Ch 12 - Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment (Package B)

12B DP Package B

12B.1 KTN Schedule 2 DP 5 (Package B)

This section reports on the Study to assess the potential landscape and visual impacts arising from construction and operation of any above ground structures and works areas associated with the Schedule 2 DP 5 only. Please refer to Table 12.16.2 for details of how each package has been divided.

The components of DP Package B are summarised in Table 12B.1.1 below.

Table 12B.1.1 - Schedule 2 DP Package B

DP Package B

New Sewage Pumping Stations (SPS) in KTN NDA

A sewage pumping station---(b) with an installed capacity of more than 2000 m3 per day and a boundary of which is less than 150 m from an existing or planned residential area or educational institution.

2no. SPS are proposed in KTN, these are:

SPS south of Ma Tso Lung.

SPS south of Ho Sheung Heung.

12B.2 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

This section provides an overview of the HKSAR Government’s development intentions, statutory land-use and planning within the Study Areas, specifically from landscape and visual standpoints. It considers relevant, published studies, such as HK2030 Study, OZPs, and DPA mapping. This information has been considered in relation to the relevant revised RODP of the NDAs and their Layout Plans with the aim of assessing whether the DP can fit into the surrounding setting.

12B.2.1 Design measures adopted within the Schedule 2 Designated Projects

The Schedule 2 DPs form the key infrastructure developments to support the future development and population growth within the KTN and FLN NDAs. KTN and FLN NDAs will provide a mix of housing types as well as basic infrastructure and community facilities. The development opportunities and constraints of the Schedule 2 DPs are presented in Section 2.4.1, these have informed the development and consideration of alternative infrastructure options. A summary of the key design rationale for each project is provided below:

DP 5 - New sewage pumping stations (SPS) in KTN NDA

Two SPS are proposed in KTN NDA to convey the sewage flows from KTN NDA to Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works for treatment and its disposal, details on their operational requirements are presented in Section 2.4.2.5. The SPS south of Ma Tso Lung has been positioned to serve development proposals in this area. A site close to proposed road access and other built development has been selected so that built form is integrated together. The internal layout and configuration of the structure has been rationalised to minimise land take. Generally these buildings follow a standard format, that is, an external solid perimeter wall (approx. 3m high), internal access road with turning head and 5m high pumping station building enclosing the pumping plant. The buildings are rectangular single storey with a flat roof.

A second SPS south of Ho Sheung Heung is positioned close to the Sheung Yue River. The layout and footprint has been set back from the river frontage to reduce the visibility and retain the connectivity of riverside access paths. The internal layout and configuration of the structure has been rationalised to minimise land take. The structure is also located, where operationally feasible, close to or integrated within the proposed NDA development to avoid visual clutter.

Existing Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs)

The review of the OZPs has included a review of the Plans as well as the accompanying Notes and Explanatory Statements. The DP sites and study areas have been superimposed onto existing OZPs and DPA Plans to determine the potential influence on the existing zoning. The study area and site boundaries for the DP 5 sites are presented on Figure 12.50.2.

Kwu Tung North (KTN) NDA

The KTN DP 5 study areas are covered by the following OZP/DPA documents:

· Approved Kwu Tung North OZP No. S/NE-KTN/8.

· Draft Kwu Tung South OZP No. S/NE-KTS/13

· Approved Ma Tso Lung and Hoo Hok Wai Development Permission Area Plan No. DPA/NE-MTL/2.

Table 12B.2.1 summarises the areas of existing zoning types which will be directly affected by the site boundary of each DP.

Table 12B.2.1 Schedule 2 Designated Project 5

Zoning Type	OZP/DPA number and extent of zoning within the site boundary that will undergo change (ha)	Comments on Major land use changes
DP5 – New Sewage Pumping Stations
Agriculture (AGR)	S/NE-KTN/8 0.266 DPA/NE-MTL/2 0.277	Approximately 0.266ha of this zoning type will be modified to construct the KTN southern SPS located to the south of Ho Sheung Heung. Approximately 0.277ha will be modified to form the northern SPS south of Ma Tso Lung.

Zoning Type

OZP/DPA number and extent of zoning within the site boundary that will undergo change (ha)

Comments on Major land use changes

DP5 – New Sewage Pumping Stations

Agriculture (AGR)

S/NE-KTN/8

0.266

DPA/NE-MTL/2

0.277

Approximately 0.266ha of this zoning type will be modified to construct the KTN southern SPS located to the south of Ho Sheung Heung. Approximately 0.277ha will be modified to form the northern SPS south of Ma Tso Lung.

Summary of land use changes

In the case of both SPS, these are located on land currently zoned as Agriculture which would be lost as a result of their construction, this amounts to approximately 0.543ha.

12B.3 Landscape Baseline Conditions

The methodology for Landscape Impact Assessment is presented in Section 12.18.

According to the Study Brief (ESB-176/2008) baseline review comprises the identification of all existing Landscape Resources (LR) and Landscape Character Areas (LCA) within 500m of the DP boundary.

The overall Study Area for all the DP is generally natural and rural. Complex LRs can be classified into different major categories, as follows:

· LR1 – Channelised Water Course

· LR2 – Water Course

· LR3 – Water Pond

· LR4 – Marsh/ Wetland

· LR5 - Plantation

· LR6 – Hillside Woodland

· LR7 – Lowland Woodland

· LR8 – Shrubland / Grassland Mosaic

· LR9 – Agricultural Land

· LR12 – Rural Development Area

· LR13 – Industrial / Open Storage

· LR14 – Major Transportation Corridor

The LCAs are classified as follows:

· LCA1 Natural Hillside Landscape

· LCA2 Rural and Urban Peripheral Village Landscape

· LCA4 Industrial Landscape

· LCA5 Lowland Agricultural Landscape

· LCA6 Major Transportation Corridor Landscape

· LCA7 Major Water Course Corridor Landscape

The landscape resources and landscape character areas of each NDA are described in further detail below, together with their sensitivity.

12B.3.1 Broad Brush Tree Survey

A broad brush tree survey has been carried out within the study area which estimates that around 10 trees will be affected by the proposed development. Major tree species included within the wider study area in include Acacia confusa, Acacia auriculiformis, Araucaria heterophylla, Bauhinia blakeana, Bombax ceiba, Cassia siamea, Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum camphora, Clausena lansium, Citrus maxima, Dimocarpus longan, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Ficus virens, Ficus microcarpa, Litchi chinensis, Leucaena leucocephala, Macaranga tanarius, Mangifera indica, and Melaleuca quinquenervia. Many trees are found in the foothills of the natural upland, as well as the rural fringe in between different villages and they are generally mature.

A detailed Tree Felling Application process will be carried out at a later detailed design stage, to finalise tree treatment and allocate compensatory planting areas including available open space, parks and streetscape.

A single (OVTs) is found within the Study Area of the SPS south of Ho Sheung Heung (ref. No. LCSD/ N45), its location is illustrated on Figure 12.51.12.

12B.3.2 Schedule 2 DPs 5 Baseline Landscape Resources (LRs) and Landscape Character Areas

The baseline LRs and LCAs of KTN DP 5 are detailed along with their sensitivity in Table 12B.3.1 and 12B.3.2; figures presenting this information are set out below:

Figure 12.51.2 LRs for DP 5.

Figure 12.51.11 and 12 LRs for DP 5 enlarged versions.

Figure 12.51.42 to 46 Representative images of LRs for DP 5.

Figure 12.52.2 LCAs for DP 5.

Figure 12.52.7 to 8 Representative images of LCAs for DP5.

Table 12B.3.1 - Landscape Resources and their Sensitivity- KTN NDA (DP5)

Id. No.	Landscape Resource (LR)	Quality & Maturity (High /Medium /Low)	Rarity (High /Medium /Low)	Ability to Accommodate Change (High /Medium /Low)	Sensitivity (High /Medium /Low)
KLR 1 – Channelised Water Course
Refers to modified water courses channelised with concrete or grasscrete, or with gabion-fortified banks, or water courses undergoing such channelisation. This LR includes both large channelised river water courses as well as some much smaller concrete lined water courses associated with agricultural land. This LR also includes some walkways along the larger water course and the vegetation associated with the water course, both within the channel and along the banks as well as the ridge of the banks. The vegetation mainly consists of grasses and shrubs, but also includes trees in some areas as detailed further in the individual LR descriptions.
Within the Study Area this LR includes a section of Sheung Yue River. This LR is a prominent feature within the landscape.
1.3	Sheung Yue River	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
Shek Sheung River collects water from the south and flows north, joining Sheung Yue River west of Sheung Shui Slaughter House. There is also a branch that splits from Ng Tung River and flows round the Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works to the south but this is mainly dry and a flood protection measure. This LR is mainly a grasscrete lined, trapezoidal channel, formed for the purpose of flood protection in Kwu Tung and Fanling areas. Water partially dries out during the dry season and there are small water channels at the base of the channel when water flow is low, with grass on either side.
This river is reasonably capable of accommodating change and its sensitivity is considered to be medium.
1.4	Water Course Network in Long Valley	Medium	Low	High	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR describes a network of waterways in the Long Valley area which eventually connect and flow into a box culvert near the Kwu Tung Road junction with Castle Peak Road. The watercourses are mainly vertically-sided concrete channels constructed for irrigation purposes with limited vegetation. The riparian vegetation that does exist comprises common and widespread herb species. This LR has a reasonable ability to accommodate change, being a man-made network of water channels, but overall it is vital to the Long Valley agricultural area for irrigation and its sensitivity is considered to be medium.
KLR 2 – Water Course
Refers to natural or semi-natural water courses, including short sections with concreted banks. This LR also includes vegetation associated with the water course, both within the streams and along the banks as well as in the immediate vicinity. The vegetation mainly consists of grasses and shrubs, but also includes trees in some areas such as the upland streams, as detailed further in the individual LR descriptions. The vegetation often provides a subtle transition between this LR and its surrounding LR(s).
Within the Study Area this LR includes watercourses running between different rural areas and villages, incorporating streams running off Ma Tso Lung and around Kwu Tung itself.
2.1	Natural Streams in Kwu Tung	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. These streams, connecting with the Sheung Yue River, are located centrally within the Study Area. They pass through villages including Fung Kong, Tung Fong, Tong Kok, Shek Tsai Leng and south of Ho Sheung Heung. The upstream section is natural but has been degraded by pollution, with seasonal flows and heavily vegetated stream banks, overgrown with common grass species such as Bidens alba and Pennisetum spp. Other sections of these streams are fortified by concrete banks with grey water flowing.
This LR is relatively intolerant to change and its sensitivity is considered to be Medium.
2.4	Natural Streams at Ma Tso Lung	High	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR describes natural streams running off Ma Tso Lung to the lowland area in Ma Tso Lung San Tsuen in the northwest of KTN NDA Study Area. Riparian plants included fruit trees (i.e. Dimocarpus longan and Litchi chinensis) and native understory species (e.g. Lophatherm gracile and Alocasia odora) and the vegetation near the streams is dominated by the exotic climber species Mikania micrantha and herb species Bidens alba and Alocasia macrorhizos. The section at Ma Tso Lung is regarded as ecologically important due to its naturalness and well developed bank area.
This LR is relatively intolerant to change and its sensitivity is considered to be high.
KLR 3 – Water Pond
Refers to freshwater ponds. The ponds are often associated with agricultural land and used for irrigation, and punctuate the traditional field pattern. Some ponds are also found near residential or developed areas and have aesthetic, landscape value and some are fish ponds. This LR also includes vegetation associated with the ponds, both within and around the banks as well as in the immediate vicinity. The vegetation mainly consists of grasses and shrubs, with scarce trees.
The main locations of these water ponds within the Study Area of KTN NDA (DP3 & 4) include both foothill and lowland areas and are most concentrated in Ho Sheung Heung, Long Valley and the Closed Area.
3.1	Ho Sheung Heung Water Ponds	Medium	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR is located within Ho Sheung Heung agricultural land and is a relatively large continuous area of water ponds within the Study Area. These ponds retain water most of the time including both the dry and wet seasons. The bunds of these ponds are vegetated by grasses and low shrubs, as well as some fruit trees such as Musa x paradisiaca, Litchi chinensis, Mangifera indica, Dimocarpus longan and Citrus maxima.
The ponds in this area are of medium quality with common fruit trees and are relatively intolerant to change. The sensitivity of this LR is considered to be high.
3.2	Long Valley Water Pond	Medium	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR is located within Long Valley agricultural land. Water in the ponds is usually full in wet season and periodically pumped out by local farmers for irrigation and management purposes during dry season. Grasses grow along their banks and provide a subtle transition between this LR and its surrounding agricultural land.
These ponds are relatively intolerant to change and their sensitivity is considered to be high.
3.8	Water Ponds within the Closed Area	Medium	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Part of the Study Area lies within the Closed Area and the water ponds of this LR within the Study Area are located just north of Ma Tso Lung. The ponds are small and generally overgrown and abandoned, but are associated with agricultural land.
This LR is relatively intolerant to change and its sensitivity is considered to be high.
KLR 4 – Marsh/ Wetland
Refers to freshwater marsh/ wetland landscape resources, often found at old river meanders which have been truncated during river channelization and retraining, overgrown with herbaceous vegetation and often with some areas of seasonal or permanent open water. This LR also includes wetland areas along natural streams around Ma Tso Lung as well as areas that were once ponds but have not been actively managed for a long time.
Within the Study Area, this LR is found in Long Valley, along the channelized water courses as well as in the north around Ma Tso Lung.
4.1	Marshes in Long Valley	Medium	High	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR is generally located in the middle of Long Valley agricultural land, including both permanent wet marshes and well vegetated marshes. For the permanent wet marshes, they used to be fish ponds or irrigation ponds and have been abandoned and inactively managed. Densely emergent vegetation is present in these marshes and shows relatively high diversity. Tree species include Phragmites karka, sedges Cyperus iria and Kyllinga aromatica, and herbs and climbers such as Ipomoea aquatica, Polygonum barbatum and Polygonum lapathifolium. For the well vegetated marshes, a large portion of the wetland area is covered with rich and moist topsoil, colonised by common and widespread species such as Brachiaria mutica, Panicum maximum, Bidens alba, Ludwigia perennis and the Common Wetland Fern Cyclosorus interruptus.
This LR is fairly rare and is relatively intolerant to change and its sensitivity is considered to be high.
4.2	Mitigation Wetland	Medium	High	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Several plots of marsh are located along the Sheung Yue River that borders the Long Valley agricultural land. They were formerly meanders of the river and were isolated during the river channelisation. To mitigate the ecological impact resulting from channelisation, these areas are now managed by a government department to provide marsh habitat, mainly for wetland dependent wildlife. As part of the habitat management, wetland plants and riparian vegetation have been planted. These plants include Commelina diffusa, Hedychium coronarium, Ludwigia perennis and Nelumbo nucifera. Bamboos and trees are also planted along the bunds, e.g. Acacia auriculiformis, Cinnamomum camphora, Hibiscus tiliaceus and Ilex rotunda.
Mitigation habitats are fairly rare in Hong Kong and additionally, this LR is relatively intolerant to change. Its sensitivity is considered to be high.
KLR-4.3	Wetland/ Marsh in the Closed Area	Medium	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. The area of this LR along the natural stream in northern Ma Tso Lung appears to have evolved from agricultural land that has been abandoned for a long time and is influenced by the water course, such that the land is mainly wet underfoot. The wetland vegetation is dominated by the exotic grass Brachiaria mutica and creeper Ipomoea cairica as well as native herbs including Commelina diffusa, Colocasia esculenta, Cyclosorus interruptus,Ludwigia perennis and Pennisetum purpureum. Riparian vegetation is dominated by the exotic climber species Mikania micrantha and herb species Bidens alba and Alocasia macrorhizos. Abandoned ponds north of Ma Tso Lung, likely previously used as fish ponds or for irrigation purposes have been abandoned for a long time and now have dense emergent vegetation present in them such that they are considered marshes. They include vegetation such as exotic wetland species such as Brachiaria mutica and Sesbania cannabina and the invasive exotic tree species Leucaena leucocephala but also support some native wetland herb species including Polygonum japonicum, Commelina diffusa and Ludwigia octovalvis.
This LR is relatively intolerant to change due to the succession of vegetation and the natural sensitivity of wetland/marsh. Its sensitivity is considered to be high.
KLR 5 Plantation
Refers to medium sized and larger clusters of trees that have been planted and are distinct from natural woodland since they have been planted by man. Common tree species in this LR include native (Ficus microcarpa, Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum camphora and Macaranga tanarius) and exotic species (Acacia confusa, Casuarina equisetifolia and Melaleuca quinquenervia) and further details are given in the individual LR descriptions.
Within the Study Area of KTN NDA (DP 5) this LR includes a single OVT, reference no. LCSD/ N45 located on Castle Peak Road, the trees species is Melaleuca quinquenervia.
5.4	Old and Valuable Trees (OVT) Castle Peak Road	High	High	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. 5no. Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs) are located within KTN along Castle Peak Road, a single OVT (reference number LCSD N/45) sits within the study area of DP5. The tree species is Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. Cumingiana, 18m high with a crown spread of 13m. The tree sits within the narrow verge between castle peak road and the Fanling Highway surrounded by road surfacing.
This LR has a low capacity to accommodate change and its sensitivity is considered to be high.
KLR 6 – Hillside Woodland
Refers to woodland areas largely scattered over hillsides, including at the base of hills. This LR is predominantly composed of native tree species and is generally located some distance from human activities (and hence disturbance), growing naturally with some understorey vegetation. It can include areas of Fung Shui Woodland growing in hillsides in the vicinity of village. Common tree species in this LR include Macaranga tanarius, Leucaena leucocephala, Celtis sinensis and Ficus microcarpa. Further details are given in the individual LR descriptions.
Within the Study Area of the KTN NDA (DP5), this LR is found at the hillsides of Ma Tso Lung and northwest of Ho Sheung Heung.
6.3	Hillside Woodland in Ma Tso Lung, Tit Hang and Fung Kong	High	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR refers to the narrow, winding and largely continuous patches of woodland in the hillside areas of Ma Tso Lung San Tsuen. Woodlands in these areas predominantly border uphill shrubland/grassland areas and lowland woodlands, and sometimes adjoin rural and industrial areas. Due to limited human disturbance, these trees are mature in medium to large sizes. Dominant tree species include both native and exotic ones. Dominant native trees are Ficus hispida, Cinnamomum camphora, Rhus succedanea, Celtis sinensis, Ficus microcarpa and Macaranga tanarius. Dominant exotic species include Melaleuca quinquenervia, Leucaena leucocephala, Melia azedarach, Acacia confusa and Casuarina equisetifolia.
This LR is considered to be relatively mature and of high quality and it has little capacity to tolerate change. The sensitivity of this LR is considered to be high.
6.4	Ho Sheung Heung Fung Shui Woodland	High	High	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Ho Sheung Heung Fung Shui Woodland is bound by Ho Sheung Heung Road, Ho Sheung Heung Pai Fung Road and Chung Kuk Path and covers a small hill. It used to be a complete area of woodland with continuous canopy but has been fragmented by hill fires recently. Grasses and shrubs have now colonised the bald areas to connect the woodland patches. Apart from Aquilaria sinensis, a species of conservation interest, other typical Fung Shui Woodland trees are also found, such as Garcinia oblongifolia, Sterculia lanceolata and Litsea glutinosa. Other dominant trees include native species Celtis sinensis, Ficus microcarpa, Ficus hispida, Macaranga tanarius, Bischofia javanica, Cinnamomum camphora, Microcos paniculata and Schefflera heptaphylla and exotic species Acacia confusa, Bombax ceiba, Dimocarpus longan and Melia azedarach of medium to large sizes.
This Fung Shui Woodland has high amenity and cultural value and is intolerant to change. Its sensitivity is considered to be high.
KLR 7 – Lowland Woodland
Refers to woodland growing on low lying ground (generally <40 mPD), often found near rural village areas in small, fragmented patches, with differing tree species according to location. This LR can be found in patches within areas of human activity and also includes some Fung Shui Woodland of particular cultural importance, located adjacent to certain villages as detailed in the individual descriptions. Common plant species in this LR include Acacia confusa, Celtis sinensis, Cinnamomum camphora, Leucaena leucocephala and Macaranga tanarius. Further details are given in the individual LR descriptions.
Within the Study Area of KTN NDA (DP5) this LR includes woodland in Tong Kok
7.3	Lowland Woodland in Pak Shek Au and Tong Kok	High	Medium	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR refers to the lowland woodlands at Pak Shek Au and Tong Kok, north of Fanling Highway. These woodlands are largely surrounded by adjacent industrial/open storage areas and therefore potentially suffer from disturbance by human activities. This LR also includes an old developed area west of Dills Corner that has now become completely overgrown with woodland.
The trees in this woodland are of medium to large sizes, and are dominated by both native and exotic species. The most abundant native species include Ficus microcarpa, Bischofia javanica, Cinnamomum camphora, and Macaranga tanarius, while exotic species include Acacia confusa, Bombax ceiba, Dimocarpus longan, Delonix regia, Averrhoa carambola, Casuarina equisetifolia, Chukrasia tabularis, Leucaena leucocephala and Spathodea campanulata. This LR has a medium to high amenity value and a low capacity to tolerate change and it sensitivity is considered to be high.
KLR 8 – Shrubland / Grassland Mosaic
Refers to a mosaic of shrubland and grassland which is usually large in size and uniform in appearance. This LR is typical of the fire-maintained hill-slopes in Hong Kong and common species include grasses such as Imperata koenigii, Neyraudia reynaudiana, Bidens alba, Panicum maximum and Miscanthus spp., fern Dicranopteris pedata and shrubs Baeckea frutescens, Breynia fruticosa, Litsea rotundifolia var. oblongifolia and Rhaphiolepis indica.
Within the Study Area of KTN NDA (DP5), this LR is found mainly on hillsides, particularly on the upper areas of Fung Kong Shan, Ki Lun Shan, Tai Shek Mo and its western foothill and forms a large part of the Study Area. Further details are given in the individual LR descriptions.
8.3	Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic in Tai Shek Mo and the Western Range Foothills	Medium	Low	Medium	Medium
This LR is an extensive area of shrubby grassland on the uplands of Tai Shek Mo and the foothills of the Western Ranges covering Ma Tso Lung. It largely merges into hillside woodland in at the foothills and is sometimes adjacent to some rural and urban development areas. Similar to the other hilly shrubland/grassland in Hong Kong, this LR is also maintained by periodical hill fires.
This LR can re-establish itself fairly easily and is therefore considered to be relatively tolerant to change. Its sensitivity is medium.
KLR 9 - Agricultural Land
Refers to land used for agriculture including crops and orchards as well as ornamental plant nurseries. This LR contains a small number of structures such as small irrigation ponds, green houses, equipment sheds and small/ narrow hard paved areas. It not only contains agricultural vegetation but also some scattered non-agricultural vegetation including some shrubs and trees. It is often an intermediary between areas of development and natural areas.
Within the Study Area of the KTN NDA (DP5), this LR is mainly found in Long Valley, Ho Sheung Heung, Shek Tsai Leng, Tong Kok and Tung Fong.
9.1	Long Valley Agricultural Land	High	High	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR in Long Valley consists mainly of wet agriculture and includes both active and inactive fields. Common wetland crops in Long Valley include Ipomoea aquatica and Nasturtium officinale, with some fields cultivated with Eleocharis dulcis, Oryza sativa and Trapa bispinosa. Water lily (Nymphaea sp.) and Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) are also cultivated in some ponds with shallow water. Dry land crops include Aloe vera var. chinensis, Allium tuberosum, Brassica chinensis, and Lactuca sativa. Fruit trees are present along field bunds including Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis and Magnifera indica.
This LR in Long Valley is of good quality and high significance in terms of crop production and being a large contiguous area of agriculture in Hong Kong. Although agricultural land per se is fairly easy to re-establish given the right environment, given the size of this LR and lack of similar areas in Hong Kong, it is relatively intolerant to change and its sensitivity is high.
9.3	Agricultural Lands in Shek Tsai Leng, Tong Kok and Fung Kong	Low	Low	Medium	Medium
These agricultural lands scattered in the centre of the study area of KTN and are associated with the villages in Shek Tsai Leng, Tong Kok and Fung Kong, where they are surrounded by industrial or open storage areas. Most of the agricultural lands within this area are abandoned with weeds and invasive trees (e.g. Leucaena leucocephala) beginning to colonize the land and turning it to wasteland. In some locations, common vegetable plants, such as Lactuca sativa, are still found being cultivated in the small areas of farmland that are still active.
This LR is mostly abandoned and does not have high value in terms of crop production but does provide some green space between the hard surfaces of industrial/open storage areas or rural development areas. Agricultural land is fairly easy to re-establish given the right environment, and is relatively tolerant to change but given the greening element amongst an area where there is a lot of industrial/ open storage LR, overall this LR is considered to have medium sensitivity.
9.4	Other Agricultural Lands in KTN	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR refers to several small and fragmented agricultural lands in different locations within the study area of KTN, including Chau Tau Tsuen, Pak Shek Au, Yin Kong, Kam Tsin and Tai Tau Leng. Most of these agricultural lands have been wholly or partly abandoned and grass and shrubs now grow in the fields. For those fields remaining active, common crops cultivated by farmers include Brassica parachinensis and Lactuca sativa.
This LR has low to medium value in terms of crop production and is relatively tolerant to change. It is considered to have medium sensitivity.
9.5	Other Orchards Areas in KTN	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR refers to several small and fragmented orchard areas in different locations within the study area of KTN, including around the Ma Tso Lung area, on the lower slopes of Fung Kong Shan, and near Ngam Pin. Common fruit trees in this LR include Musa x paradisiaca, Artocarpus macrocarpon, Mangifera indica and Dimocarpus longan, where the fruit trees present include Artocarpus macrocarpon, Dimocarpus longan and Carica papaya. Not all these orchard areas are still well looked after and some have been left untreated for a while.
This LR has medium value in terms of crop production and being agricultural is relatively tolerant to change although trees generally take longer to grow and produce than crops so ability to accommodate change is medium. Overall this LR is considered to have medium sensitivity.
KLR 12 – Rural Development Area
Refers to traditional villages, modern villages and small scale, low rise residential areas of lower density dominated by domestic structures (mainly of 2-3 stories) interwoven with roads and paths, but limited other infrastructure. There are some Ancestral Halls, shrines and temples, and this LR may also contain limited facilities such as small police stations, post offices, and covered water reservoirs and pumping stations and some small, managed, recreational areas (such as football and basketball pitches) and small wasteland areas either wholly or partly covered by weedy or sparse vegetation. This LR often has small orchard areas associated with it (most commonly planted fruit tree species are Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis, Clausena lansium, Mangifera indica and Citrus maxima) and private gardens, as well as amenity planting among the built structures. This LR usually occurs in fragmented patches with agricultural or natural landscape resources adjacent to it.
Within the Study Area of the KTN NDA (DP5) this LR is mainly found in Ho Sheung Heung, Long Valley, Ngam Pin, along Fanling Highway, as well as in the central area of Kwu Tung. This LR also includes water reservoir and rifle range.
12.1	Ho Sheung Heung Rural Development Area	Medium	Medium	Low	Medium
Ho Sheung Heung village is bounded by Ho Sheung Heung Pai Fung Road and Chung Kuk Path. In the vicinity (but not part of this LR), there is Ho Sheung Heung Fung Shui Woodland and agricultural land in which water ponds are scattered. Although the village could be classified as relatively modern due to the fact many houses have been replaced by modern housing blocks of 2-3 storeys, some of the residential houses are identified as Historic Buildings (refer to Chapter 11), with Hau Kui Shek Ancestral Hall, a Declared Monument, located on the middle of the village and two Grade 3 listed buildings, Hung Hing Temple & Pail Fung Temple and ‘Sin Wai Nunnery’ located in the south of the village. The whole village is mostly hard-surfaced and has limited softscape treatment but does include some trees (e.g. Dimocarpus longan, Litchi chinensis and Clausena lansium) and private amenity planting (e.g. Plumeria rubra and Thuja orientalis).
Although most of the houses in Ho Sheung Heung Village are relatively modern, the ancestral hall and graded historic buildings are vulnerable to change since they cannot be easily recreated and overall this LR has medium sensitivity.
12.2	Rural Development Area in Long Valley, Yin Kong, Tsung Pak Long and Hak Ka Wai	Medium	High	Low	High
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR lies between the Shek Sheung River and Fanling Highway to the southeast of Long Valley. It covers three villages: Yin Kong Village, Hak Ka Wai and Tsung Pak Long.
Yin Kong Village is a traditional village undergoing transformation. Some of the existing residential houses in the northern part of the village are identified as historical buildings. Earth shrines associated with Fung Shui Trees (Ficus microcarpa in most cases) are present including the Grade 2 listed Earth God Shrine of Kam Tsin historic building. In addition an old western styled Enchi Lodge (Grade 2 historic building) is located on the southern part of the village. Between the northern and southern parts of the village there is grassland which would have been agricultural land in the past. On the other hand, the modern aspect of Yin Kong Village is presented by many well-established modern village houses as well as facilities such as small-scaled playgrounds.
Hak Ka Wai is a traditional village with around 100 years of history. It consists of two rows of residences, an ancestral hall (the Wong Shek Chung Ancestral Hall), a study hall, an entrance gate, enclosing walls and a watch tower. This village is a Grade 1 historic building.
Tsung Pak Long is a traditional village undergoing transformation. It contains ancestral halls, earth shrines, a school and a church in traditional style to its northwest. Most areas within this LR are hard-surfaced and have limited vegetation except those private amenity plantings, in which fruit trees Dimocarpus longan, Carica papaya and Citrus reticulata and landscaping shrub Duranta erecta and Murraya paniculata are commonly found.
The historic buildings located in this LR, particularly the relatively large area of Hak Ka Wai village, cannot be easily recreated and this LR is relatively intolerant to change. Overall it is considered to have high sensitivity.
12.9	Rural Development Area in Shek Tsai Leng, Tong Kok, Fung Kong and Tit Hang	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Rural area in Shek Tsai Leng mainly includes Dills Corner Garden and its associated facilities. Dills Corner Garden is located along Po Lau Road and is a home for the aged. It contains several rows of 2-storey houses and is enclosed by fences. Except for several individual, large trees along the fences (mostly Ficus microcarpa), this area is almost entirely hard-surfaced with limited landscaping. Nevertheless, well maintained trees are planted along the roads in this area and dominant species include Acacia confusa and Melaleuca quinquenervia. There is also a soccer pitch, playground and school in this area.
The rural area in Tong Kok, Fung Kong and Tit Hang contains loosely grouped village houses in traditional style, with some graves of Hau clan scattered in the northern part of Fung Kong Tsuen. All the villages are mostly hard-surfaced with small houses and winding paths and have limited softscape treatment but do include some abandoned fruit trees (e.g. Dimocarpus longan, Citrus maxima, Musa x paradisiaca and Clausena lansium) and private amenity planting.
This is a LR with a medium capacity to tolerate change and its sensitivity is considered to be medium.
12.10	Lo Wu Rifle Range	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Lo Wu Rifle Range is located between Fung Kong Shan and the Tai Shek Mo mountain. It is a large piece of grassland for military purpose. Many mature trees grow naturally in the surroundings, including Bauhinia blakeana, Macaranga tanarius, Celtis sinensis and Leucaena leucocephala.
This LR is a man-made area but it is green land not hard surface and so has a medium tolerance to change. The sensitivity of this LR is medium.
12.11	Rural Development Area in Ma Tso Lung	Low to Medium	Medium	Low	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR refers to the rural area at Ma Tso Lung on the northwest of the KTN NDA Study Area. It mainly covers two villages, i.e. Ma Tso Lung San Tsuen and Shun Yee San Tsuen, which are relatively small, mainly consisting of more traditional houses of a single storey. Trees associated with this area include some fruit trees such as Diospyros kaki, Musa x paradisiaca and Dimocarpus longan as well as other native and exotic trees such as Bauhinia blakeana, Leucaena leucocephala, and Bombax ceiba.
Although these structures cannot be recreated easily and have low ability to accommodate change, their landscape quality and maturity are not high and overall this LR has medium sensitivity.
KLR 13 - Industrial / Open Storage
Refers to areas which are heavily adapted for human industrial use, such as factory facilities, waste processing plants and other industrial buildings, often with some open areas for storage, parking or other associated activities. There is very little existing vegetation within this LR.
Within the Study Area of KTN NDA, this LR is mainly found in areas adjacent to villages and main roads, such as Yin Kong industrial / open storage, Shek Tsai Leng, Tong Kok and Fung Kong open storage and Pak Shek Au open storage. It also includes Sheung Shui Slaughter House, Sheung Shui Water Treatment Works and Shek Wu Hui Sewage Treatment Works. This LR can also be found at the foothill of more natural LRs, often on flatter land and includes Ki Lung Shan Foothill industrial / open storage.
13.2	Industrial / Open Storage Area in Yin Kong	Low	Low	High	Low
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This is an isolated plot beside Yin Kong Village and is now mainly used for open storage and car park. Trees growing within this LR include Macaranga tanarius, Ficus microcarpa, Celtis sinensis, Araucaria heterophylla, Carica papaya, Artocarpus macrocarpon and Syzygium jambos.
This LR predominantly consists of man-made structures which have a high capacity to tolerate change and have low landscape value. This LR is considered to have low sensitivity.
13.3	Industrial/Open Storage in Shek Tsai Leng, Tong Kok and Fung Kong	Low	Low	Medium	Low
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR is located around the villages of Shek Tsai Leng, Fung Kong and Tong Kok and is generally in the middle of the KTN NDA Study Area. This continuous area is largely used for open storage and car parks and has a network of small road running within it, some with associated concrete drainage channels. It also has several waste processing plants within this LR. In addition, this LR has two graded historic buildings, one just west of where the Sheung Yue River flows under Fanling Highway (Yeung Yuen Grade 3 listed building) and one in Shek Tsai Leng (Yan Wah Lo Grade 3 listed building). (Further details can be found in Chapter 11).
Trees within this LR are not actively managed and grasses occupy many places between the car parks. Tree species commonly found in the area include Macaranga tanarius, Celtis sinensis, Bauhinia blakeana, Mallotus paniculatus, Ficus microcarpa, Acacia confusa, Casuarina equisetifolia, Leucaena leucocephala, Hibiscus tiliaceus, Dimocarpus longan, Livistona chinensis, Morus alba, Psidium guajava and Artocarpus macrocarpon. This LR predominantly consists of man made structures which have a high capacity to tolerate change and have low landscape value. The exceptions are the two graded historic buildings which have low ability to change and are rarer, but since they form a very small part of this LR, overall it is considered to have low sensitivity.
KLR 14 – Major Transportation Corridor
Refers to Fanling Highway running west-east along the south of the Study Area, all the associated major intersections and key adjacent roads including Castle Peak Road. There is tree planting along the sides of the roads consisting of a variety of indigenous and exotic species. In addition, there is some planting along the central divider (median) in some sections, including of amenity shrubs. Drainage channels associated with the roads/highway are considered part of this LR as they are an integral function of the roadscape.
14.1	Fanling Highway and nearby associated roads.	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LR sits outside the works area and will not be affected. This LR is includes the Fanling Highway (Kwu Tung section), Castle Peak Road running parallel and nearby associated roads, which are the major transportation routes connecting Kwu Tung to its adjacent areas. The roads run west-east along the south of the Study Area and there are areas of established roadside planting along the sides of the roads as well as in the central divider (median) in some sections, including of amenity shrubs. In addition along parts of the roads, there are open drainage channels lined by the roadside planting. Trees commonly used for roadside planting in this area include Melaleuca quinquenervia, Bombax ceiba, Ficus microcarpa, Casuarina equisetifolia, Acacia confusa and Bauhinia blakeana.
Despite being a man-made resource, the landscape value of this LR is increased by the significant roadside planting; a single OVT also sits within this area but considered separately (See KLR-5.4). The overall sensitivity is considered to be medium

Table 12B.3.2 - Landscape Character Areas and their Sensitivity- KTN NDA (DP5)

Id No.	Landscape Character Area (LCA)	Quality & Maturity (High /Medium /Low)	Rarity (High /Medium /Low)	Ability to Accommodate Change (High /Medium /Low)	Sensitivity (High /Medium /Low)
KLCA-1	Natural Hillside Landscape	High	High	Low	High
This LCA sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Refers to large hillside areas which are dominated by shrubland, grassland and some woodland in places.
Within the Study Area for KTN NDA this LCA encompasses Tai Shek Mo (183 mPD), Western Range of Tai Shek Mo (Ma Tso Lung and Lok Ma Chau) (144 mPD), Ki Lun Shan (222 mPD), and Fung Kong Shan (40 mPD).
Tai Shek Mo lies to the north of the Study Area. The primary ridgeline extends southward while the Western Range ridgeline runs approximately NE-SW, covering Ma Tso Lung and Lok Ma Chau. These two sections of LCA are separated by lower land and to their south the smaller Fung Kong Shan is found.
Ki Lun Shan lies to the south west of the Study Area.
This landscape area is natural and has high landscape quality. Its significance is also high and it is not capable tolerate to change. Therefore its sensitivity is considered to be high.
KLCA-2	Rural and Urban Peripheral Village Landscape	Medium	Low	Medium	Medium
Refers to rural village areas and village areas on the fringes of urban developments, including relic landscapes of former villages. This LCA is dominated by small or medium sized villages with modern and traditional houses and some Ancestral Halls, interspersed with small agricultural plots and comprises a broad mix of other land uses including water ponds, schools, sports grounds, and playgrounds, some open storage areas and car parks, and a golf course to the southeast of Kwu Tung. This LCA also has some small patches of woodland as well as vegetation associated with the villages and park areas.
Within the Study Area for KTN NDA this LCA is found to the west near the San Tin Interchange, in the east at the Shek Sheung River and the area east of this river, and more centrally bordering Ma Tso Lung Road, Shek Tsai Leng and east of Fung Kong Shan.
This LCA is considered to have medium tolerance to change and moderate amenity value. Its sensitivity is therefore medium.
KLCA-4	Industrial Landscape	Low	Low	High	Low
This LCA sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Refers to areas comprising a broad mix of land uses including factories, utility facilities, workshops, open storage and some channelized water courses. It is normally located on low lying ground or at the base of hills and may include small and fragmented areas of residential houses and their associated agricultural land. There is little significant vegetation among this built environment, but small patches of vegetation do exist, particularly along the channelized river.
Within the Study Area for KTN DPs this LCA is found to the west near the San Tin Interchange, in the east at the Shek Sheung River and the area east of this river, and more centrally bordering Ma Tso Lung Road, Shek Tsai Leng and east of Fung Kong Shan.
This LCA usually contains abandoned facilities that are able to accommodate change. Except for the significant planting along the Ng Tung River, most areas in this LCA have little vegetation, resulting in a low landscape amenity. Therefore, its sensitivity is considered to be low.
KLCA-5	Lowland Agricultural Landscape	Medium	Medium	Low	High
Refers to large areas dominated by cultivated land with scattered small villages and low-rise buildings and may also include some fishponds and irrigation ponds. This LCA is mostly found among lowlands and floodplain areas.
Within the Study Area the key area of this LCA is found at Long Valley which is a highly sensitive LR in itself. And there are also some isolated farmlands at Chau Tau and Ma Tso Lung. Tree vegetation is generally sparse and restricted to field boundaries, adjacent to local houses and, together with bamboo, along the banks of Sheung Yue River. The value and significance of the LCA is high, largely due to it encompassing the high quality, contiguous agricultural land of the core Long Valley area. It has little tolerance to change and its sensitivity is considered to be high.
KLCA-6	Major Transportation Corridor Landscape	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium
This LCA sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Refers to major highway and railway areas, with their scattered associated buildings. Within the Study Area for KTN DPs, Fanling Highway is a major transport route stretching in an east west direction located at the south boundary of the Study Area. It has two key connection junctions at Fan Kam Road to the east and San Sham Road to the west. In addition, the MTRC East Rail leading to the Lo Wu Station runs south-north in the east of the study area. Lok Ma Chau Spur Line branches off from Sheung Shui Railway Station to Lok Ma Chau Station, of which this section is underground passing through KTN NDA. The resource is considered to be highly tolerance to change and its sensitivity is medium.
KLCA-7	Major Water Course Corridor Landscape	Medium	High	Medium	Medium
This LCA sits outside the works area and will not be affected. Refers to modified water courses channelised with concrete or grasscrete and also includes the vegetation associated with the water course, both within the channel and along the banks as well as in the ridge of the banks. Within the Study Area of KTN NDA this LR includes the Ng Tung River, Sheung Yue River and Shek Sheung River. The landscape amenity and significance of this LCA are medium to high. Due to its partially artificial state, it is relatively tolerant to change and its sensitivity is considered to be medium.

Table 12B.6.1 Magnitude of Change on LRs (DP 5)

Note - For LRs where no impact is recorded, these are omitted.

LR Code	Name	DPs and Site No. (Land Use Type) Impacting LR		Area of LR within study area and within DP boundary (ha) or length (m or Km)	Physical extent of the impact (Small/ Medium/ Large)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Good /Fair /Poor)			Duration of Impact (Temporary [Short/Medium term], Permanent)				Reversibility of Change (Reversible/ Irreversible)			Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
LR Code	Name	DPs and Site No. (Land Use Type) Impacting LR			Physical extent of the impact (Small/ Medium/ Large)	Construction		Operation	Construction		Operation		Construction		Operation	Construction	Operation
KLR 1	Channelized Water Course
1.3	Sheung Yue River	DP5: New Sewage Pumping Stations		Study Area: 9.6ha / 1.12km SP Boundary 0.003ha / 50m	Small	Fair		Fair	Temporary Short Term		Permanent		Reversible		Reversible	Small	Small
1.3	Sheung Yue River	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation DP 5 – SPS South of Ho Sheung Heung The new DP will be built close the river frontage. A small section of the upper engineered river bank, forming part of the existing access track would be affected by the proposed construction works. Minor vegetation clearance works would be required as well as breaking out of hard surfacing. Given the previous engineering works within this area as part of the river channelisation, the compatibility of the works is considered to be fair in construction and operation. As a result of the very small scale of the impacted area and the man-made nature of the piece of landscape affected, the overall magnitude of change for this LR is considered to be small during both construction and operation.
KLR 8	Shrubland/ Grassland Mosaic
8.3	Shrubland/ Grassland Mosaic in Tai Shek Mo and the Western Ranges Foothills	DP5: New Sewage Pumping Stations		Study Area: 38ha DP Boundary 0.27ha	Small	Poor		Poor	Temporary Short Term		Permanent		Reversible		Irreversible	Small	Negligible
8.3		Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation DP 5 – SPS South of Ma Tso Lung Shrubland vegetation would be cleared and the works area filled to raise the formation level up to the correct height. Boundary walling will be erected together with internal area of hard standing for vehicular access within the compound. The SPS building will be housed within this compound area. The construction would replace the semi-natural vegetation cover with a building and associated compound area involving a permanent loss of the LR; in this case the compatibility during construction and operation is considered to be poor. As a result of the overall small scale of the works and the large scale abundance of the LR in the wider landscape, the magnitude of change is considered to be small in construction and negligible in operation.
KLR 9	Agricultural Land
9.3	Agricultural Lands in Shek Tsai Leng, Tong Kok and Fung Kong	DP5: New Sewage Pumping Station		Study Area: 9.4ha DP Boundary: 0.22ha	Small	Poor		Poor		Temporary Medium Term	Permanent		Reversible		Irreversible	Small	Negligible
		Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation DP 5 – SPS South of Ho Sheung Heung A small area of agricultural land would be cleared and the works area filled to raise the formation level up to the correct height. Boundary walling will be erected together with internal an area of hard standing for vehicular access within the compound. The SPS building will be housed within this compound area. The construction would replace the semi-natural vegetation cover with a building and compound area; in this case the compatibility during construction and operation is considered to be poor. As a result of the overall scale of the works located on the fringe of this LR, the magnitude of change is considered to be small in construction and negligible in operation.
9.5	Other Orchards in KTN	DP5: New Sewage Pumping Station		Study Boundary 2.9ha DP Boundary 0.003ha	Small		Fair	Good		Temporary Short Term		Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible		Negligible	Negligible
	Other Orchards in KTN	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation DP 5 – SPS South of Ma Tso Lung An extremely small area of orchard would be affected; at most some minor clipping of trees may be required in terms of overhang tree limbs into the site area. In addition some minor earthworks may be required in order to construct a level foundation for the proposed pumping station. Given the small scale nature of the works, the compatibility during construction is considered to be fair. In operation the works will affect only a small area on the periphery of this resource therefore the compatibility is considered to be good. The construction are is very small and will have limited impact on the LR therefore the magnitude of change during construction and operation is considered to be negligible.
KLR 12	Rural Development Area
12.1	Ho Sheung Heung Rural Development Area	DP5: New Sewage Pumping Station	Study Boundary 11.23ha DP Boundary 0.008ha		Small		Good	Good		Temporary Short Term		Permanent	Reversible		Irreversible	Negligible	Negligible
12.1	Ho Sheung Heung Rural Development Area	Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation DP 5 – SPS South of Ho Sheung Heung A very small area of this LR will be affected by site formation. Given the previously development nature of this LR and small area concerned the compatibility of the works during construction and operation are considered to be good. Again, due to the very small area concerned and good compatibility, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible during construction and operation.

Table 12B.6.2 Magnitude of Change on LCAs (DP5)

Note - For LCAs where no impact is recorded, these are omitted.

LCA Code	Name	*Site No. (Land Use Type) Impacting LCA**	Area of LCA affected within DP boundary (ha) (Approx. percentage of this impacted)	Physical extent of the impact (Small/ Medium/ Large)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Good /Fair /Poor)		Duration of Impact (Temporary [Short/Medium term], Permanent)		Reversibility of Change (Reversible/ Irreversible)		Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
LCA Code	Name	*Site No. (Land Use Type) Impacting LCA**		Physical extent of the impact (Small/ Medium/ Large)	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
KLCA-2	Rural and Urban Peripheral Village Landscape	This LCA is affected by site: DP 5: New Sewage Pumping Station	Study Area: 84.4ha DP Boundary 0.17	Small	Fair	Fair	Temporary Short Term	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Negligible	Negligible
		Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation DP 5 – SPS South of Ma Tso Lung Construction of the SPS would require vegetation clearance and cut and fill work to raise the formation level up to the correct height. Boundary walling will be erected together with internal an area of hard standing for vehicular access within the compound. The SPS building will be housed within this compound area. The construction would replace the semi-natural vegetation cover with a building and associated compound footprint; in this case the compatibility during construction and operation is considered to be fair given the developed nature of the LCA. As a result of the overall scale of the works and the limited impact this would have on the wider LCA, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible in both construction and operation.
KLCA-5	Lowland Agricultural Landscape	This LCA is affected by site: DP 5: New Sewage Pumping Station	Study Boundary: 48.7ha DP Boundary 0.36ha	Small	Poor	Poor	Temporary Short Term	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Negligible	Negligible
		Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation DP 5 – SPS South of Ho Sheung Heung & DP 5 – SPS South of Ma Tso Lung Construction of the SPSs would require vegetation clearance and cut and fill work to raise the formation level up to the correct height. Boundary walling will be erected together with internal an area of hard standing for vehicular access within the compound. The SPS building will be housed within this compound area. The construction would intrude into this relatively undeveloped open landscape area and replace a piece of farmland, it is therefore considered to have poor compatibility during construction and operation. As a result of the overall scale of the works and the limited impact this would have on the wider LCA, the magnitude of change is considered to be negligible in both construction and operation.

Table 12B.8.1 Significance of landscape impacts on LRs (DP5)

LR Code	Name	LR Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Magnitude of Impact (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible		Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
LR Code	Name	LR Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
KLR 1	Channelized Water Course
1.3	Sheung Yue River	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight
KLR 8	Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic
8.3	Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic in Tai Shek Mo and the Western Range Foothills	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
KLR 9	Agricultural Land
9.3	Agricultural Lands in Shek Tsai Leng, Tong Kok and Fung Kong	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insignificant
9.5	Other Orchards in KTN	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
KLR 12	Rural Development Area
12.1	Ho Sheung Heung Rural Development Area	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant

In summary for the LRs, slight adverse impacts are predicted at the construction stage for KLR1.4 Sheung Yue River, KLR 8.3 Shrubland/ Grassland Mosaic in Tai Shek Mo and the Western Range Foothills and KLR 9.3 Agricultural Lands in Shek Tsai Leng and Fung Kong due to vegetation clearance, earthworks works and subsequent construction of both SPSs. Due to the very small footprint of the works, impacts during the operational stage are considered to be slight to KLR 1.4 and insignificant to KLR 8.3 and 9.3.

The remaining LRs will all experience insignificant impacts at the construction and operational stage due to minimal interference as a result of the construction works.

Table 12B.6.2 Significance of Impacts on LCAs (DP5)

LCA Code	Name	LCA Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Magnitude of Impact (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible		Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
LCA Code	Name	LCA Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
KLCA 2	Rural and Urban Peripheral Village Landscape	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant
KLCA 5	Lowland Agricultural Landscape	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insignificant	Insignificant

In summary for the LCAs, insignificant impacts are predicted during the construction and operational stage in relation to KLCA 5 Lowland Agricultural Landscape andKLCA-2 Rural and Urban Peripheral Village Landscape. In both cases the construction footprint is very small and will have a limited influence on the surrounding LCAs.

12B.9 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction and Operation

The proposed mitigation measures for the Project are described in the following section and summarised in Table 12B.9.1 below. The same table also lists the agents responsible for the capital funding, the implementation and the maintenance of the suggested measures. These agents will be agreed before the start of construction. Mitigation measures which are not relevant to this DP have been omitted.

Table 12B.9.1 - Summary of Proposed Mitigation Measures

Mitigation Measure Code	Summary Description	Capital Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Post-Construction Maintenance Agency^{(^[1])}
MM1	Minimum Topographical Change	Government	Contractors of the Government	n/a
MM2	Detailed Design - Visual	Government	Contractors of the Government	DSD
MM4	Tree Protection & Preservation	Government	Contractors of the Government	n/a
MM5	Tree Transplantation	Government	Contractors of the Government	DSD
MM6	Slope Landscaping	Government	Contractors	DSD
MM7	Compensatory Planting	Government	Contractors of the Government	DSD
MM9	Vertical Greening	Government	Contractors of the Government	DSD
MM10	Green Roof	Government	Contractors of the Government	DSD
MM11	Screen Planting	Government	Contractors of the Government	DSD
MM14.3	Watercourse Impact Mitigation – Enhancement Planting along Embankment	Government/Private Section	Contractors of the Government/Private Sector	DSD/LCSD/AFCD
MM16	Screen Hoarding	Government	Contractors of the Government	n/a
MM17	Light Control	Government	Contractors of the Government	n/a

Minimising Topographical Change (MM1)

To minimise landscape and visual impacts, the footprint and elevation of the proposed SPS have been be optimised to reduce potential topographical/ landform changes, as well as reduce land take and interference with natural terrain and reduce overall earth movements.

Detailed Design (Visual) (MM2)

The footprint of development components and the works area should also be kept to a practical minimum and the detailed design of development components for construction stage should follow the Sustainable Building Design Guidelines. The form, textures, finishes and colours of the proposed SPS buildings and boundary treatment should aim to be compatible with the existing surroundings. To improve visual amenity, designs should be aesthetically pleasing and treatment of structures also improve visual amenity. For example natural building materials such as stone and timber should be considered for architectural features, and light earthy tone colours such as shades of green, shades of grey, shades of brown and off-white should also be considered to reduce the visibility of the development components.

The treatment of the SPS facades and boundary should also reflect the materials and architectural styles of the surrounding proposed development in order to maximise visual integration.

Green roofs have also been recommended (See MM10).

Tree Protection & Preservation (MM4)

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

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

Tree Transplantation (MM5)

Trees unavoidably affected by the Project works should be transplanted where practical. Trees should be transplanted straight to their final receptor site and not held in a temporary nursery as far as possible. A detailed Tree Transplanting Specification shall be provided in the Contract Specification, where applicable. Sufficient time for necessary tree root and crown preparation periods shall be allowed in the project programme. A detailed transplanting proposal will be submitted to relevant government departments for approval in accordance with ETWBTC 2/2004 and 3/2006 and HyD HQ/GN/13 Interim Guidelines for Tree Transplanting Works under Highways Department's Vegetation Maintenance Ambit. Transplanted trees should be located as close as possible to the works area.

Slope Landscaping (MM6)

Site formation has been reduced as far as possible to avoid substantial slope cutting (also see MM1).

Hydroseeding of modified slopes should be done as soon as grading works are completed to prevent erosion and subsequent loss of landscape resources and character. Woodland tree seedlings and/ or shrubs should be planted where the slope gradient and site conditions allow. In addition, landscape planting should be provided for the retaining structures associated with modified slopes, where conditions allow. All slope landscaping works should comply with GEO Publication No. 1/2011-Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment for Slopes.

Compensatory Planting (MM7)

Compensatory tree planting for all felled trees shall be provided to the satisfaction of relevant Government departments. Required numbers and locations of compensatory trees shall be determined and agreed separately with Government during the Tree Felling Application process under ETWBTC 3/2006. Compensatory planting is proposed directly around the SPSs to tie in with MM11 proposals.

Vertical Greening (MM9)

Planting of climbers to grow up vertical surfaces were appropriate, such as along perimeter fencing/walling and building walls are recommended to break up uniform surfaces and provide visual amenity.

Green Roof (MM10)

Roof greening where appropriate should be established on proposed buildings to reduce exposure to untreated concrete surfaces and particularly mitigate visual impact to VSRs at higher elevations.

Screen Planting (MM11)

Tall screen/buffer trees and shrubs should be planted to screen proposed structures such as roads and buildings. This measure may additionally form part of the compensatory planting and will improve compatibility with the surrounding landscape.

Watercourse Impact Mitigation (MM14)

For channelized watercourses if these are modified, they should match the existing and include enhancement planting to upgrade the channels as appropriate, including consideration of wetland planting along embankments where appropriate.

Enhancement Planting along Embankment MM14.3

For channelised watercourses, if these are modified, the Drainage Services Department Practice Note No.1/2005 – Guidelines on Environmental Considerations for River Channel Design, should be considered and appropriate mitigation measures included ensuring the new watercourses match the existing as far as possible. Measures can include enhancement planting to upgrade the channels as appropriate, including consideration of wetland planting along embankments where appropriate; as well as consideration of the best materials for the channel lining (e.g. gabion). All measures must also ensure any necessary maintenance work can be carried out and that the channel meets all its requirements for water flow.

The proposed construction of the SPS south of Ho Sheung Heung will interface with the upper access track of the Sheung Yeung River. As stated above, the replacement channel works should match the existing and where possible include enhancement planting.

Screen Hoarding (MM16)

Screen hoarding shall be erected along areas of the construction works site boundary where the works site borders publically accessible routes and/or is close to visually sensitive receivers (VSRs), to screen undesirable views of the works site. It is proposed that the screening be compatible with the surrounding environment and where possible, non-reflective, recessive colours be used.

Light Control (MM17)

Construction day and night time lighting should be controlled to minimise glare impact to adjacent VSRs during the construction stage. Shrouded or directional lighting should be considered where appropriate as a general good practice construction measure but especially where works are in close proximity to residential VSRs.

Other good practise measures.

For areas unavoidably disturbed by the Project on a short term basis which will not undergo change as part of the DP (schedule 2 & 3 works), the general principle is to reinstate the area back to its original condition. Equally reinforced turf systems should be considered for appropriate areas such as car-parks or promenades.

With regard to topsoil, where identified, it should be stripped, treated appropriately, and where suitable and practical stored for re-use in the construction of the soft landscape works such as roadside amenity strips, and open space sites. It is assumed that the topmost 100mm of soil surface will be topsoil material. This good site practice and will also minimize off-site disposal.

For the all planting, this should be installed as soon as the areas become available, to achieve early establishment.

12B.10 Significance of Residual Landscape Impacts upon mitigation

The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures, as described in Section 12B.10, have been applied to the various impacts and used to identify potential residual impacts.

The potential significance of landscape impacts during the construction and operational phases, before and after mitigation at day 1 and year 10, are provided in Tables 12A.10.1 and 12A.10.2. The tables assume that the appropriate mitigation measures have been applied and that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be fully realised and established after 10 years.

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

Landscape mitigation measures are presented on Figures 12.52.61 & 62.

LR Code	Name	Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)	Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance UPON Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
KLR 1	Channelized Water Course
1.3	Sheung Yue River	Slight	Slight	1, 14.3	4	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
KLR 8	Shrubland/ Grassland Mosaic
8.3	Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic in Tai Shek Mo and the Western Range Foothills	Slight	Insignificant	1, 4, 5, 6, 7	4	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
KLR 9	Agricultural Land
9.3	Agricultural Lands in Shek Tsai Leng, Tong Kok and Fung Kong	Slight	Insignificant	1, 4, 5, 7	4	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
9.4	Other Orchards in KTN	Insignificant	Insignificant	1, 4	n/a	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant
KLR 12	Rural Development Area
12.1	Ho Sheung Heung Rural Development Area	Insignificant	Insignificant	1, 4, 5, 7	4	Insignificant	Insignificant	Insignificant

VP CODE	Name	Category of VSR (Strategic/ District/ Local)	Type of VSR	Approximate Closest Viewing Distance (m) to Proposed Schedule 2 DP	Number of Individuals (Very Many / Many / Few / Very Few)	Quality of Existing View (Good / Fair / Poor)	Availability of Alternative Views (Yes / No)	Degree of Visibility (Full / Partial / Glimpse)	Duration of view (Long, Medium, Short)	Frequency of View (Very Frequent / Frequent / Occasional / Rare)	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)
KVP8	Ying Kong Village	Local	Residential – Low Rise	275	Many	Fair	Yes	Partial	Long	Frequent	High
Views from edge of agricultural plots fronting Ying Kong Village provide low level views across open and well managed farmland; this is crossed by numerous telegraph poles and intermittent agricultural buildings which detract from the quality of the views. The dense and uniform screening provided by mature tree planting in the middle ground restricts long distance view however the peaks and ridgeline of mountains in the distance appear above the tree cover, such as the varied and steep terrain of Tai Shek Mo. The DP (SPS South of Ho Sheung Heung) would appear in the middle ground of the view sitting within an existing tree belt.
KVP9 (K6b)	Ho Sheung Heung	Local	Residential - Low Rise	100	Many	Good	No	Glimpse	Long	Frequent	High
Residential view from the southern portion of Ho Sheung Heung looking south west over large area of surface parking on un-made ground and broken areas of vegetation. These activities have degraded the quality of the view in the foreground however; better quality long distance views are possible to the hillside of Ki Lun Shan beyond the Long Valley. The nature of the view is very open and apart from the car parking in the foreground, the landscape appears relatively undeveloped in terms of built form. The DP (SPS South of Ho Sheung Heung) would appear in the middle ground beyond the existing un-surfaced car parking areas within an existing tree belt.
KVP12	Ma Tso Lung Shun Yee San Tsuen Village	Local	Residential – Low Rise	300	Few	Good	Yes	Partial	Long	Frequent	High
This view is taken from midway long the access road running past the village at an opening overlooking the adjacent agricultural land. The landscape to the south of the village is generally level which allows long distance views towards the mountains and ridgelines within Lam Tsuen Country Park. Pockets of woodland planting throughout this lowland area conceal other development and enhance a strong rural character. The DP (SPS South of Ma Tso Lung) would appear in the middle ground of the view across the open field in the foreground just beyond several isolated tree clumps.

VP (Yes [Y]/ blank)	VSR Code (Code for other NDA)	Name	VSR Category (Strategic/ District/ Local)	Key Designated Projects (DPs)/ Sites with Structures causing Visual Impact (Land Use Type)*	Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Nil)	Approximate Closest Viewing Distance to Proposed NDA (m)	Scale of Development (Large/ Medium/ Small)	Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (Good /Fair /Poor)	Duration of Impact (Temporary [Short/Medium term], Permanent)	Reversibility of Change (Reversible/ Irreversible)	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
	KVP8	Ying Kong Tsuen Village	Local	DP5 SPS South of Ho Sheung Heung	Nil	275	Small	Fair	Fair	Temporary [Medium]	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
		Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation Vegetation clearance within the footprint of the site will be visible during the construction period however, due to the elevation of this view it is unlikely that views of any ground works would be possible. In operation it is predicted that the south eastern elevation of the SPS and associated perimeter wall would be partly visible through the trees. As a result of the small scale nature of the development, it is considered that the compatibility of the work in construction and operation would be fair. In the future the NDA development would for the backdrop to the SPS which would further enhance its compatibility. Due to the limited size of the proposed built form and the wide angle of the views across this open landscape, the magnitude of change during construction would be small, as the built form is likely to remain partly visible from this point during operation the magnitude of change would remain small.
Y	KVP9 (K6b)	Ho Sheung Heung	Local	DP5 SPS South of Ho Sheung Heung	Partial	100	Small	Fair	Fair	Temporary [Medium]	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Small	Negligible
		Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation Vegetation clearance within the footprint of the site will be visible during the construction period however, due to the elevation of this view it is unlikely that views of any ground works would be possible. In operation it is predicted that the north tip of the roof structure would be visible over the top of the low vegetation in the intervening ground in the view. As a result of the small scale nature of the development, it is considered that the compatibility of the work in construction and operation would be fair. In the future the SPS would be fully integrated into the surrounding NDA development which would further enhance its compatibility. Due to the limited extent of the building that would be visible and the disturbed nature of the landscape in the foreground, the magnitude of change during construction would be small, reducing to negligible during operation.
Y	KVP12	Ma Tso Lung Shun Yee San Tsuen Village	Local	DP5 SPS South of Ma Tso Lung	Partial	300	Small	Poor	Fair	Temporary [Short]	Permanent	Reversible	Irreversible	Small	Small
		Description of Key Impacts during Construction and Operation Vegetation clearance and ground works are likely to be visible during the construction period in the middle ground of the view however, due to the sloping topography; lower level views of the development may be concealed. In operation it is predicted that the northern elevation of the perimeter wall would be visible including the internal SPS building roof structure. Initially the development would appear in an area which undeveloped and rural in appearance, in this regard it is considered that the development would have a poor compatibility during construction. The KTN NDA development will form an urban backdrop in the future; in this case the compatibility is likely to be fair. Due to the limited size of the building and the broad panoramic nature of the views across this open landscape, the magnitude of change during construction would be small, as the built form is likely to remain partly visible from this point during operation the magnitude of change would remain small.

VSR Code (Code for other NDA)	Name	VSR Category (Strategic/ District/ Local)	VSR Type	VSR Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)	Impact Significance BEFORE Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)	Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance UPON Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insignificant)
Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation Day 1	Operation Year 10
KVP8	Ying Kong Village	Local	Residential - Low Rise	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	2, 4, 11,16, 17	9, 10, 11, 12, 17	Slight	Slight	Insignificant
KVP9 (K6b)	Ho Sheung Heung	Local	Residential - Low Rise	High	Small	Negligible	Moderate	Negligible	2, 4, 11, 16, 17	9, 10, 11, 12, 17	Slight	Insignificant	Insignificant
KVP12	Ma Tso Lung Shun Yee San Tsuen Village	Local	Residential - Low Rise	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	2, 7, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17	7, 9, 10, 11, 16, 17	Slight	Slight	Insignificant

The significant visual impacts due to each SPS are provided below together with a description of the effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures.

VSRs in very close proximity with more entire views will experience slightly more prolonged impacts as development works will occupy a greater proportion of the view and screening works / visual mitigation will require an establishment period before they take full effect.

VSRs in the vicinity of KVP 8 Ying Kong Village and KVP 9 Ho Sheung Heung and KVP 12 Ma Tso Lung Shun Yee San Tsuen Village would all experience moderate adverse visual impacts prior to mitigation in relation to the development during the construction stage, given that these are close hand views and the high sensitivity of these residential type VSRs. Screen hoarding works around the perimeter of the works area and light control during construction will assist in reducing visual impact together with protection and preservation of existing tree cover where possible. Measures to enhance the visual quality of the architectural form, textures, finishes and colours of the proposed SPS buildings and boundary treatment are considered to be effective in the visual integration of the buildings into the existing and future landscape setting especially during the construction and early operational stages. The treatment of the SPS facades and boundary should also reflect the materials and architectural styles of the surrounding proposed development in order to maximise visual integration. Vertical greening around the perimeter walling will also help to break up the uniform surfaces. A green roof will help to reduce the visibility of roofscape from elevated viewpoints. Compensation / screen planting will also be required around the perimeter of the buildings to break up the visibility of structures.

Due to the small extent of structure that would be visible from KVP9, the impact would reduce to insignificant at operation day 1 as the visual impact would principally be associated with the construction operations.

As elevations of the proposed structures will remain partially visible from KVP 8 and 12, slight adverse impacts will remain at operation day 1. These will reduce to insignificant by operation year 10 when screen planting and vertical greening will have taken full effect.

In the case of DP Package B, it is considered the potential visual impacts would be acceptable.

12B.14 Conclusion

12B.14.1 Landscape Character Areas

In summary for the LCAs, KLCA 2 Rural and Urban Peripheral Village Landscape and KLCA-5 Lowland Agricultural Landscape are both predicted to experience insignificant impacts during construction and operation due to the limited influence such small works areas would have on the wider LCAs. In both cases it is considered that through landscape mitigation measures that these structures can quickly be assimilated into the landscape and there would be no significant adverse residual impacts.

Mitigation measures in terms of limiting impacts on existing vegetation and topography have been recommended as best practice measures to ensure a high quality development for both LRs and LCAs which insignificant impact have been identified.

12B.14.2 Landscape Resources

In summary, KLR 1.3 Sheung Yue River is predicted to experience slight adverse impacts prior to mitigation. It is considered that mitigation measures proposed which consist of minimising topographical change and enhancement planting along the embankment of Sheung Yue River, the significance of impact will reduce to insignificant in the construction and operation stage.

KLR 8.3 Shrubland/Grassland Mosaic in Tai Shek Mo and the Western Range Foothills is predicted to experience slight adverse impacts during construction, prior to mitigation. It is considered that mitigation measures proposed which consist of preserving and protecting trees where possible, transplanting trees which cannot be retained insitu and compensating plating directly around the SPS will reduce this impact to insignificant in the construction and operational stage.

KLR 9.3 Agricultural Lands in Shek Tsai Leng, Tong Kok and Fung Kong is also predicted to experience slight adverse impacts during construction, prior to mitigation. It is considered that mitigation measures proposed which consist of preserving and protecting trees where possible, transplanting trees which cannot be retained insitu and compensating plating directly around the SPS will reduce this impact to insignificant in the construction and operational stage.

All other LR would experience insignificant impacts during construction and operation.

12B.14.3 Visual Impact

The significant visual impacts due to each SPS are provided below together with a description of the effectiveness of the recommended mitigation measures.

VSRs in the vicinity of KVP 8 Ying Kong Village and KVP 9 Ho Sheung Heung and KVP 12 Ma Tso Lung Shun Yee San Tsuen Village would all experience moderate adverse visual impacts prior to mitigation in relation to the development during the construction stage, given that these are close hand views and the high sensitivity of these residential type VSRs. Screen hoarding works around the perimeter of the works area together with light control during construction will assist in reducing visual impact together with protection and preservation of existing tree cover where possible. Measures to enhance the visual quality of the architectural form, textures, finishes and colours of the proposed SPS buildings and boundary treatment are considered to be effective in the visual integration of the buildings into the existing and future landscape setting. The treatment of the SPS facades and boundary should also reflect the materials and architectural styles of the surrounding proposed development in order to maximise visual integration. Vertical greening around the perimeter walling will also help to break up the uniform surfaces. A green roof will help to reduce the visibility of roofscape from elevated viewpoints. Compensation / screen planting will also be required around the perimeter of the buildings to break up the visibility of structures.

12B.14.4 Cumulative impacts

12B.14.5 KTN NDA

The assessment of impacts in relation to LRs and LCAs in this section has considered the construction of the Schedule 2 DPs in isolation so that it is possible to identify and quantify their specific influences and contributions to potential landscape and visual impacts within the wider NDA project. In general the construction footprint of the Schedule 2 DPs are significantly smaller than the Schedule 3 components and the associated impacts on LRs and LCAs are also far smaller. When considered together the impact of the Schedule 2 projects would not alter the outcome of the Schedule 3 assessment as this has taken into the account the same LRs/LCAs within broadly the same study area.

In terms of visual impact, the majority of the DPs will be integrated directly within or around the KTN NDA therefore in operation, they will be entirely screened from external views and would not generate any adverse visual impacts.

12B.14.6 Agreement No. CE38/2010(CE) Planning Study on Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai Cross-boundary Control Point and its Associated Connecting Roads in Hong Kong – Feasibility Study.

A new Boundary Control Point (BCP) is proposed to be constructed at Liantang/Heung Yuen Wai together with its connecting roads and other associated works. This project is remote from this DP and therefore would not generate any additional impact.

12B.14.7 Agreement No. CE53/2008(CE) Planning and Engineering Study on Development of Lok Ma Chau Loop - Investigation

The LMC Loop eastern connection road lies within the study area of KTN NDA; this will link to DP 4 (KTN NDA Road D1 to D5) distributor road south of Ma Tso Lung. This road would basically comprise a continuation of the DP4 works further to the north. This project is remote from this DP and therefore would not generate any additional impact.

12B.14.8 Widening of Tolo Highway/ Fanling Highway between Island House Interchange and Fanling (Stage 2)

This project will interface with DP1 Fanling Bypass Eastern section to the south east of Fanling. The tentative completion date of the project is from Yr 2015 to Yr 2018 but is still under review by HyD. This project is remote from this DP and therefore would not generate any additional impact.

12B.14.9 Construction of cycle tracks and the associated supporting facilities from Sha Po Tsuen to Shek Sheung River.

This project will interface with DP5 SPS south of Ho Heung Sheung however It is considered that these cycleway would be highly compatible with the DP works and that no significant negative impacts would be generated.

12B.14.10 Overall Conclusion

Due to the very small construction footprint and relative low sensitivity of the LRs and LCAs affected and limited number of associated VSRs of this DP, it is considered that potentially adverse landscape and visual impacts can be controlled through the implementation of construction and operational mitigation measures. The most effective measures in both locations arise from consideration of the architectural details and choice of materials, at the detailed design stage, so that the buildings would complement the future urban environment. Screen planting would be integrated into the proposed amenity planting within the surrounding landscape areas, also compensating for any tree losses during the construction stage. Vertical greening measures and application of green roofs will assist with visual integration during the early operational stages, to help break up the appearance and uniformity of roofscape, building facades and boundary treatments.

In this case it is considered that the SPS within DP 5 would be acceptable in terms of landscape and visual impacts.

^([1]) The Contractor will be responsible for landscaping during the agreed establishment and maintenance period. Other designated maintenance agents to take up maintenance of landscaping after end of agreed period.