosses alignment of project	Unobstructed overview of Section 4 & 5 in foreground	High
SVR11	Cheung Chau Central Kai-to Pier (approximate number of receivers: moderate)	Visitors + Passengers	Crosses alignment of project	Partial views of Section 5 in foreground	Medium
SVR12	Tung Wan Road (approximate number of receivers: moderate)	Users	Approx. 50m to the nearest point.	Low and partial views of Section 5	Medium
SVR13	Cheung Chau Promenade (approximate number of receivers: moderate)	Users + Visitors	Crosses alignment of project	Unobstructed overview of Sections 4 &5 in foreground	Medium
SVR14	Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter (approximate number of receivers: moderate)	Visitors + Residents on boat	Varies between 100m to 1000m	Partial views of Sections 3b, 4 & 5 from the sea	Medium
SVR15	Pak She Forth Lane Seafood Restaurant (approximate number of receivers: moderate)	Visitors +Residents at the 2^nd & 3^rd levels above the restaurants	Cross alignment of project	Unobstructed overview of Section 5 in foreground	High

8.6 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

The starting point for the review of the planning and development control framework was a reviewa review of the various statutory and non-statutory controls relevant to the proposed project, which affect landscape and visual impacts.

The review includes information on:

· South West New Territories Development Strategy Review

· The Draft South Lantau Coast Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) No. S/SLC/11

· The Cheung Chau South Layout Plan L/I-CCS/2C

· The Cheung Chau Central Layout Plan L/I-CCC/2

· The Cheung Chau North L/I-CCN/IB

South West New Territories Development Strategy Review (SWNT TDSR) (July 2001)

The main objective of the Recommended Development Strategy for SWNT is to provide a sustainable development framework to guide the detailed planning and development for SWNT up to the year 2016 and possibly beyond. This planning framework has included broad land use concepts for the sub-region, highlighting the strategic roles and functions of respective areas and indicating the scope of development that could take place. It highlights the role SWNT in fulfilling the long-term territorial needs and balance development and conservation needs within the area. In terms of conservation and landscape, TDRS Board Conservation Strategy is formulated for the unique and significant land and marine resources within SWNT;. The following summaries the relevant key landscape and visual issues in TDSR:

Planning issues in Conservation and Landscape

· Central Lantau, South Lamma, Sunshine Island, Po Toi Islands and Soko Islands are highlighted as Significant Land Conservation Areas. The water bodies in Southwest Lantau and South Lamma are designated as Unique Marine Conservation Areas while Cheung Chau, Po Toi Islands, South East Lantau and Soko Islands as Significant Marine Conservation Areas. These conservation areas form the basis for the formulation of the development strategy for SWNT;

· There are ten designated Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a number of designated sites of conservation importance;

· The potential for further development in SWNT should be carefully examined and supported by detailed assessments, without compromising the unique conservation areas and high quality landscape features. For such developments, all adverse impacts on the environment must be minimized and mitigated to an acceptable level. Tourist/ Recreational proposals also be sensibly integrated with the environment.

· The proposed project will not conflict with any designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

Recommended Development Strategy

South Lantau Coast

· Conservation and Sustainable Recreation is recommended as the key planning theme for South Lantau. Sustainable recreation development is recommended.

· To provide proper management of the scenic resources and protection of the natural attributes within SWNT, about 7,840 ha of Lantau Island are designated as Country Parks under the Country Parks Ordinance.

· About 4,780 ha of rural areas which fall outside the identified urban development areas, Country Parks and potential Country Parks are mainly designated as 'Conservation Area'. These areas are classified either as 'Landscape Protection Area' or 'Coastal Protection Area' depending on the nature of attributes to be protected. The general planning intention is to protect the landscape and ecological values of these areas and/or to serve as a buffer against encroachment of urban development into the Country Parks, the Special Areas and SSSIs. Whilst there is a general presumption against developments in these areas, redevelopment and expansion of recognized villages as well as some compatible low-intensity recreational uses may be considered.

· The coastal areas are intended to be conserved mainly for water-based recreation and low-intensity recreational uses.

Cheung Chau

· Conservation, Recreation and Area-by-Area Approach Development is recommended as the key planning theme for Cheung Chau. An area-by-area approach is adopted to guide the land use schemes for the outlying islands so as to respect the distinct potential, character and resources of the respective islands.

· In view of the low-lying setting and the rural character, it is inappropriate to pursue major urban developments there.

· Some continued development is envisaged in Cheung Chau.

The Draft South Lantau Coast Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) No. S/SLC/11

The main landscape features defined by the current Draft South Lantau Coast OZP No. S/SLC/11, are limited to the Country Park (CP), Coastal Protection Area (CPA), Green Belt (GB) and Village Type Development (V). The OZP illustrates and provides broad principles concerning development within the defined planning area. This review has made reference to the plan and the Notes and the Explanatory statement. Key issues are briefly listed below:

Country Park (CP) - to encourage recreation and tourism, protect vegetation and wildlife, preserve and maintain buildings and sites of historical or cultural significance within country parks and to provide facilities and services for the public enjoyment of the country.

(Note: the term 'Country Parks' includes 'Special Areas' designated under the Country Parks Ordinance)

Coastal Protection Area (CPA) - to retain natural coastline.

The South Lantau Coast OZP indicates that land immediately to Pui O Beach is zoned Coastal Protection Area (CPA) or Green Belt (GB). The planning intention of a CPA is to protect the natural character of the shoreline, to safeguard the beaches and adjacent hinterland, and to prevent haphazard development along South Lantau Coast. The planning function of a GB is:

Green Belt (GB) - define the limits of urban development areas by conserving landscape features.

Planning intention is to reserve the existing topography and natural vegetation and to provide a buffer between existing village and the countryside to the south. To the southeast, most of Chi Ma Wan Peninsula is zoned Country Park (CP).

The Cheung Chau South Layout Plans shows land along Sai Tai Road is zoned Promenade and adjacent to the existing villages which is zoned Village Type Development (V) which is:

Village Type Development Zone (V) - controlled under New Territories Exempted Houses conditions i.e. not exceed 65m², 8.23 max. height and 3 storeys.

The presence of CP, GB and CPA zonings within the study area suggests that the quality of parts of the landscape is high and it is also regionally important.

Cheung Chau South Layout Plan L/I-CCS/2C, Cheung Chau Central Layout Plan L/I-CCC/2 & Cheung Chau North L/I-CCN/IB

Although the captioned plans are non-statutory, it is a supporting planning document which government outlines provide the future pattern of development. Main landscape features are briefly listed below:

Building height

Village Type Development zone‘V’ is controlled under N.T.E.H. conditions i.e. not exceed 65m², 8.23 max. height and 3 storeys.

Pedestrian and Emergency access way

Zoned along the Pak She Paya Road along Pak She Parya Road, Parya Street and Tai Hing Road and Sai Tai Road. Existing trees are located.

Countryside Conservation Area (CCA)

East of Cheung Chau South and northeast of Cheung Chau North are zoned as CCA to conserve the natural setting of the countryside.

Coastal Protection Area (CPA)

Southeast Cheung Chau Central is zoned as CPA to protect the natural coastal characters.

Amenity Area (A), District Open Space (DO) and Local Open (LO) are located within the village settlement of Cheung Chau

The alignment of the proposed project traverses sections of Lantau South Country Park, zoned as Country Park (CP) and through an area zoned Coastal Protection Area (CPA) which the Town Planning Ordinance permits statutory land use zones under clause 4(1)(g) for 'country parks, coastal protection areas, sites of special scientific interest, green belts or other specified uses that promote conservation or protection of the environment'. land-useLand-use zonings controlling development within the study area (refer to Figure. 8.813 )) The alignment in Cheung Chau (Section 3b, 4 & 5) traverses the Pedestrian and Emergency access way and surrounded by areas zoned as Village Type Development, Amenity area, Local Open Space and Government institution. Conflicts related landscape and visual impacts to the existing planning and development control framework are shown in Table 8-5listed below:.

Table 8-5 Conflicts Related Landscape and Visual Impacts to the Existing Planning and Development Control Framework

Section	Conflicts	Follow-up action
Section 1, 4 & 5	constructed along the Lantau South Road and Chi Ma Wan Road, no conflicts to the existing controls.	not necessary
Section 2	Underground Tunnel , no conflicts to the existing controls.	not necessary
Section 3	Submarine Cable, no conflicts to the existing controls.	not necessary
Section 2a,3a &3b	Pui O Tunnel portal and Tai Long Wan Landfall areas conflict with the Country Park (CP) zone and the development strategy for South Lantau Coast in the SWNT TDSR Cheung Chau Sai Tai landfall areas constructed along the Pedestrian and Emergency access way, no conflict with the existing controls.	No planning application is required (PlanD ref:() in SKI/L/GEN/22) Permission for erect or construct any building in country park is required from AFCD

Detail project description refer to Table 8-.1

8.7 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment during Construction and Operation

8.7.1 Prediction and Evaluation of Landscape Impact Study

A landscape impact is a physical change to an existing landscape resources. By mapping the extent and location of these changes, any loss or alteration can be assessed and, where possible, re-provisioned or compensated by landscape mitigation measures incorporated into a Project.

The significant landscape impacts of the proposed project are predicted from construction and demolition activity during the construction phase except Section 2 & 3. Minor landscape impacts are predicted during the operation phase except for Pui O tunnel portal (Section 2a) and landfall areas (Sections 3a and 3b). The predicted landscape impacts are as follows (refer to Figure 8.14):

Construction Phase

Disturbance to topsoil and vegetation - The construction and demolition activity such as excavation, storage of construction materials and the movement of machinery will result in the disturbance to topsoil and vegetation and this impact could be high in parts owing to the regional value of the landscape. Refer to Table 8-.1 . Delivery of construction material to tunnel portals and landfall areas (Sections 1, 2a, 3a and, 3b) is to be by barge via temporary landing area access area at Tai Long Wan and by road at Pui O. For the remote areas within Chi Ma Wan Peninsula construction materials will be delivered by helicopter, thereby avoiding the need to construction extensive access tracks and the subsequent destruction of natural vegetation. Generally construction material will be delivered as close as possible to designated location minimising affect on existing trees, but will result in disturbance to the natural ground. The disturbed area and the tree survey report are summarummariseieds in Tables 8-6 and 8-7 respectivelybelow:.

Table 8-6 Description of Disturbed Area

Section	Description	Disturbed Vegetated Area	Works Area
1	Pui O Substation to Pui O Beach	Nil	Nil
2	Pui O Beach to Tai Long Wan east using cable tunnel	Nil	Nil
2a	Pui O tunnel portal	750m^2	Cut slope: 750m^2
3	Tai Long Wan to Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road using submarine cable	Nil	Nil
3a	Tai Long Wan landfall area	1050m^2	Cut slope: 700m^2 Temporary access: 350m^2
3b	Cheung Chau Sai Tai landfall area	Nil	Nil
4	Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road to Cheung Chau South Station using underground cable	Nil	Nil
5	Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road to Cheung Chau North Station using underground cable	Nil	Nil
	Total	1800m^2	-

Detail project description refer to Table 8-.1

Table 8-7

Summary of Tree Survey at Pui O Tunnel Portal (2a) & Tai Long Wan Landfall Area (3a)

Description & Possible Treatment	Quantity	Remark
Total number of tree surveyed	87 Nr.	-
Tree proposed to be felled	387 Nr.	Conflict with construction work (Common Species)
Tree proposed to be retained	4950 Nr.	-
Tree proposed to be transplanted	0 Nr.	-
Protected species	Aphyllorchis montana (Orchid)	2 colony (approx.200 number)

Refer to the tTree sSurvey Report given in ( Appendix I), mostly common species within this working area of Pui O tunnel portal (Section 2a) and Tai Long Landfall area (Section 3a) are identified. Table 8-7 indicates that among 387 Common species including Casuarina equisetifolia, Schefflera octophylla, Bredelia tomentosa, Aquilaria sinensis, Sapium discolor, Aporusa dioica, Scolopia chinensis, Sterculia lanceolata, Fraxinus formosana, Acronychia pedunculata, Microcos paniculata and Ficus microcarpa are proposed to be felled. A protected orchid species, Aphyllorchis montana was found in the proposed Pui O Tunnel Portal (Section2a). It comprises two colonies. For detail assessment refer to the Tree Survey Report for Pui O Tunnel Portal and Tai Long Wan Landfall Area. The corresponding landscape mitigation measures are discussed in section sub-clause 8.8 - Recommended Mitigation Measures. In summary, the construction of the proposed works will affect 1800m²0.15 ha. of existing vegetation.

Disturbance to coastal area line which is and rocky/sandy shore -– The reclamation activity, cutting slopes and temporary structures for construction and materials delivery in Sections 2a, 3a and 3b, including access road will result in significant impacts on Landscape Character Units LCU4.1, LCU5 and LCU6. Table 8-8 summarises the findings of the disturbed coastal areas.

Table 8-8 Description of Disturbed Coastal Area

Section	Description	Disturbed Coastal Area	Length of Disturbed Coastline	Works Area
1	Pui O Substation to Pui O Beach	Nil	Nil	Nil
2	Pui O Beach to Tai Long Wan east using cable tunnel	Nil	Nil	Nil
2a	Pui O tunnel portal	180m^2	80m	Temporary reclaimed areaTemporary working platform: 180180m^2
3	Tai Long Wan to Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road using submarine cable	Nil	Nil	Nil
3a	Tai Long Wan landfall area	Nil	Nil	Nil
3b	Cheung Chau Sai Tai landfall area	100m^2	6m	Temporary disturbance on the artificial seawall
4	Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road to Cheung Chau South Station using underground cable	Nil	Nil	Nil
5	Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road to Cheung Chau North Station using underground cable	Nil	Nil	Nil
	Total	280m^2	-	-

Detail project description refer to Table 8-.1

· The majority of the underground cables (Sections 1 ,4 and 5) will be laid under existing roads and therefore the landscape impact would be low during construction (and negligible during operation)

· The underground cable in tunnel (Section 2) will be buried underground all the way except at the tunnel portal locations (Section 2a), therefore visual and landscape impacts are negligible. The temporary reclaimed works areatemporary working platform (180m²) will probably be reinstated and landscaped with minor change in the local landscape context.

· The submarine cable will be landed at the Round Table of Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road, moderate to significant adverse impacts due to temporary disturbance of manmade artificial promenade during construction. Total area of the disturbed promenade is 100m². 0.012ha. The existing promenade will be reinstated during operation, slight adverse landscape impact will be observed.

Operation Phase

· The cables will be laid underground and therefore the long term landscape impact is predicted to be low except for specific locations (Refer to Table 8-.1see below)

· Tunnel portal, temporary reclaimed works areatemporary working platform (Pui O only) and Tai Long Wan landfall areas are to be constructed at Pui O and Tai Long Wan East. Disturbance to existing woodland, coastal area line and rocky shoreline will be moderate to moderate-significant adverse at Day 1, but with reinstatement the proposals (including re-vegetating disturbed slopes and re-instatement of shoreline) the impact at year 10 will be slight adverse.

Table 8-95 below summarises significance threshold of the landscape impacts during construction and operation.

Table 8-95 Summary of Landscape Impacts (without Landscape Mitigation Measures)

LCU Name	Disturbed Area (Refer to Section 8.7.1)	Quality/ Sensitivity to Change (Refer to Table 8-.2)	Construction Phase		Operation Phase
			Magnitude of Change and Source of Landscape Impact	Significance Threshold of Landscape Impact	Magnitude of Change during Operation Phase	Significance Threshold of Landscape Impact
LCU 1 Mixed Village & Agricultural UsesLCU1 Villages and associated land	Nil	Low	Low Delivery construction materials + temporary hoarding	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
LCU 2 TownshipLCU2 Villages with GF commercial activities	Nil	Low	Moderate Delivery construction materials + temporary hoarding	Moderate Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
LCU 3 Community FacilityLCU3 Community Facility	Nil	Medium	Low Delivery construction materials + temporary hoarding	Moderate Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
LCU 4.1 Woodland LCU4.1 Woodland	1800m^2	High	High Delivery construction materials by + temporary hoarding + associated structures of tunnel portal and landfall areas	Significant Adverse	Moderate	Moderate Adverse
LCU 4.2 RecreationLCU4.2 Recreation	Nil	High	Low Delivery construction materials + temporary hoarding	Moderate Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
LCU 5 CoastLCU5 Coastal Area	180m^2	High	High Delivery construction materials by boats or helicopters + temporary hoarding + associated structure of tunnel portal and landfall areas + small scale reclamationtemporary works area	Significant Adverse	Moderate	Moderate Adverse
LCU 6 Rock ShoreLCU6 Rocky Shore	Nil	High	High Delivery construction materials by boats or helicopters + associated structures of tunnel portal and landfall areas + small scale reclamationtemporary works area	Significant Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
LCU 7 Harbour/ BoatyardsLCU7 Shipyard	Nil	Low	Negligible Delivery construction materials + temporary hoarding	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LCU 8 PromenadeLCU8 Promenade	100m^2	Medium	High Delivery construction materials + temporary hoarding + associated structures of tunnel portal and landfall areas	Moderate-Significant Adverse	Low	Slight Adverse

8.7.2 Prediction and Evaluation Visual Impact Study

A visual impact is a change to the appearance of the study area, within the visual envelope, that affects individuals or groups of people. Visual impact can vary in significance from overall improvement to degradation. Its assessment relies on a professional understanding of aesthetic principles, the design and function of cityscapes and landscapes, and the characteristics of human perception. Permanent and adverse levels of visual impact can lead to the blighting of urban and rural areas, resulting in a long-term decline in the quality of an environment.

The visual impact study was conducted in accordance with Section 8.3. In summary, the visual impacts of the proposed work will affect viewer groups at SVR locations mainly during construction for except that affect by the permanent intrusion of the tunnel portal and landfall (Sections 2a and 3a) (refer to Figure 8.14).

Table 8-106 below summarises significance threshold of the visual impacts during construction and operation.

Construction Phase

The visual impacts arising from disturbance of the existing visual context during construction will be:

· The intrusion of views southwards from properties near to the Pui O tunnel portal area will result in moderate-significant adverse visual impacts for SVRs 4 and 5.

· The intrusion of views southwards toward Tai Long Wan Tunnel Portal will result in slight to moderate adverse visual impacts for SVRs 6,7 and 8.

· The disruption and intrusion of views at the landfall area and promenade to sub-station at Cheng Chau will result in moderate-significant adverse visual impacts for SVRs 9,10,13 and 15.

· The disruption of views from SVRs near to the proposed works will result in slight-moderate adverse visual impacts for SVRs 11,12 and 14.

· The disruption of views towards the Lantau South Road and Chi Ma Wan Road from low level SVRs will result in moderate-significant adverse visual impacts during construction only for SVRs 1.2, 2.1 and 2.2

· The disruption of views towards the sea from low level SVRs along Cheung Chau village settlements will result in significant adverse to moderate adverse visual impacts for SVRs 9.1, 9.2 and 9.3 owing to their distances from the proposed work.

Operation Phase

The visual impacts arising from disturbance of the existing visual context during operation will be:

· Generally negligible impacts are predicted for the majority of SVRs as the completed works will be underground resulting in no discernible changes in existing visual quality.

· The tunnel portal areas will result in a noticeable change in the visual quality for SVRs 3 and 4; and

· SVRs 6 and 7 will experience a slight/barely noticeable change in visual quality.

Table 8-106 Assessment of Visual Impacts (without Landscape Mitigation Measures)

SVR	Name	Sensitivity to Change and Visual Intrusion (Refer to Table 8-.2)	Construction Phase		Operation Phase
			Magnitude of Visual Change	Significance Threshold of Visual Impact	Magnitude of Visual Change	Significance Threshold of Visual Impact
SVR1.1	Pui O South Village Development	Medium	Low	Slight-Moderate Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR1.2	Pui O North Village Development	Medium	High	Moderate- Significant Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR2.1	Chi Ma Wan Road	Medium	High	Moderate-Significant Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR2.2	Lantau South Road	Medium	High	Moderate-Significant Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR3	Pui O Wan Beach camp site	Medium	High	Moderate-Significant Adverse	Moderate	Moderate Adverse
SVR4	Village houses near Tin Hau Temple (Pui O Wan)	High	High	Significant Adverse	Moderate	Moderate-Significant Adverse
SVR5	Detached Houses (Pui O Wan)	High	Low	Moderate Adverse	Low	Negligible
SVR6	On kai-to along Adamasta Channel	Low	Low	Slight Adverse	Low	Slight Adverse
SVR7	Tai Long Wan	Low	Low	Slight Adverse	Low	Slight Adverse
SVR8	Sea Ranch Yai Long Wan	Low	Low	Slight Adverse	Low	Negligible
SVR9.1	Cheung Chau Central Village Development	High	High	Significant Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR9.2	Cheung Chau North Village Development	High	Low	Moderate Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR9.3	Cheung Chau South Village Development	High	Moderate	Moderate-Significant Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR10	Rest Garden at Cheung Chun Road	High	Moderate	Moderate-Significant Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR11	Cheung Chau Central Kai-to Pier	Medium	Low	Slight-Moderate Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR12	Tung Wan Road	Medium	Low	Slight-Moderate Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR13	Cheung Chau Promenade	Medium	High	Moderate-Significant Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR14	Cheung Chau Typhoon Shelter	Medium	Low	Slight-Moderate Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR15	Pak She Forth Lane Seafood Restaurant	High	High	Significant Adverse	Nil	Negligible

8.8 Recommended Mitigation Measures

The assessment studies in the previous section predict that the majority of landscape and visual impacts during construction will be moderate to significant adverse and negligible impacts during operation. However, there are a number of exceptions, namely a “moderate to significant adverse” landscape impact to the Woodland LCU 4.1 and Coastal Area LCU5 during construction and “moderate-/significant adverse” visual impacts to viewer groups at SVRs 3 and 4 during construction and operation. The sources landscape impact arises from construction activities, such as slope cutting for the tunnel portal, formation of a temporary working platformreclamation works and access in Sections 2 and 4. The source of the visual impact is the permanent intrusion of tunnel portal and landfall areas in proximity to residents and recreation area during the construction and operation phase for viewer groups at SVRs 3, 4, 6 and 7.

In order to mitigate these impacts, a number of on-site landscape mitigation measures are recommended for incorporation into the Project. The mitigation measures are summarised in the following paragraphs. No off-site mitigation measures have been proposed. (refer to Tables 8-11.7 & 8-12.8 and Figure 8.915).

8.8.1 Landscape Mitigation Measure 1 (LMM1) - Construction Programming and Works Areas

The construction programme for the Project should be reduced to the shortest possible period and should be executed in phases, particularly in those locations where severe or high landscape and visual impacts are expected such as Pui O tunnel portal. Additionally, the extent and periphery of the works areas should be managed so that they are as small as possible and do not appear cluttered, untidy and unattractive, particularly to pedestrians and people undertaking recreation activities in the Country Parks, beach and Cheung Chau Promenade. Measures should be implemented during construction to prevent soil erosion, such as temporary drainage around excavations, covering of topsoil stockpiles with impermeable material and sandbagging diversions around exposed soil. Temporary hoarding barriers should be of a recessive visual appearance in both colour and form. Measures should be implemented during construction to store materials in areas with the least obstruction to residents, pedestrians and traffic and cover all material stockpiles with impermeable material and sandbagging diversions around exposed soil. The temporary reclaimed working platformarea at the Pui O portal is required for stockpiles from construction of the tunnel portal. Topsoil will also be stockpiled and used in the restatementreinstatement of the disturbed coastline after construction. And those stockpiles should not be more than 2m high.

8.8.2 Landscape Mitigation Measure 2 (LMM2) – Advanced Transplantation and Planting Works

Where possible, the transplantation of existing valuable trees affected by the proposed works and new compensatory planting works; should be carried out as early as possible in the construction period instead of at the end. This will allow the maximum time for maintenance, resulting in a higher success rate for the survival of transplanted trees and the early establishment of new screen trees and compensatory planting.

The protected orchid species, Aphyllorchis montana which was found in the area of the Pui O Tunnel Portal (Section2a) should be temporarily moved to a new location on site and carefully monitored and maintained. Following completion of the construction works they should be reinstated in a condition and suitable location as near as possible to the original habitat.proposed Pui O Tunnel Portal (Section 2a) is proposed to be transplanted.

In compensation for the disturbance, a planting reinstatement scheme will be implemented as shown on Figure 8.915. It will comprise replanting 750 m² of the Pui O tunnel portal area and 700 m² of the Tai Long Wan landfall area with similar tree species to those found in the existing environs, on a minimum 1 to 1 basis, a matrix of nursery stock seedlings and transplants are proposed at a rate of 1/m². A 2412-month maintenance (i.e. defects liability) period will also be needed to ensure transplantation in successful. (refer to Figure 8.915).

8.8.3 Landscape Mitigation Measure 3 (LMM3) – Colour Finishes of Ancillary Elements

The design of the tunnel portal, and landfall areas should incorporate materials, details and textures so as to be as visually recessive as possible and in a style that fits with the surrounding rural setting. Colour should be of low chromatic intensity to reduce the potential contrast between the structures and their background. External finishing of the tunnel portal and landfall area will be designed in conjunction with the landscape scheme. Considering these two elements in tandem will integrate and improve the visual mitigation of the overall proposed works. Where possible the use of visually permeable security fencing is recommended. This type of fencing will help to reduce the level of visual impact of the portal building by maximising the ground width available for planting. Grass-Crete planter incorporated onto the roof of the portal. (refer to Figure 8.915).

8.8.4 Landscape Mitigation Measure 4 (LMM4) – Reinstatement of Planting and Shoreline

The works areas at both Pui O and Tai Long Wan Tunnel portals should be restored to their previous condition, including the re-creation of natural and rocky shoreline, footpath and re-establishment of disturbed vegetation. Topsoil dredged out during construction of the tunnel will be used in restatementreinstatement of the disturbed coastline. Where mature trees are felled that are considered high in environmental amenity, a replacement semi-mature tree should be planted. Existing trees cleared by construction activity should be replaced so that there is a net gain in tree numbers after the project is completed. (refer to Figures 8.11 & 8.1216-8.19).

8.9 Residual Impacts and Acceptability of the Proposal

8.9.1 Analysis of Impacts

The significance of the landscape and visual impacts assuming mitigation measures included in the Project was examined in accordance with Section 8.3. Generally mitigation measures will not reduce adverse impacts significantly during construction, however they will reduce adverse impacts during the operation phase. The findings of the LVIA are as follows.

8.9.2 Residual Landscape Impacts

A summary of residual landscape impacts is shown in Table 8-117. In general, the incorporation of mitigation measures into the Project will be effective in reducing “significant adverse” construction impacts in the Woodland LCU 4.1 and Coastal Area LCU 5 to “moderate-significant adverse”, and “moderate-/significant adverse” to “slight adverse” during operation. These reductions can be achieved by the mitigation measures recommended in Section 8.8. (refer to Figures 8. 11 & 8.1216-8.19).

8.9.3 Residual Visual Impacts

A summary of residual visual impacts is shown in Table 8-8. Where SVRs experience “slight-/moderate adverse” and “slight adverse” visual impacts with the implementation of the recommended mitigation measures these locations will experience “slight adverse” and visual impacts during operation.

(refer to Figures 8. 11 & 8.1216-8.19).

8.9.4 Acceptability of Development

Using the criteria as set out in Section 8.3, the significance of these residual visual impacts are evaluated as being acceptable with mitigation measures owing to:

· the proposed engineering work incorporates landscape and visual mitigation measures, which will reduce overall adverse levels of visual impact to a slight –negligible level, and reduce the significant adverse impacts on the SVRs immediately adjacent the proposal to a slight adverse level of impact.

· the change to the baseline condition will be negligible except Sections 2, 4 and 5;

· in some locations, Cheung Chau Sai Tai Road (Section 5), the proposed alignment can be sited to avoid disturbance to existing trees and features along the promenade.

· All potentially high landscape impacts can be reduced or offset to a large extent by landscape mitigation measures.

8.10 Conclusion and Summary of Findings

The Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment highlights that the significant adverse impacts will occur during the construction phase. Significant impacts are also restricted to particular locations, namely Pui O tunnel and Tai Long Wan tunnel portals and Cheng Cheung Chau landfall area. The disturbed coastline at temporary working platformreclaimed woks areas at Pui O tunnel portal and temporary access for delivery of materials at Tai Long Wan Landfall area will be reinstated to the existing coastline after construction. With mitigation measures, mentioned in Section 8.8, the long term adverse impacts will be negligible. The alignment of the circuit is significantly constrained by the technical engineering requirements. However, the nature of the proposed works and construction methodology means that much of the cable can be constructed with minimal disturbance to the existing landscape owing to the limited working boundary along existing roads, footpaths. Therefore, the proposed works will have limited adverse impacts or negligible impacts on baseline condition with appropriate mitigation measures. In conclusion, the landscape and visual impacts are considered acceptable with mitigation measures.

Table 8-117 Summary of Residual Landscape Impacts (with Landscape Mitigation Measures)

LCU Name	Without Recommended Mitigation Measures (Refer to Table 8-9.5)		Recommended Mitigation Measures (Refer to Section 8-.8)	With Recommended Mitigation Measures
	Significance Threshold of Landscape Impact during Construction	Significance Threshold of Landscape Impact during Operation		Significance Threshold of Landscape Impact during Construction	Significance Threshold of Landscape Impact during Operation
LCU 1 Mixed Village & Agricultural UsesLCU1 Villages and associated land	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Slight Neutral	Negligible
LCU 2 TownshipLCU2 Villages with GF commercial activities	Moderate Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Slight Adverse	Negligible
LCU 3 Community FacilityLCU3 Community Facility	Moderate Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Slight Adverse	Negligible
LCU 4.1 Woodland LCU4.1 Woodland	Significant Adverse	Moderate-Significant Adverse	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Moderate-Significant AdverseModerate Adverse	Slight AdverseNegligible
LCU 4.2 RecreationLCU4.2 Recreation	Moderate Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Slight Adverse	Negligible
LCU 5 CoastLCU5 Coastal Area	Significant Adverse	Moderate-Significant Adverse	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Moderate-Significant Adverse	Slight Adverse Slight Adverse
LCU 6 Rock ShoreLCU6 Rocky Shore	Significant Adverse	Negligible	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Moderate-Significant Adverse	Negligible
LCU 7 Harbour/ BoatyardsLCU7 Shipyard	Negligible	Negligible	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
LCU 8 PromenadeLCU8 Promenade	Moderate-Significant Adverse	Slight Adverse	LMM1	Moderate Adverse	Negligible

Table 8-128 Summary of Residual Visual Impacts (with Landscape Mitigation Measures)

SVR Number	Without Recommendation Mitigation Measures		Recommended Mitigation Measures	With Recommendation Mitigation Measures
	Significance Threshold of Visual Impact during Construction	Significance Threshold of Visual Impact during Operation		Significance Threshold of Visual Impact during Construction	Significance Threshold of Visual Impact during Operation
					DAY 1	YEAR 10
SVR1.1	Slight-Moderate AdverseSlight-Moderate Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR1.2	Moderate- Significant Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Moderate Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR2.1	Moderate-Significant Adverse Moderate-Significant Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Moderate AdverseSlight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR2.2	Moderate-Significant Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Moderate Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR3	Moderate-Significant Adverse	Moderate Adverse	LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Moderate Adverse	Slight Adverse	Negligible
SVR4	Significant Adverse	Moderate-Significant Adverse	LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Moderate Adverse	Slight Adverse	Negligible
SVR5	Moderate Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR6	Slight Adverse	Slight Adverse	LMM1, LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR7	Slight Adverse	Slight Adverse	LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Slight Adverse	Slight Adverse	Negligible
SVR8	Slight Adverse	Negligible	LMM2, LMM3, LMM4	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR9.1	Significant AdverseSignificant Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Moderate Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR9.2	Moderate Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR9.3	Moderate-Significant Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR10	Moderate-Significant Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR11	Slight-Moderate Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR12	Slight-Moderate Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
SVR13	Moderate-Significant Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR14	Slight-Moderate Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Slight Adverse	Negligible	Negligible
SVR15	Significant Adverse	Negligible	LMM1	Moderate Adverse	Negligible	Negligible