11 Landscape and visual Impacts

11.3 Environmental Legislation, Policies, Plans, Standards and Criteria

11.3.1 The following environmental legislation, standards and guidelines are applicable to the evaluation of landscape and visual impacts associated with the construction and operation of the Project:

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap.499) and the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO-TM), particularly Annexes 3, 10, 11, 18, 20 and 21;

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines;

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap 131);

· Approved Ha Tsuen Outline Zoning Plan No. S/YL-HT/10;

· Approved Tin Shui Wai Outline Zoning Plan No. S/TSW/12;

· Approved Ping Shan Outline Zoning Plan No. S/YL-PS/16;

· Approved Lam Tei and Yick Yuen Outline Zoning Plan No. S/TM-LTYY/8;

· Approved Tong Yan San Tsuen Outline Zoning Plan No. S/YL-TYST/10;

· Approved Lau Fau Shan & Tsim Bei Tsui Outline Zoning Plan No. S/YL-LFS/7;

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

· Country Parks Ordinance (Cap 208);

· Marine Parks Ordinance (Cap 476) and associated subsidiary legislation;

· Animals And Plants (Protection of Endangered Species) Ordinance (Cap 187);

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

· GEO 1/2011 – Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment for Slopes;

· Land Administration Office Instruction (LAOI) Section D-12 – Tree Preservation;

· EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010;

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

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

· DEVB TCW No. 2/2013 on Greening on Footbridges and Flyovers;

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

· DEVB Publication 2012 – Guidelines on Greening of Noise Barriers;

· ETWB TCW No.11/2004 Cyber Manual for Greening;

· ETWB TCW No. 24/2004 – Specification Facilitating the Use of Concrete Paving Units Made of Recycled Aggregates;

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

· ETWB TCW No. 36/2004 – The Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures (ACABAS);

· ETWB TCW No. 5/2005 – Protection of Natural Streams/Rivers from Adverse Impacts Arising from Construction Works;

· DEVB TCW No. 7/2015 – Tree Preservation;

· HyDTC No. 2/2010 – Control in the Use of Shotcrete (Sprayed Concrete) in Slope Works;

· HyDTC No. 3/2008 – Independent Vetting of Tree Works under the Maintenance of Highways Department;

· WBTC No. 25/93 – Control of Visual Impact of Slopes;

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

· Hong Kong 2030 Planning Vision and Strategy Final Report;

· Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong;

· LAO PN no. 7/2007 on Tree Preservation and Tree Removal application for Building Development in Private Projects; and

· Committee Paper NCSC 9/06 “Advisory Council on the Environment Nature Conservation Subcommittee – Fung Shui Woods in Hong Kong”.

11.4 Designated Projects under Schedule 2 within Project

11.4.1 HSK NDA is a Designated Project (DP) under Item 1 of Schedule 3 of the EIAO. In addition, the Project includes various Schedule 2 DPs as presented in Section 1.5, Section 2.4, Figure 1.2 and Figure 1.3. Further details of the LVIAs, for the DPs subject to environmental permit application, are grouped into DP Package A: DP1, DP2, DP5, DP6, and DP12; and DP Package B: DP9.

· DP1 – Construction of new primary distributor road (Road P1)

· DP2 – Construction of eight new distributor roads (Roads D1 to D8)

· DP3 – Construction of new West Rail HSK Station (Site 4-34)

· DP4 – Construction of EFTS - subject to further review

· DP5 – Construction of slip roads between: Road D8 Junction and existing Castle Peak Road; Junction of D8/P1 and Junction of D7/P1; and KSWH connection to Road D3

· DP6 – Construction of partly depressed and partly decked-over roads located at Road D2, Road D4, and Road D6

· DP7 – Construction of a new container back-up and storage area (Sites 3-1, 3-4, 3-5, 3-13 and 3-14) - subject to further review

· DP8 – Construction of new HSK STW (Site 3-26 and part of existing SW STW)

· DP9 – Construction of four new SPSs (Sites 2-34, 3-41, 3-48 and 4-35)

· DP10 – Construction of Flushing Water Service Reservoirs for reuse of reclaimed water at Tan Kwai Tsuen and Fung Kong Tsuen (Site 3-3 and Site 5-40)

· DP11 – Construction of one RTS (Site 3-12)

· DP12 – Construction of Road P1 and a slip-road from KSWH to Road D3 partly located within the “CA” of Yuen Tau Shan

11.5 Review of Proposed Planning and Urban Design Framework for the Project

11.5.1 The development of the Urban Design Framework has taken direct reference to the proposals and recommendations to the relevant OZPs, Practice Notes for Authorised Persons, Sustainable Building Design Guidelines and the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) to inform the planning of the Project.

11.5.2 The overall planning of the HSK NDA has adhered to the planning objectives to build a sustainable, people-oriented and balanced living, working and business community, and to create a Regional Economic and Civic Hub for the NWNT. To create a distinctive townscape character and develop a coherent and legible urban structure, key activity nodes and residential communities of different intensities are planned with regard to the existing context and landscape resources, including the surrounding green backdrop of Yuen Tau Shan and the low-density environment of Deep Bay and Lau Fau Shan to the north and west, the built-up area to the east and south, as well as the TSW river channel that runs through the NDA as a spine.

11.5.3 The key urban design concepts encapsulated in the Master Urban Design Plan, the Master Landscape Plan and the Revised RODP, are briefly summarised below. For additional background and a Project description, please refer to Chapter 2.

Building Height Strategy

11.5.4 A building height profile has been adopted which allows for a varied gradation in building heights. An increase in development intensity is also proposed in conjunction with increased height at each railway station. As a broad general principal, the maximum development height permitted will be reduced as they approach villages, low rise developments and open space.

Breezeways

11.5.5 Breezeways are provided along major road and rail corridors, the eastern riverside channels, and the related channels that are distributed throughout the Project. The identified Fung Shui corridors will also be used as breezeways; forming a constituent part of the open space framework. The purpose of breezeways is to provide largely undeveloped corridors (or corridors containing relatively low rise development) through which an alternative thermal environment to that provided within the built up areas can be created with the aim of enhancing air exchange and the passage of cooler air streams through the Project area.

View Corridors

11.5.6 View corridors will be maximised and aligned principally along the major breezeways. The riverside channel system will provide a series of interlinked view corridors where distant views that will aid orientation and way finding. The planning proposals for the new development areas recognise the need to maintain existing views that are achievable from low and medium density development in the environs of the Project Where views are impeded by necessary structures such as noise barriers, the implementation of abovementioned mitigation measures will be used to minimise visual impact (refer Figure 11.64 for examples).

Open Space/ Recreation Framework

11.5.7 Existing Riverside Channels are the structural backbone of the open space network, providing linkages from which a series of ancillary open spaces extend. An area of District Open Space is provided adjacent to the northeastern riverside channel. This will extend from the proposed riverside promenade and will service adjacent residential developments and the public. A Regional Town Park is provided at the heart of the Project area. There are also a number of amenity spaces within the Project area. The principal quantum of amenity spaces has been located around the periphery of retained village areas to provide a buffer between the village areas and new areas of development.

Blue-Green Infrastructure

11.5.8 The existing TSW River Channel and several smaller nullahs that drain into it are proposed as district open space corridors that will connect various areas of the Project. In conjunction with developing these nullahs as district open space, it is proposed that the embankments of the nullahs be treated with greening measures appropriate to each individual context. These greening strategies may include lining the channel with grasscrete, planting them with native vegetation, or replacing vertical, concrete nullah edges with sloped, green edges. The majority of vegetation species along these corridors should comprise native species in order to enhance the ecological value of the nullahs and provide habitat for local fauna.

Tree Nursery and Native Vegetation

11.5.9 The Project will require a large number of trees to be felled, and a subsequently large number to be replaced via compensatory planting. In order to alleviate transportation costs and ensure local, quality tree stock, an on-site nursery is proposed to be established early on during the construction stage at the site of the future Regional Town Park. The tree nursery can be used to grow native tree stock as development occurs, thereby providing constant, locally grown species that can be transplanted and transported to sites quickly and efficiently. In general, it is recommended that trees and shrubs consist of native species to the fullest extent possible in order to enhance the ecological value and integrity of the parks and open spaces, riverine district open spaces, and Project as a whole.

11.6 Concurrent Projects

11.6.1 The EIA Study Brief No. ESB–291/2015 identified several major projects, in the vicinity of the assessment area, as having the potential to run concurrently with the proposed Project and hence have the potential to result in cumulative impacts on the environment. Many of the projects will be completed in advance of the construction programme for the Project, and due to their nature potential cumulative impacts with the Project are not anticipated. Cumulative impacts from the concurrent projects have been assessed in relation to their landscape and visual impact and summarised in Section 11.13.

11.6.2 During the subsequent detailed design stage of the Project, it is proposed to conduct an environmental review to collate any further available information to update the cumulative impact assessment, including but not limited to the implementation programme of concurrent projects such as TMWB.

11.7 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Approach and Methodology

General Approach

11.7.1 This section has been structured around the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the TM and EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010 on “Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance” for evaluating and assessing combined landscape and visual impacts of the Project and associated works. In accordance with the EIAO, the assessment will take into account the potential impacts of all planned use. Planned use includes the land use in the draft or approved plans prepared under the Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131) or any other land use plans published by the Government. A general qualitative appraisal of the landscape and visual impacts using existing available information has been adopted.

11.7.2 The Landscape Impact Assessment shall identify, describe and quantify any potential landscape and visual impacts, and evaluate the significance of such impacts on sensitive receivers. Both the landscape and visual assessments shall propose measures to avoid or mitigate landscape and visual impacts.

Assessment Methodology

11.7.3 Landscape and visual impacts have been assessed separately for the construction and operation phases.

Landscape Impact Assessment

11.7.4 The assessment of landscape impacts has involved the following procedures:

· Identification of the baseline Landscape Resources (LRs) and Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) found within the assessment area. The assessment area includes all areas within 500 m of the Project area. This has been achieved by site visit and desktop study of topographical maps, information databases and photographs. In this report, buildings, roads and pavement are not considered landscape resources and have therefore not been included in the mapping of resources. However, it is inevitable that during the process of identification for broad areas of landscape resources, some buildings, roads, hard paving, or other features may be included – or conversely some trees or other resource may be left out. This report attempts to formalise boundaries between distinct areas of landscape resources for the purpose of impact assessment and should not be construed as reflecting every single variable on the ground. The identification of landscape resources has been carried out at a 1:5000 scale.

11.7.5 Assessment of the degree of sensitivity of the landscape resources. This is influenced by a number of factors including:

- Quality and maturity, condition and value of landscape resources / character areas, taking into account information from the Broad Brush Tree Survey and general quality, maturity and condition of other types of vegetation. (Ranked as High, Medium or Low)

- Importance/rarity of landscape resources/character areas. (Ranked as High, Medium or Low)

- Whether a landscape resource/character area is considered to be of local, regional, national or global importance. (Taken into account and included in the descriptive text where relevant)

- Whether there are any statutory or regulatory limitations/requirements relating to the landscape resources / character areas. (Taken into account and included in the descriptive text where relevant)

- Ability of the landscape resources/character areas to accommodate change without compromising their essential nature. (Ranked High, Medium or Low)

The sensitivity of each landscape feature and character area is classified as follows:

High:	Important landscape or landscape resource of particularly distinctive character or high importance, sensitive to relatively small changes.
Medium:	Landscape or landscape resource of moderately valued landscape characteristics reasonably tolerant to change.
Low:	Landscape or landscape resource, the nature of which is largely tolerant to change.

· Identification of potential sources of landscape impacts. These are the various elements of the construction works and operation procedures that would generate landscape impacts.

· Identification of the magnitude of landscape change. The magnitude of change depends on a number of factors including the physical extent of the impact, the landscape and visual context of the impact, the compatibility of the Project with the surrounding landscape; and the time-scale of the impact - i.e. whether it is temporary (short, medium or long-term) and therefore reversible, permanent but potentially reversible, or permanent and irreversible. Landscape impacts have been quantified wherever possible. The magnitude of landscape impacts is classified as follows:

Large:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer a major change.
Intermediate:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer a moderate change.
Small:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer slight or barely perceptible changes.
Negligible:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer no discernible change.
None:	The landscape or landscape resource would suffer no change

· Duration of potential landscape impacts. The duration of the potential impacts during construction and operation is determined based on the following ratings:

Temporary:

Elements of the Project that will have an impact for a period of time (short, medium, long-term) but will disappear with minimal intervention or mitigation. Short-term impacts would disappear at an early stage in the construction or operational phase, medium term impacts would disappear part way through the construction or operational phase, and long-term impacts would disappear at a late stage through the construction or operational phase.

Permanent:

Elements of the Project that will have permanent impacts during the construction and/or operation phases. These permanent impacts may be determined potentially reversible, or irreversible.

· Identification of potential landscape mitigation measures. These may take the form of adopting alternative designs or revisions to the basic engineering and architectural design to prevent and/or minimise adverse impacts; remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of building features; and compensatory measures such as the implementation of landscape design elements (e.g. tree planting, creation of new open space, etc.) to compensate for unavoidable adverse impacts and to attempt to generate potentially beneficial long-term impacts. A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified.

· Prediction of the significance of landscape impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesising the magnitude of the various impacts and the sensitivity of the various landscape resources, it is possible to categorise impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. The table below shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance, namely insubstantial, slight, moderate, and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of change and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of landscape resource/character. The significances are defined as follows:

Substantial:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality
Moderate:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality
Slight:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality
Insubstantial:	No discernible change in the existing landscape quality
None:	No change in the existing landscape quality

· Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts. An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

Table 11.2 Relationship between Receptor Sensitivity and Impact Magnitude in Defining Impact Significance

MAGNITUDE OF CHANGE	Large	Slight or Moderate	Moderate or Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight or Moderate	Moderate	Moderate or Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial or Slight	Slight or Moderate	Slight or Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
	None	None	None	None
		Low	Medium	High
	SENSITIVITY OF RECEIVER

· Conclusion: from an analysis of the significance thresholds derived for landscape (and visual) impacts, an overall conclusion in terms of impact significance for the Project is determined in accordance with the five evaluation criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM:

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

Tree Survey Methodology

11.7.6 Conducting the group tree survey has involved the following procedures:

· Where practical, trees in close proximity are grouped together in the same tree groups. The locations of these tree groups are drawn on the tree survey plan with the boundaries corresponding to the collective crown spread of the included trees.

· Where trees are scattered and/or access to them are limited, trees are conveniently grouped together in the same tree groups by visible physical boundaries on site, such as hoarding, fences, paths and roads etc. The locations of these tree groups are drawn on the tree survey plan with the boundaries corresponding to the physical boundaries to define these zones.

· Where practical, all trees in the tree groups are surveyed at certain reasonable distances where tree species are identifiable. The amount of each tree species in the same tree groups are counted as far as possible, or estimated for inaccessible trees. The following information is recorded and provided in ranges for each tree species in the tree groups:

- height;

- crown spread;

- trunk diameter (measured 1.3 m from the ground);

- assessment of tree form (good / fair / poor);

- assessment of tree health (good / fair / poor);

- assessment of tree amenity value (high / medium / low); and

- assessment of tree survival rate after transplanting (high / medium / low).

· Where applicable, the following information is provided as remarks for each tree groups, if:

- there is tree included in the Register of Old and Valuable Trees promulgated under ETWB TC(W) 29/2004;

- there is tree potentially registrable in accordance with the criteria as set out in ETWB TC(W) No. 29/2004;

- there is tree belonging to species which is protected under local legislations, including the Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) and the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586);

- there is tree belonging to species which is included in the latest edition of the publication ‘Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong’ issued by AFCD; and

- there is tree which has special importance due to special attributes such as protected status; rarity; age over 100 years, outstanding size or form; and cultural or historical significance etc.

· Photographic records are taken on site to show the general overall view of the tree groups.

Visual Impact Assessment

11.7.7 The assessment of visual impacts has involved the following procedures.

· Identification of the Zones of Visual Influence (ZVI) during the construction and operation phases of the Project. This is achieved by site visit and desktop study of topographic maps and photographs, and preparation of cross-sections to determine visibility of the Project from various locations.

· Identification of the Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) within the ZVIs at construction and operation phases. These are the people who would reside within, work within, play within, or travel through, the ZVI.

· Assessment of the degree of sensitivity to change of the VSRs. Factors considered include: the type of VSR, which is classified according to whether the person is at home, at work, at play, or travelling. Those who view the impact from their homes are considered to be highly sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook from their home will have a substantial effect on their perception of the quality and acceptability of their home environment and their general quality of life. Those who view the impact from their workplace are considered to be only moderately sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook will have a less important, although still material, effect on their perception of their quality of life. The degree to which this applies depends on whether the workplace is industrial, retail or commercial. Those who view the impact whilst taking part in an outdoor leisure activity may display varying sensitivity depending on the type of leisure activity. Those who view the impact whilst travelling on a public thoroughfare will also display varying sensitivity depending on the speed of travel. For example, cyclists have a higher sensitivity due to a slower travel speed and heightened awareness of their surroundings resulting in pronounced and prolonged exposure to the visual impact.

· Other factors which are considered (as required by EIAO GN 8/2010) include the value and quality of existing views, the availability and amenity of alternative views, the duration or frequency of view, and the degree of visibility. The sensitivity of VSRs is classified as follows:

High:	The VSR is highly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience
Medium:	The VSR is moderately sensitive to any change in their viewing experience
Low:	The VSR is only slightly sensitive to any change in their viewing experience

· Identification of the relative numbers of VSRs. This is expressed in terms of whether there are very few, few, many or very many VSRs in any one category of VSR.

· Identification of potential sources of visual impacts. These are the various elements of the construction works and operational procedures that would generate visual impacts. For assessing the visual impacts of the Project under Schedule 3, the sources of visual impact broadly involve the Project development as a whole.

11.7.8 Assessment of the potential magnitude of visual change. Factors considered include:

· Duration of the impact;

· Reversibility of the Impact;

· Scale of development;

· Compatibility of the Project with the visual backdrop;

· Changes in the character of existing views;

· Distance of the source of impact from the viewer; and

· Degree of visibility of the impact (partial, full, glimpse).

The magnitude of visual impacts is classified as follows:

Large:	The VSRs would suffer a major change in their viewing experience
Intermediate:	The VSRs would suffer a moderate change in their viewing experience
Small:	The VSRs would suffer a small change in their viewing experience
Negligible:	The VSRs would suffer no discernible change in their viewing experience
None	The VSRs would suffer no change in their viewing

· Identification of potential visual mitigation measures. These may take the form of adopting alternative designs or revisions to the basic engineering and architectural design to prevent and/or minimise adverse impacts; remedial measures such as colour and textural treatment of building features; and compensatory measures such as the implementation of landscape design measures (e.g. tree planting, creation of new open space, etc.) to compensate for unavoidable adverse impacts and to attempt to generate potentially beneficial long-term impacts. A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified and their approval-in-principle has been sought.

· Prediction of the significance of visual impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesising the magnitude of the visual change and the sensitivity of the VSRs, and the numbers of VSRs that are affected, it is possible to categorise the degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 11.2 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into namely, insubstantial, slight, moderate and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of change and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of VSRs. Consideration is also given to the relative numbers of affected VSRs in predicting the final impact significance – exceptionally low or high numbers of VSRs may change the result that might otherwise be concluded from Table 11.2. The significance of the visual impacts is categorised as follows:

Substantial:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality perceived by the general population;
Moderate:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality perceived by the general population;
Slight:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality perceived by the general population;
Insubstantial:	No discernible change in the existing visual quality perceived by the general population;
None:	No change in the existing visual quality perceived by the general population

· Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts. An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM.

11.8 Baseline Landscape Conditions

11.8.1 The topography of the assessment area remains largely the same as under the previous NWNT Study. The proposed Project lies on flat, low-lying valley floor running north to Deep Bay and south to Tuen Mun with a branch to the west towards Yuen Long. The valley is enclosed by the Castle Peak hill range to the west, the Tai Lam range to the south and the lower range of Kai Shan and Wang Chau to the east all of which provide a scenic vegetated backdrop. The two main events that have altered the topography of the area since the NWNT Study were the construction of the KSWH, which follows the lower contours of the Castle Peak range to the west and the ongoing rock extraction at Lam Tei Quarry. The existence of the KSWH has a significant effect on the topographic setting as it stands at a height of +32 mPD to +34.8 mPD. The flat landscape plain of HSK is disturbed by the existence of this recent addition.

11.8.2 The valley floor identified for the proposed Project area is drained by natural streams and channelised nullahs. Whilst most of the watercourses west of the KSWH are natural streams flowing off the Castle Peak range, watercourses to the east have been channelised. The southern portion of the proposed Project area marks the approximate watershed where drainage either flows north to Deep Bay or south through the Tuen Mun River Channel.

11.8.3 There are significant areas of trees and woodland within the proposed Project area. These include roadside trees, woodland trees, and vegetation on agricultural land.

Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs)

11.8.4 The Project area is primarily covered by four OZPs: the approved Ha Tsuen OZP No. S/YL-HT/10, approved Lam Tei and Yick Yuen OZP No. S/TM-LTYY/8, approved Tong Yan San Tsuen OZP No. S/YL – TYST/10, and approved Ping Shan OZP No. S/YL-PS/16. A piece of land near Lau Fan Shan in the north and a strip along the TSW River Channel at the north-eastern boundary fall within the approved Lau Fau Shan and Tsim Bei Tsui OZP No. S/YL-LFS/7 and approved TSW OZP No. S/TSW/12 respectively. Figure 11.0 shows the respective OZPs within the Project.

11.8.5 The Project covers approximately an area of 714 ha and is designated under different zonings including “Residential (Group A)” (“R(A)”), “Residential (Group B)” (“R(B)”), “Residential (Group C)” (“R(C)”), “Residential (Group D)” (“R(D)”), “Comprehensive Development Area” (“CDA”), “Commercial/Residential” (“C/R”), “Village Type Development” (“V”), “Open Space” (“O”), “Recreation” (“REC”), “Open Storage” (“OS”), “Industrial” (“I”), “Industrial (Group D)” (“I(D)”), “Green Belt” (“GB”), “Conservation” (“CA”), “Government/Institution or Community” (“G/IC”), “Other Specified Uses” (“OU”) and “Undetermined” (“U”) uses on the existing OZPs. In addition to the land uses outlined below, land is occupied by major highways and the existing drainage channels.

Landscape Features

11.8.6 The principle LR’s and LCA’s are the same as those identified under the Baseline Review for the Hung Shui Kiu New Development Area Planning and Engineering Study and the NWNT Study, and comprise the existing natural topography, watercourses and vegetation. The LCA’s of the proposed Project area and the surrounding areas has been defined by the Landscape Character Map of Hong Kong (produced under the Planning Department Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong 2005). Additional LR’s and LCA’s are included in this assessment, and some broad groups of LR’S and LCA’s identified in the Baseline Review and the NWNT Study are refined in this report to enable a more accurate assessment. These LR’s and LCA’s are illustrated in Figures 11.1 and 11.1a-11.1p Landscape Resources and Figure 11.3 Landscape Character Areas and described below.

Landscape Resources

11.8.7 The baseline physical landscape resources that will be affected during the construction phase and operation phase, together with their sensitivity to change, are described below. The locations of the landscape resources are mapped in Figures 11.1 and 11.1a-11.1p. Photo-views illustrating the landscape resources of the assessment area are shown in Figure 11.2. For ease of reference and co-ordination between text, tables and figures, each landscape resource is given an identity number. There are no old and valuable trees (OVTs) or Wall Trees within the Project area. One OVT was found within the assessment area, but it is not impacted by the Project as it is located outside the Project area.

11.8.8 In this report, buildings, roads and pavement are not considered landscape resources and have therefore not been included in the mapping of resources. Given the identification of landscape resources has been carried out at a 1:5000 scale, it is inevitable that during the process of identification some buildings, roads, hard paving, or other features may be included – or conversely some trees or other resource may be left out. This report attempts to formalise boundaries between distinct areas of landscape resources for the purpose of impact assessment, and should not be construed as reflecting every single variable on the ground (refer to Table 11.3).

Table 11.3 Landscape Resources Baseline Area
Landscape Resource	Description	Baseline Area (ha)	Overall Percentage (approx.)
LR1	Coastal Waters & Mudflats	62.6 ha	6.5%
LR2	Hillside Woodland	272.5 ha	28.1%
LR3	Hillside Shrub & Grassland	131.9 ha	13.6%
LR4	Low-lying Woodland/ Plantation	35.9 ha	3.7%
LR5	Low-lying Grassland	40.6 ha	4.2%
LR6	Vegetation on Agricultural Land	52.9 ha	5.5%
LR7	Vegetation within Residential Developments	19.4 ha	2.0%
LR8	Vegetation within Rural Villages	110.2 ha	11.4%
LR9	Vegetation within Industrial Land / Open Storage	106.4 ha	11.0%
LR10	Watercourse	28.5 ha	2.8%
LR11	Vegetation within Urban Parks	11.8 ha	1.2%
LR12	Vegetation on Modified Slopes	28.6 ha	2.9%
LR13	Vegetation along TSW Promenade	4.4 ha	0.5%
LR14	Roadside Vegetation	45.0 ha	4.6%
LR15	Waterbodies	6.9 ha	0.7%
LR16	Mangroves	11.1 ha	1.1%
LR17	Marsh	1.5 ha	0.2%
LR18	Important Tree	91 nos.	n/a

11.8.9 LR1 – Coastal Waters & Mudflats: Deep Bay is a bay off the northwest coast of Lau Fau Shan. It is surrounded to the north by Shenzhen proper and west by the peninsula of Nanshan, China. As the bay is largely enclosed by land, fresh water from the surroundings runs into the bay, framed by a large sheer with a shallow shore of wetlands. The margin of fresh water and salt water forms a valuable habitat for a wide variety of wildlife. The water quality and ecological value is relatively high, as they provide a habitat for various marine life and cannot be replaced.

11.8.10 LR2 – Hillside Woodland: Refers to woodland areas largely scattered over the hills bordering the Project that rise steeply to form a dramatic green backdrop and distinctive profile, as well as numerous, scattered hills isolated throughout the Project as a result of human settlement around them. This LR is predominantly composed of native tree species growing naturally with some understorey vegetation and plantation-style forests. The trees vary in height and maturity and provide a continuous greening on the slopes.

11.8.11 LR3 – Hillside Shrub and Grassland: Refers, generally, to open woodland patches that are a result of breaks in the canopy of wooded hillsides, or larger hillside areas largely scattered over the hills bordering the Project to the north and west that consist of herbaceous and grassland species. This LR is predominantly composed of native shrub and grassland species growing naturally. The vegetation varies in height and provides a continuous greening on the slopes.

11.8.12 LR4 – Low-lying Woodland/ Plantation: Refers to low-lying areas that are largely scattered throughout the Project area that are spatially defined by the patterns of surrounding human developments such as industrial/open-air storage, roads, or rural residential developments. This results in segregated, circumscribed areas of land that may have various stages and types of vegetation of variable size and quality. The vegetation is characterised by a mix of natural, self-seeded and plantation-style forest. Species may include mature or semi-mature trees forming an interlocking canopy and dense understory, or more open areas dominated by shrubs, grasses and herbs, and may be of either very high quality or very low-quality, degraded spaces. Some of these LR’s may be relatively untouched and in a natural state, whereas others may be more subject to repetitive human interaction, resulting in sensitivity levels that are highly variable depending on the individual context.

11.8.13 LR5 – Low-lying Grassland: Grassland is one of the three major types of vegetation in the Project. This LR predominantly is found in low-lying areas and is defined by land covered with grass and low scrub generally under 1 foot (0.3 m) in height (publication Land Utilisation in Hong Kong (1968)). Species may consist of Cynodon dactylon, Cyrtococcum patens, Digitaria sanquinalis, Echinochloa crus-galli, Eleusine indica, Imperata cylindrical Ischaemum aristatum. Miscanthus sinensis, Neyraudia arundinaceae, Panicum maximum, Paspalum conjugatum, Paspalum scrobiculatum, Pennisetum alopecuroides, Rhynchelytrum repens and Thysanolaena maxima.

11.8.14 LR6 – Vegetation on Agricultural Land: Refers to areas of varying sizes consisting of farmland crops and orchards. Often the areas are small plots developed for agriculture by local residents, whereas others are larger areas of broad agricultural cultivation that may include 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 large areas of orchard trees and some scattered non-agricultural vegetation including some shrubs and trees. It is often an intermediary between areas of development and natural areas.

11.8.15 LR7 – Vegetation within Residential Developments: Refers generally to vegetation found in contemporary, residential developments including landscaping around buildings, small garden spaces, and around ball courts or activity spaces. The vegetation comprises native and exotic species of highly variable quality, and may include amenity shrubs and groundcovers as well as canopy and shade trees.

11.8.16 LR8 – Vegetation within Rural Village: Refers to traditional villages, modern villages and small scale, low rise residential areas of lower density dominated by domestic structures (mainly of 2-3 storeys) interwoven with roads and paths, but limited other infrastructure. There are some Ancestral Halls, shrines and temples. 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.

11.8.17 LR9 – Vegetation within Industrial Land / Open Storage: Refers to areas that are heavily adapted for human industrial use such as open areas for storage, parking, or other associated activities such as factory facilities, waste processing plants and other industrial buildings. These areas have small roads within them and some concrete drainage channels. There is very little existing vegetation within this LR with the exception of self-seeded trees and shrubs scattered about the areas. Generally, vegetation is found along the periphery of the boundary lot lines where trees and understory form rows of vegetation circumscribing the industrial uses within the site.

11.8.18 LR10 – Watercourse: Refers to natural streams and modified watercourses channelised with concrete or grasscrete, or with gabion-fortified or concrete banks. This LR includes both large channelised river watercourses as well as some much smaller concrete lined watercourses associated with agricultural land. This LR also includes some walkways along the larger watercourse and the vegetation associated with the watercourse, 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.

11.8.19 LR11 – Vegetation within Urban Parks: Refers to parks and other areas that provide recreational use either in the form of playground areas, sports pitches, passive recreation parks or sitting out spaces. Vegetation associated with this LR is generally landscaped trees and shrubs in planters or larger planting areas, consisting of mature and semi-mature vegetation.

11.8.20 LR12 – Vegetation on Modified Slopes: The vegetation on the slopes consists predominantly of woodland tree and shrub species and patches of scrubby grass. The vegetation has mostly been planted for amenity purposes although some has naturally colonised.

11.8.21 LR13 – Vegetation Along TSW Promenade: TSW Promenade runs along the TSW River Channel for approximately 2 km. Various paving and edge treatments are prevalent along the promenade, and numerous spaces and activity nodes are sequentially located along its length. Vegetation along TSW Promenade consists of amenity tree and shrub planting and is generally of mature or semi-mature status.

11.8.22 LR14 – Roadside Vegetation: Refers to 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.

11.8.23 LR15 – Waterbodies: Refers to freshwater ponds, stormwater ponds, fishponds and recreational 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 while also serving as stormwater catchment ponds. Others yet are fishponds. This LR also includes vegetation associated with the ponds, both on and around the banks as well as in the immediate vicinity. The vegetation mainly consists of grasses and shrubs or scarce trees.

11.8.24 LR16 – Mangroves: This LR comprises mangrove communities present along the intertidal mudflats of the Deep Bay shoreline, reaching a maximum width of approximately 160 m. This habitat is located outside the Project area and forms a transition between the land and the intertidal mudflat. The mangrove community is dominated by true mangroves (Kandelia obovat) and Black Mangrove (Avicennia marina), with associate species, Spiny Bears Breech (Acanthus ilicifolius). Individuals of exotic Sonneratia apetala and patches of Common Reedgrass are also present. The trees are generally small in size, with height less than 2 m, except Sonneratia apetala, which tend to be taller.

11.8.25 LR17 – Marsh: This LR comprises four small marsh areas identified within the assessment area, three of which sit within the Project area. The patches of Marsh were fragmented and isolated. The Marshes appeared to be affected by nearby anthropogenic activities and was becoming degraded, as indicated by the establishment of exotic weedy species (e.g. Bidens alba and Chinese Dodder, Cuscuta chinensis). Dominant wetland plant species included native Interrupted Tri-vein Fern (Cyclosorus interruptus), Polygonum sp., Diffuse Day-flower (Commelina diffusa), Primrose Willow (Ludwigia octovalvis), Spiny Knotweed (Polygonum perfoliatum) and Taro (Colocasia esculenta). No floral species of conservation importance were recorded in this habitat.

11.8.26 LR18 – Important Tree: According to the LAO PN No. 7/2007, an “Important Tree” refers to trees in the Register of Old and Valuable Trees, or any other trees that meet one or more of the following criteria:

· trees of 100 years old or above;

· trees of cultural, historical or memorable significance e.g. Fung Shui tree, tree as landmark of monastery or heritage monument, and trees in memory of an important person or event;

· trees of precious or rare species;

· trees of outstanding form (taking account of overall tree size, shape and any special features) e.g. trees with curtain like aerial roots, trees growing in unusual habitat; or

· trees with trunk diameter equal or exceeding 1.0 m (measured at 1.3 m above ground level), or with height/canopy spread equal or exceeding 25 m.

There are approximately 91 trees that meet one or more of the criteria above and or are and therefore are classified as “Important Trees”. Species include Ficus microcarpa, Ficus elastica, Bombax ceiba, and Artocarpus nitidus subsp. Lingnanensis, among others. Due to the “Important Trees” quality and natural status, its regional importance, and low tolerance to change, the sensitivity given is High

Broad Brush Tree Survey

11.8.27 A broad-brush tree survey has been carried out within the assessment area that estimates that there are approximately 28,583 trees consisting of approx. 200 species that may be affected by the proposed development. Major tree species included were Ficus microcarpa, Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa, Leucaena leucocephala, Dimocarpus longan, Ficus benjamina, Celtis sinensis. While most of the trees surveyed belong to common tree species of variable qualities, some rare tree species and other trees of relatively outstanding quality were found occasionally. These are summarised with individual LR descriptions. Many trees are found in the foothills of the natural upland, as well as the rural fringe in between different villages and they are generally mature.

11.8.28 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. There is one Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs) found in the assessment area, but outside the Project area; however there are a number of trees potentially registerable as OVTs as well as additional identified Important Trees as per LAO PN No. 7/2007. Their locations are illustrated in Figures 11.1a-p, Figure 11.18 and Figure 11.19.

11.8.29 Following significant trees could be considered “Important Trees” as defined in ETWBTC(W) No. 3/2006 and LAO PN No. 7/2007. These include:

Table 11.4 Important Trees
Tree no.	Species	Chinese Name	Est. Tree Size (m)			Form	Health	Amenity Value	Survival Rate after Transplanting	Remarks
Tree no.	Species	Chinese Name	Overall Height	Trunk Diameter	Crown Spread	Form	Health	Amenity Value	Survival Rate after Transplanting	Remarks
155E-T1	Artocarpus nitidus subsp. lingnanensis	桂木	7	0.30	8	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of precious or rare species.
155E-T2	Artocarpus nitidus subsp. lingnanensis	桂木	6	0.15	5	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of precious or rare species.
278-T1	Bombax ceiba	木棉	35	1.50	20	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
278-T2	Bombax ceiba	木棉	20	1.00	20	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
278D-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	16	1.00	20	Good	Fair	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
403-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	12	1.00	12	Good	Good	High	Med	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
407B-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	12	1.00	12	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
407B-T2	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	12	1.00	12	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
457-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	13	1.70	16	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
534A-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	12	2.20	18	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
547-T1	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	13	1.50	18	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
559-T1	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	12	1.70	18	Good	Good	High	Med	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
559A-T1	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	12	1.50	15	Good	Good	High	Med	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
706-T1	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	12	1.50	17	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
714-T1	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	14	2.00	18	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
716-T1	Ficus virens	黃葛樹	15	2.00	20	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
743-T1	Bombax ceiba	木棉	16	1.10	14	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
785A-T1	Eucalyptus citriodora	檸檬桉	18	0.90	12	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size.
785A-T2	Eucalyptus citriodora	檸檬桉	18	0.80	12	Fair	Fair	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size.
785A-T3	Eucalyptus citriodora	檸檬桉	25	1.00	15	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size.
785A-T4	Eucalyptus citriodora	檸檬桉	18	1.00	15	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size.
785A-T5	Eucalyptus citriodora	檸檬桉	22	0.80	12	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size.
787A-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	8	1.56	12	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
921-T1	Ficus virens	黃葛樹	10	1.50	18	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size.
922A-T1	Ficus variegata	青果榕	8	1.00	8	Good	Fair	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
949-T1	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	11	1.50	12	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
978-T1	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	20	3.00	20	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size.
995-T1	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	13	1.50	15	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
1036-T1	Ficus benjamina	垂葉榕	12	1.50	10	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
1064-T2	Ficus virens	黃葛樹	13	1.00	12	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
1071A-T1	Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. Cumingiana	白千層	12	1.00	7	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size.
1077-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	12	1.00	18	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size.
1213A-T1	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	15	1.50	20	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
A0017-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	12	1.50	12	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
102-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	10	1.00	12	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
1202-T1	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	12	1.00	12	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
1202-T2	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	12	1.00	12	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
1203-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	14	1.00	15	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
1213-T1	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	15	1.50	17	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
1213-T2	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	16	3.00	25	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
18-T1	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	15	2.00	20	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
201-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	13	2.00	20	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
202-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	14	1.20	20	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
203-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	13	1.20	16	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
203-T2	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	15	1.50	16	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
203-T3	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	15	1.50	16	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
203-T4	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	18	1.00	12	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
207-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	15	1.50	20	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
207-T2	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	15	1.50	20	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
207-T3	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	12	1.20	15	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
34-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	14	1.50	20	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
458-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	16	1.50	18	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
458-T2	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	12	1.50	15	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
531-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	15	1.50	20	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
532-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	14	1.50	20	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
575-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	15	1.00	15	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
576-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	13	1.20	16	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
633-T1	Bombax ceiba	木棉	20	1.00	14	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
633-T2	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	12	1.20	16	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
658-T1	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	20	2.00	24	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size, this particular tree has very good form and size among its own tree species.
756-T1	Ficus benjamina	垂葉榕	16	1.00	18	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
962-T1	Ficus elastica	印度橡樹	13	1.50	16	Fair	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size
1327-T1	Ficus microcarpa	細葉榕	14	2.00	20	Good	Good	High	Low	Potentially registrable as OVT: tree of large size

11.8.30 Following significant trees surveyed belong to species recorded in the latest edition of the publication “Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong” issued by Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department. These include:

Table 11.4 (cont.)

Tree no.	Species	Chinese Name	Est. Tree Size (m)			Form	Health	Amenity Value	Survival Rate after Transplanting	Remarks
Tree no.	Species	Chinese Name	Overall Height	Trunk Diameter	Crown Spread	Form	Health	Amenity Value	Survival Rate after Transplanting	Remarks
59D-T2	Aquilaria sinensis	土沉香	10	0.22	7	Fair	Good	High	Low	The tree species is protected under local legislation, the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).
155E-T4	Aquilaria sinensis	土沉香	5	0.15	3	Fair	Good	High	Low	The tree species is protected under local legislation, the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).
237A-T1	Aquilaria sinensis	土沉香	5	0.15	3	Good	Good	High	Low	The tree species is protected under local legislation, the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).
237A-T2	Aquilaria sinensis	土沉香	3	0.10	2	Good	Good	High	Low	The tree species is protected under local legislation, the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).
456-T1	Aquilaria sinensis	土沉香	8	0.15	5	Fair	Good	Med	Low	The tree species is protected under local legislation, the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).
456-T2	Aquilaria sinensis	土沉香	10	0.20	6	Fair	Good	Med	Low	The tree species is protected under local legislation, the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).
456-T3	Aquilaria sinensis	土沉香	10	0.20	6	Fair	Good	Med	Low	The tree species is protected under local legislation, the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).
1212-T1	Aquilaria sinensis	土沉香	8	0.25	3	Fair	Good	High	Low	The tree species is protected under local legislation, the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).
1213-T3	Ailanthus fordii	常綠臭椿	10	0.16	3	Fair	Good	High	Low	The tree species is scheduled under the Forests And Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96).
1213-T4	Ailanthus fordii	常綠臭椿	10	0.22	3	Fair	Good	High	Low	The tree species is scheduled under the Forests And Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96).
34A-T1	Aquilaria sinensis	土沉香	8	0.25	3	Fair	Fair	High	Low	The tree species is protected under local legislation, the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).
34A-T2	Aquilaria sinensis	土沉香	10	0.25	3	Fair	Fair	High	Low	The tree species is protected under local legislation, the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).
34A-T3	Aquilaria sinensis	土沉香	10	0.25	3	Fair	Poor	Med	Low	The tree species is protected under local legislation, the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).
34A-T4	Aquilaria sinensis	土沉香	8	0.25	4	Fair	Good	High	Low	The tree species is protected under local legislation, the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586).

11.8.31 Following significant trees, although neither considered as “Important Tree” nor rare, are considered to have relatively outstanding size or quality and therefore worth mentioning. These include: