10 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

10.1 Introduction

This section presents the assessment of potential landscape and visual impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Pilot Project for Public-Private Partnership Conservation Scheme, Sha Lo Tung Valley, Tai Po.

10.2 Methodology

The methodology of the LVIA is 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 and the EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010 “Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance.”

The landscape assessment for both the Development Site and Sha Lo Tung Road Upgrade consider the source and magnitude of development effects on the existing landscape elements, character and quality in the context of the site and its environs. The landscape impact assessment will cover the following:

· Describe the baseline landscape within 500m of the Project and the works area of the enabling works along the access routes.

· Describe the Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) and Landscape Resources (LRs) including describing edges as different LRs.

· Map the distribution of the LCAs and LRs.

· Propose a qualitative and quantitative assessment of significant thresholds which reflect the magnitude of change and sensitivity of a particular LCAs and LRs.

· Analyse the landscape impacts during construction, impact after development, and off-site landscape impacts. This section analyses the extent to which these landscape units and edges are changed, using both quantitative and qualitative assessments.

· Examine landscape design measures that will avoid creating Landscape Impact, these may include adjustments to building sitings, road alignments etc that reduce landscape and visual impacts.

· Examine landscape measures that will contribute to reducing any landscape impacts or will enhance the landscape associated with the Proposed Development &Road Upgrade. They may include planting, new landscaped areas and re-vegetation. The residual landscape impacts are also analysed.

· Provide conclusions on the Landscape impacts of the Project.

The visual impact assessment provides an identification of the visual envelope and analyses the source and magnitude of effects caused by the proposed development on the existing views, visual amenity, character and quality of the Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSR) within the context of the site and its environs. The key steps involved include:

· Define the visual envelope that would be potentially impacted by the Project to determine areas that could potentially see the development. This GIS visual envelope analysis was based solely on topography and did not take into account the screening potential of vegetation, which would further reduce the actual visual envelope. The GIS visual envelope analysis also mapped the visibility of the development from roads and houses.

· Select indicative viewpoints to prepare photomontages to assist in assessing the visual impact on the broader landscape. In order to illustrate the landscape and visual impacts of the proposed Columbarium and the Sha Lo Tung Road improvement works, photomontages at selected viewpoints have been prepared to provide a preliminary illustration of both the existing conditions, the unmitigated conditions after construction and the mitigated conditions at day 1 and year 10. The residual impacts have been evaluated qualitatively.

· Predict the impact significance on the Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSR) within the visual envelope.

10.3 Relevant Legislation and Guidelines

Relevant legislation, standards and guidelines include:

· Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) and its subsidiary legislation the Forestry Regulations;

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap 131);

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

· Country Parks Ordinance (Cap 208);

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap.499, S.16) and the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO TM), particularly Annexes 10, 11, 18, 20 and 21;

· EIAO Guidance Note 8/2010;

· Sha Lo Tung Outline Zoning Plan No.S/NE-SLT/4;

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines;

· Work Branch Technical Circular (WBTC) No. 25/93 - Control of Visual Impact of Slopes;

· SILTech Publication (1991) – Tree Planting and Maintenance in Hong Kong (Standing Interdepartmental Landscape Technical Group) [11-23];

· WBTC No. 17/2000 – Improvement to the Appearance of slopes in connection with WBTC 25/93;

· WBTC No. 7/2002 – Tree Planting in Public Works;

· ETWB TC (Works) No. 2/2004 : Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features;

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

· ETWB TC (Works) No. 11/2004 – Cyber Manual for Greening; and

· ETWB TC (Works) No. 3/2006 - Tree Preservation.

10.4 The Development Site - Existing Site Location

The site for the proposed Project area is at Sha Lo Tung in the New Territories, in Hong Kong SAR. The Development Site is located approximately 1 km north of the outskirts of the city of Tai Po. The Site is located in an undulating area with hill slopes to the east, north and west.

10.5 Project Description

A detailed project description is provided in Section 3 of this EIA and the Concept Design Plan is presented in Annex B.

10.6 Construction Program

No demolition works are required as part of this development.

The site formation works of the Development Site will take approximately 14 months and total construction is expected to take 18 months. A detailed construction program is provided in Section 3.

10.7 Planning

The project areas are located within the Sha Lo Tung Outline Zoning Plan S/NE – SLT/4 and the Tai Po Outline Zoning Plan No. S/TP/23 (Refer Section 2). The Development Site and a part of the road improvement works are located within the Sha Lo Tung OZP within an area defined as ‘Greenbelt’.

The Planning Intention of this zone is primarily for defining the limits of development areas by natural features, and to contain urban sprawl as well as to provide passive recreational outlets. It is also intended to serve as a buffer for the ‘Conservation Area’ and ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ zones so as to conserve the existing rural character and natural landscape. There is general presumption against development within this zone.

The proposed development will serve as a buffer to the SSSI and Conservation Area zones. It will also provide a Nature Interpretation Centre to increase knowledge of the environmental importance of the greater Sha Lo Tung Valley. Extensive landscaping is also proposed to create a park like setting for the site. The environmentally sensitive nature of the site will not have any negative impacts on the Greenbelt Zone or the Sha Lo Tung OZP.

The temporary footbridge is located within the ‘Site of Special Scientific Interest’ (SSSI) area of the Sha Lo Tung OZP.

The planning intention of this zone is to conserve and protect the streamcourses and the freshwater marshes which are important habitats for the breeding and development of rare species and diverse community of dragonflies, for other aquatic and stream fauna such as freshwater fishes and amphibians which are of special scientific interest. It intends to deter human activities or developments with the Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

The temporary footbridge will only be in operation for approximately six months to enable the construction of the fencing works at Lei Uk. The bridge is small in scale similar to what may be encountered on a typical Hong Kong nature trail, and such trails are permitted with conditions in the SSSI.

The fencing works at Lei Uk are to be located in a Village Type Development area of the Sha Lo Tung OZP.

The planning intention of this zone is to reflect existing recognized and other villages, and to provide land considered suitable for village expansion and reprovision of village houses affected by Government projects. Land within this zone is primarily intended for development of small houses by indigenous villages. It is also intended to concentrate village type development within this zone for a more orderly development pattern, efficient use of land and provision of infrastructure and services. Selected community uses serving the needs of the villages and not adversely affect the character of these villages and the adjacent ecologically sensitive areas may be permitted on application to the Town Planning Board.

The fence to be erected is generally in scale with residential developments and is not considered to have any adverse impacts on this area.

The majority of the road improvement works will occur within the Tai Po Outline Zoning Plan No. S/P/23. The works will be undertaken in the ‘Green Belt’ area.

The planning intention of this zone is primarily for defining the limits of urban and sub-urban development areas by natural features and to contain urban sprawl as well as to provide passive recreation outlets. There is a general presumption against development within this zone.

The improvement works will involve some re-alignment works, cutting and filling. These works are generally in accordance with the type of works permitted with or without conditions on application to the Town Planning Board.

The proposed Ecological Reserve covers areas zoned “V”, “GB”, “CA” and “SSSI”. In general, the proposed Ecological Reserve complies with the planning intention for the area. However, it should be noted that while “Nature Reserve” in the “CA” and “SSSI” zone requires planning permission from the Town planning Board (the Board), such use is neither a Column 1 nor Column 2 use in the “V” zone and that would require rezoning application subject to the approval of the Board.

It must also be noted that changes to the Sha Lo Tung OZP will be required as a result of the development. The proposed development project would require approval of the Town Planning Board under s.12A and s.16 of the Town Planning Ordinance.

10.8 Landscape Impact Assessment

10.8.1 Baseline Landscape Conditions

This Landscape Impact Assessment is focussed an area within 500m of the Proposed Development Site and the Sha Lo Tung Road improvement works. The landscape baseline study examines the potential impacts on the Project areas and surrounding areas in terms of both the Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) and the Landscape Resources (LRs).

The LCAs and LRs of the Study Area have been categorised according to the presence of common elements. These include factors such as:

· Topography and geological features;

· Vegetation type (both species and age);

· Built forms;

· Evidence of human modifications;

· Land use (past and present); and

· Edges.

10.8.2 General Landscape Description

The site for the proposed development is on an undulating series of grassy knolls, fringed with pockets of secondary woodland. There are a number of grave sites and many visible signs of hill fires. The site has attractive views to the south west down to Tai Po and Tolo Harbour. To the north, east and west, the site is surrounded by elevated peaks.

Geology

The Study Area lies on the Tai Mo Shan formation, composed of volcanic rocks (mainly coarse as and crystal tuffs) dating from the Jurassic period ie, approximately 160 million years old.

Topography

To the northern boundary of the Study Area is the ridge line of Ping Fung Shan which exceeds 550 mPD. A ridge line extends from Cloudy Peak in a north-easterly direction from approximately 400mPD down to 200mPD

To the west, is a ridge leading up to Cloudy Peak which peaks at 440mPD.

The area surrounding the Development Site at Sha Lo Tung contains a number of small ridges that exceed 220mPD to the south and west of the Development Site. To the east the site will be contained by the peaks and ridges that lie in a north easterly direction at a height of over 300mPD. Also as the Sha Lo Tung Road improvement works are located on the western slopes of the ridge rising up to Sha Lo Tung, the visual envelope will not extend further east past the immediate surroundings.

Drainage

The uplands of Cloudy Hill, Shek Au Shan and Ping Fung Shan frame the site to the north with much of the streams draining north into the Hok Tau Reservoir. To the west of the site, is the Fung Yuen Valley which drains to the south towards Tolo Harbour.

Vegetation

Vegetation within the Study area includes shrubs, grasses, plantation areas and woodlands. There are also some Fung Shui woodland areas containing older trees. The majority of the vegetation is contained in the more natural hill side areas, with some pockets of vegetation found within the urban areas and the Tai Po Industrial Estate.

Public Open Spaces

There are numerous walking trails and picnic areas in the Study Area, from Cloudy Peak to the west of the site, to the Pat Sin Leng Country Park to the north and east of the site.

Soil

The soils of the areas to the north of Ting Kok road are generally moist and rich in aluminium and iron. The areas to the south of Ting Kok road are on a reclamation which consists of marine silts and/or general fill.

10.8.3 Sensitivity and Magnitude to Change

To assess the potential impacts of the proposed development on the LRs, it is necessary to understand both the magnitude of change, and the sensitivity of the LRs within the Study Area.

Sensitivity

The sensitivity for the landscape resources is influenced by the quality of the Landscape Resource/Character Area. There are various factors that influence the quality of a Landscape Resource/Character Area.

Those areas that appear unmodified or pristine are rated highly; as are areas that may have been originally planted but have achieved considerable age. Generally the more pristine or natural a landscape or vegetation unit appears, the longer this vegetation has been established, therefore the greater the sensitivity. Similarly, modified landscapes that are considered to have cultural values may also be assessed as having a higher landscape values. This may include elements that have a high cultural importance such as gardens, significant open spaces, or meeting places that are of social importance, or even built environments that have a conglomeration of highly valued cultural elements.

The second factor that affects the perceived quality of a Landscape Resource is its maturity. Where the LR has extensive vegetation, this is generally a factor of canopy height, with LRs that have a higher canopy being regarded as more valuable. Other LRs may also have a high maturity level if they have been in existence for a long period and have had little intervention from man made elements. It is stressed that this is a landscape evaluation, which may differ from an assessment that is based on flora or ecological values.

Factors affecting the sensitivity for evaluation of landscape are:

· Quality of LCAs and LRs;

· Importance and rarity of special landscape elements;

· Ability of the landscape to accommodate change;

· Significance of the landscape in the local and regional context, and;

· Maturity of the landscape.

The degree of sensitivity of the LCAs and LRs is classified as follows:

· High – eg; important components or landscape of particularly distinctive character susceptible to small changes;

· Medium – eg; a landscape of moderately valued characteristics reasonably tolerant to change; and

· Low – eg; a relatively unimportant landscape which is able to accommodate extensive change.

The magnitude of change to the LRs is determined by measuring the extent to which the LRs are changed by the development. This compares the existing baseline conditions with those proposed after development. The magnitude of change is classified as Negligible, Small, Intermediate or Large depending on the affect the development will have on the baseline LR.

Factors affecting the magnitude of change for assessing landscape impacts are:

· Compatibility of the Proposed Development with the surrounding landscape, ie how well will it fit with its surrounds;

· Scale of the development, ie how big is the development relative to its surroundings, and;

· Reversibility of change, ie to how easily the changes to the landscape can be reversed.

The magnitude of change is classified as follows:

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

· Intermediate – moderate changes to a local area;

· Small – changes to specific landscape components; and

· Negligible – no substantial changes to the baseline condition.

The baseline measurement is the measured area or length of the existing landscape units within the landscape Study Area.

The baseline conditions will be compared with the conditions that will occur during construction, immediately after development and then after remediation works have occurred.

10.8.4 Impact Significance Assessment Matrix

The overall landscape impact will be a product of the magnitude of change against the sensitivity of a particular landscape resource.

Table 10.1 Impact Significance Assessment Matrix

	*Sensitivity*
		Low	Medium	High
*Magnitude of Change*	Large	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight/ Moderate	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial
	Small	Slight	Slight/Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible

Table 10.1 will form the basis for the following impact assessment of the LRs, LCAs and VSRs identified within the Study Area.

10.8.5 Existing Landscape Character Areas and Landscape Resources of the Study Area

A number of LRs have been identified within the 500 metre Study Area and are mapped in Figure 10.1, with photographs shown in Figure 10.2 and 10.2a.

LR 1 Woodland

This LR is generally of high quality and Woodland is the most commonly occurring LR within the Study Area, therefore, it is low in rarity within the local and regional context. The woodland areas are approximately 30 to 40 years old and they are dominated by native tree species such as Schima superba, Schefflera heptaphylla, Ilex ficoidea and Castanopsis fissa. The larger canopy species reached a height of 8-12 m and is generally a mature landscape. Its relatively natural state means this LR has a low ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LR is considered High.

LR 2 Open Shrubland Areas

This LR consists of open grassy areas with scattered groupings of shrubs of varying sizes. Graves are also common within this LR and this LR is frequently disturbed by hill fires during the grave sweeping festivals and has therefore interrupted the natural succession of vegetation. This LR is dominated by grass species Miscanthus sinensis and accompanied with some shrub species including Smilax china, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Rhaphiolepis indica and the fern species Dicranopteris linearis. This LR is generally of low – medium quality, and is low in importance and rarity. It has a low significance in local and regional contexts. The sensitivity of this LR is considered Medium.

LR 3 Abandoned Agricultural Land

There are various areas of Abandoned agricultural land found within the Study Area. These include an area at the northeast of the Development Site, which has regenerated from the paddy fields and has been invaded with grasses and weed plants after cessation of agricultural activity. 103 plant species were recorded within the habitat and they were dominated by Neyraudia arundinacea, Miscanthus sinensis, Ischaemum aristatum and the weedy climber Mikania micrantha. There are also areas of abandoned agricultural land in the Fung Yuen Valley and to the east of Ha Hang. These areas vary from relatively dry areas, to wetter marshy areas. There is a small patch of marshy abandoned agricultural land located within the Development Site. This LR is of importance in Hong Kong, with a low ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LR is therefore considered High.

LR 4 Developed Area

The developed area comprises of generally hard built elements such as extensive open areas, car parks, public toilets. All of these elements are constructed from concrete, and do not complement the immediately surrounding existing landscape, they are more in keeping with the Industrial areas further to the south of the Study Area. This LR is of low quality, low importance with a high ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LR is considered Low.

LR 5 Stream

A number of natural streams occur within the Study Area. The bed of the stream within the SSSI area is rocky with medium-sized boulders. Most of the streams are freely flowing and are generally in good condition. There are also several smaller seasonal streams within the Study Area. Within the Development Site is a small seasonal stream that is known to contain protected fish species, and is also of high landscape value. These streams are mostly of high landscape quality and importance. They are locally significant due to their relatively natural state. They also have a low ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LR is considered High.

LR 6 Plantation

The plantation areas generally consist of younger trees, usually less than twenty years old and are dominated by exotic species. This LR is of low to medium quality, however is not or rare or important and not locally or regionally significant. It has a medium ability to accommodate change. This LR is considered to have a Medium sensitivity.

LR 7 Roads

The roads within the Study Area are mostly located within the Tai Po Industrial Area and include Ting Kok Road. Fung Yuen Road and Sha Lo Tung Road are the only roads extending to the north. The roads are of low landscape quality, importance, rarity with a high ability to accommodate change. This LR is considered to have a Low sensitivity.

LR 8 Villages

There are a number of villages within this area, the largest being Fung Yuen. The village generally consist of 3 storey villas, typical of Hong Kong’s New Territories. The village areas are of low landscape quality, importance, rarity with a high ability to accommodate change. This LR is considered to have a Low sensitivity.

LR 9 Abandoned Villages

There are two abandoned villages located within the Sha Lo Tung area, Cheung Uk and Lei Uk. Both of these villages have high importance for both cultural and built heritage. They are rare within Hong Kong, and their heritage value makes them locally significant. Their sensitivity is considered to be high.

LR 10 Industrial Area

The industrial area consists of the buildings and associated infrastructure located on the reclaimed area of land to the south of Ting Kok Road. This LR is of low landscape quality, importance, rarity with a high ability to accommodate change. This area is considered to have a Low sensitivity.

LR 11 Urban Development Area

This LR consists of the high-rise residential development at Riviera Lodge to the north of Ting Kok Road and a small portion of Alice Ho Mui Ling Nethersole Hospital. The urban development areas are of low landscape quality, importance, rarity with a high ability to accommodate change. This LR is considered to have a Low sensitivity.

LR 12 Walking Trails and Picnic Areas

There are numerous walking trails located within the study, most occurring in the northern portion of the Study Area. This LR consists of simple gravel paths to hard paved trails. These trails are quite common within Hong Kong, however the popularity of hiking in Hong Kong makes them locally significant. This LR is considered to have a Medium sensitivity.

LR 13 Farmland

There are small pockets of active farmland located in the Fung Yuen area. These are generally flat areas used for crop cultivation. These areas are generally of medium landscape quality, and are becoming increasingly rare in Hong Kong. They are considered to have a Medium sensitivity.

LR 14 Fung Shui Woodlands

There are two major areas of Fung Shui woodland areas, one located in the Fung Yuen area, and another adjacent to Cheung Uk in Sha Lo Tung valley area. These areas contain older trees and vegetation that have a high cultural importance. This LR is considered to have a High sensitivity.

Several landscape character areas (LCAs) have been identified within the Study Area. These areas, and their sensitivity, are described below. The locations of the LCAs are mapped in Figure 10.3, with photographs shown in Figure 10.4.

LCA1 Upland and Hillside Landscape

The Landscape Character is dominated by undulating upland areas. There are patches of grassy hilltops that have been affected by hill fires and have grave sites sporadically distributed around the area. In the lower valley areas, the vegetation is dominated by the Secondary Woodlands and the Streams. The site is attractively framed by taller hills to the north, east and west, and views to Tai Po are afforded in the southern portion of the site. This LCA is considered to have a High sensitivity.

LCA2 Fung Yuen Valley

This landscape comprises of scattered village houses on the abandoned agricultural farm lands in the valley. The village houses are generally typical of New Territories Villa style, most being 3 storeys tall. Ting Kok Road borders this LCA to the south with the Tai Po Industrial Area beyond. The valley is framed by moderate to steeply sloping vegetated slopes to the east, west and north of the valley. An approved residential development is expected to be constructed in the northern portion of this LCA consisting of approximately 8 20 – 24 storey towers and associated landscape. Construction has begun with road widening and drainage works currently being undertaken. This LCA is considered to have a Low sensitivity due to the proposed changes in site conditions of the planned residential development, however the development may be subject to amendment.

LCA3 Developed Area

The Developed area is dominated by the Tai Po Industrial Estate contains numerous industrial buildings and infrastructure. It is generally devoid of soft landscape elements with the large buildings and roads dominating the character of this area. This area has been constructed on a reclamation and is therefore generally flat. There are also some residential areas on the northern side of Ting Kok Road that are also included in this LCA. This LCA is considered to have a Low sensitivity.

LCA4 Sha Lo Tung Valley

The Sha Lo Tung Valley is a gently undulating plateau at approximately 180 mPD and contains a range of vegetation types. These include sparse grassland areas that have been affected by hillfires, abandoned agricultural areas and clusters of remnant mature vegetation. This LCA also contains the two small villages Chueng Uk and Ping Shan Chai. This area experiences a high degree of tranquillity and seclusion and is considered to have a High sensitivity.

10.8.6 Existing Trees

A Tree Survey has been conducted to record the abundance, species name, location, trunk diameters and circumference, height, crown spread, tree form, health condition and amenity value of the trees found within the Development Site and along the Sha Lo Tung Road.

Development Site

A total of 499 and 188 individual trees were found within the Tree Survey Boundary and the Development Site, respectively, most of which are native secondary woodland plants and dominated by a few native tree species including Schima superba, Schefflera heptaphylla, Castanopsis fissa and Ilex ficoidea. None of the trees identified within the Development Site are OVTs or of high amenity value or tree species of conservation interest, except the Hairy Fruited Ormosia Tree Ormosia pachycarpa (recorded only in LR1) which is listed in the ‘Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong’ and considered as tree species of conservation interest. Most of the trees have reached maturity but due to overcrowding they were recorded in poor to fair tree form with low to medium amenity value.

Sha Lo Tung Road Improvement

A total of 673 individual trees were found, most of which are native secondary woodland plants and dominated by a few native tree species including Schima superba, Schefflera heptaphylla and Cinnamomum camphora. Most of the trees have reached maturity but due to overcrowding they were recorded in poor to fair tree form with low to medium amenity value. None of the trees identified within the Sha Lo Tung Road Improvement area are OVTs or of high amenity value or tree species of conservation interest, except the Incense Tree Aquilaria sinensis (recorded in LRs 1, 2, 4 and 6) which is considered as tree species of conservation interest and protected in the People’s Republic of China (PRC).

A detailed assessment of the potential impacts on the existing trees is provided in Annex G.

10.8.7 Potential Sources of Impacts

The proposed development will create varying levels of impact on the physical LRs and LCAs within the Study Area at different stages of its lifetime.

During the Construction Phase, potential impacts will result from the following:

· Access road construction;

· Temporary and permanent slope works;

· Removal of vegetation and site formation works;

· Presence of machinery and plant;

· The construction of the buildings and associated infrastructure, and

· The construction of the temporary footbridge and fence at Lei Uk.

During the Operation Phase, no further Landscape Impacts are expected on the LRs or LCAs. However the new building structures will have an ongoing visual impact during the operation phase and an ongoing impact on the LCAs within the Study Area during the operation phase.

10.8.8 Nature and Magnitude of Landscape Impacts before Mitigation during Construction Phase

The magnitude of the impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, on landscape resources and landscape character areas that will occur in the Construction Phase are described below and tabulated in Table 10.3. All impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated.

Landscape Resources

LR 1 Woodland Areas

The construction associated with the Sha Lo Tung Road improvement works will remove 0.17 ha, the cut slopes 0.03 ha and the construction of the structures at the Development Site will only affect approximately 0.025 ha of Woodland areas. About 69 trees located within LR1 along Sha Lo Tung Road will be affected by the Project. Approximately 374 and 300 trees located within LR1 at the Development Site and along Sha Lo Tung Road respectively will be retained. The LR1 is dominated by a few tree species including Schima superba, Schefflera heptaphylla and Ilex ficoidea. Most of the trees have reached maturity but due to overcrowding they were recorded in poor to fair tree form with low to medium amenity value. The details regarding the trees to be affected are identified in Annex G. The Project during construction and operation is not very compatible with this LR but the total affected area is only 0.23 ha and given its abundance outside the project areas, it will expect to result in an Intermediate magnitude to change.

LR 2 Open Shrubland Areas

The construction works due to the development will remove approximately 2.35 ha of this LR. The LR2 is dominated by fern species Dicranopteris pedata and grass species Miscanthus sinensis and accompanied by some shrub species including Smilax china, Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Rhaphiolepis indica and Baeckea frutescens and occasionally by scattered trees including Schima superba and hefflera heptaphylla. About 26 and 16 trees located within LR2 at the Development Site and along Sha Lo Tung Road respectively will be affected by the Project. Approximately 39 and 8 trees located within LR2 at the Development Site and along Sha Lo Tung Road respectively will be retained. Most of the trees have reached maturity but due to overcrowding they were recorded in poor to fair tree form with low to medium amenity value. The details regarding the trees to be affected are identified in Annex G. Despite the Project not being compatible with this LR, given its abundance outside the project areas, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered Intermediate.

LR 3 Abandoned Agricultural Land

The construction works will not affect this LR, however, there will be some minor changes to this area as a result of the construction of the temporary footbridge and fence. The temporary footbridge will be constructed mainly from wooden materials and is considered moderately compatible with the surrounding landscape. Due to the minor scale of these works and reversibility of the changes, the magnitude of this change is considered to be Small.

LR 4 Developed Area

The construction works associated with the Sha Lo Tung Development Site and road improvement works will remove approximately 1.14 ha of this LR. The magnitude of this change is considered Intermediate given the size of affected area.

LR 6 Plantation

Approximately 0.43 ha will be removed by the construction works associated with the Sha Lo Tung Road Improvement, 0.24 ha as a result of the road alignment, and 0.19 ha from the cut slopes. About 123 trees located within LR6 along Sha Lo Tung Road will be affected by the Project. The LR6 is mainly dominated by Schima superba and Acacia confusa. Most of the trees have reached maturity but due to overcrowding they were recorded in poor to fair tree form with low to medium amenity value. The details regarding the trees to be affected are identified in Annex G. The Project is not very compatible with this LR but the total affected area is only 0.43 ha and given its abundance outside the project areas, the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered Intermediate.

LR 7 Roads

Approximately 0.31 ha of the existing road will be removed by the road improvement works. This impact is considered to be beneficial. The magnitude of this change is considered Small given the small size of affected area and the compatibility of the road improvement works with this LR.

There will not be any impacts on any other Landscape Resources.

Landscape Character Areas

LCA 1 Upland and Hillside Landscape

The construction works associated with the Development Site and the road improvement works will remove approximately 2.86 ha of this LCA. These works are not considered to be compatible with the surroundings, but the scale of the development relative to the surroundings is considered to be small for the road works and intermediate for the development site. The reversibility of the changes is considered low as the works are considered permanent for the purposes of assessment. However given the changes will only affect 0.81% of this LCA within the study area, the magnitude of change is considered to be Small.

LCA 2 Fung Yuen Valley

A small area of 0.52 ha of the Fung Yuen Valley LCA will be removed by the road improvement works. The Project is not considered to be compatible with this LCA but the total affected area is only 0.52 ha and given its abundance outside the project areas, the magnitude of change is considered to be Small.

LCA 3 Developed Area

A very small area of 0.2 ha of this LCA will be removed by the construction associated with the road improvement works. This magnitude of change is considered to be Small given the small size of affected area and the compatibility of the road improvement works with this LCA.

LCA 4 Sha Lo Tung Valley

An almost insignificant area of 0.02 ha of the Sha Lo Tung Valley LCA will be removed by the construction of the temporary footbridge (which will be removed after not more than 3 months) in this LCA. The temporary footbridge will be constructed mainly from wooden materials and is considered moderately compatible with the surrounding landscape character. This magnitude of change is considered to be Small.

10.8.9 Impacts on Existing Trees

Development Site

Of the 499 trees recorded on the Tree Survey Boundary including 188 trees within the Development Site, 35 (excluded two dead trees) will be felled and 462 retained. The tree species of conservation interest Hairy Fruited Ormosia Tree Ormosia pachycarpa is recommended to be retained. None of the trees proposed to be felled within the Development Site are OVTs or of high amenity value or of conservation interest.

Sha Lo Tung Road Improvement

Of the 673 trees recorded along Sha lo Tung Road, 301 will be felled, 368 retained and 4 transplanted to non-impacted areas. None of the trees proposed to be felled within the Sha Lo Tung Road Improvement area are OVTs or of high amenity value or of conservation interest. The plant species of conservation interest Incense Tree Aquilaria sinensis is either recommended to be retained (16 individuals) or transplanted (4 individuals) to a non-impacted area.

The details on trees to be retained and felled in contained within Annex G.

10.8.10 Nature and Magnitude of Landscape Impacts before Mitigation during Operation Phase

There will be no additional impacts on any of the LRs or LCAs during the operation of the Project, but there will be continuing impacts on the LCAs and the residual LR impacts during the operation phase.

10.9 Landscape Mitigation Measures

The landscape mitigation measures proposed will be implemented progressively throughout the construction of the Proposed Development to reduce the potential impacts on the existing LRs and LCAs. These measures will reduce the landscape impacts during both construction and operation.

Table 10.2 Proposed Design and Construction Phase Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measure	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency
DM1	Design of Structures. The structures shown in the photomontages are to illustrate the mass of the structures only. During the design phase of the development, architectural features such as the, eaves, cladding, materials and finishes etc. will be detailed. All of these elements will greatly improve the appearance of the structures. Built structures will utilise appropriate designs to complement the surrounding landscape, including a stepped form that respects the site contours.	Developer	Design Team
DM2	Colours. Colours for the structures can be used to complement the surrounding area. Lighter colours such as shades of light grey, off-white and light brown may be utilised to reduce the visibility of the structures.	Developer	Design Team
DM3	Green Roofs. Green roofs and vertical greening shall be designed and constructed to integrate the new buildings into the surrounding environment.	Developer	Design Team
CM1	Car Park Tree Planting. Advanced trees are to be planted to provide shade to the car park areas and to reduce the mass of the paved areas.	Developer	Contractor
CM2	Retention of Existing Trees. Existing trees without conflict with the building structures will be retained to reduce impacts on the site.	Developer	Contractor
CM3	Compensatory Planting. Where vegetation must be removed, the felled trees within the Development Site and along Sha Lo Tung Road will be compensated with new planting tree numbers at a ratio of minimum 3:1 ⁽¹⁾.	Developer	Contractor
CM4	Columbarium Courtyard Plantings. The internal courtyards and areas surrounding the new development will be landscaped to integrate the buildings into the landscape.	Developer	Contractor
CM5	Open Grassland and Lawn Areas. Areas of open grassland/lawns will be created to provide areas for passive recreation and to complement the surrounding grassland areas.	Developer	Contractor
CM6	Buffer Planting. Trees and shrubs will be planted around much of the site boundaries to screen the development and help integrate the development into the surrounding landscape.	Developer	Contractor
CM7	Stream Creation. Streams containing pools and riffles will be created to create a natural and harmonious landscape within the development. It must be noted that these features will not be connected in any way to the natural stream bordering the site.	Developer	Contractor
CM8	Early Planting Works. New plantings are to be installed in available and formed lands during the construction works to reduce landscape impacts.	Developer	Contractor
CM9	Transplantation of Plants. In addition, plant materials that are in conflict with the development, that are in suitably good condition and of ecological value will also be transplanted.	Developer	Contractor
CM10	Soil Stabilisation and Embankment Planting. During the design process a soil stabilisation and embankment planting strategy should ensure that land affected by slope excavation can be replanted. Soil preparation and the selection and provision of suitable growing medium is to be completed in accordance with the relevant best practice guidelines.	Developer	Contractor
CM11	Cut Stabilisation Areas of cut to be stabilized for operational requirements. Materials and finishes of stabilization to be selected to complement the surrounding landscape. All landscape stabilisation measures must conform to GEO 1/2000 – Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment and Bio-engineering of Man-made Slopes and Retaining Walls.	Developer	Contractor
CM12	Colour of Site Hoardings. In order to mitigate the visual impact of these temporary hoardings, it is recommended that the hoardings be erected at a uniform height, with a uniform colour that complements the existing landscape.	Developer	Contractor
DM = Design Measures (to be undertaken prior to construction), CM = Construction Measure (to be carried out during construction). Note: (1) The exact number of compensatory trees will subject to the results of Tree Felling Application.

The landscape mitigation measures are shown in Figures 10.5a, b, c and d. Additional good site practices are also recommended to mitigate the impacts:

· Cultivation of areas impacted during construction - Areas impacted during the construction phase that are not required during the operation phase, are to be cultivated to a depth of 300mm in accordance with accepted Hong Kong practice and guidelines. The cultivation shall involve ripping of compacted soil by mechanical means. Great care must be taken to avoid any run-off into the existing streams. Therefore this mitigation measure is not to be adopted in areas sloping towards any existing watercourses.

· Quality control of imported materials - Appropriate quality control measures are to be used to ensure that all imported materials including but not limited to soils, mulches, plants etc. are to be free of pests and contaminants that may adversely affect the surrounding environment. All landscape construction works are to be supervised by suitably trained professionals.

Programme of Implementation of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

Design phase mitigation measures above will be carried out before construction, and Construction phase mitigation will be carried out during the construction phase of the project.

A Landscape Master Plan has been prepared (Figure 10.5a) which shows the landscape that will be installed as part of the development. The Landscape and Visual Mitigation Plan also identifies specific mitigation measures for the Development Site, the Ecological Reserve and the Sha Lo Tung Road improvement works.

10.9.2 Prediction of Significance of Landscape Impacts

The potential significance of the landscape impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, are provided below in Table 10.3 and mapped in Figures 10.6 – 10.8. This assessment follows the methodology outlined above and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 10.2 above will be implemented, and that the full mitigating effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures will be realised after ten years. The residual landscape impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, are mapped in Figures 10.9 – 10.11. Photomontages of the proposed development before and after mitigation are illustrated in Figures 10.18 – 10.27.

Construction Phase

In the construction phase, after the implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, there will still be some adverse residual landscape impacts as described below.

There will be no Adverse residual landscape impacts of ‘Substantial’ significance experienced by any of the landscape resources.

Adverse residual landscape impacts of ‘Moderate’ significance will be experienced by the following landscape resources:

LR1 – Woodland. The construction works on the Development Site and road improvement works will require the removal of approximately 0.225 ha of vegetation within the woodland. The trees lost can be replaced within the site. This temporary loss will create a ‘Moderate’ impact during construction.

LR2 – Open Shrubland. The site formation works on the Development Site will result in the loss of approximately 2.35 ha of this LR. This temporary loss will create a ‘Moderate’ impact during construction.

LR6 – Plantation. The site formation associated with the road improvement works will result in the loss of trees, and 0.43ha of this LR will lost. However, these trees are all exotic plantation species that are fast growing and easily replaced. The temporary loss of this vegetation will create a ‘Moderate’ impact during construction.

LCA1 – Upland and Hillside Landscape. The site formation works and construction works associated with the Sha Lo Tung Road improvement and the Development Site will introduce a man-modified element into the area that contrasts with the naturalness of this LCA. Approximately 2.86 ha of this LCA will be changed during construction. This temporary period will create a ‘Moderate’ impact during construction.

LCA4 – Sha Lo Tung Valley. Only a very small area of 0.02 ha of this LCA will be affected, which is a small magnitude of change. However, due to the high sensitivity of this LCA this impact is considered to be ‘Moderate’.

Adverse residual landscape impacts of ‘Slight’ significance will be experienced by the following landscape resources and character areas:

LR3 – Abandoned Agricultural Land. A very small area of this LR will be affected by the construction of the temporary footbridge and the fencing works at Lei Uk village. This will result in a ‘Slight’ impact to this LR during construction.

LR4 – Developed Area. The construction on the Development Site and the Sha Lo Tung Road improvement works will affect 1.14 ha of this LR, which is considered ‘Slight’. However due to the low quality of this LR this is not considered an ‘adverse’ impact. In addition, this LR will be replaced by a new development of higher quality.

LCA2 Fung Yuen Valley. Approximately 0.52 ha of this LR will be affected by the Sha Lo Tung Road improvement works. This is considered a ‘Slight’ impact due to the low sensitivity and small magnitude of change.

All other construction phase impacts will be of “Negligible” significance.

Operation Phase

There will be no additional impacts on any of the Landscape Resources or Character Areas during the operation phase. Following the implementation of the mitigation measures, the landscape impacts will be as follows:

There will be no adverse residual landscape impacts of ‘Substantial’ significance experienced by any of the landscape resources or landscape character areas.

LCA4 Sha Lo Tung Valley - This LR will still experience a ‘Moderate’ residual impact at Day 1 of operation. This will reduce to ‘Slight’ at Year 10 of operation.

Adverse residual landscape impacts of ‘Slight’ significance will be experienced by the following landscape resources and character areas at Day 1 of operation:

LR1 – Woodland, and LR6 - Plantation The extensive plantings shown in Figure 10.5 will largely mitigate the loss of these Landscape Resources, resulting in a slight impact at Day 1 of operation. As this vegetation matures, these impacts will reduce to ‘Negligible’ at year 10 of operation for LR6, however a ‘Slight’ impact will remain for LR1.

LR2 – Open Shrubland. As with LRs 1 and 6, the extensive plantings will largely mitigate the impacts on this LR. However, on an area basis, this will not be fully mitigated and there will be a ‘Slight’ impact at Year 10 of operation.

LR3 – Abandoned Agricultural Land. With the removal of the temporary footbridge and adoption of the recommended mitigation measures, there will be a ‘Slight’ impact to this LR at Day 1 of operation, reducing to ‘Negligible’ at Year 10.

LCA1 Upland and Hillside Landscape. The extensive plantings and landscape improvements shown in Figure 10.5 will also largely mitigate the impacts of this LCA, reducing to Slight at Day 1 of operation. The Development Site will continue to have an impact on this LCA for the life of the project, however it is only considered to be ‘Slight’.

All other impacts will be of ‘Negligible’ significance.

Table 10.3 Residual Landscape Impacts

ID No.

Landscape Resource /

Landscape Character

Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)

Existing area within the study boundary (ha)/(km)

Area affected by the project

Percentage (%) of area affected

Magnitude of Change BEFORE Mitigation (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)

Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Negligible, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)

Recommended Mitigation Measures

Residual Impact Significance Threshold AFTER Mitigation (Negligible, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

Construction

Operation

DAY 1

YEAR 10

LR1

Woodland

High

119.24 ha

0.225 ha

0.19%

Intermediate

Moderate

CM2, 3, 6, 8, 9

Moderate

Slight

LR2

Open Shrubland Areas

Medium

236.53 ha

2.35 ha

0.10 %

Intermediate

Moderate

CM6, 8, 9

Moderate

Slight

LR3

Abandoned Agricultural Areas

High

43.90 ha

0.005ha

1.14%

Small

Slight

CM2, 3, 8, 9

Slight

Negligible

LR4

Developed Area

Low

13.70 ha

1.14 ha

8.3%

Intermediate

Slight

DM1, 2, CM1 ,2 ,3, 8, 12

Slight

Negligible

LR5

Natural Stream

High

0.67 ha

Nil

N/A

Negligible

Nil

Negligible

LR6

Plantation

Medium

17.75 ha

0.43 ha

2.42%

Intermediate

Moderate

CM2, 3, 6, 8, 9

Moderate

Slight

Negligible

LR7

Roads

Low

11.84 ha

0.31 ha

2.62%

Small

Slight

Negligible

CM11, 12

Slight

Negligible

LR8

Villages

Low

7.64 ha

Nil

N/A

Negligible

Nil

Negligible

LR9

Abandoned Villages

High

0.70 ha

Nil

N/A

Negligible

Nil

Negligible

LR10

Industrial Areas

Low

40.30 ha

Nil

N/A

Negligible

Nil

Negligible

LR11

Urban Development Area

Low

2.0986 ha

Nil

N/A

Negligible

Nil

Negligible

LR12

Walking Trails and Picnic Areas

Medium

106.77 km

Nil

N/A

Negligible

Nil

Negligible

LR13

Farmland

Medium

1.62 ha

Nil

N/A

Negligible

Nil

Negligible

LR14

Fung Shui Woodlands

High

3.25 ha

Nil

N/A

Negligible

Nil

Negligible

LCA1

Upland and Hillside Landscape

High

339.61 ha

2.86 ha

0.84%

Small

Moderate

All

Moderate

Slight

LCA2

Fung Yuen Valley

Low

40.21 ha

0.52 ha

1.3%

Small

Slight

DM1, 2, CM2, 6, 8

Slight

Negligible

LCA3

Developed Area

Low

68.62 ha

0.02 ha

0.02%

Small

Negligible

Nil

Negligible

LCA4

Sha Lo Tung Valley

High

50.75 ha

0.02 ha

2.14%

Small

Moderate

DM1, 2, CM1, 2, 3, 8, 12

Moderate

Slight

10.10 Visual Impact Assessment

10.10.1 Introduction

The following tasks were undertaken for the visual impact assessment.

Define the view shed that would be potentially impacted by the Project and map the areas of visual impact - Geographical Information System (GIS) software was utilised to determine areas that could potentially see the development during construction and operation. This GIS view shed analysis was based solely on topography and did not take into account the screening potential of vegetation, which would further reduce the actual view shed. The GIS view shed analysis also mapped the visibility of the development from roads and houses.

Assess indicative view points as a means of assessing the visual impact on the broader landscape - Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR) view points around the development, have been selected as indicative of the range of views from accessible locations within the view shed. Photomontages have been prepared to show the existing landscape and the landscape with the development at the key VSRs.

Discuss visual mitigation measures - measures (if required) that will reduce any potential visual impacts have been identified. This may include planting and recommendations for material and finishes. These measures will also help improve the overall amenity of the Project. Residual impacts are also discussed.

10.10.2 Potential Sources of Visual Impacts

The sources of visual impact during construction will be those identified above in Section 10.8.7. During operation, the continuing physical presence of the new buildings and cut slopes along Sha Lo Tung road will generate a visual impact. The works described are all contained within the Sha Lo Tung road improvement works and the Development Site. There will also be minor works in the Ecological Reserve, including the construction of a temporary footbridge, and a visually transparent fence at Lei Uk village. All of these elements are considered in this assessment.

10.10.3 Visual Envelope Determination and Areas of Potential Visual Impact

The visual impact assessment is informed by an understanding of the existing visual qualities within the region that can be visually affected by a development. This area is referred to as the visual envelope.

Defining an appropriate visual envelope is the starting point to understanding the visual impacts of a development as the area of the visual envelope will vary depending on the nature and scale of the proposed development. The larger a development the greater the visual envelope as it may be visually apparent for a greater distance. Once the visual envelope is established, locations can be identified within the visual envelope that are either particularly sensitive or indicative of the visual impact for a number of locations.

The proposed Multi-Cultural Education Retreat and the Nature Interpretation Centre are the major visual element of the proposed development and may visually impact on the surrounding VSRs. As the viewer moves further away from these structures the visual impact decreases until it is no longer visible.

10.10.4 General Visual Envelope based on Site Topography

The proposed development will be visible from some surrounding areas and therefore an analysis of these areas and the extent of the potential visual impact is to be assessed. The visual envelope has been determined by a GIS analysis of the area within which the proposed development will be seen.

Figure 10.12 shows those areas that will potentially be able to see the development. It also should be noted that the GIS analysis only accounts for the terrain, and does not allow for vegetation or built forms. Therefore, the actual visual envelope will be smaller than shown.

The layouts of the buildings have undergone a rigorous design process to reduce the heights and visibility of the development, whilst maintaining the minimum footprint size and impact.

To the northern boundary of the visual envelope will extend to the ridge line of Ping Fung Shan which exceeds 550 mPD. This ridge contains the visual envelope to the north and north east. A ridge line extends from Cloudy Peak in a north-easterly direction from approximately 400mPD down to 200mPD and will contain the viewshed to the north west.

To the west, the visual envelope is contained by the ridge leading up to Cloudy Peak which peaks at 440mPD.

The siting of the Development Site at Sha Lo Tung will effectively contain the visual envelope to the south within the site area. There are a number of small ridges that exceed 220mPD to the south and west of the Development Site which prevents views to the site from areas below, particularly Fung Yuen. The road works will be visible from this location, however the southern extents of the visual envelope created by the road works will be contained by the industrial developments at Tai Po Industrial Estate.

The visual envelope to the east will be contained by the peaks and ridges that lie in a north easterly direction at a height of over 300mPD. Also as the Sha Lo Tung Road improvement works are located on the western slopes of the ridge rising up to Sha Lo Tung, the visual envelope will not extend further east past the immediate surroundings.

10.10.5 Existing Visual Amenity of the Site and Surrounds

The visual amenity of the site varies widely. At the intersection of Sha Lo Tung Road with Ting Kok Road, the view is dominated by the make-shift car repair and storage facilities and the busy traffic on Ting Kok Road. Sha Lo Tung Road then begins to meander at an increasing slope and quickly becomes surrounded in vegetation. Existing cut slope stabilisation is visible. The existing Water Supplies Department storage facilities are also visible on the right. As the right rises further towards the Development Site, the vegetation becomes more sparse providing views across Fung Yuen valley and south to Tai Po. The Development Site is set in a largely natural location with some development visible being the existing car park, sitting out area and toilet facilities. The site contains several grassy knolls that have been regularly affected by hill fires with some scattered graves also visible in the surrounding area. The site is framed by areas of woodland with the steeply sloping peaks to the north, east and west. The site generally evokes a calm serene visual environment with dramatic views of the hills to the north and the sea to the south.

10.10.6 Visual Envelope Determination based on the Parameters of Human Vision

In addition to the site analysis provided above, an analysis of the parameters of human vision is also required to determine how far the visual envelope will extend where there is no intervening topography or man made elements.

In order to undertake this assessment, the components of the project must be grouped. The elements of the project that will potentially have the greatest visual envelope are the Development Site and the Road Upgrade Works. Both have very different physical dimensions and will have potentially different visual envelopes.

10.10.7 Horizontal Field of View

The central field of vision for most people covers an angle of between 50° and 60°. Within this angle, both eyes observe an object simultaneously. This creates a central field of greater magnitude than that possible by each eye separately. This central field of vision is termed the 'binocular field' and within this field images are sharp, depth perception occurs and colour discrimination is possible. These physical parameters are illustrated in Figure 10.12a.

The visual impact of a development will vary according to the proportion in which a development impacts on the central field of vision. Developments, which take up less that 5% of the central binocular field, are usually indistinguishable in most landscapes (5% of 50° = 2.5°).

The Development Site is comprised of a several new buildings, the longest dimension being the length of the Multi-Cultural Education Retreat, which is approximately 40m.

In assessing the visual impact of the Development Site it is therefore assumed that the largest horizontal component is the Multi-Cultural Education Retreat, which based on the current preferred design is approximately 40 metres wide.

Table 10.4 Visual Impact Based on the Horizontal Field of View

Horizontal Field of View	Impact	Distance from an Observer to a 100m wide reclamation
<2.5° of view	*Indistinguishable* The development will take up less than 5% of the central field of view. The development, unless particularly conspicuous against the background, will not intrude significantly into the view. The extent of the vertical angle will also affect the visual impact.	>2.3km
2.5° – 30° of view	*Potentially noticeable* The development may be noticeable and its degree of visual intrusion will depend greatly on its ability to blend in with its surroundings.	200m – 2.3km
>30° of view	*Potentially visually dominant* Developments that fill more than 50% of the central field of vision will always be noticed and only sympathetic treatments will mitigate visual effects.	< 200m

As shown in Table 10.4, these calculations suggest that the impact of a 100 m wide building would reduce to indistinguishable at about 2.3 km, as it would form less than 5% or 2.5° of the horizontal field of view. Due to the very long narrow nature of the road improvement works, an analysis of the horizontal field of view is not appropriate as the vertical elevations of the works will disappear well before the horizontal calculations would suggest.

10.10.8 Vertical Field of View

A similar analysis can be undertaken based upon the vertical field of view for human vision. As can be seen in the Figure 10.12a the typical line of sight is considered horizontal or 0°. A person’s natural or normal line of sight is normally a 10° cone of view below the horizontal and, if sitting, approximately 15°.

Objects which take up 5% of this cone of view (5% of 10° = 0.5°) would only take up a small proportion of the vertical field of view, and are only visible when one focuses on them directly. Objects that take up such a small proportion of the vertical view cone are not dominant, nor do they create a significant change to the existing environment when such short objects are placed within a disturbed or man-modified landscape.

The largest vertical dimension for the Development Site will be the height of the Multi-Cultural Education Retreat, which is approximately 13.3 metres. For the road improvement works the tallest vertical elements will be the large cut slopes above and below the road which may be up to 8m in overall height.

Table 10.9 shows the relationship between impact and the proportion that the development occupies within the vertical line of sight.

Table 10.5 Visual Impact Based on Vertical Field of View

Vertical Line of Sight	Impact	Distance from an Observer to a 13.3m Tall Building	Distance from an Observer to an 8m Cut Slope
< 0.5° of vertical angle	*Indistinguishable* A thin line in the landscape.	> 1.5 km	> 900m
0.5° – 2.5° of vertical angle	*Potentially noticeable* The degree of visual intrusion will depend on the development’s ability to blend in with the surroundings.	300m – 1.5 km	180m – 900m
> 2.5° of vertical angle	*Visually evident* Usually visible, however the degree of visual intrusion will depend of the width of the object and its placement within the landscape.	< 300m	< 180m

These calculations suggest distances at which the magnitude of visual impact of the tallest building and largest cut slopes will reduce with distance. At distances greater than 1.5km, a fully visible 13.3 m tall building and would be an indistinguishable element within the landscape. Similarly, an 8m tall cut slope will be indistinguishable at 900m.

10.10.9 Determining the Visual Extent of Impact

Generally, the more conservative, or worse-case distances form the basis for the assessment of visual impacts. Therefore for this development the greater impacts would be associated with the vertical field of view. It is therefore proposed to use the vertical field of view and extend the visual envelope to 2.3 km for the Development Site and 900m for the road improvement works.

10.10.10 GIS Analysis

A GIS view shed analysis has identified those areas that can potentially be visually impacted by the project (see Figure 10.12). Such analysis is based on topography only, and shows those areas that would be screened by intervening hills etc. It does not take into account intervening vegetation or buildings, nor does it take into account small variations in topography, such as road cuttings. Therefore it is a conservative assessment of those areas that may be potentially able to view the project.

10.10.11 Atmospheric Factors Which Will Affect Visual Impact

Many climatic conditions result in changes to visibility. For example, sea haze will alter the visibility of the project. The diminution of visual clarity bought about by atmospheric conditions also increases with distance.

Cloud Cover

Cloudy days can also reduce the visibility of the development. During site inspections of similar facilities it was apparent that a backdrop of grey cloud reduced the visual impact of the structures. Full cloud cover also reduced the apparent contrast on elements that extend above the landscape backdrop and as these elements were neither strongly shadowed nor reflective.

Figure 10.12b shows that in Hong Kong, for much of the year the percentage of cloud cover exceeds 50%.

Rainfall

The effect that rainfall has on visibility can be measured in two ways. Firstly, the event of falling rain reduces visibility as the water droplets obscure vision. This varies greatly depending on the heaviness of the precipitation, but even light rain obscures distant objects greatly. Secondly, the event of rain, particularly sustained rain periods, reduces visitor numbers. Therefore, the visual impact is reduced on those days as lesser viewers are visiting the area and looking at the development.

Figure 10.12b also shows that during the wet season, particularly from May through September, Hong Kong receives on average approximately 10mm of rain per day. These rain events can reduce visibility.

Reduced Visibility

The Hong Kong Observatory noted that in 2008 there were a total of 1,951 hours of reduced visibility in Hong Kong. Reduced visibility is defined as:

Reduced visibility refers to visibility below 8 kilometres when there is no fog, mist, or precipitation.

On days when reduced visibility is being experienced in Hong Kong, the maximum view shed any development will reduce to less than 8 kilometres.

Assessment Scenarios

Whilst the above describes some of the climatic conditions that reduce the visibility of the project, the following assessment is based on a worse case impact scenario on visual quality assuming perfectly clear viewing conditions. Mitigation measures are proposed to reduce these impacts.

10.10.12 VSR Assessment Methodology

The following factors have been considered in the visual impact assessment.

VSR Sensitivity

The first set of criteria relate to the sensitivity of the VSRs. They include:

· Value and quality of existing views;

· Type and estimated number of receiver population;

· Availability and amenity of alternative views;

· Duration of frequency of view; and

· Degree of visibility.

The views available to the identified VSRs were rated in accordance with their sensitivity using high, medium or low and are defined as follows:

· High

i. The nature of the viewer groups who expect a high degree of control over their immediate environment; and

ii. The viewer groups are in close proximity to the Proposed Development.

· Medium

iii. The nature of the viewer groups who have some degree of control over their immediate environment, eg people in transit.

· Low

iv. The nature of the viewer groups does not expect a high degree of control over their immediate environment.

It should be noted that the above only provides guidance, and each VSR regardless of type has been assessed according to its specific circumstances.

The sensitivity of the existing VSRs is shown in Figure 10.13 and Table 10.6 below:

Table 10.6 Sensitivity of VSRs

VSR Type & ID.	Key Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Value and quality of existing views;	Type and estimated number of receiver population;	Availability and amenity of alternative views;	Duration of frequency of view	Degree of visibility	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)
R1	Hikers on the Wilson trail west of project areas	High quality views across a natural landscape to the east, with development visible to the south east	Few	High, a range of views are available.	Short term views that change as the VSR moves along the path.	High	High
R2	Cyclists along Ting Kok Road	Low - Medium quality views dominated by Ting Kok Road	Few	Medium, the views is generally focussed along the road with occasional views of the surroundings.	Very short term views as the VSR moves along the bike path.	Low	Medium
R3	Hikers within the Pat Sing Leng Country Park west of site	High quality views across a natural landscape to the east, with development visible to the south	Very Few	Medium, the views is focused to the east.	Short term views that change as the VSR moves along the path.	High	High
R4	Visitors to Chueng Uk Village	High quality views ranging from close range vegetation to long distance views of surrounding landscape.	Very Few	High, there are a wide variety of views from the Cheung Uk village area.	Short term views that change as the VSR moves around the area.	Medium	Medium
R5	Visitors to Lei Uk Village	High quality views ranging from close range vegetation to long distance views of surrounding landscape.	Very Few	High, there are a wide variety of views from the Lei Uk village area.	Short term views that change as the VSR moves around the area.	Medium	Medium
R6	Hikers on path from Fung Yuen to Sha Lo Tung Road	Medium quality views across the Fung Yuen valley	Few	Medium, the view is generally focussed on the valley below.	Short term views that change as the VSR moves along the path.	Medium	Medium
R7	Hikers walk in Fung Yuen Valley	Medium quality views across the Fung Yuen valley	Very Few	Medium, the view is generally focussed on the valley below.	Short term views that change as the VSR moves along the path.	Medium	Medium
R8	Hikers on Wilson Trail north of project areas	High quality views of a dramatic landscape	Few	Medium, the view is generally focussed to the south.	Short term views that change as the VSR moves along the path.	High	High
R9	Hikers in Pat Sin Leng Country Park North of project areas	High quality views of a dramatic landscape	Very Few	Medium, the view is generally focussed to the south.	Short term views that change as the VSR moves along the path.	High	High
R10	Hikers in Pat Sin Leng Country Park East of project areas	Assumed to be high (trails could not be accessed)	Very Few	Assumed to be medium	Short term views that change as the VSR moves along the path.	High	High
H1	Residents of Fu Heng Estate	High quality views across a mix of developed and natural landscapes	Many	Low, views generally focussed towards the orientation of the premises	Long frequent views	High	High
H2	Residents in Pinehill, Yue Kok Tsuen, Tit Mei Tsai	High quality views across a mix of developed and natural landscapes	Many	Low, views generally focussed towards the orientation of the premises	Long frequent views	High	High
H3	Residents at Fung Yuen Village	High quality views of the surrounding valley	Many	Low, views generally focussed towards the orientation of the premises	Long frequent views	High	High
H4	Residents of new Fung Yuen development	High quality views of the surrounding valley	Many	Low, views generally focussed towards the orientation of the premises	Long frequent views	High	High
H5	Residents in Ha Hang	Medium quality views of Tai Po and surrounds	Many	Low, views generally focussed towards the orientation of the premises	Long frequent views	High	High
H6	Residents in Casa Marina, Forest Hill, Richwood Park, Typhoon Place	Medium quality views of Tai Po and surrounds	Many	Low, views generally focussed towards the orientation of the premises	Long frequent views	High	High
H7	Residents in A Sha, Tsin Lam, A Shan Tseng Tau, Tung Tsz	Medium quality views of Tai Po and surrounds	Few	Low, views generally focussed towards the orientation of the premises	Long frequent views	High	High
O1	Workers at Tai Po Industrial Estate	Low quality views of surrounding industrial areas	Many	Low, views generally focussed towards the orientation of the premises	Medium term views	Low	Low
O2	Workers at Hong Kong Institute of Education	Medium quality views of surrounding developments with some views of surrounding landscape	Few	Low, views generally focussed towards the orientation of the premises	Medium term views	Low	Low
T1	Travellers along Ting Kok Road	Low - Medium quality views dominated by Ting Kok Road	Many	Medium, the views is generally focussed along the road with occasional views of the surroundings.	Very short term views as the VSR moves along the road	Low	Low
T2	Travellers along Fung Yuen Road	Medium quality views of village structures with natural slopes to the north, east and west	Few	Medium, the views is generally focussed along the road with occasional views of the surroundings.	Very short term views as the VSR moves along the road	Low	Low
T3	Travellers along Sha Lo Tung Rd	Medium – high quality views of surrounding landscape dispersed between roadside vegetation	Few	Low, views generally focussed on the road corridor	Very short term views as the VSR moves along the road	Low	Medium

Table 10.7 Magnitude of change of VSRs

VSR Type & ID.	Key Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Compatibility of the Proposed Development with the surrounding landscape	Reversibility of change	Viewing distance (m)	Scale of the development	Potential blockage of view	Duration of Impact		Magnitude of Change BEFORE Mitigation (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)
							Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
R1	Hikers on the Wilson trail west of project areas	Low, the view of the site is generally natural	Irreversible	1000	Medium	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Intermediate	Intermediate
R2	Cyclists along Ting Kok Road	High, the visible elements of the development (Sha Lo Tung Road improvement) and compatible with Ting Kok Road	Irreversible	10-50	Medium	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Intermediate	Intermediate
R3	Hikers within the Pat Sing Leng Country Park west of site	Low, the view of the site is generally natural	Irreversible	500 - 2300	Medium	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Large	Large
R4	Visitors to Chueng Uk Village	Medium the surrounds are generally natural with some signs of development	Irreversible	200	Large	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Intermediate	Intermediate
R5	Visitors to Lei Uk Village	Medium the surrounds are generally natural with some signs of development	Irreversible	200	Large	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Intermediate	Intermediate
R6	Hikers on path from Fung Yuen to Sha Lo Tung Road	Medium the surrounds are generally natural with some signs of development	Irreversible	10-200	Small	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Intermediate	Intermediate
R7	Hikers walk in Fung Yuen Valley	Medium the surrounds are generally natural with some signs of development	Irreversible	500-1000	Small	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Intermediate	Intermediate
R8	Hikers on Wilson Trail north of project areas	Low, the view of the site is generally natural	Irreversible	1500	Medium	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Small	Small
R9	Hikers in Pat Sin Leng Country Park North of project areas	Low, the view of the site is generally natural	Irreversible	700	Medium	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Small	Small
R10	Hikers in Pat Sin Leng Country Park East of project areas	Low, the view of the site is generally natural	Irreversible	700 - 2000	Medium	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Small	Small
H1	Residents of Fu Heng Estate	Medium, there are both natural and built forms visible	Irreversible	2000	Medium	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Small	Small
H2	Residents in Pinehill, Yue Kok Tsuen, Tit Mei Tsai	Medium, there are both natural and built forms visible	Irreversible	200 - 1000	Medium	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Small	Small
H3	Residents at Fung Yuen Village	Medium, there are both natural and built forms visible	Irreversible	300	Medium	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Small	Small
H4	Residents of new Fung Yuen development	Medium, there are both natural and built forms visible	Irreversible	300	Medium	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Small	Small
H5	Residents in Ha Hang	Medium, there are both natural and built forms visible	Irreversible	500	Medium	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Small	Small
H6	Residents in Casa Marina, Forest Hill, Richwood Park, Typhoon Place	High, these areas are larger scale developments with other development visible	Irreversible	1200	Medium	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Negligible	Negligible
H7	Residents in A Sha, Tsin Lam, A Shan Tseng Tau, Tung Tsz	Medium, there are both natural and built forms visible	Irreversible	1500	Medium	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Negligible	Negligible
O1	Workers at Tai Po Industrial Estate	High, these areas are more intensely developed	Irreversible	50 - 500	Small	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Negligible	Negligible
O2	Workers at Hong Kong Institute of Education	High, these areas are more intensely developed	Irreversible	1000	Small	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Negligible	Negligible
T1	Travellers along Ting Kok Road	High, Sha Lo Tung road upgrade is compatible with existing road	Irreversible	30	Small	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Small	Small
T2	Travellers along Fung Yuen Road	Medium, there are both natural and built forms visible	Irreversible	200	Small	Low	Temporary	Permanent	Small	Small
T3	Travellers along Sha Lo Tung Rd	Medium, the existing road is being upgraded	Irreversible	5	Large	Medium	Temporary	Permanent	Large	Large

The degree of visual impact or significance threshold was rated in a similar fashion to the landscape impact, ie significant, moderate, slight and negligible. Where the matrix table indicates a range within the significance threshold, eg; Moderate – Significant, the final significance threshold is assigned based on the overall severity of the impact.

The visual impact is a product of the magnitude of change to the existing baseline conditions, the landscape context and the sensitivities of VSRs (refer Table 10.1). The significance threshold of visual impact was rated for the construction phase and for Day 1 and Year 10 of the operation phase.

10.10.14 Visual Mitigation Measures

The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures for impacts caused during the construction and operation phases are described in Table 10.2, together with the associated funding, implementation, management and maintenance agencies, and the proposed implementation programme. The mitigation measures are shown on plan in Figures 10.5a - 10.5d inclusive. The locations of viewpoints selected for photomontage is shown in Figure 10.14 and various views experienced by VSRs are illustrated in Figures 10.18 – 10.29.

10.10.15 Existing VSRs

All of the VSRs within the visual envelope are mapped in Figure 10.13.

10.10.16 Prediction of Significance of Visual Impacts

An assessment of the potential significance of the visual impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is listed in detail in Table 10.8. Residual impacts are described below. This follows the methodology outlined above and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Tables 10.2 would be implemented, and that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be realised after ten years. Photomontages of the proposed development before and after mitigation are illustrated in Figures 10.18-10.29.

Construction Phase

Residual visual impacts in the Construction Phase are mapped in Figure 10.15

VSRs North of Project areas R4, R5, R8 and R9

· Due to the undulating topography and existing vegetation within the Sha Lo Tung Valley, short distance views towards the Development Site will be limited. Visitors to Cheung Uk (R4) and Lei Uk (R5) abandoned villages may have glimpses of the Development Site on the walking trails across Sha Lo Tung Valley. They will have closer views of the construction of the temporary footbridge and fencing at Lei Uk village, however, the works in these areas will be relatively small in scale. The presence of construction equipment on the Development Site will contrast with the existing natural surroundings, however mitigation measures such as early planting works and colourings of site hoardings will help to reduce these impacts to ‘Moderate’.

· Hikers on the Wilson Trail to the north of the site (R8) and on trails within the Pat Sin Leng Country Park (R9), will have some long distance views (>2000m) of the Development Site. The presence of construction equipment on the Development Site will contrast adversely with the existing natural surroundings, however, given the long distance involved and the few numbers of VSRs, the un-mitigated impact significance is considered ‘Moderate’ during construction for these VSRs. The adoption of construction mitigation measures particularly those involving soft landscape elements will help reduce the residual construction impact but it will remain ‘Moderate’ for Hikers in the Pat Sin Leng Country Park (R9).

VSRs East of Project areas R10, O2, H5, H6 and H7

· There are very few VSRs located to the east of the site. Whilst a number of walking trails are shown on some hiking maps, a number of site visits to these areas could not locate these trails. As shown in Figure 10.26, a number of walking trails are indicated on the Countryside Series maps. Site inspection revealed that these paths are largely overgrown and could not be accessed. Should access to these trails become available, the sections do indicate that parts of the development may be visible, however any VSRs who can access these trails (shown as R 10), is only likely to experience ‘Slight’ residual construction based impacts, due to the very few numbers of VSRs, and the long viewing distance, and the dense vegetation in this area.

· Residents at Ha Hang (H5) may experience long distance glimpses of the road improvement works from elevated vantage points. These will be reduced by the proposed mitigation measures resulting in ‘Slight’ residual construction impacts.

· The GIS analysis also shows that some residential areas east of the site (H6 & H7) and occupational VSRs (O2) may be able to see some construction activities associated with the Sha Lo Tung Road improvement works. This analysis does not take into account the screening effect of the extensive existing vegetation. Views of the construction works are likely to be only glimpses from elevated view points within these areas. The residual impact significance is therefore considered ‘Negligible’.

VSRs South of Project areas R2, O1, T1 and T3

· Users of the Sha Lo Tung Road (T3) will come into close proximity to the road improvement works at various locations along the road. New cut slopes, slope upgrades, soil nailing and some tree removal will be required. The un-mitigated construction impact is considered to be ‘Substantial’. With the adoption of the mitigation measures proposed, these impacts will reduce to ‘Moderate’ during construction.

· Cyclists along Ting Kok road (R2). These VSRs may experience a glimpse of the Sha Lo Tung Road improvement works as the VSR passes the construction site and are likely to last a matter of seconds. The construction mitigation measures such as site hoardings will reduce the visual impacts, with residual construction impacts identified as ‘Moderate’.

· Travellers along Ting Kok Road (T1) may experience glimpses of the road improvement construction works. These will be short and intermittent as the VSRs move along these roads. The residual construction impacts are considered ‘Slight’.

· Impacts to workers at Tai Po Industrial Estate (O1) will be ‘Negligible’ as the project works not visible from this area. The works will be visible from Ting Kok Road, however these impacts are explained in T1 VSRs.

VSRs West of Project areas R1, R3, R6, R7, H1, H2, H3, H4 and T2

· Hikers on the Wilson Trail (R1) and hikers within the Pat Sin Leng Country Park (R3) to the east of the site will have clear views across the whole Development Site and the presence of construction equipment will contrast with the natural surroundings. The new development will be the first close range development within the surrounding areas, and thus during construction will present a ‘Substantial’ un-mitigated visual impact for R1 and R3 during the construction phase. Following the implementation of the mitigation measures the impacts to these groups of VSRs will reduce to ‘Moderate’.

· Hikers on the path between Fung Yuen Valley up to Sha Lo Tung road (R6) will experience views of various parts of the road improvement works, which will change as the VSR moves towards or away from Sha Lo Tung Road. The construction works associated with the road improvement will contrast negatively with the surrounding natural landscape however the adoption of the proposed construction mitigation measures such as site hoardings will effectively reduce these impacts. The residual construction impacts will be ‘Moderate’.

· Hikers in the Fung Yuen valley (R7) are very few in number, but may experience long distance views across the valley looking towards the east of the road improvement works. Glimpses of the construction activities will be available, and will contrast with the natural appearance of the hillside. The mitigation measures proposed will help to reduce these impacts. The residual construction impacts will be ‘Moderate’.

· The residents of Fu Heng Estate (H1), residents of Pine Hill, Yue Kok Tsuen and Tit Mei Tsai (H2) may experience long distance glimpses of the road improvement works from elevated vantage points. These will be reduced by the proposed mitigation measures. The residual construction impacts will be ‘Slight’.

· Residents of Fung Yuen village (H3) will experience views of the road construction works and these works will contrast negatively with the surrounding natural landscape. The mitigation measures such as site hoardings will help to reduce these impacts. Early planting works will also help in shortening the time frame for the visible construction works. The residual construction impacts will be ‘Slight’.

· Residents of the proposed new Fung Yuen Development (H4) are likely to see the construction works associated with the road improvement and these works will contrast negatively with the surrounding natural landscape. In addition, residents of the upper floors (likely to be approximately 22 storey high) may also have glimpses on construction equipment associated with the site formation works at the Development Site. The proposed mitigation measures such as site hoardings and early planting works will help to reduce these impacts. The residual construction impacts will be ‘Slight’.

· Travellers along Fung Yuen Road (T2) will experience glimpses of the Sha Lo Tung Road improvement works. This will result in ‘Slight’ residual construction impacts.

Operation Phase

Residual visual impacts in the Operation Phase for Day 1 and Year 10 are mapped in Figure 10.16 and 10.17 respectively. The designs of the buildings within the Development Site have undergone a rigorous design process to integrate the structures in to the surrounding landscape. In addition there is a high level of landscape associated with the development that will not only reduce the visual impacts but add to the amenity of the development. Following the adoption of the mitigation measures proposed, the residual visual impacts during operation will be as follows:

VSRs North of Project areas R4, R5, R8 and R9

· Hikers on the Wilson Trail to the north of the site (R8) and on trails within the Pat Sin Leng Country Park (R9), will have some long distance views (>2000m) of the Development Site. The sensitive architectural design in conjunction with the extensive landscape design will result in ‘Slight’ visual impacts during Day 1 of operation. As the vegetation matures, these will reduce to ‘Negligible’ at year 10.

· Visitors to Chueng Uk and Lei Villages (R4 and R5 respectively) will experience ‘Moderate’ residual visual impacts at Day 1 of operation. These VSRs will be able to see permanent fence as well as the Development Site. As the vegetation and landscape matures around the development and adjacent to the fence and the temporary footbridge is removed, these impacts will reduce to ‘Slight’ at Year 10 of operation.

VSRs East of Project areas R10, O2, H5, H6 and H7

· The hikers in Pat Sing Leng Country Park to the east of the site (R10) will experience long distance glimpses of the Development Site. With the adoption of all the mitigation measures, the visual impact significance will be ‘Slight’ at Day 1 of operation reducing to ‘Negligible’ at Year 10 of operation as the vegetation matures at Year 10.

· All other VSRs east of the project areas will experience ‘Negligible’ residual visual impacts during operation as the development is not visible.

VSRs South of Project areas R2, O1, T1 and T3

· Travellers along Sha Lo Tung Road (T3) will come into close proximity to the road improvement works and will also come into close proximity of the Nature Interpretation Centre and will therefore experience a ‘Substantial’ un-mitigated visual impact. Following the adoption of all proposed mitigation measures, this will reduce to a ‘Moderate’ visual impacts at Day 1 of operation. As the vegetation and green slopes mature, these will reduce to ‘Slight’ during year 10 of operation.

· Cyclists along Ting Kok Road (R2) will experience ‘Moderate’ visual impacts at Day 1 of Operation, however as the vegetation matures along the new cut-slopes this will reduce to ‘Slight’ at Year 10 of operation.

· Workers within Tai Po Industrial Estate (O1) will not have any views of the development and therefore will experience a ‘negligible’ visual impact. Similarly travellers along Ting Kok Road (T1) may experience glimpses of the realigned entry to Sha Lo Tung Road, however due to the very short viewing time and the complementary nature of the road improvement works to Ting Kok road, this is considered a ‘Negligible’ impact.

VSRs West of Project areas R1, R3, R6, R7, H1, H2, H3, H4 and T2

· Hikers on the Wilson Trail to the west of the site (R1) will experience elevated views of the Development Site and sections of the improved Sha Lo Tung Road. The visual impacts before the adoption of mitigation measures are considered to be ‘Substantial’. However following the adoption of the mitigation measures including the sensitively designed structures, high level of landscaping and the adoption of the mitigation measures, the visual impacts will reduce to ‘Moderate’ for these VSRs at Day 1 and further reducing to ‘Slight’ at Year 10 of operation.

· Hikers within the Pat Sin Leng Country Park to the west of the site (R3) will have un-obstructed views of the Development Site and sections of the improved Sha Lo Tung Road. They may also come into close proximity of the Nature Interpretation Centre. The visual impacts before the adoption of mitigation measures are considered to be ‘Substantial’. However following the adoption of the mitigation measures including the sensitively designed structures, high level of landscaping and the adoption of the mitigation measures, the visual impacts will reduce to ‘Moderate’ for these VSRs at Day 1 and further reducing to ‘Slight’ at Year 10 of operation.

· Hikers on the path from Fung Yuen valley to Sha Lo Tung Road (R6) and Hikers within Fung Yuen Valley (R7) will have views of the Sha Lo Tung Road improvement works resulting in ‘Moderate’ impacts at Day 1 of operation. As the vegetation and cut slope plantings mature, this will reduce to ‘Slight’ at Year 10 of operation.

· For Residents of Fu Heng Estate (H1), Residents in Pinehill, Yue Kok Tsuen, Tit Mei Tsai (H2), Residents at Fung Yuen Village (H3) and Residents of new Fung Yuen development (H4), only small glimpses of the development may occur. Following the adoption of the proposed mitigation measures the expected visual impacts will be ‘Negligible’.

· Similarly for users of Fung Yuen road (T2), the adoption of the proposed mitigation measures will result in a ‘Negligible’ visual impact.

Table 10.8 Significance of Visual Impacts in the Construction, Operation / Restoration and Aftercare Phases (Note: All impacts adverse unless otherwise noted)

VSR Type & ID.	Key Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)	Location relative to project	Degree of Visibility of Source(s) of Visual Impact (Full, Partial, Glimpse) & Distance Between VSR & Nearest Source(s) of Impact	Magnitude of Change BEFORE Mitigation (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Receptor Sensitivity & Number		Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Negligible, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance Threshold AFTER Mitigation (Negligible, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
	Key Visually Sensitive Receiver (VSR)					Receptor Sensitivity & Number				Recommended Mitigation Measures	Construction	Operation
			Operation	Construction	Operation	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)	Number (Very Few, Few, Many, Very Many)	Construction	Operation		(Substantial, Moderate, Slight Negligible)	DAY 1	YEAR 10
R1	Hikers on the Wilson trail west of project areas	West	Full, 1000	Intermediate	Intermediate	High	Few	Substantial	Substantial	All	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
R2	Cyclists along Ting Kok Road	South	Glimpse, 10-50	intermediate	Intermediate	Medium	Few	Moderate	Moderate	CM12	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
R3	Hikers within the Pat Sing Leng Country Park west of site	West	Glimpse, 500 - 2300	Large	Large	High	Very Few	Substantial	Substantial	All	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
R4	Visitors to Chueng Uk Village	North	Development, - glimpse, 200 Fence – full, 50	Intermediate	Intermediate	Medium	Very Few	Moderate	Moderate	DM1, 2, CM1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
R5	Visitors to Lei Uk Village	North	Development, - glimpse, 200 Fence – full, 10	Intermediate	Intermediate	Medium	Very Few	Moderate	Moderate	DM1, 2, CM1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
R6	Hikers on path from Fung Yuen to Sha Lo Tung Road	West	Partial 10-200	Intermediate	Intermediate	Medium	Few	Moderate	Moderate	CM2, 3, 10, 11, 12	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
R7	Hikers walk in Fung Yuen Valley	West	Partial 500-1000	Intermediate	Intermediate	Medium	Very Few	Moderate	Moderate	CM2, 3, 10, 11, 12	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
R8	Hikers on Wilson Trail north of project areas	North	Partial 1500	Small	Small	High	Few	Moderate	Moderate	All	Moderate	Slight	Negligible
R9	Hikers in Pat Sin Leng Country Park North of project areas	North	Glimpse 700	Small	Small	High	Very Few	Moderate	Moderate	DM1, 2, 3, CM1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12	Moderate	Slight	Negligible
R10	Hikers in Pat Sin Leng Country Park East of project areas	East	Glimpse 700 - 2000	Small	Small	High	Very Few	Moderate	Moderate	DM1, 2, 3, CM1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12	Slight	Slight	Negligible
H1	Residents of Fu Heng Estate	West	Glimpse 2000	Small	Small	High	Many	Moderate	Moderate	DM1, 2, CM1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
H2	Residents in Pinehill, Yue Kok Tsuen, Tit Mei Tsai	West	Glimpse 200 - 1000	Small	Small	High	Many	Slight	Slight	DM1, 2, CM1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
H3	Residents at Fung Yuen Village	West	Partial 300	Small	Small	High	Many	Moderate	Moderate	DM1, 2, CM1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
H4	Residents of new Fung Yuen development	West	Partial 300	Small	Small	High	Many	Moderate	Moderate	DM1, 2, CM1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
H5	Residents in Ha Hang	East	Glimpse 500	Small	Small	High	Many	Slight	Slight	DM1, 2, CM1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
H6	Residents in Casa Marina, Forest Hill, Richwood Park, Typhoon Place	East	Glimpse 1200	Negligible	Negligible	High	Many	Negligible	Negligible	Nil	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
H7	Residents in A Sha, Tsin Lam, A Shan Tseng Tau, Tung Tsz	East	Glimpse 1500	Negligible	Negligible	High	Few	Negligible	Negligible	Nil	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
O1	Workers at Tai Po Industrial Estate	South	Glimpse 50 - 500	Negligible	Negligible	Low	Many	Negligible	Negligible	Nil	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
O2	Workers at Hong Kong Institute of Education	East	Glimpse 1000	Negligible	Negligible	Low	Few	Negligible	Negligible	Nil	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T1	Travellers along Ting Kok Road	South	Glimpse 30	Small	Small	Low	Many	Slight	Slight	CM13	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
T2	Travellers along Fung Yuen Road	West	Glimpse 200	Small	Small	Low	Few	Slight	Slight	DM1, 2, CM1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12	Slight	Negligible	Negligible
T3	Travellers along Sha Lo Tung Rd	South	Full 5	Large	Large	Medium	Few	Substantial	Substantial	DM1, 2, CM1, 2, 3, 6, 8, 12	Moderate	Moderate	Slight
* O = Occupational; H = Residential; R = Recreational; T = Travelling.