CONTENTS

10. LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT 10-2

10.1 Introduction 10-2

10.2 Environmental Legislation, Policies, Standards and Criteria 10-2

10.3 Scope and Content of Study 10-6

10.4 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Methodology 10-7

10.5 Planning and Development Control Framework 10-16

10.6 Baseline Study 10-21

10.7 Landscape Impact Assessment 10-41

10.8 Visual Impact Assessment 10-66

10.9 Cumulative Impacts 10-92

10.10 Residual Impact 10-92

10.11 Monitoring and Audit Requirements 10-93

10.12 Conclusion 10-94

10. LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

10.1 Introduction

10.1.1.1 This section presents an assessment of the potential landscape and visual impacts associated with the proposed drainage works recommended in the Yuen Long Barrage Scheme (PWP Item No. 4178D), along with Improvement of Yuen Long Nullah (Town Centre Section) (PWP Item No. 4161CD) in accordance with the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) and the requirements of the EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-307/2018).

10.1.1.2 The assessment includes:

¡ A listing of the relevant environmental legislation and guidelines;

¡ A definition of the scope and contents of the study, including a description of the assessment methodology;

¡ A review of the relevant planning and development control framework;

¡ A baseline study providing a comprehensive and accurate description of the baseline landscape resources, landscape character areas, zone of visual influence and key groups of existing and planned visually sensitive receivers (VSRs).

¡ Identification of the source of landscape and visual impacts;

¡ Recommendation of appropriate mitigation measures and associated implementation programmes;

¡ Assessment of the potential landscape and visual impacts, by taking into account the sensitivity of receivers, prediction of the magnitude of change experienced by the receivers and resulting potential impact significance, before and after the mitigation measures; and

¡ Clear evaluations and explanation with supportive arguments of all relevant factors considered in arriving at the significance thresholds of the landscape and visual impacts.

10.1.1.3 Colour photographs showing baseline conditions (photographs are augmented to show all approved planned / committed projects), and photomontages and illustrative materials supporting conclusions are provided and the locations of all viewpoints are clearly mapped. Photomontages at representative locations provide comparison between existing views (augmented to show all approved planned / committed projects); proposals on Day 1 after completion without mitigation; on Day 1 after mitigation, and in Year 10 after mitigation.

10.2 Environmental Legislation, Policies, Standards and Criteria

10.2.1.1 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 (TM-EIAO), particularly Annexes 3, 10, 11, 18, 20 and 21;

- An Ordinance to provide for assessing the impact on the environment of certain projects and proposals, for protecting the environment and for incidental matters.

- The Technical Memorandum sets out the principles, procedures, guidelines, requirements and criteria for the technical content of an environmental impact assessment study brief or environmental impact assessment report.

¡ Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines;

- The Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) is a Government manual of criteria for determining the scale, location and site requirements of various land uses and facilities.

¡ Hong Kong 2030 Planning Vision and Strategy Final Report;

- Is a long-term planning strategy to guide future development and provision of strategic infrastructure and to help implement government policy targets in a spatial form.

¡ Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong;

- Essential landscape baseline information to provide a systematic reference framework to facilitate landscape assessment and broad environmental assessment of major projects at territorial level.

¡ EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010;

- The Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, (Cap 499) Guidance Note advises on the requirements in vetting Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment of designated projects under the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process for the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance.

¡ Town Planning Ordinance (Cap 131);

- To promote the health, safety, convenience and general welfare of the community by making provision for the systematic preparation and approval of plans for the lay-out of areas of Hong Kong as well as for the types of building suitable for erection therein and for the preparation and approval of plans for areas within which permission is required for development.

¡ Foreshore and Sea-bed (reclamations) Ordinance (Cap 127);

- To provide for the publication of proposals in respect of reclamations over and upon any foreshore and sea-bed; to make provision in respect of objections to the proposals, the payment of compensation and connected matters; and to repeal the Public Reclamations and Works Ordinance (Cap 113, 1984 Ed.) and the Foreshores and Sea Bed Ordinance (Cap 127, 1984 Ed.).

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

- To consolidate and amend the law relating to forests and plants, and to provide for the protection of the countryside.

¡ Country Parks Ordinance (Cap 208);

- To provide for the designation, control and management of country parks and special areas.

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

- To regulate the import, introduction from the sea, export, re-export, and possession or control of certain endangered species of animals and plants and parts and derivatives of those species; and to provide for incidental and connected matters.

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

¡ GEO publication (1/2009) – Prescriptive Measures for Man-made Slopes and Retaining Walls;

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

- This publication presents guidance on good practice of landscape treatments for man-made slopes and engineering works on natural terrain in Hong Kong.

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

- It is policy to ensure that no tree is felled unnecessarily nor, where control exists, without the prior consent of Government and that whenever possible, and appropriate, approval to the felling of any tree is made subject to a compensatory landscaping/replanting scheme.

¡ Land Administration Office, Lands Department Practice Note 2/2020 - Tree Preservation and Tree Removal Proposal for Building Development in Private Projects, Compliance of Tree Preservation Clause under Lease;

- This practice note ensures trees are not unnecessarily felled on private lots.

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

- This circular aims to introduce improvements in greenery, to develop existing greened areas and allow opportunities for greening and landscape during the planning and development of public works projects.

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

- This circular sets out the standards and requirements on site coverage of greenery for new government building projects and the methodology of measurement and calculation for the purpose of the required site coverage of greenery.

¡ DEVB TC (W) No.1/2018 Soft Landscape Provisions for Highway Structures;

- This circular updates the policy and requirements for landscape provisions for “highway structures”.

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

- This circular sets out the departmental responsibilities for maintenance of vegetation and hard landscape features.

¡ DEVB TC (W) No. 5/2020 – Registration and Preservation of Old and Valuable Trees;

- This circular sets out the procedures for registration of old and valuable trees on unleased Government land within built-up areas and tourist attraction spots in village areas.

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

- This circular updates the membership of the Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures (ACABAS). Revised guidelines for ACABAS submissions are also included to promote better understanding of the submission requirements.

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

- This circular provides an administrative framework to better protect all natural streams/rivers from the impacts of construction works. The procedures promulgated under this Circular aim to clarify and strengthen existing measures for protection of natural streams/rivers from government projects and private developments.

¡ DEVB TC(W) No. 04/2020 - Tree Preservation;

- This circular sets out the policy on tree preservation, and the procedures for control of tree felling, transplanting and pruning in Government projects.

¡ WBTC No. 25/1993 – Control of Visual Impact of Slopes;

- This circular outlines the design principles recommended to be used in designing manmade slopes for Public Works projects in order to reduce their adverse visual impact.

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

- This circular outlines the principles and procedures recommended for all departments involved in new slope formation and in upgrading and maintenance of existing slopes for improving the aesthetic and environmental impact of slope works.

¡ Handbook on Tree Management and other relevant guidelines issued by GLTM Section of DevB.

10.2.2 Review of Relevant Planning and Development Control Framework

10.2.2.1 A review will be undertaken of the relevant planning and development control framework for the landscape study area (100 m beyond the limit of the works). The relevant OZPs for the project works are the Draft Yuen Long Outline Zoning Plan No. S/YL/24 and the Approved Nam Sang Wai Outline Zoning Plan No. S/YL-NSW/8. Extracts of which are described in Section 10.5 and illustrated on Figure No. 10.02.

10.3 Scope and Content of Study

10.3.1 Project Site Boundary

10.3.1.1 The southern section of the project site boundary follows the edge of the Yuen Long Nullah from Lung Tin Tsuen to Long Ping Station and includes the channel. The northern section of the project boundary stretches from Long Ping Station to the Shan Pui River and includes the adjacent Wang Lok Street on the west side and Kwong Yip Street and Shan Pui Ho East Road on the eastern side. The project boundaries are illustrated in Figures 10.00a, 10.00b, 10.01a & 10.01b – Aerial Photographs and Site Layout Plans.

10.3.2 Major Works Components

Yuen Long Barrage Scheme

10.3.2.1 Construction of Yuen Long Barrage comprising barrage, link bridge, pumping stations and E&M control building with associated channel widening works.

10.3.2.2 Construction of Dry Weather Flow Interceptors and associated link channels along sides of existing nullah.

10.3.2.3 Decommissioning of existing low flow pumping station / inflatable dam.

10.3.2.4 Demolition of existing concrete nullah channel base for purposes of blue-green landscape enhancement proposals.

Kam Tin River Parapet Modification Works

10.3.2.5 Construction of extensions to existing concrete parapet walls adjacent to nullah.

Construction and Modification of Parapet Walls along Yuen Long Nullah, Yuen Long Bypass Floodway, and Sham Chung River

10.3.2.6 Construction concrete parapet walls adjacent to nullah.

10.3.3 Limits of the Study Area

Yuen Long Barrage Scheme

10.3.3.1 The limit of the landscape impact study area is 100m beyond the boundary of the works as stated in the EIA Study Brief. The limit of the visual impact assessment is the Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI) during the construction and operation phases as shown on Figures 10.31 to 10.34.

Kam Tin River Parapet Modification Works

10.3.3.2 A landscape and visual impact assessment is not required for these works as no landscape resources will be affected and the visual impacts will be negligible. The landscape and visual impacts are discussed further in Section 10.12.3.

Construction and Modification of Parapet Walls along Yuen Long Nullah, Yuen Long Bypass Floodway, and Sham Chung River

10.3.3.3 A landscape and visual impact assessment is not required for these works as no landscape resources will be affected and the visual impacts will be negligible. The landscape and visual impacts are discussed further in Section 10.12.3.

10.4 Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment Methodology

10.4.1 Scope and Content of Study

¡ Project Site Boundary;

¡ Major Works Components;

¡ Limits of the Study Area.

10.4.2 General Approach

10.4.2.1 Landscape and visual impacts shall be assessed separately for the construction and operation phases. The assessment of landscape impacts shall involve the following procedures.

10.4.3 Landscape Impact Methodology

10.4.3.1 Identification of the baseline Landscape Resources (LRs) and Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) found within the study area. This is achieved by site visits and desk-top studies of topographical maps, information databases, approved EIAs of the committed projects and photographs. Reference is also made to the ‘Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong’ study.

10.4.3.2 Assessment of the degree of sensitivity to change of the LRs and LCAs. This is influenced by a number of factors including whether the resource/character is common or rare, whether it is considered to be of local, regional, national or global importance, whether there are any statutory or regulatory limitations / requirements relating to the resource, the quality of the resource / character, the maturity of the resource, and the ability of the resource/character to accommodate change. 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

10.4.3.3 Identification of potential sources of landscape change. These are the various elements of the construction works and operational procedures that would generate landscape change.

10.4.3.4 Identification of the magnitude of landscape change. The magnitude of the change depends on a number of factors including the physical extent of the change, the landscape and visual context of the change – i.e. a set circumstance/facts surrounding the change, the compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape; and the time-scale of the change - i.e. whether it is temporary (short, medium or long term), permanent but potentially reversible, or permanent and irreversible. Landscape changes have been quantified wherever possible. The magnitude of landscape change 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 absolutely no impact

10.4.3.5 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 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 approvals-in-principle are being sought.

10.4.3.6 Prediction of the significance of landscape impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesising the magnitude of the various changes and the sensitivity of the various landscape resources it is possible to categorise impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 10.1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, 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 the LRs / LCAs. The significance thresholds 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	Absolutely no change in the existing landscape quality

Table 10.1: Relationship between Receptor Sensitivity and Magnitude of Change in Defining Impact Significance

Magnitude of Change		Large
		Intermediate
		Small
		Negligible
		None
			Low	Medium	High
			Receptor Sensitivity (of Landscape Resource, Landscape Character Area or VSR)

Note:

The colours in the above table categorise the total spectrum of impacts rising from the lowest value at the bottom left corner to the highest value at the top right corner. It may be seen that for some combination of classification levels of Magnitude of Change and Receptor Sensitivity, there are 2 possible impact significance thresholds. When the Magnitude of Change and Receptor Sensitivity are assessed to be towards to higher ends of each classification level the resultant impact significance would be deemed to be the higher of the two impact significance thresholds.

10.4.3.7 Prediction of Acceptability of Impacts. An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise, of the impacts according to the five levels is stated in the conclusion in Section 10.12. The evaluation of landscape and visual impacts may be classified into five levels of significance based on type and extent of the effects concluded in the EIA study:

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

¡ The impact is acceptable if the assessment indicates that there will be no significant effects on the landscape, no significant visual effects caused by the appearance of the project, or no interference with key views;

¡ The impact is acceptable with mitigation measures if there will be some adverse effects, but these can be eliminated, reduced or offset to a large extent by specific measures;

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

¡ The impact is undetermined if significant adverse effects are likely, but the extent to which they may occur or may be mitigated cannot be determined from the study. Further detailed study will be required for the specific effects in question.

10.4.4 Broad Brush Tree Survey Methodology

10.4.4.1 A broad brush tree survey in accordance with the EIA Study Brief is described in Section 10.5.4. The survey provides baseline information on the existing trees within the project site boundary and identifies dominant tree species, maturity, rarity and any plant species of conservation interest.

10.4.4.2 Existing trees within the project boundary were surveyed in groups according to the location, in which the following information was identified for each tree group:

¡ Tree group number;

¡ Botanical name and Chinese name of the main species found in the group;

¡ Approximate number of trees in the group;

¡ An assessment of average tree form (good / fair / poor) for each species found in each group;

¡ An assessment of average tree health (good / fair / poor) for each species found in each group;

¡ An assessment of average amenity value (high / medium / low) for each species found in each group; and

¡ Additional remarks are provided on the estimated approximate age range of the trees.

10.4.5 Visual Impact Methodology

10.4.5.1 Landscape and visual impacts are assessed separately for the construction and operation phases. The assessment of visual impacts has involved the following procedures.

10.4.5.2 Identification of the Visual Envelope and Zones of Visual Influence (ZVI) during the construction and operation phases. The visual envelope is the area from which any part of the proposed project can be seen and may contain areas, which are fully visible, partly visible and non-visible from the project. Identification of the visual envelope and ZVI is achieved by site visits and desk-top studies of topographic maps and photographs to determine the visibility from various locations.

10.4.5.3 Identification of the Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) within the ZVI at construction and operation phases. These are the people who would reside within, work within, play within, or travel through, the ZVI. VSRs at both existing and committed developments will be considered in this assessment.

10.4.5.4 Assessment of the degree of sensitivity to change of the VSRs. Factors considered include:

¡ The type of VSRs, 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 while taking part in an outdoor leisure activity may display varying sensitivity depending on the type of leisure activity. Those who view the impact while travelling on a public thoroughfare will also display varying sensitivity depending on the speed of travel.

¡ Other factors which are considered (as required by EIAO GN 8/2010) include the value and quality of existing views and views from planned developments, the availability and amenity of alternative views, the duration or frequency of view, and the degree of visibility.

10.4.5.5 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

10.4.5.6 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.

10.4.5.7 Identification of potential sources of visual impacts. These are the various elements of the construction works and operational procedures that would generate visual impacts.

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

Duration and Frequency of the impact:	Temporary / Permanent: This refers to the long term presence of the visual change – whether it is experienced by the VSR for the whole duration of the construction phase or operation phase, or only part thereof. Intermittent / Continuous: This refers to short term frequency of the visual change - is it always visible (continuous) or only at certain times (intermittent). For example, travelling VSRs may only see the source intermittently as they travel along their journey, whereas residential VSRs may have continuous views from their living room.
Reversibility of the impact:	Reversible / Irreversible
Compatibility of the project with the Visual Backdrop:	High / Medium / Low
Distance of the source of impact from the viewer:	Shortest distance measured in metres (m) between the VSR and the source.
Degree of visibility of Source(s) of Visual Impact:	Full: virtually full uninterrupted view of the source of impact Partial: partial view of the source of impact which is slightly hidden by intervening elements such as buildings, vegetation etc. Obscured: partial view of the source of impact which is largely hidden by intervening elements such as buildings, vegetation etc.
Scale of the development	Small / Medium / Large
Potential Blockage of Existing Views	Full / Partial / Slight / Negligible: The degree to which the source of the impact blocks existing open views currently experienced by the VSR.

10.4.5.9 The magnitude of visual change 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 absolutely no change in their viewing experience.

10.4.5.10 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 finishing 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 shall be provided. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures shall be identified and their approval-in-principle shall be sought.

10.4.5.11 Prediction of the significance of visual impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesising the magnitude of the various visual changes and the sensitivity of the VSR, and the number of individuals in the VSR that are affected, it is possible to categorise the degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 10.1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, 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 individuals in the VSRs in predicting the final impact significance - exceptionally low or high numbers of individuals in a VSR may change the result that might otherwise be concluded from Table 10.1. 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	Absolutely no change in the existing visual quality perceived by the general population.

10.4.5.12 Prediction of Acceptability of Residual Impacts An overall assessment of the acceptability or otherwise of the residual impacts 10 to 15 years after implementation of visual mitigation measures, according to the five criteria set out in Annex 10 of the EIAO TM.

10.4.6 Photomontages

10.4.6.1 Representative views from various locations have been selected to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed impact mitigation proposal and residual impacts of the development in both short and long terms. Photomontages illustrating the proposed works and the recommended mitigation measures as well as the confirmed projects and mitigation measures are listed in Section 10.4.8. The locations of the selected viewpoints are indicated in Figures 10.31 to 10.34 with the viewpoints illustrated in Figures 10.50a to 10.59d. The photomontages illustrate the proposed development under the following scenarios:

¡ Existing Baseline Conditions in June 2020;

¡ Day 1 of completed works without mitigation measures;

¡ Day 1 of the completed works with mitigation measures; and

¡ The completed works with mitigation after 10 years.

10.4.7 Assumptions and Limitation

10.4.7.1 In accordance with EIAO Guidance Note 8/2010 (paragraph 3.7(a)) approved projects should form part of the baseline conditions. Therefore the landscape and visual outcomes (including proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures) of approved projects currently under construction will be included as part of the baseline conditions.

10.4.7.2 It is assumed that funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the landscape and visual mitigation proposals can be satisfactorily resolved according to the principles in DEVB TC(W) No. 6/2015. All mitigation proposals in the EIA report shall be practical and achievable within the known parameters of management and maintenance. The suggested agents for the funding and implementation (and subsequence management and maintenance) are indicated. Approvals-in-principle to the implementation, management and maintenance of the proposed mitigation measures are being sought from the appropriate authorities.

10.4.8 Concurrent Projects

10.4.8.1 Proposed projects that are yet to be approved that fall within the ZVI and which should be taken account of in the visual impact assessment shall be identified . The visual impacts of these concurrent projects are to be taken into account in the cumulative impact assessment.

10.5 Planning and Development Control Framework

10.5.1 Review of the Outline Zoning Plans (OZPs)

10.5.1.1 A review of the existing and planned development framework for the proposed works and for the surroundings in Yuen Long has been considered. It aims to identify issues for the neighbouring planned land uses, to identify potential resources and sensitive receivers, and to ensure a high compatibility between the proposed project and the surroundings.

10.5.1.2 The Study Area is largely covered by OZPs. These are the Draft Yuen Long Outline Zoning Plan No. S/YL/24 and the Approved Nam Sang Wai Outline Zoning Plan No. S/YL-NSW/8, and based on desktop study, there will not be any impact to either. The review of OZPs has not only included a review of the plans, but also of the ‘Notes’ and “Explanatory Statements’ which accompany, and form part of, these plans. Extracts of the relevant OZP’s are provided on Figure 10.02.

10.5.2 Draft Yuen Long Outline Zoning Plan No. S/YL/24

10.5.2.1 The following describes the land use zonings on land falling within the boundaries of the landscape assessment area which are always permitted and which may be permitted by the Town Planning Board, with or without conditions on application.

¡ Other Specified Uses (“OU”): This zoning covers land for a number of specified uses. These fall under the following specific areas as outlined below:

- Business; Land at Tung Tau, Area 7 is zoned “OU” annotated “Business” or “Business(1)”. Land zoned for this purpose is primarily intended for general business uses. A mix of information technology and telecommunications industries, non-polluting industrial, office and other commercial uses are always permitted in new “business” buildings.

- Petrol Filling Station; This zone is intended primarily for the provision of petrol filling stations. Three petrol filling stations are located in Areas 6, 9 and 14. Development in the zone is restricted to a maximum building height of 1 storey excluding basement(s).

- Sewage Treatment Works; This zone is intended primarily for the provision of sewage treatment works. A sewage treatment plant is located in Area 19. Development in the zone is restricted to a maximum building height of 2 storeys excluding basement(s).

- Industrial Estate; This zone is intended to provide/reserve land for the development of an industrial estate for industries to be admitted by the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation according to the criteria set by the Corporation. Industries to be included would normally not be accommodated in conventional industrial buildings because of their specific requirements. This zone, located in Area 19, has been developed as the Yuen Long Industrial Estate.

- LRT Terminus with Commercial/Residential Development; This zone is intended primarily for Light Rail terminus with residential and/or commercial uses, and other supporting public transport facilities and has been developed as “Sun Yuen Long Centre”. It is located in Area 15. Development is restricted to a maximum domestic GFA of 66,460m2, a maximum non-domestic GFA of 25,940m2 and a maximum building height of 32 storeys excluding basement(s).

- Public Car Park with Ground Floor Retail Shops; This zone is intended primarily for public car park with ground floor retail shops. Three sites have been developed under this zoning. Two public car parks with ground floor retail shops are located in Areas 2 and 5. Development is restricted to a maximum plot ratio of 9.5 and a maximum building height of 30 storeys excluding basement(s). The one in Tung Tau business area, Area 7, is designated as “OU (Public Car Park with Ground Floor Retail Shops(1))” and is restricted to a maximum plot ratio of 5 and a maximum building height of 15 storeys excluding basement(s).

- Public Car Park and Petrol Filling Station with Ground Floor Retail Shops; This zone is intended primarily for public car park and petrol filling station with ground floor retail shops. A site has been developed under this zoning in Area 10. It is restricted to a maximum plot ratio of 9.5 and a maximum building height of 25 storeys excluding basement(s).

- Public Car Park to include Retail and Residential Uses; This zone is intended primarily for public car park with retail and residential uses. A site has been developed under this zoning in Area 6. It is restricted to a maximum domestic GFA of 11,356m2, a maximum non-domestic GFA of 11,777m2 and a maximum building height of 25 storeys excluding basement(s).

¡ Open space (“O”): This zone is intended primarily for the provision of outdoor open-air public space for active and/or passive recreational uses serving the needs of local residents as well as the general public. Facilities of particular importance are the Town Park in Area 6, the sports ground in Area 7 and the Town Square in Area 10. Apart from providing recreational and sports facilities, the open space will also serve as a buffer area.

¡ Comprehensive Development Area (“CDA”): This zone is intended for comprehensive development/redevelopment of the area for residential and/or commercial uses with the provision of open space and other supporting facilities. The zoning is to facilitate appropriate planning control over the development mix, scale, design and layout of development, taking account of various environmental, traffic, infrastructure and other constraints.

¡ Residential (Group A) (“R(A)”): This zone is intended primarily for high-density residential developments. Commercial uses are always permitted on the lowest three floors of a building or in the purpose-designed non-residential portion of an existing building.

¡ Residential (Group B) (“R(B)”): Residential sites within this zone are in Areas 6, 13, 14 and 16 mainly located in the southern part of the Town. This zone is intended primarily for medium-density residential development where commercial uses serving the residential neighbourhood may be permitted on application to the Board.

¡ Residential (Group E) (“R(E)”): This zone covers an area at Wang Chau Road in Area 5 and part of Tung Tau Industrial Area to the west of Wang Yip Street West and to the north of Tak Yip Street in Area 7. This zone is intended primarily for phasing out of existing industrial uses through redevelopment (or conversion) for residential use on application to the Board. Whilst existing industrial uses will be tolerated, new industrial developments are not permitted in order to avoid perpetuation of industrial/residential interface problems. The developers will be required to submit adequate information to demonstrate that the new residential development will be environmentally acceptable, and suitable mitigation measures, if required, will be implemented to address the potential industrial/residential interface problems.

¡ Village Type Development (“V”): The planning intention of this zone is to reflect existing recognized and other villages, and to provide land considered suitable for village expansion and reprovisioning of village houses affected by Government projects. Land within this zone is primarily intended for development of Small Houses by indigenous villagers. It is also intended to concentrate village type development within this zone for a more orderly development pattern, efficient use of land and provision of infrastructures and services. Selected commercial and community uses serving the needs of the villagers and in support of the village development are always permitted on the ground floor of a New Territories Exempted House. Other commercial, community and recreational uses may be permitted on application to the Board.

¡ Government, Institution or Community (“G/IC”): This zone is intended primarily for the provision of GIC facilities serving the needs of the local residents and/or a wider district, region or the territory. It is also intended to provide land for uses directly related to or in support of the work of the Government, organizations providing social services to meet community needs, and other institutional establishments.

10.5.3 Nam Sang Wai Outline Zoning Plan No. S/YL-NSW/8

10.5.3.1 The object of the plan is to specify the broad land use zonings and major transport networks so that development within the area can be put under statutory planning control.

10.5.3.2 The following describes the land use zonings on land falling within the boundaries of the plan which are always permitted and which may be permitted by the Town Planning Board, with or without conditions on application.

¡ Residential (Group D) (“R(D)”): The planning intention of this zone is primarily to improve and upgrade the existing temporary structures within the rural area to permanent buildings. Replacement housing for temporary structures shall not result in a total redevelopment in excess of a maximum building area of 37.2m² and a maximum building height of 2 storeys (6m).

¡ Other Specified Uses (“OU”):

- “OU (Comprehensive Development and Wetland Enhancement Area)” “OU(CDWEA)”: Within the “OU(CDWEA)” zone, the ecological value of the existing continuous and contiguous fish ponds should be conserved and the “precautionary approach” and “no-net-loss in wetland” principle shall apply. According to the “precautionary approach”, these existing continuous and contiguous fish ponds are to be protected and conserved in order to maintain the ecological integrity of the Deep Bay wetland ecosystem as a whole. “No-net-loss in wetland” can refer to both loss in area and function. No decline in wetland or ecological functions served by the existing fish ponds should occur.

- “OU(Comprehensive Development to include Wetland Restoration Area)” (“OU(CDWRA)”: The planning intention of this zone is to provide incentive for the restoration of degraded wetlands adjoining existing fish ponds, and to encourage the phasing out of sporadic open storage and port back-up uses on degraded wetland. This can be achieved through comprehensive residential and/or recreational development to include wetland restoration area. Development or redevelopment schemes on the degraded wetlands directly adjoining areas of the existing continuous and contiguous fish ponds should include wetland restoration and buffer proposals to separate the development from and minimize its impact on the fish pond areas. Any new building should be located farthest away from Deep Bay.

- “OU(Pumping Station)”: This zone covers a storm water pumping station and a sewage pumping station near Shan Pui Chung Hau Tsuen which are already in operation handling prevention of flooding and sewage disposal of the area including Yuen Long Kau Hui respectively.

- Conservation Area (“CA”): The planning intention of this zone is to conserve the ecological value of the wetland and fish ponds which form an integral part of the wetland ecosystem in the Deep Bay Area and function as a substantial source of food supply for birds and as an important habitat for roosting and foraging of waterbirds. The “no-net-loss in wetland” principle is adopted for any change in use within this zone. “No-net-loss in wetland” can refer to both loss in area and function. No decline in wetland or ecological functions served by the existing fish ponds should occur. Fragmentation of continuous and contiguous fishpond habitats within the “CA” zone should be avoided.

10.5.4 Committed and Approved Projects Under Construction

10.5.4.1 In accordance with EIAO Guidance Note 8/2010 (paragraph 3.7a)) approved projects to be completed before commencement of this project should form part of the baseline conditions. For ease of understanding, the baseline study describes what will be in existence once the current approved and committed projects already under construction are completed. It is upon the baseline that the impacts of future construction and operation of this project will be felt and it is this project’s impact on that baseline that is assessed qualitatively and quantitatively in this LVIA.

10.6 Baseline Study

10.6.1 Landscape and Visual Study Area

10.6.1.1 It is concluded that there is no conflict between the proposal and the current relevant planning and development control framework for existing land, as the proposed development is consistent with the current designated land uses on existing land. There is also no conflict with existing land zoned Green Belt and Open Space as the predicted extent of area of works does not encroach into the aforementioned land zonings.

10.6.2 Broad Brush Tree Survey

10.6.2.1 A broad-brush tree survey was undertaken within the project boundary area (refer Appendix 10.1). The survey includes tree group survey data and tree group plans recording approximate numbers of trees (with estimated stem diameter over 95 mm diameter at 1.3 m above ground). (As certain details of the project are yet to be confirmed, only a broad assessment has been made on the potential impacts on the trees.)

10.6.2.2 Two types of Tree Groups are identified. Tree Groups A (TGA) refers to tree groups located within the Site Boundary. Tree Groups B (TGB) refers to tree groups located outside the project boundary but within the extent of the landscape assessment boundary (ie. within 100m from the project site boundary.

10.6.2.3 Based on the broad-brush tree survey, it is estimated that there are 1436 trees within the project boundary, consisting of 80 identified tree species. (The approximate numbers of trees within TGB groups remains to be confirmed). The plans showing the existing and affected trees under this Project can be found in Figures 10.70, 10.71 & 10.72.

10.6.2.4 There are no existing trees included in the Register of Old and Valuable Trees (as defined in DEVB TC(W) No. 5/2020) within the assessment area.

10.6.2.5 A total of 17 trees within the assessment area can be considered as Trees of Particular Interest (TPIs according to the criteria in DEVB TC(W) No. 4/2020), of which 6 nos. are located within the site boundary. All identified TPI trees have a DBH larger than 1m. Species include Ficus elastica, Ficus microcarpa, Ficus virens and Melia azedarach.

10.6.2.6 The design proposal has been considered to minimise the number of trees affected. The actual number of trees affected by the works and the number of compensatory trees required will be determined by a detailed tree survey at the Detailed Design Stage of the project. The estimated number of trees affected is 27 nos., details of which can be found in Figure 10.73. Tree preservation and compensatory tree planting will be carried out in accordance with DEVB TC(W) No. 4/2020 - Tree Preservation.

10.6.3 Landscape Resources

10.6.3.1 The baseline LRs that will be affected during the construction phase and operation phase, together with their sensitivity to change, are described below. The locations of the LRs are mapped on Figures 10.10 through 10.13 and photographs of the LR’s are provided on Figures 10.14 – 10.16. For ease of reference and co-ordination between text, tables and drawings, each LR is given an identity number. The below Table 10.2 listed LRs represent the baseline condition after completion of the approved committed projects. This includes new landscape elements which are planned to be implemented as part of the approved committed projects not yet identified and will in fact exist during commencement of the proposal so will therefore form part of the baseline condition for the proposal.

Table 10.2: Landscape Resources

ID.	Landscape Resources
LR1A	Yuen Long Town Nullah (upper reaches) Approximate Area: 6.3ha. This is a concrete lined drainage nullah (ranging from ~11m to 70m width) that runs from the south from Shap Pat Heung Road, through Yuen Long town centre, north to where it meets a fibre dam near Lau Yip Street that separates it from the lower section of nullah and the Shan Pui River. While the nullah is not publicly accessible (except for DSD maintenance) and is generally devoid of planting, it provides an open view corridor and well-used pedestrian network along its banks. As it marks the approximate alignment of the original Yuen Long River and runs through the centre of the urban area, it holds a strong local identity of historical and cultural significance. It performs a highly significant drainage function essential to preventing flooding of the adjacent urban areas. There are approximately 5 trees within this area. Although it is generally lacking in vegetation (the lower section has vegetated banks), the nullah attracts birds and supports some fish although this varies greatly with season and flow conditions. Water levels vary seasonally and during the winter the nullah is generally dry except for a central low flow channel and inflow channels. In the summer, the water level rises and falls depending on rainfall. Nullahs are common features throughout Hong Kong. Whilst the Yuen Long Nullah performs a significant drainage function and has considerable cultural and historical significance within the Yuen Long district its value is considered to be of only local importance. Provided the flow capacity of the nullah channel is not significantly altered, it is reasonably tolerant to change. The sensitivity is therefore assessed as Medium.
LR1B	Yuen Long Town Nullah (lower reaches) Approximate Area: 0.09ha. The lower reaches of the nullah below the fibre dam to the promontory opposite the Hong Kong School of Motoring share the same characteristics as the upper section except that the nullah bed is generally always flooded. This section connects directly to the Shan Pui River which is tidal. It has vegetated banks and the silty bed exposed at low tide attracts wading birds. Whilst the Yuen Long Nullah performs a significant drainage function and has considerable cultural and historical significance within the Yuen Long district its value is considered to be of only local importance. It is reasonably tolerant to change. The sensitivity is therefore assessed as Medium.
LR2	Trees adjacent to Nullah – Shan Pui Ho East Road Approximate Nos.: 81. Existing mature trees line the east bank of Yuen Long Town Nullah from Lau Yip Street to the promontory at the end of the nullah. As this is a mature resource that cannot easily be replaced and due to the contribution to amenity through the provision of greening and shade and the provision of urban contribution as a habitat to local wildlife (particularly birds), the sensitivity assessed as High.
LR3	Street and Roadside Trees Approximate Nos.: 392. Approximately 392 nos. of existing trees lie outside the site boundary, but within the 100m LIA study area, these comprise 63 identified tree species. Approximately 12 nos. of these trees will be affected by the construction of the barrage pumping stations and E&M control building works. Due to the congested urban space, trees within Yuen Long Town Centre are mainly found near the nullah, in and around rest gardens and playgrounds, while other street trees within the study area mainly line roadways, bicycle paths and pedestrian pavements. Most of the trees comprise common amenity species such as Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. Cumingiana, and Ficus benjamina. However, 12 nos. of trees are considered as TPIs and are all rated as medium or high amenity value. Due to the contribution the mature trees make to the dense urban area in terms of amenity, greening, shading and urban wildlife habitat provision, and as they have a low tolerance to change their sensitivity is assessed as High.
LR4	On Hing Playground Approximate Area: 0.15ha. This playground is located at On Leung Lane. There are approximately 10 trees within this playground, mainly planted within the sitting-out area along the northern side of the football pitch. On the east side of the playground in the car park is a large Ficus microcarpa, designated as a TPI, with a height of 15m and a crown spread of 20m, giving it a high amenity value. The sitting-out and play facilities provided an important leisure open space for the public. Since this is the only large soccer pitch in the local area, its utilization rate is high. The adjacent amenity trees are also high in landscape value. Considering its important function for the local residents and its relatively low tolerance to change, the sensitivity is assessed as High.
LR5	Tai Pei Tau Rest Garden Approximate Area: 0.2ha. The Rest Garden is a passive recreational space containing a sitting-out area adjacent to an open car park in Fung Lok Lane. There are approximately 30 trees within this area. Benches, rain-shelters, and pavilions provide passive recreational facilities for the local residents. 5 Ailanthus fordii trees are on the eastern side of the garden, and protected under Cap 96, recorded as “NT” in Rare and Precious Plants in Hong Kong. On the north east side of the playground in the car park a large Ficus microcarpa TPI, with a height of 15m and a crown spread of 17m. Due to its important function for the local residents and its prominent location adjacent to Cheung Shing Path, and its low tolerance to change, the sensitivity is assessed as High.
LR6	Chung Sing Path Playground Approximate Area: 0.2ha. The playground is adjacent to Chung Sing Path, next to CCC Chun Kwong Primary School, and has 2 basketball courts. The west boundary of the court is a sitting out area. The basketball courts are frequently used by local residents. There are approximately 20 trees within this area. The trees and shrubs are of common species and provide shade and amenity for the passive sitting out area of the playground. Due to its important function for the local residents, its prominent location adjacent to Chung Sing Path and its relatively low tolerance to change, the sensitivity is assessed as High.
LR7	Yuen Long Children’s Playground Approximate Area: 0.3ha. This playground is located on Yuen Long Hong Lok Road, and includes two basketball courts and children play facilities, which meet an important need for the local residents. There are approximately 10 trees within this playground. Considering its important function, and the presence of large mature existing trees providing greening and shade for local residents, and its low tolerance to change, the sensitivity is assessed as High.
LR8	Kik Yeung Road 5-A-Side Football Pitch Approximate Area: 0.2ha. This public football ground is well used by locals and includes a small seating area adjacent to Hi Lee Path. There are approximately 20 trees within this area. It provides an important function for the local residents and the pitch is surrounded by shrubs and trees in raised planters, providing greening, shade and amenity adjacent to the transportation node in Yuen Long (West) Bus Terminus. As this resource has a relatively low tolerance to change, the sensitivity is assessed as High.
LR9	Cheong Shing Path Approximate Length: 150m. This path is on the western side of the nullah, between Castle Peak Road and Kau Yuk Road. Tai Pei Tau Rest Garden is adjacent to this walkway. The path contains raised planters, numerous benches and amenity trees. There are approximately 21 trees within this area. It provides a peaceful retreat for community members and pedestrians. Planting comprises common species with low diversity and trees are small and immature and relatively easy to replace. Given the reasonable tolerance to change, the sensitivity is assessed as Medium.
LR10	Chung Sing Path Approximate Length: 150m. This path is a major pedestrian route (~6m wide and ~150m long) along the east side of the nullah between Castle Peak Road and Kau Yuk Road. The CCC Chun Kwong Primary School, basketball court and playground lie adjacent to this walkway. Many large trees line this path and provide an important greening and shading element for the space. There are approximately 17 trees within this area. As the trees are mature and their quality is good, the landscape quality is high and the tolerance to change is low, the sensitivity is assessed as High.
LR11	Yuen Fat Path Approximate Length: 160m. Yuen Fat Path and the north-south running pavement along Sau Fu Street is located on the east side of the nullah. There are many large mature trees along this section, which provide a dense canopy which acts as an effective buffer between the pathway and the busy Castle Peak Road. There is an attractive sitting out area where Yuen Fat Path meets Sau Fu Street, and large existing trees provide greening and shade for local residents. There are approximately 23 trees within this area. Due to the maturity of the resource, its value to the local community and its low tolerance to change, the sensitivity is assessed as High.
LR12	Hi Lee Path Approximate Length: 150m. This path is on the western side of the nullah between Castle Peak Road to On Ning Road. The path is adjacent to the Kik Yeung Road 5-A-Side Football Pitch. There are approximately 14 trees within this area. Trees are planted in at-grade tree pits and in raised planters with shrubs and ground cover. Benches and trellises provide resting and social opportunities for local residents along the path. As the vegetation is of common species and the trees are relatively immature, this LR has reasonable tolerance to change and the sensitivity is assessed as Medium.
LR13	Po Fai Path Approximate Length: 120m This Path is a major and important thoroughfare from the West Rail Long Ping Station and Yuen Long On Ning Road. There are approximately 2 trees within this area., which are immature and of small size. The landscape quality is low and this LR has a reasonable tolerance to change and therefore the sensitivity is assessed as Medium.
LR14a	Long Yip Street – Sitting Out Area A Approximate Area: 0.17ha. This sitting out area North of Long Ping MTR Station is on decking above the nullah and currently does not have good pedestrian access (surrounded on 3 sides by busy roads and one side by the nullah and a large pipe runs along Long Yip Street hindering access from that side), is underused and poorly maintained. There are approximately 14 trees within this area. The few existing trees are small without significant canopies and do not provide good amenity or shade. The landscape quality is low, but it provides a potentially useful open space function and it provides an element of greening adjacent to the Long Ping Station and road. As it is reasonably tolerant to change the sensitivity is assessed as Medium.
LR14b	Long Yip Street – Sitting Out Area B Approximate Area: 0.07ha. This sitting out area (~0.07h) is at the corner of Long Yip Street and Wang Lok Street. It has good access, many mature trees, and contains pergolas with seating. Since it is highly used, and the mature trees provide important shading and greening adjacent to a major pedestrian thoroughfare, the sensitivity is assessed as High.
LR15	Vegetation Along Nullah Banks Approximate Area: 1.85ha. North of Long Ping Station, the nullah banks are lined with perforated concrete blocks planted with a range of grasses and small shrubs. There are approximately 68 trees within this area. While the quality of the planting is monotonous, and of low species diversity, its greening effect provides visual relief and habitat compared to the concrete banks in the other portions of the nullah. Given that the planting can be relatively easily reinstated, the sensitivity is assessed as Medium.
LR16	Tung Tau Wai Children’s Playground Approximate Area: 0.04ha. The playground lies along the west edge of Wang Lok Street, near the location of the current fibre dam. It is small in size and contains limited playground equipment, a small paved open space, and a few sheltered benches. There are approximately 10 trees within this area. As there is very little tree or shrub planting or other amenities, this playground has a reasonable tolerance to change and the sensitivity is therefore assessed as Medium.
LR17	Shan Pui Chung Hau Siting Out Area Approximate Combined Area: 0.06ha. These two sitting out areas lie along the eastern edge of Shan Pui Ho East Road and serve the village development of Shan Pui Chung Hau Tsuen. They are paved with pergolas, seating, table tennis tables, and various exercise equipment. They are the only facilities serving this area and are integrated within the housing area. There are approximately 4 trees within this area. Their quality is poor and they lack mature planting and their tolerance to change is reasonable. Their sensitivity is therefore assessed as Medium.
LR18	Vegetation Within Village Approximate Area: 1.35ha. This vegetation lies within Tai Kiu Tsuen village and adjacent to Shan Pui Chung Hau Tsuen and tends to be generally unmanaged, with a low diversity of species. There are approximately 118 trees within these areas. Within Tai Kiu Tsuen, there are 2 trees designated as TPI. Where adjacent to buildings, trees provide shade and screening of the surrounding urban area. Although these areas contains common varieties and a low diversity of plant species, it provides an important green buffer to the village. It includes some large mature trees and the sensitivity is assessed as High.
LR19	Vegetation Adjacent to Nullah Edge – Wang Lok Street Approximate Area: 1.10ha. This strip of vegetation lies outside but adjacent to the nullah channel, contains many mature trees, some of a substantial size, which provide an ecological habitat adjacent to the watercourse. There are approximately 107 trees within this area, of which approximately 15 nos. will be affected by the construction of the barrage pumping stations and E&M control building works. Due to the large size of trees and the diversity of plant species, the sensitivity is assessed as High.
LR20	Shan Pui River Peninsula Approximate Area: 0.06ha. This peninsula is at the termination of Shan Pui Ho East Road, and serves as a sitting out and view point for where the nullah meets the Shan Pui River. It contains seating and several large mature trees. There are approximately 14 trees within this area. Due to the unique and commanding location and the maturity of the trees, the sensitivity is assessed as High.
LR21	Shan Pui River and Wetland Approximate Area: 4.35ha. The Yuen Long Nullah flows into this tidal river and associated wetland. The west bank has been modified but the east bank is largely natural and contains an area of mangrove. This lies on the edge of the Nam Sang Wai wetland area of fishponds and has high conservation value with a low tolerance to change. The sensitivity is assessed as High.

10.6.3.2 The sensitivities for the Landscape Resources identified are summarised in the Table 10.3 below.

Table 10.3: Sensitivity of Landscape Resources

Ref. ID.	Description	Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High)
LR1A	Yuen Long Town Nullah (upper reaches)	Medium
LR1B	Yuen Long Town Nullah (lower reaches)	Medium
LR2	Trees adjacent to Nullah – Shan Pui Ho East Road	High
LR3	Street and Roadside Trees	High
LR4	On Hing Playground	High
LR5	Tai Pei Tau Rest Garden	High
LR6	Chung Sing Path Playground	High
LR7	Yuen Long Children’s Playground	High
LR8	Kik Yeung Road 5-A-Side Football Pitch	High
LR9	Cheong Shing Path	Medium
LR10	Chung Sing Path	High
LR11	Yuen Fat Path	High
LR12	Hi Lee Path	Medium
LR13	Po Fai Path	Medium
LR14A	Long Yip Street – Sitting Out Area	Medium
LR14B	Long Yip Street – Sitting Out Area	High
LR15	Vegetation Along Nullah Banks	Medium
LR16	Tung Tau Wait Children’s Playground	Medium
LR17	Shan Pui Chung Hau Siting Out Area	Medium
LR18	Vegetation Within Village	High
LR19	Vegetation Adjacent to Nullah Edge	High
LR20	Shan Pui River Peninsula	High
LR21	Shan Pui River and Wetland	High

10.6.4 Landscape Character Areas

10.6.4.1 Several LCAs have been identified within the study area based on the terminology and classification in the Planning Department ‘Landscape Value Map of Hong Kong’ study. These areas, and their sensitivity to change, are described below. The locations of the LCAs are indicated on Figures 10.20 and 10.21. Photo-views illustrating the LCAs within the study area are illustrated on Figures 10.22 to 10.23. For ease of reference and co-ordination between text, tables and drawings each LCA is given an identity number. The below Table 10.4 listed LCA’s represent the baseline condition after completion of the approved committed projects. The sensitivities for the Landscape Character Areas identified are summarised in the Table 10.5 below.

Table 10.4: Landscape Character Areas

ID.	Landscape Character Areas
LCA1A	Yuen Long Drainage Channel Landscape (south of fibre dam) Approximate Area:7.5ha The Yuen Long Nullah was constructed in the early 60’s and is thus a mature landscape. The upper reaches of Yuen Long Nullah in the south to the existing fibre dam in the north is a concrete lined channel, largely devoid of planting. Nullahs of this type are common throughout the low-lying areas of Hong Kong to facilitate drainage and control flooding. A central low flow channel maintains limited flow during the winter fed from upstream and drainage inlets from the sides. In the summer the water level varies depending on duration and intensity of rainfall. The channel forms a dominant visual element through the centre of the urban area as well as a physical barrier which has resulted in multiple bridging points. The visual quality is generally low due to the monotonous concrete finishes and lack of vegetation. However, the nullah represents the line of the original river and has always been a major feature of the urban area and therefore has historical and cultural relevance. Whilst its primary drainage function relies on its form and cross-sectional area, the width of the nullah allows scope for modification and it has a reasonable ability to accommodate change (nullah enhancement projects elsewhere in Hong Kong have successfully modified concrete nullahs for positive landscape enhancement). Given all the above factors, the sensitivity is therefore assessed as Low.
LCA1B	Yuen Long Drainage Channel Landscape (north of fibre dam) Approximate Area: 4.4ha An inflatable fibre barrage crosses the nullah where Lau Yip Street meets Shan Pui Ho East Road. To the north of the barrage the nullah channel is generally permanently submerged to varying depths and connects to Shan Pui River first and then Kam Tin River, which are subject to tidal influence. The banks of the nullah are vegetated and combined with the water coverage visual quality of this section of the nullah is greatly enhanced. The nullah here is quieter as it is further from the urban area and wildlife (particularly birds) are more prevalent. This section of the nullah has a reasonable ability to accommodate change and as it shares the historical and cultural history of the upper section, the sensitivity is assessed as Medium.
LCA2	Mixed Urban Landscape Approximate Area: 11.4ha This landscape character area comprises most of the southern section of the assessment area between Castle Peak Road and Ma Tong Road. It consists of high density mixed urban land uses including residential, commercial, schools and open space. Many high-rise residential buildings are found adjacent to and facing the nullah. The buildings are relatively newer and under better maintained than surrounding older low-rise construction. Mature trees line sections of the nullah and are also found in open spaces and along some roads but generally due to the high building density, levels of greening are restricted. This type of high density urban development is common throughout Hong Kong and this character area has no broader significance beyond the local context. The development has taken place incrementally since the 1960s and there is little of older historical value in terms of built heritage. It is considered that this character area is reasonably tolerant to change. Given the above factors, the sensitivity is assessed as Low.
LCA3	Residential Urban Landscape Approximate Area: 3.26ha This landscape character area comprises medium to high density public and private residential areas. These developments tend to form well defined estates with distinct boundaries and incorporate amenity planting and recreational facilities. The visual quality varies with the age of development and degree of maintenance with newer developments generally having a higher quality. This landscape character is common throughout Hong Kong and is only of local significance in this context. Associated vegetation tends to be common amenity species of fair to good quality. Given the above, the sensitivity is assessed as Medium.
LCA4	Urban Peripheral Village Landscape Approximate Area: 15.8ha This landscape type is characterised by low rise village development on the fringe of the newer urban areas. Is a mature character area having grown from the former village nuclei and spread to form part of the overall urban area. The village areas primarily comprise low-rise residential units of maximum 3 storeys but also include some commercial functions such as retail and small business enterprises. The built areas are generally high density with narrow streets. Open areas include parking spaces and small ad hoc plazas. Vegetation includes some street trees where space allows and trees within the curtail of private gardens. Remnants of former agricultural land sometimes survive around the village periphery. The architectural quality of the villages is generally low but the overall small scale and massing and organic layout offers a positive contrast to the dense and more structured high-rise development of Yuen Long town centre. This type of development is common throughout the New Territories. The sensitivity is assessed as Medium.
LCA5	Industrial Urban Landscape Approximate Area: 6.8ha These areas occupy parts of the downstream section along the west and east banks of the nullah. The west bank includes part of the Yuen Long Industrial Estate with large pharmaceutical, textile and electronic factory units. The east bank includes lots with technological, trade and motor service centres. This industrial landscape comprises large scale featureless buildings with associated parking areas with an overall low visual quality. This LCA has a high tolerance of change. Landscaping is minimal. In landscape terms the sensitivity given is Low.
LCA6	Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape Area Approximate Area: 2.3ha These areas include the Hong Kong School of Motoring, general fenced landscape areas, pumping stations, public toilets, and other miscellaneous land uses on the urban fringe. The vegetation comprises common species, and trees are only of modest size and of no particular conservation importance. The landscape quality is low and due to the transitional character of the land uses, the tolerance to change is high. Given the above characteristics, the sensitivity of this LCA is assessed as Low.
LCA7	Park Urban Landscape Approximate Area: 1.3ha These publicly accessible areas include urban parks, courts, and sitting out areas. These areas not only act as social gathering points for the community, but also contain many large mature trees, and amenity shrub species. These parks provide important ground level local open space and greening within the dense urban environment. Their quality varies but the facilities are typical of urban parks throughout Hong Kong. Given their contribution to enhancing the urban landscape and the greening within them and their relatively low tolerance to change, the sensitivity is assessed as High.
LCA8	Transportation Corridor Landscape Approximate Area: 13.6ha This landscape character area comprises the major vehicular roads surrounding the nullah including the bridge crossings at Long Yip Street, Castle Peak Road, On Ling Road, Kau Yuk Road, Ma Tong Road, Fu Yip Street. This type of landscape is ubiquitous throughout Hong Kong and is generally of low visual quality. Some street planting occurs and varies greatly in maturity and quality. This LCA has a high tolerance to change and the sensitivity assessed as Low.
LCA9	River Corridor Landscape Approximate Area: 5ha This LCA comprises the Shan Pui River north of the Yuen Long Nullah. It is a tidal river on the edge of the Nam Shan Wai wetland area. The west bank has been modified with an artificial edge whereas the east bank is largely natural and colonised by mangroves. This is one of the few natural stretches of river left in Hong Kong and provides an important drainage function and wildlife habitat. The eastern tributary of the Kam Tin River is designated as a Conservation Area on the Approved Nam Sang Wai Outline Zoning Plan No. S/YL-NSW/8. The river corridor has a high scenic value and has a low tolerance to change. Given the above, the sensitivity of this LCA is assessed as High.

Table 10.5: Sensitivity of Landscape Character Areas

Ref. ID.	Description	Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High)
LCA1A	Yuen Long Drainage Channel Landscape Area (south of fibre dam)	Low
LCA1B	Yuen Long Drainage Channel Landscape Area (north of fibre dam)	Medium
LCA2	Mixed Urban Landscape Area	Low
LCA3	Residential Urban Landscape Area	Medium
LCA4	Urban Peripheral Village Landscape Area	Medium
LCA5	Industrial Urban Landscape Area	Low
LCA6	Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape Area	Low
LCA7	Park Urban Landscape Area	High
LCA8	Transportation Corridor Landscape Area	Low
LCA9	River Corridor Landscape	High

10.6.5 Zone of Visual Influence (ZVI)

10.6.5.1 The visual envelope is the area from which any part of the proposed project can be seen and may contain areas, which are fully visible, partly visible and non-visible from the project. The ZVI is the portion of the visual envelope that is visible from the proposed project, since any potential VSRs beyond this would suffer negligible impacts due to their distant location.

10.6.5.2 The ZVI has been mapped based on the visual exposure of the proposed development to visually sensitive receivers (VSRs) within the surrounding environment and is shown on Figures 10.31 to 10.34. In accordance with GN 8/2010 the ZVI may contain areas which are fully visible, partly visible, and non-visible from the project. Areas of visual shadow may occur within the ZVI due to intervening topography, dense vegetation and man-made structures.

10.6.5.3 The linear nature of Yuen Long nullah and the dense urban area through which it flows generates a narrow visual envelope and the ZVI is generally bound by the structures facing the nullah as well as roadside trees. The visual envelope extends along roads which are devoid of trees or other obstructing vertical elements.

10.6.6 Key Visual Elements (KVEs)

10.6.6.1 Key visual elements are the component features of a landscape or townscape which shape its appearance and visual character to those who see it. They may include major physical structures, visual resources or attractors (such as harbours, natural coastlines, ridgelines, mountain backdrops, woodlands, streams, etc.) and/or visual eyesores or detractors (such as pylons, sewage treatment plants, refuse collection points, ventilation shaft buildings, quarries, etc.) that currently exist or are known to be planned within the assessment area.

10.6.6.2 Different KVEs may enhance, degrade or neutralise the overall visual impact of the development is assessed. Nam San Wai is recognised as a particularly important KVE in the Hong Kong context.

10.6.6.3 Different aspects of KVEs give the landscape its visual character, including their scale (e.g. buildings, topographic features, etc.), variety of visual texture, pattern, form, and colour. These features affect the visual character of a landscape and the type of development that can be accommodated within it without significantly changing this visual character.

10.6.6.4 Where committed future major development falls within the assessment area, its KVEs are also considered, in as far they are known.

10.6.6.5 The visual outlook is shaped by the combined composition of all the visual elements which come into sight of the viewers. Key visual elements, including those with positive visual qualities i.e. “visual attractors” and those with negative visual qualities i.e. “visual detractors” have been identified and illustrated on Figure 10.30 and are listed below.

10.6.6.6 Key Visual Resources/Attractors--

· East, Shan Pui River – A semi naturalised major channel that connects Yuen Long Nullah and Deep Bay, with extensive water surface particularly during wet season, and tree groups and treelines along the riverbanks.

· Southeast, Nam Sang Wai – An important KVE with its important and unique ecological values and recreational functions.

· East, Chu Wong Ling Ridgeline – A prominent natural hillside to the northeast of the Nullah that serves as a green backdrop.

· North, Tai Pei Tau Rest Garden – A local amenity facility with planted vegetation and landscape features.

· North, Kik Yeng Road 5-A-Side Football Pitch – A local amenity facility with planted vegetation and landscape features.

· South, Chung Sing Path Playground– A local amenity facility with planted vegetation and landscape features.

· North, Yuen Long Theatre – A contemporary low profile cultural building for performing arts and exhibition.

· North, Yuen Long Leisure & Cultural Building – A contemporary 35m tall, 4-storey building with an elliptical gastropod shell form. It features sports venues and a library.

10.6.6.7 Key Visual Eyesores/Detractors:

· The Site itself - Yuen Long Nullah

· Across the Site, Long Ping Station – A railway infrastructure that lies above and perpendicular to the existing Yuen Long Nullah.

· South, Tung Tau Industrial Area – A typical, small, organised industrial area mainly consists of industrial buildings, warehouses and depots.

· East, Yuen Long Industrial Estate – A 67ha, extensive industrial area surrounding Chu Wong Ling primarily supports pharmaceuticals and biomedical production, logistics services and petrochemical manufacture.

10.6.7 Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

10.6.7.1 Within the ZVI, a number of key VSRs have been identified. These VSRs are mapped on Figures 10.31 to 10.34 and listed in Table 10.6. Photographs of the VSR’s are shown on Figures 10.35 to 10.39.

10.6.7.2 For ease of reference, each VSR is given an identity number, which is used in the text tables and drawings.

10.6.7.3 The nullah profile lies below the adjacent street level, however the nullah channel is wide and VSRs at street level or in elevated positions in buildings adjacent to the nullah will observe the visual changes associated with the proposed development.

10.6.7.4 Due to trees and shrubs growing adjacent to the nullah channel, many portions of the development area are not fully visible from the adjacent VSRs.

10.6.7.5 Viewpoints have been selected as representative views of the nullah from a variety of VSRs. These viewpoints form the baseline for the photomontages in Figures 10.50a to 10.59d.

10.6.7.6 Due to much of the proposed features within the development area occurring below the adjacent street level, many of the traveller VSRs and G/F occupational VSRs parallel to the nullah will experience a magnitude of visual change of none or negligible.

10.6.7.7 Traveller VSRs on roads perpendicular to the development area will experience a none or negligible magnitude of visual change on the approach to the bridge crossings, but will experience a moderate or substantial magnitude of change due to the unobstructed views up and downstream of the nullah from these bridge crossings.

Table 10.6: Key Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

VSR ID.	Key VSR	Value and Quality of Existing View (Poor, Fair , Good)	Availability of Alternative Views (Yes, No)	Number of Individuals (Very Few, Few, Many, Very Many)		Sensitivity to Change (Low, Medium, High)
				Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
Residential VSRs
RES-1	Residents along Shap Pat Heung Road	Poor	No	Few	Few	Medium	Medium
RES-2	Residents of Lung Tin Tsuen	Fair	No	Very Few	Very Few	Medium	Medium
RES-3	Residents of Ma Tin Pok Village	Fair	No	Very Few	Very Few	Medium	Medium
RES-4	Residents of Ma Tin Tsuen	Good	No	Many	Many	High	High
RES-5	Residents along Tai Shu Ha Road	Good	No	Many	Many	High	High
RES-6	Residents of Sun Fai Court	Poor	Yes	Very Few	Very Few	Medium	Medium
RES-7	Residents of Crystal Park	Fair	Yes	Many	Many	Low	Low
RES-8	Residents along Ma Tin Road	Good	No	Many	Many	High	High
RES-9	Residents along Yu Wing Path	Good	No	Many	Many	High	High
RES-10	Residents along Fung Nin Road	Fair	Yes	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
RES-11	Residents along Cheong Shing Path	Good	No	Many	Many	High	High
RES-12	Residents along Chung Sing Path	Good	No	Many	Many	High	High
RES-13	Residents along Castle Peak Road	Good	No	Many	Many	High	High
RES-14	Residents along Kik Yeung Road	Poor	Yes	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
RES-15	Residents of Yuen Long Plaza	Fair	Yes	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
RES-16	Residents of Ho Shun Fuk Building	Fair	Yes	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
RES-17	Residents along Yuen Long On Ning	Poor	Yes	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
RES-18	Residents along Ping Shun Street	Good	Yes	Many	Many	High	High
RES-19	Residents along Ping Yee Road	Good	No	Many	Many	High	High
RES-20	Residents of The Spectra	Good	No	Many	Many	High	High
RES-21	Residents of Teung Uk San Tsuen	Fair	No	Few	Few	Medium	Medium
RES-22	Residents of Wang Fu Court	Good	Yes	Few	Few	High	High
RES-23	Residents of Yuk Yat Garden	Fair	No	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
RES-24	Residents of Wang Chau Lam Uk Tseun	Fair	No	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
RES-25	Residents of Tung Tau San Tsuen	Fair	No	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
RES-26	Residents of Shan Pui Chung Hau Tsuen	Fair	No	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
Recreational VSRs
REC-1	Visitors to Tai Pei Tau Rest Garden	Fair	Yes	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
REC-2	Visitors to Chung Sing Path Playground	Fair	Yes	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
REC-3	Visitors to Kik Yueng Football Pitch	Fair	Yes	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
REC-4	Visitors to Long Yip Open Area	Fair	Yes	Many	Many	Medium	Medium
REC-5	Visitors to Viewpoint at Shan Pui River	Good	Yes	Few	Many	High	High
REC-6	Visitors to Nam Sang Wai Road Lookout	Fair	Yes	Very Few	Few	Medium	Medium
Travelling VSRs
T-1	Travelers along Shap Pat Heung Road	Fair	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Low	Low
T-2	Travelers along West Side Nullah	Fair	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Low	Low
T-3	Travelers along Ma Tin Road	Fair	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Low	Low
T-4	Travelers along East Side Nullah	Fair	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Low	Low
T-5	Travelers along Kau Yuk Road	Fair	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Low	Low
T-6	Travelers along Castle Peak Road	Fair	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Low	Low
T-7	Travelers along Yuen Long On Ning Road	Fair	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Low	Low
T-8	Travelers along Long Ping MTR Station	Fair	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Low	Low
T-9	Travelers along Wang Lok Street	Fair	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Low	Low
T-10	Travelers along Kwong Yip Street	Fair	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Low	Low
T-11	Travelers along Fuk Hi Street	Fair	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Low	Low
T-12	Travelers along Fu Yip Street	Fair	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Low	Low
T-13	Travelers along Shan Pui Ho East Road	Fair	Yes	Very Many	Very Many	Low	Low
T-14	Travelers along Nam Sang Wai Road	Fair	Yes	Few	Few	Low	Low
Occupational VSRs
O-1	Workers of G/F shops along west side of Town Centre Section	Fair	No	Many	Many	Low	Low
O-2	Workers of G/F shops along east side of Town Centre Section	Fair	No	Many	Many	Low	Low
O-3	Workers of Leeman Hydraulic Technology Company Limited	Poor	Yes	Many	Many	Low	Low
O-4	Workers at Hong Kong School of Motoring	Poor	Yes	Few	Few	Low	Low
Note: ‘Duration and Frequency of Views’ and ‘Degree of Visibility’ have been taken into account in assessing the magnitude of change in view experience by the VSRs and cannot be double counted in determining the sensitivity of the VSR.

10.7 Landscape Impact Assessment

10.7.1 Potential Sources of Impacts

10.7.1.1 The proposed development would create varying levels of landscape and visual impacts on the surrounding areas during the construction phase. A basic assumption of this assessment is that the engineering and architectural works for the nullah drainage improvement comprise the source of the baseline landscape and visual impacts and that the proposed nullah landscape enhancement works comprise mitigation measures. Potential impacts before mitigation would therefore result from the following sources:

¡ Construction of a barrage at the downstream end of Yuen Long Nullah which includes the following components;

a) A tidal barrier with gates spanning approximately 60m across the nullah;

b) Two pumping stations conveying stormwater from upstream of the barrage to Shan Pui River during high tide and heavy rain; and

c) Local widening of the existing nullah at the proposed location of the barrage.

¡ Drainage improvement works to existing nullah including interceptor channel for dry weather flow along nullah edges between Shap Pat Heung Road and the proposed barrage;

¡ Modified nullah parapets at Kam Tin River;

¡ Site clearance works involving the removal of existing vegetation at barrage site;

¡ Construction of temporary site access at the barrage site;

¡ Haulage off-site of excavated materials;

¡ Storage of existing topsoil at barrage site for reinstatement works;

¡ Materials stockpiling;

¡ Dust and construction debris;

¡ Construction of on-site offices and working areas;

¡ Temporary road works and traffic management;

¡ Construction night lighting;

¡ Presence of temporary construction plant, platforms, structures, construction machinery, and construction vehicle traffic.

10.7.1.2 The proposal would create varying levels of landscape and visual impacts on the surrounding areas during the operation phase. Potential impacts would result from the following sources:

¡ Presence of new barrage and associated pumping facilities;

¡ Presence of new low flow interceptor channels along nullah edges; and

¡ Modified nullah parapets at Kam Tin River.

10.7.2 Landscape Change Before Mitigation in Construction Phase

10.7.2.1 The magnitude of change, before implementation of mitigation measures, on the landscape resources and landscape character areas that would occur in the construction phase are summarised below and tabulated in Table 10.7. All impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated.

Landscape Resources

10.7.2.2 Yuen Long Town Nullah – upper reaches (LR1A) will be impacted by the construction of the low weather flow interceptor channels along the edges of its banks along the entire length. This magnitude of change is considered to be Intermediate during the construction stage.

10.7.2.3 Yuen Long Town Nullah – lower reaches (LR1B) will be impacted by the construction of the low weather flow interceptor channels along the edges of its banks and the barrage and associated pumping facilities at the mouth of the nullah. This magnitude of change is considered to be Large.

10.7.2.4 Vegetation along the banks of the nullah (LR15) will be impacted by the construction of the low weather flow interceptor channels and the construction of the barrage. This will result in the permanent loss of approximately 2,785 m². of bank vegetation (out of a total area of approximately 1.85ha. As this represents approximately 15% of the resource, the magnitude of change is considered to be Small.

10.7.2.5 0.37ha of vegetation adjacent to the west bank of the Nullah (LR19) will be impacted by the construction of the barrage and associated pumping facilities. This represents approximately 34% of the total LR and the magnitude of change is considered to be Large.

10.7.2.6 Two (2) no. trees out of approximately 15 no. trees (LR20) will be impacted by the construction of the barrage bridge and link bridge entrance. This is a reversible loss. The magnitude of change is considered to be Small.

10.7.2.7 The Shan Pui River and Wetland (LR21) will not experience impacts due to the construction activity of the pumping stations, barrage, and associated buildings and structures. During the construction phase, the construction works, including temporary works, construction of pumping stations, E&M control room and associated structures, will only be conducted within the concrete channel of Yuen Long Nullah. No change to water level and velocity of the river is anticipated. The magnitude of change is considered to be Negligible.

10.7.2.8 It is anticipated that the landscape resources that have not been described above (LR2 to LR14 and LR16 to LR18) will experience a magnitude of change of None as they will not be affected by the nullah improvement works and the associated sources of impact and thus will experience no change.

Landscape Character Areas

10.7.2.9 The Yuen Long Drainage Channel Landscape (south of the fibre dam) – LCA1A will be affected by the construction of the low weather flow drainage interceptor channel along both sides of its banks. The magnitude of change before mitigation in the construction stage is considered to be Intermediate.

10.7.2.10 The Yuen Long Drainage Channel Landscape (north of the fibre dam) – LCA1B will be affected by the removal of the fibre dam, construction of the low weather flow drainage interceptor channel and the construction of the barrage and associated pumping facilities along both sides of the nullah. These changes are irreversible. The magnitude of change before mitigation in the construction stage is considered to be Large.

10.7.2.11 The portion of the River Corridor Landscape (LCA9) adjacent to the nullah mouth will be affected by the construction of the barrage which will have a negative effect on its current character. The magnitude of change before mitigation in the construction stage is considered to be Small.

10.7.2.12 It is anticipated that the landscape character areas that have not been described above (LCA2 to LCA8) will experience a magnitude of change of None as they will not be affected by the nullah improvement works and the associated sources of impact and thus will experience no change.

10.7.3 Landscape Change Before Mitigation in Operation Phase

10.7.3.1 The magnitude of change, before implementation of mitigation measures, on the landscape resources and landscape character areas that would occur in the operational phase are summarised below and tabulated in Table 10.7. All impacts are adverse unless otherwise stated.

Landscape Resources

10.7.3.2 The impacts on Yuen Long Town Nullah (upper reaches) – LR1A during the operation phase before mitigation are considered to be Small. This is less than during construction because the temporary impacts of machinery and plant will be absent and only the completed works will remain which are compatible with the existing nullah.

10.7.3.3 The impacts on Yuen Long Town Nullah (lower reaches) – LR1B during the operation phase before mitigation are considered to be Intermediate. This is less than during construction because the temporary impacts of machinery and plant will be absent and only the completed works will remain.

10.7.3.4 The impacts on the vegetation along the nullah banks (LR15) during the operation phase will be remain as Small due to the construction of the barrage and associated pumping facilities as the vegetation will not have been replaced.

10.7.3.5 The impacts on the vegetation adjacent to nullah edge along the west bank (LR19) during the operation phase will be remain as Large due to the construction of the barrage and associated pumping facilities as the vegetation will not have been replaced.

10.7.3.6 The impacts on the Shan Pui River Peninsula (LR20) during the operation phase will be remain as Small due to the construction of the barrage and associated pumping facilities as the 2 no. trees impacted will not have been replaced.

10.7.3.7 The Shan Pui River and Wetland (LR21) will not experience permanent impacts due to the addition of the pumping stations, barrage, and associated buildings and structures. During the operational phase, the barrage will not alter the tidal level (i.e. water level) and water velocity of the water bodies of Shan Pui River. The magnitude of change is considered to be Negligible.

10.7.3.8 The magnitude of change for all the other landscape resources (LR2 to LR14 and LR16 to LR18) will remain as None during the operation phase before mitigation as they will not be affected by the nullah improvement works and the associated sources of impact and thus will experience no change.

Landscape Character Areas

10.7.3.9 The Yuen Long Drainage Channel Landscape (south of the fibre dam) – LCA1A will be affected by the construction of the low weather flow drainage interceptor channel along both sides of its banks. The magnitude of change before mitigation in the operation phase is considered to be Small.

10.7.3.10 The Yuen Long Drainage Channel Landscape (north of the fibre dam) – LCA1B will be affected by the removal of the fibre dam, construction of the low weather flow drainage interceptor channel and the construction of the barrage and associated pumping facilities along both sides of the nullah. These changes are irreversible. The magnitude of change before mitigation in the operation phase is considered to be Intermediate.

10.7.3.11 The portion of the River Corridor Landscape (LCA9) adjacent to the nullah mouth will be affected by the construction of the barrage which will have a negative effect on its current character. The magnitude of change before mitigation in the operation phase is considered to be Negligible.

10.7.3.12 It is anticipated that the landscape character areas that have not been described above (LCA2 to LCA8) will experience a magnitude of change of None in the operation phase as they will not be affected by the nullah improvement works and the associated sources of impact and thus will experience no change.

Table 10.7: Magnitude of Landscape Change during the Construction and Operation Phases before Mitigation

ID No.	Landscape Resources/ Landscape Character Areas	Source of Impact	Description of Impacts	Magnitude of Change before Mitigation (Large, Intermediate, Small, Negligible, None)
LR1A	Yuen Long Town Nullah (upper reaches)	Construction - Drainage improvement works Operation - Presence of drainage improvement works	Construction - Construction of dry weather flow interceptor boxes and channels along nullah edges - Presence of construction equipment and machinery Operation - Presence of dry weather flow interceptor boxes and channels along nullah edges	Construction - Intermediate Operation - Small
LR1B	Yuen Long Town Nullah (lower reaches)	Construction - Barrage and associated pumping facilities Operation - Presence of barrage and associated pumping facilities	Construction - Construction of Barrage and associated pumping facilities and demolition of fibre dam - Presence of construction equipment and machinery Operation - Presence of Barrage and associated pumping facilities; absence of fibre dam	Construction - Large Operation - Intermediate
LR2	Trees adjacent to Nullah - Shan Pui Ho East Road	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR3	Street and Roadside Trees	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR4	On Hing Playground	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR5	Tai Pei Tau Rest Area	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR6	Chung Sing Pat Playground	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR7	Yuen Long Children’s Playground	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR8	Kik Yeung Road 5-A-Side Football Pitch	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR9	Cheong Shing Path	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR10	Chung Sing Path	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - Nil Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR11	Yuen Fat Path	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR12	Hi Lee Path	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR13	Po Fai Path	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR14a	Long Yip Street – Sitting Out Area A	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR14b	Long Yip Street – Sitting Out Area A	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR15	Vegetation Along Nullah Banks	Construction - Removal of fibre dam; construction of barrage and associated pumping facilities Operation - Presence of barrage	Construction - Clearance of existing vegetation in vicinity of dam and barrage (approximately 1.85 ha) - Presence of construction equipment and machinery Operation - Presence of barrage and pumping facilities	Construction - Small Operation - Small
LR16	Tung Tau Wai Children’s Playground	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR17	Shan Pui Chung Hau Siting Out Area	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR18	Vegetation Within Village	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LR19	Vegetation Adjacent to Nullah Edge	Construction - Removal of fibre dam; construction of barrage and associated pumping facilities Operation - Presence of barrage and pumping facilities	Construction - Clearance of existing vegetation (approximately 1.10 ha) to gain access to remove dam and to construct barrage and associate pumping facilities - Presence of construction equipment and machinery Operation Loss of 0.37 ha of vegetation - Presence of barrage and pumping facilities	Construction - Large Operation - Large
LR20	Shan Pui River Peninsula	Construction - Construction of barrage and crossing point Operation - Presence of barrage and crossing point	Construction - Loss of 2 no. existing trees at bridge crossing entrance Operation - Presence of barrage and absence of 2 no. existing trees	Construction - Small Operation - Small
LR21	Shan Pui River and Wetland	Construction - Construction of Barrage and associated pumping facilities Operation - Presence of barrage within the concrete nullah	Construction - Temporary works within the concrete nullah during construction - Presence of construction equipment and machinery (within concrete nullah) Operation - Presence of barrage within the concrete nullah	Construction - Negligible Operation - Negligible
LCA1a	Yuen Long Drainage Channel Landscape Area (south of fibre dam)	Construction - Drainage improvement works Operation - Presence of drainage improvement works	Construction - Construction of dry weather flow interceptor boxes and channels along nullah edges - Presence of construction equipment and machinery Operation - Presence of dry weather flow interceptor boxes and channels along nullah edges	Construction - Intermediate Operation - Small
LCA1b	Yuen Long Drainage Channel Landscape Area (north of fibre dam)	Construction - Barrage and associated pumping facilities Operation - Presence of barrage and associated pumping facilities	Construction - Construction of Barrage and associated pumping facilities and demolition of fibre dam - Removal of trees and vegetation on banks to construct barrage and associate d facilities - Presence of construction equipment and machinery Operation - Presence of Barrage and associated pumping facilities; absence of fibre dam	Construction - Large Operation - Intermediate
LCA2	Mixed Urban Landscape Area	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LCA3	Residential Urban Landscape Area	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LCA4	Urban Peripheral Village Landscape Area	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LCA5	Industrial Urban Landscape Area	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LCA6	Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape Area	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LCA7	Park Urban Landscape Area	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LCA8	Transportation Corridor Landscape Area	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None	Construction - None Operation - None
LCA9	River Corridor Landscape	Construction - Construction of barrage and associated facilities Operation - Presence of barrage and associated facilities	Construction - Clearance of vegetation and construction of barrage with presence of construction equipment and plant Operation - Presence of barrage on edge of LCA	Construction - Small Operation - Negligible

10.7.4 Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

10.7.4.1 The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures for potential impacts generated during the construction and operation phases are described below in Table 10.8 and Table 10.9, together with the associated funding, implementation, management and maintenance agencies.

10.7.4.2 The indicative barrage mitigation measures can be found on Figures 10.61A, 10.61B, 10.61C, and 10.61D.

10.7.4.3 The indicative mitigation measures for typical cross-sections along the nullah can be found in Figures 10.80-10.83 and are described below.

¡ Typical Nullah Mitigation – Section A: The existing concrete nullah bed is removed and replaced with planting, natural substrate, and rocks. This provides aesthetic and ecological benefits, and the removal of the concrete bed will reduce odour issues by enhancing permeability and air transfer between the subsoil and surface. A permanent waterbody enhances visual amenity of the adjacent street level walkways.

¡ Typical Nullah Mitigation –Section B: The existing concrete nullah bed is removed and replaced with planting, natural substrate, and rocks. This provides aesthetic and ecological benefits, and the removal of the concrete bed will reduce odour issues by enhancing permeability and air transfer between the subsoil and surface.

¡ Typical Nullah Mitigation –Section C and D: The existing concrete nullah bed is generally retained and planted with grass species in a cellular soil containment system. Sections of the concrete bed are removed allowing the introduction of natural substrate and rocks and the planting of a range of shrub species. The nullah edges at street level are enhanced with integrated planters and railings. The trailing planting visually softens the parapets and upper nullah side walls. The sides of the nullah are refurbished enhanced with painting and/or cladding finishes..

Table 10.8: Proposed Construction Phase Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measure	Landscape measure	Visual measure	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency
CM1	The construction area and contractor’s temporary works areas should be minimised to reduce visual impacts and avoid impacts on adjacent landscape.	✓	✓	Contractor	Contractor
CM2	Reduction of construction period to practical minimum.		✓	Contractor	Contractor
CM3	Phasing of the construction stage to reduce visual impacts during the construction phase.		✓	Contractor	Contractor
CM4	Construction traffic kept to a practical minimum.		✓	Contractor	Contractor
CM5	Erection of decorative mesh screens or construction hoardings around works areas in visually unobtrusive colours.		✓	Contractor	Contractor
CM6	Avoidance of excessive height and bulk of site buildings and structures.		✓	Contractor	Contractor
CM7	Control of night-time lighting by hooding all lights and through minimisation of night working periods.		✓	Contractor	Contractor
CM8	All existing trees shall be carefully protected during construction. Detailed Tree Protection Specification shall be provided in the Contract Documents. 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.	✓		Contractor	Contractor
CM9	Trees unavoidably affected by the works shall be transplanted where practical. A detailed Tree Transplanting Specification shall be provided in the Contract Specification, if applicable. Sufficient time for necessary tree root and crown preparation periods shall be allowed in the project programme.	✓		Contractor	Contractor

Table 10.9: Proposed Operation Phase Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measure	Landscape Measure	Visual Measure	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency	Management and Maintenance Agency
OM1	Enhanced nullah bed with replacement of concrete lining with natural substrates and planting.	✓	✓	DSD	DSD	DSD
OM2	Enhanced nullah sides with appropriate hard and soft finishes and parapet treatments.	✓	✓	DSD	DSD	DSD
OM3	Enhanced adjacent streetscape with paving, planting and furniture in a manner that responds to the existing and planned urban context.	✓	✓	DSD	DSD	HAD/HyD/ LCSD
OM4	Additional viewpoints, seating areas and open space within or adjacent to nullah.	✓	✓	DSD	DSD	HAD/HyD/ LCSD
OM5	Enhanced nullah crossings including vehicular, pedestrian and utility bridges with upgraded finishes and treatments.		✓	DSD	DSD	DSD
OM6	Sensitively designed barrage and structures in terms of scale, height and bulk (visual weight).		✓	DSD	DSD	DSD
OM7	Barrage and drainage works visually integrated with their surroundings through use of appropriate building materials and finishes.		✓	DSD	DSD	DSD
OM8	Barrage lighting units to be directional and minimise unnecessary light spill and glare. (“Charter on External Lighting” and “Guidelines on Industry Best Practices for External Lighting Installations” promulgated by the Environmental Bureau would be referenced)		✓	DSD	DSD	DSD
OM9	Compensatory tree planting for all felled trees in accordance with relevant Government tree protection requirements. (Required numbers and locations of compensatory trees shall be determined and agreed separately with Government during the Tree Felling Application process under the relevant technical circulars during the detailed design phase).	✓	✓	DSD	DSD	DSD/HAD/LCSD
OM10	Green roofs and vertical greening on barrage pumping stations and E&M control building.	✓	✓	DSD	DSD	DSD

10.7.5 Programme of Implementation of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

10.7.5.1 The construction phase measures listed above shall be adopted from the commencement of construction and shall be in place throughout the entire construction period. The operation phase measures listed above shall be adopted during the detailed design, and be built as part of the construction works so that they are in place at the date of commissioning of the proposal. However, it should be noted that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would not be appreciated for several years.

10.7.6 Prediction of the Significance of Landscape Impacts

10.7.6.1 The potential significance of the landscape impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, are provided below in Table 10.10. This assessment follows the methodology outlined in Section 10.3 above and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 10.8 and Table 10.9 above will be implemented, and that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures will be realised after 10 years. Photomontages of the proposed development before and after mitigation are illustrated in Figures 10.50a through 10.59d.

Table 10.10: Significance of Landscape Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases (Adverse Impacts unless otherwise stated)

ID. No.	Landscape Resource / Landscape Character	Sensitivity to Change during Construction and Operation Phases (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Change before Mitigation (None, Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance Threshold BEFORE Mitigation (None, Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance Threshold AFTER Mitigation (None, Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
									Construction	Operation
				Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation			DAY 1	YEAR 10
Landscape Resources
LR1A	Yuen Long Town Nullah (upper reaches)	Medium		Intermediate	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM1, CM8, CM9, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4	Substantial	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
LR1B	Yuen Long Town Nullah (lower reaches)	High		Large	Intermediate	Substantial	Moderate	CM1, CM8, CM9, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM7	Substantial	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
LR2	Trees adjacent to Nullah – Shan Pui Ho East Road	High		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR3	Street and Roadside Trees	High		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR4	On Hing Playground	High		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR5	Tai Pei Tau Rest Garden	High		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR6	Chung Sing Path Playground	High		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR7	Yuen Long Children’s Playground	High		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR8	Kik Yeung Road 5-A-Side Football Pitch	High		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR9	Cheong Shing Path	Medium		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR10	Chung Sing Path	High		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR11	Yuen Fat Path	High		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR12	Hi Lee Path	Medium		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR13	Po Fai Path	Medium		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR14a	Long Yip Street – Sitting Out Area	Medium		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR14b	Long Yip Street – Sitting Out Area	High		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR15	Vegetation Along Nullah Banks	Medium		Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, OM2	Slight	Slight	Slight
LR16	Tung Tau Wait Children’s Playground	Medium		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR17	Shan Pui Chung Hau Siting Out Area	Medium		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR18	Vegetation Within Village	High		None	None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LR19	Vegetation Adjacent to Nullah Edge	High		Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM8, CM9, OM9	Substantial	Intermediate	Slight
LR20	Shan Pui River Peninsula	High		Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM8, CM9, OM9	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR21	Shan Pui River and Wetland	High		Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	N/A	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Landscape Character Areas
LCA1A	Yuen Long Drainage Channel Landscape (south of fibre dam)	Low	Intermediate		Small	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1, CM8, CM9, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5, OM7,	Substantial	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
LCA1B	Yuen Long Drainage Channel Landscape (north of fibre dam)	Medium	Large		Intermediate	Moderate	Slight	CM1, CM8, CM9, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM9, OM10	Moderate	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
LCA2	Mixed Urban Landscape	Low	None		None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LCA3	Residential Urban Landscape	Medium	None		None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LCA4	Urban Peripheral Village Landscape	Medium	None		None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LCA5	Industrial Urban Landscape	Low	None		None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LCA6	Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape	Low	None		None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LCA7	Park Urban Landscape	High	None		None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LCA8	Transportation Corridor Landscape	Low	None		None	None	None	N/A	None	None	None
LCA9	River Corridor Landscape	High	Small		Negligible	Moderate	Insubstantial	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM6, OM7, OM8, OM10	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

10.8 Visual Impact Assessment

10.8.1 Potential Sources of Visual Impacts

10.8.1.1 A basic assumption of this assessment is that the engineering and architectural works for the nullah drainage improvement comprise the source of the landscape and visual impacts and that the proposed nullah landscape enhancement works comprise mitigation measures. Potential impacts before mitigation would therefore result from the following sources:

¡ Construction of a barrage at the downstream end of Yuen Long Nullah which includes the following components;

a) A tidal barrier with gates spanning approximately 60m across the nullah;

b) Two pumping stations conveying stormwater from upstream of the barrage to Shan Pui River during high tide and heavy rain; and

c) Local widening of the existing nullah at the proposed location of the barrage.

¡ Drainage improvement works to existing nullah including interceptor channel for dry weather flow along nullah edges between Shap Pat Heung Road and the proposed barrage;

¡ Modified nullah parapets at Kam Tin River;

¡ Site clearance works involving the removal of existing vegetation at barrage site;

¡ Construction of temporary site access at barrage site;

¡ Haulage off-site of excavated materials;

¡ Storage of existing topsoil at barrage site for reinstatement works;

¡ Materials stockpiling;

¡ Dust and construction debris;

¡ Construction of on-site offices and working areas;

¡ Temporary road works and traffic management;

¡ Construction night lighting;

¡ Presence of temporary construction plant, platforms, structures, construction machinery, and construction vehicle traffic.

10.8.2 Visual Change Before Mitigation in the Construction and Operation Phase

10.8.2.1 The magnitude of visual change resulting from the construction and operation phases of the proposal, both before and after mitigation is presented in Table 10.11 and 10.12. The greatest negative visual impacts are experienced during the construction phase before mitigation but these are only temporary. During the operation phase before mitigation, negative visual impacts are relatively small along most of the nullah due to the limited nature of the interventions. However, the barrage is a major new element in the landscape and the visual impacts of this element are therefore higher in the vicinity of the barrage. Following mitigation in the operation phase, the extensive upgrading of the nullah will result in beneficial visual impacts. The only exception is the barrage, the visual impacts of which cannot be fully mitigated. Since the majority of the proposed works are confined below the adjacent street level and existing trees and shrubs obscure the views towards the development site for many of the VSRs, much of the proposed development would create generally a small magnitude of visual change to the surrounding VSRs during the construction and operation phase, with generally slight or negligible residual visual impact significance without mitigation.

10.8.3 Proposed Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

10.8.3.1 The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures for impacts from the construction and operation phases are described in Table 10.8 and Table 10.9, together with the associated funding, implementation, management and maintenance agencies and the proposed implementation programme.

10.8.3.2 The nullah is currently not accessible by the public. However, the level of access into the nullah at certain periods throughout the year, such as during the dry season, would be explored during the detailed design stage, particularly for the section immediately downstream of the Long Ping Station, but this would be subject to the findings in the detailed design assessment, establishment of monitoring system and flood warning system, public safety, evacuation system, etc.

10.8.3.3 The option of constructing a meandering low flow channel for various portions along the Yuen Long Nullah would be explored during the detailed design phase subject to the considerations of the various impact assessments, hydraulic assessment, programme implications, etc.

10.8.4 Photomontage Viewpoints

10.8.4.1 The photomontage viewpoints were selected as representative examples of views of the nullah and proposed development works from a variety of surrounding VSRs. Both the existing trees and planting on the edge of the drainage channel, as well as the lack of vertical elements of the proposed development works generally prevent direct, unobstructed views of the development site. Therefore, generally the viewpoints were selected from locations where direct and panoramic views of the development site are possible, usually occurring at bridges or from platforms looking down towards the development, or locations adjacent to the development site without obstructing tree or shrub cover. Due to the proximity of development to the nullah, viewpoints also often represent more than one VSR. A nullah side viewpoint may for example represent pedestrians, adjacent occupational and residential VSRs. The locations of the viewpoints are indicated on Figures 10.31- 10.34.

¡ VP1 – Viewpoint from Kiu Hing Road Bridge (T-2; RES-2; RES-3). This viewpoint was selected as representative of several residential VSRs adjacent to the sides of the drainage channel along both Kung Um Road and Kiu Hing Road (Residents of Lung Tin Tsuen, RES-2; Residents of Ma Tin Pok Village, RES-3; and the traveller VSRs along Kung Um Road (T-2) This viewpoint is representative of common and frequent views of the above VSRs of the development site.

¡ VP2 – Viewpoint from Kung Um Road (T-2; T-3; RES-6). This viewpoint was selected as representative of several VSRs, including residential VSRs of Sun Fai Court (RES-6), travelling VSRs along the west side of the nullah (T-2), as well as pedestrians, cyclists and motorists VSRs along Ma Tin Road (T-3). This viewpoint is representative of common and frequent views of the above VSRs of the development site.

¡ VP3 – Viewpoint from Long Ngai Path Footbridge (T-2; O-1; RES-8). This viewpoint was selected as representative of VSRs adjacent to the sides of the drainage channel, along Ma Tin Road (RES-8). In addition, this viewpoint represents travellers and workers along the west and side of the development area (T-2; O-1). The viewpoint is located at a footbridge crossing the nullah is representative of common and frequent views of the above VSRs of the development site.

¡ VP4 – Viewpoint from Kau Yuk Road Bridge (T-4: T-5; O-2; RES-11; RES-12). This viewpoint was selected as representative of several residential VSRs adjacent to the sides of the drainage channel along Chung Sing Path, Cheong Shing Path (RES-11; RES-12), as well as motorists, cyclists and pedestrians VSRs along Kau Yu Road and Kau Yuk Road Bridge (T-5), and travellers and workers along both the east side of the development area (T-4; O-2). This viewpoint is representative of common and frequent views of the above VSRs of the development site.

¡ VP5 – Viewpoint from Long Ping MTR Exit D (T-8). This viewpoint was selected as representative of views from travellers at Long Ping Station (T-8), a major transportation link with the rest of the city. The viewpoint is located at the MTR Exit D, looking south, towards the town centre portion of the development area.

¡ VP6- Viewpoint from Long Ping Station Towards Long Yip Sitting Out Area (T-8). This viewpoint was selected as representative of views from travellers at Long Ping Station (T-8), a major transportation link with the rest of the city. The viewpoint is located at the MTR Exit F, looking north, across the Long Ping Street sitting out area towards the development area.

¡ VP7 – Viewpoint from Fu Yip Street Bridge (T-10; T-12; RES-22). This viewpoint was selected as representative of the residential VSRs from Wang Fu Court (RES-22), as well as pedestrians, cyclists and motorists along Kwong Yip Street (T-10) and Fu Yip Street (T-12). This viewpoint is representative of common and frequent views of the above VSRs of the development site.

¡ VP8 – Viewpoint from Wang Lok Street (T-9; RES-23; RES-24). This viewpoint was selected as representative of several VSRs, including residential VSRs of Yuk Yat Garden (RES-23) and Wang Chau Lam Uk Tsuen (RES-24), along with travelling VSRs along Wang Lok Street (T-9). This viewpoint is representative of common and frequent views of the above VSRs of the development site.

¡ VP9 – Viewpoint of Proposed Barrage (T-13; RES-26, REC-5). This viewpoint was selected as representative of the pedestrians, cyclists and motorists along Shan Pui Ho East Road (T13), and visitors to viewpoint at Shan Pui River (REC-5). The viewpoint is located from Shan Pui Ho East Road, looking across the nullah towards the proposed pumping stations and barrage. This viewpoint is representative of common and frequent views of the above VSRs of the development.

¡ VP10 – Viewpoint from Shan Pui Ho East Road (T-13, REC-5). This viewpoint was selected as representative of the pedestrians, cyclists and motorists along Shan Pui Ho East Road (T-13) and visitors to viewpoint at Shan Pui River (REC-5). The viewpoint is located from Shan Pui Ho East Road, looking across the nullah towards the proposed E&M control building. This viewpoint is representative of common and frequent views of the above VSRs of the development site.

¡ VP11 – Viewpoint from Nam Sang Wai Road Lookout (T-14; REC-6). This viewpoint was selected as representative of the pedestrians, cyclists and motorists along Nam Sang Wai Road (T-14) and visitors to the viewpoint at the termination of Nam Sang Wai Road (REC-6). The viewpoint looks across the nullah towards the proposed barrage pumping stations and the E&M control building. This viewpoint is representative of common and frequent views of the above VSRs of the development site.

Table 10.11: Magnitude of Visual Change during the Construction and Operation Phases before Mitigation

VSR ID	Key VSR	Compatibility of the Project with the Visual Backdrop (High/Medium/Low)	Duration and Frequency of Impacts (Temporary/Permanent & Intermittent/Continuous)		Scale of Development (Large/Medium/Small) & Reversibility of Change (Yes/No)	Degree of Visibility of Source(s) of Visual Impact (Full, Partial, Obscured) & Distance Between VSR & Nearest Source(s) of Impact		Potential Blockage of Existing View (Full/Partial/Slight/Negligible)		Magnitude of Visual Change BEFORE Mitigation (Large/Intermediate/Small/Negligible/None)
			Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation
Residential VSRs
RES-1	Residents along Shap Pat Heung Road	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~200m	Partial, ~200m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-2	Residents of Lung Tin Tsuen	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~30m	Partial, ~30m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-3	Residents of Ma Tin Pol Village	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~30m	Partial, ~30m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-4	Residents of Ma Tin Tsuen	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~30m	Partial, ~30m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-5	Residents along Tai Shu Ha Road	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~30m	Partial, ~30m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-6	Residents of Fo Sun Fai Court	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~75m	Partial, ~75m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-7	Residents of Crystal Park	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~200m	Partial, ~200m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-8	Residents along Ma Tin Road	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~30m	Partial, ~30m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-9	Residents along Yu Wing Path	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Obscured, ~20m	Obscured, ~20m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-10	Residents along Fung Nin Road	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~150m	Partial, ~150m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-11	Residents along Cheong Shing Path	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~20m	Partial, ~20m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-12	Residents along Chung Sing Path	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~20m	Partial, ~20m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-13	Residents along Castle Peak Road	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~50m	Partial, ~50m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-14	Residents along Kik Yeung Road	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~150m	Partial, ~150m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-15	Residents of Yuen Long Plaza	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~250m	Partial, ~250m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-16	Residents of Ho Shun Fuk Building	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~100m	Partial, ~100m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-17	Residents along Yuen Long On Ning	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~100m	Partial, ~100m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-18	Residents along Ping Shun Street	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~150m	Partial, ~150m	Negligible	Negligible	Small	Small
RES-19	Residents along Ping Yee Road	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Obscured, ~150m	Obscured, ~150m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
RES-20	Residents of The Spectra	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~75m	Partial, ~75m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
RES-21	Residents of Teung Uk San Tsuen	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Obscured, ~125m	Obscured, ~125m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
RES-22	Residents of Wang Fu Court	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Partial, ~75m	Partial, ~75m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
RES-23	Residents of Yuk Tat Garden	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Obscured, ~100m	Obscured, ~100m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
RES-24	Residents of Wang Chau Lam Uk Tseun	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Obscured, ~150m	Obscured, ~150m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
RES-25	Residents of Tung Tau San Tsuen	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Obscured, ~100m	Obscured, ~100m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
RES-26	Residents of Shan Pui Chung Hau Tsuen	High	Temporary, Continuous	Permanent, Continuous	Small, Yes	Obscured, ~30m	Obscured, ~30m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Recreational VSRs
REC-1	Visitors to Tai Pei Tau Rest Garden	High	Temporary. Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Obscured, ~30m	Obscured, ~30m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
REC-2	Visitors to Chung Sing Path Playground	High	Temporary. Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Obscured, ~30m	Obscured, ~30m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
REC-3	Visitors to Kik Yueng Football Pitch	High	Temporary. Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Obscured ~ 0m	Obscured, ~30m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
REC-4	Visitors to Long Yip Open Space	High	Temporary. Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Partial, 0m	Partial, ~30m	Slight	Negligible	Small	Small
REC-5	Visitors to Viewpoint at Shan Pui River	Medium	Temporary, Intermittent	Continuous, Intermittent	Large, Yes	Full ~ 5m	Full ~ 5m	Partial	Partial	Large	Large
REC-6	Visitors to Nam Sang Wai Road Lookout	Medium	Temporary, Intermittent	Continuous, Intermittent	Medium, Yes	Partial. ~200m	Partial. ~200m	Slight	Slight	Intermediate	Intermediate
Travelling VSRs
T-1	Travelers along Shap Pat Heung Road	High	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Full, ~175m	Full, ~175m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T-2	Travelers along West Side Nullah	High	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Full, ~10m	Full, ~10m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T-3	Travelers along Ma Tin Road	High	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Full, ~10m	Full, ~10m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T-4	Pedestrians along East Side Nullah	High	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Full, ~10m	Full, ~10m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T-5	Travelers along Kau Yuk Road	High	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Obscured, ~10m	Obscured, ~10m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T-6	Travelers along Castle Peak Road	High	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Full, ~10m	Full, ~10m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T-7	Travelers along Yuen Long On Ning Road	High	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Full, ~10m	Full, ~10m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T-8	Travelers along Long Ping MTR Station	High	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Full, ~30m	Full, ~30m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T-9	Travelers along Wang Lok Street	High	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Partial, ~50m	Partial, ~50m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T-10	Travelers along Kwong Yip Street	High	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Obscured, ~10m	Obscured, ~10m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T-11	Travelers along Fuk Hi Street	High	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Obscured, ~30m	Obscured, ~30m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
T-12	Travelers along Fu Yip Street	High	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Full, ~50m	Full, ~50m	Slight	Negligible	Small	Small
T-13	Travelers along Shan Pui Ho East Road	High	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Obscured, ~10m	Obscured, ~10m	Slight	Negligible	Small	Small
T-14	Travelers along Nam Sang Wai Road	High	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Partial, ~300m	Partial, ~300m	Slight	Slight	Small	Small
Occupational VSRs
O-1	Workers of G/F shops along west side of Town Centre Section	High	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Obscured, ~10m	Obscured, ~10m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
O-2	Workers of G/F shops along east side of Town Centre Section	High	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Small, Yes	Partial, ~10m	Partial, ~10m	Slight	Negligible	Small	Small
O-3	Workers of Leeman Hydraulic Technology Company Limited	Medium	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, Yes	Partial, ~400m	Partial, ~400m	Slight	Slight	Intermediate	Inter-mediate
O-4	Workers at Hong Kong School of Motoring	Medium	Temporary, Intermittent	Permanent, Intermittent	Large, Yes	Obscured, ~ 10m	Obscured, ~ 10m	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible

10.8.5 Prediction of Significance of Visual Impacts

10.8.5.1 An assessment of the significance of the potential visual impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is briefly described, and listed in detail in Table 10.12. This follows the methodology outlined in Section 10.3 above and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 10.8 and Table 10.9 would be implemented, and that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be realised after 10 years.

10.8.5.2 Generally, all implemented mitigations measures outlined in Table 10.8 and Table 10.9 will have beneficial visual impact. This is due to the existing visual quality of the nullah being currently low due its featureless concrete lining and general absence of vegetation. In many cases the Impact Significance Threshold without mitigation of the proposed engineering and architectural works for the drainage improvement will be slight or insubstantial, since most of the proposed engineering works is minor and is below street level, and not directly visible apart from bridge crossings. Most of the adverse visual impacts of the project will be temporary and during the construction stage caused primarily by construction operations, plant and materials. During the operational phase following mitigation, the proposed extensive landscape works with the introduction of natural materials and planting which will enhance visual variety and amenity will result in beneficial visual impacts to all identified VSRs.

10.8.6 Impacts during the Construction and Operation Phase before Mitigation

10.8.6.1 Given that the nullah profile sits below the adjacent street level, VSRs beyond the facing buildings and adjacent streets will be limited.

10.8.6.2 Photomontages illustrating the existing views and operation phase impacts before and after (Day 1 and Year 10) the implementation of mitigation measure are provided in Figures 10.50a to 10.59d. and locations of viewpoints are illustrated on Figures 10.30 to 10.34. Mitigation measures are described in more detail in Table 10.8 and Table 10.9. A summary of the visual impact significance of VSRs affected at the various viewpoints is provided in Table 10.13.

Table 10.12: Significance of Visual Impacts in Construction and Operation Phases

Id. No.	Key Visual Receiver (VSR)		Receptor Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Impact (None, Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)				Impact Significance Threshold without Mitigation Measures (None, Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures			Residual Impact Significance Threshold AFTER Mitigation (None, Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
														Construction	Operation
			Construction	Operation	Construction		Operation		Construction	Operation					DAY 1	YEAR 10
Residential VSRs
RES-1	Residents along Shap Pat Heung Road		Medium	Medium	Small		Small		Slight	Slight		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-2	Residents of Lung Tin Tsuen		Medium	Medium	Small		Small		Slight	Slight		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-2 (From VP1)	Residents of Lung Tin Tsuen (From VP1)		Medium	Medium	Small		Small		Slight	Slight		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-3	Residents of Ma Tin Pok Village		Medium	Medium	Small		Small		Slight	Slight		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-3 (From VP1)	Residents of Ma Tin Pol Village (From VP1)		Medium	Medium	Small		Small		Slight	Slight		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-4	Residents of Ma Tin Tsuen		High	High	Small		Small		Moderate	Moderate		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Moderate	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-5	Residents along Tai Shu Ha Road		High	High	Small		Small		Moderate	Moderate		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Moderate	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-6	Residents of Sun Fai Court		Medium	Medium	Small		Small		Slight	Slight		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-6 (From VP2)	Residents of Fo Sun Fai Court (From VP2)		Medium	Medium	Small		Small		Slight	Slight		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-7	Residents of Crystal Park		Low	Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Slight	Slight (beneficial)	Slight (beneficial)
RES-8	Residents along Ma Tin Road		High	High	Small		Small		Moderate	Moderate		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Moderate	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
RES-8 (From VP3)	Residents along Ma Tin Road (From VP3)		High	High	Small		Small		Moderate	Moderate		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Moderate	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
RES-9	Residents along Yu Wing Path		High	High	Small		Small		Moderate	Moderate		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Moderate	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-10	Residents along Fung Nin Road		Medium	Medium	Small		Small		Slight	Slight		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-11	Residents along Cheong Shing Path		High	High	Small		Small		Moderate	Moderate		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Moderate	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-11 (From VP4)	Residents along Cheong Shing Path (From VP4)		High	High	Small		Small		Moderate	Moderate		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Moderate	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-12	Residents along Chung Sing Path		High	High	Small		Small		Moderate	Moderate		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Moderate	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
RES-12 (From VP4)	Residents along Chung Sing Path (From VP4)		High	High	Small		Small		Moderate	Moderate		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Moderate	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-13	Residents along Castle Peak Road		High	High	Small		Small		Moderate	Moderate		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Moderate	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-14	Residents along Kik Yeung Road		Medium	Medium	Small		Small		Slight	Slight		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Slight	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
RES-15	Residents of Yuen Long Plaza		Medium	Medium	Small		Small		Slight	Slight		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Slight	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
RES-16	Residents of Ho Shun Fuk Building		Medium	Medium	Small		Small		Slight	Slight		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-17	Residents along Yuen Long On Ning		Medium	Medium	Small		Small		Slight	Slight		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Slight	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
RES-18	Residents along Ping Shun Street		High	High	Small		Small		Moderate	Moderate		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Moderate	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-19	Residents along Ping Yee Road		High	High	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Insubstantial	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
RES-20	Residents of The Spectra		High	High	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Insubstantial	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-21	Residents of Teung Uk San Tsuen		Medium	Medium	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Insubstantial	Slight (beneficial)	Slight (beneficial)
RES-22	Residents of Wang Fu Court		High	High	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Insubstantial	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-22 (From VP7)	Residents of Wang Fu Court (From VP7)		High	High	Small		Small		Moderate	Moderate		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Moderate	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
RES-23	Residents of Yuk Tat Garden		Medium	Medium	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Insubstantial	Slight (beneficial)	Slight (beneficial)
RES-23 (From VP8)	Residents of Yuk Tat Garden (From VP8)		Medium	Medium	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Insubstantial	Slight (beneficial)	Slight (beneficial)
RES-24	Residents of Wang Chau Lam Uk Tseun		Medium	Medium	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Insubstantial	Slight (beneficial)	Slight (beneficial)
RES-24 (From VP8)	Residents of Wang Chau Lam Uk Tseun (From VP8)		Medium	Medium	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Insubstantial	Slight (beneficial)	Slight (beneficial)
RES-25	Residents of Tung Tau San Tsuen		Medium	Medium	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Insubstantial	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
RES-26	Residents of Shan Pui Chung Hau Tsuen		Medium	Medium	Small		Small		Slight	Slight		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM10		Slight	Slight	Slight
RES-26 (From VP9)	Residents of Shan Pui Chung Hau Tsuen (From VP9)		Medium	Medium	Large		Large		Substantial	Substantial		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM10		Substantial	Substantial	Substantial
Recreational VSRs
REC-1	Visitors to Tai Pei Tau Rest Garden	Medium		Medium	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Insubstantial	Slight (beneficial)	Slight (beneficial)
REC-2	Visitors to Chung Sing Path Playground	Medium		Medium	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Insubstantial	Slight (beneficial)	Slight (beneficial)
REC-3	Visitors to Kik Yueng Football Pitch	Medium		Medium	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Insubstantial	Slight (beneficial)	Slight (beneficial)
REC-4	Visitors to Long Yip Open Space	Medium		Medium	Small		Small		Slight	Slight		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7		Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
REC-5	Visitors to Viewpoint at Shan Pui River	High		High	Large		Large		Moderate	Moderate		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM10		Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
REC-5 (From VP9)	Visitors to Viewpoint at Shan Pui River (From VP9)	High		High	Large		Large		Moderate	Moderate		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM10		Substantial	Substantial	Substantial
REC-5 (From VP10)	Visitors to Viewpoint at Shan Pui River (From VP10)	High		High	Intermediate		Intermediate		Substantial	Substantial		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM10		Substantial	Moderate	Moderate
REC-6	Visitors to Nam Sang Wai Road Lookout	Medium		Medium	Intermediate		Intermediate		Moderate	Moderate		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM10		Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
REC-6 (From VP11)	Visitors to Nam Sang Wai Road Lookout (From VP11)	Medium		Medium	Intermediate		Intermediate		Moderate	Moderate		CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM10		Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
Travelling VSRs
T-1	Travelers along Shap Pat Heung Road	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
T-2	Travelers along West Side Nullah	Low		Low	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Insubstantial	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
T-2 (From VP1)	Travelers along West Side Nullah (From VP1)	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
T-2 (From VP2)	Travelers along West Side Nullah (From VP2)	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
T-2 (From VP2)	Travelers along West Side Nullah (From VP2)	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
T-3	Travelers along Ma Tin Road	Low		Low	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Insubstantial	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
T-3 (From VP2)	Travelers along Ma Tin Road (From VP2)	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
T-4	Travelers along East Side Nullah	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
T-4 (From VP4)	Travelers along East Side Nullah (From VP4)	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
T-5	Travelers along Kau Yuk Road	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
T-5 (From VP4)	Travelers along Kau Yuk Road (From VP4)	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
T-6	Travelers along Castle Peak Road	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
T-7	Travelers along Yuen Long On Ning Road	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
T-8	Travelers in Long Ping MTR Station	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
T-8 (From VP5)	Travelers in Long Ping MTR Station (From VP5)	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
T-8 (From VP6)	Travelers in Long Ping MTR Station (From VP6)	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
T-9	Travelers along Wang Lok Street	Low		Low	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Insubstantial	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
T-9 (From VP8)	Travelers along Wang Lok Street (From VP8)	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
T-10	Travelers along Kwong Yip Street	Low		Low	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Insubstantial	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
T-10 (From VP7)	Travelers along Kwong Yip Street (From VP7)	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
T-11	Travelers along Fuk Hi Street	Low		Low	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Insubstantial	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
T-12	Travelers along Fu Yip Street	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM9	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
T-12 (From VP7)	Travelers along Fu Yip Street (From VP7)	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM9	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
T-13	Travelers along Shan Pui Ho East Road	Low		Low	Small		Small		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM10	Slight	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
T-13 (From VP9)	Travelers along Shan Pui Ho East Road (From VP9)	Low		Low	Intermediate		Intermediate		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM10	Slight	Slight (beneficial)	Slight (beneficial)
T-13 (From VP10)	Travelers along Shan Pui Ho East Road (From VP10)	Low		Low	Intermediate		Intermediate		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM10	Slight	Slight (beneficial)	Slight (beneficial)
T-14	Travelers along Nam Sang Wai Road	Low		Low	Negligible		Negligible		Insubstantial	Insubstantial			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM10	Insubstantial	Slight (beneficial)	Slight (beneficial)
T-14 (From VP11)	Travelers along Nam Sang Wai Road (From VP11)	Low		Low	Intermediate		Intermediate		Slight	Slight			CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM10	Slight	Slight (beneficial)	Slight (beneficial)
Occupational VSRs
O-1	Workers in G/F shops along west side of Town Centre Section		Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible		Insubstantial		Insubstantial			CM1 – CM7, OM1 – OM5, OM7	Insubstantial	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
O-1 (From VP3)	Workers in G/F shops along west side of Town Centre Section (From VP3)		Low	Low	Small	Small		Slight		Slight			CM1 – CM7, OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
O-2	Workers in G/F shops along east side of Town Centre Section		Low	Low	Small	Small		Slight		Slight			CM1 – CM7, OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
O-2 (From VP4)	Workers in G/F shops along east side of Town Centre Section (From VP4)		Low	Low	Small	Small		Slight		Slight			CM1 – CM7, OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
O-3	Workers in Leeman Hydraulic Technology Company Limited		Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate		Slight		Slight			CM1 – CM7, OM1 – OM10	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
O-4	Workers at Hong Kong School of Motoring		Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible		Insubstantial		Insubstantial			CM1 – CM7, OM1 – OM10	Insubstantial	Insub-stantial	Insubstantial

Table 10.13 – Summary of Visual Impacts at Photomontage Viewpoints

View-point	Receptor Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Impact (None, Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance Threshold without Mitigation Measures (None, Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance Threshold AFTER Mitigation (None, Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
								Construction	Operation
	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation			DAY 1	YEAR 10
VP1– Viewpoint from Kiu Hing Road Bridge	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
VP2 – Viewpoint from Kung Um Road	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
VP3 – Viewpoint from Long Ngai Path Footbridge	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
VP4 – Viewpoint from Kau Yuk Road Bridge	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
VP5 – Viewpoint from Long Ping MTR Exit D	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
VP6- Viewpoint from Long Ping Station Towards Long Yip Sitting Out Area	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Moderate (beneficial)	Moderate (beneficial)
VP7 – Viewpoint from Fu Yip Street Bridge	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Substantial (beneficial)	Substantial (beneficial)
VP8 – Viewpoint from Wang Lok Street	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM5, OM7	Slight	Slight (beneficial)	Slight (beneficial)
VP9 – Viewpoint of Proposed Barrage	Medium	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM10	Substantial	Substantial	Substantial
VP10 – Viewpoint from Shan Pui Ho Road East	Medium	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM10	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate
VP11 – Viewpoint from Nam Sang Wai Road Lookout	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1 - CM7 OM1 – OM10	Moderate	Moderate	Moderate

10.9 Cumulative Impacts

10.9.1 Cumulative Landscape Impacts

10.9.1.1 There are no concurrent projects that fall with the landscape study area and which would create additional landscape impacts.

10.9.2 Cumulative Visual Impacts

10.9.2.1 There are no concurrent projects that fall within the ZVI which would create additional visual impacts on the VSRs identified within this study.

10.10 Residual Impact

10.10.1 Residual Landscape Impacts

10.10.1.1 The potential significance of the landscape impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is provided in Table 10.103. The residual impact significance after day 1 and year 10 for the majority of the Landscape Resources and Landscape Characters areas are None, due to proposed changes occurring primarily within the nullah profile, and not impacting the surrounding areas. Due to the removal of concrete and/or the addition of substantial greening and beautification measures within the nullah profile, the impact significance of LR1A is considered to be Substantial (beneficial). While the removal of concrete and the addition of substantial greening and beautification measures within the nullah also occurs in LR1B, the impact of the proposed barrage reduces the impact significance of LR1B to Moderate (beneficial). Due to the addition of the proposed pumping stations and E&M control building, some existing trees in LR19 will need to be felled, therefore the impact significance at Day 1 in considered to be Intermediate, while the Year 10 impact is considered to be Slight due to the maturing of compensatory trees. Changes in hydrological and ecological exchange between the Shan Pui River and lower reaches of the YLTN due to the proposed barrage, will result in a Day 1 impact of Slight for LR20, while the Year 10 residual impact will be Insubstantial due to increased ecological habitat areas created in the lower reaches of the YLTN near the proposed barrage. The residual impacts on Landscape Resources with mitigation at Year 10 are illustrated in Figures 10.17a to 10.17d.

10.10.2 Residual Visual Impacts

10.10.2.1 The potential significance of the visual impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is provided in Table 10.12, and is summarised in Table 10.13. The residual impact significance after day 1 and year 10 from VP1-8 are beneficial to various degrees due to the removal of concrete and/or the addition of substantial greening and beautification measures within the nullah profile. For the down steam areas near the barrage, VP9 represents the worst case viewpoint in terms of visual impact, since it is in close proximity to the proposed barrage and there is an absence of roadside screening trees that are generally present along Shan Pui Ho Road East. Due to the large size of the proposed pumping stations, whilst façade mitigation measures can improve their aspect they will not reduce the degree of visual obstruction and general impact of their scale and the impact significance threshold of Substantial will not be lowered for either day 1 or year 10 conditions. VP10 looks west across Shan Pui River towards the Leeman Hydraulic Technology Company Ltd building. While the proposed E&M control building blocks a significant portion of the planting on the west bank of the Shan Pui River, it also blocks the Leeman Hydraulic Technology Company Ltd building. The view of the waterbody in the foreground and the opposite riverbank are unaffected. The impact significance at day 1 and year 10 are therefore considered to be Moderate. VP11 is from the hammerhead of Nam Sang Wai Road, looking south-west towards the proposed barrage. While the full extent of the proposed barrage, pumping stations, and E&M control building is visible from this viewpoint, the large distance between the viewpoint and the proposed works combined with the lack of impact to the ridgelines beyond contribute to an assessment of the impact significance for both day 1 and year 10 as Moderate. The residual visual impacts on VSR’s with mitigation at Year 10 are illustrated in Figures 10.40a to 10.40d.

10.11 Monitoring and Audit Requirements

10.11.1 Construction Phase

Monitoring of Design, Construction and Establishment Works

10.11.1.1 The design, implementation and maintenance of landscape and visual mitigation measures (refer to Table 10.8 and Table 10.9) shall be checked to ensure that they are fully realised and that any potential conflicts between the proposed landscape measures and any other project works and operational requirements are resolved at the earliest possible date and without compromise to the intention of the mitigation measures.

Design of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

10.11.1.2 The detailed design of the landscape and visual mitigation measures shall be undertaken so as to ensure compliance with the proposed measures in this report.

Site Supervision of Landscape Works

10.11.1.3 The implementation of the landscape works during the construction phase and establishment works shall be inspected through the site audit program.

10.11.2 Operation Phase

Monitoring of Landscape Establishment

10.11.2.1 All landscape and visual mitigation measures shall be monitored during the landscape establishment period to check that intended mitigation effects are realised.

10.12 Conclusion

10.12.1 Landscape Impacts – Yuen Long Barrage Scheme

10.12.1.1 The only landscape resources that will be impacted are the nullah channel itself (LR1A and LR1B), and vegetation along the west bank of the nullah (LR19) which will be impacted by the barrage, pumping stations and E&M control building, the Shan Pui River peninsula viewpoint (LR20) which will be impacted by the barrage link bridge and pumping station and the Shan Pui River (LR21) where it interfaces with the barrage.

10.12.1.2 The nullah channel has a low sensitivity due to its existing condition and the residual impacts during the operation stage before mitigation are only Slight for upper reaches and Moderate for the lower reaches (which contains the barrage). Following mitigation with the application of the proposed extensive landscape enhancement measures to the nullah channel, the residual impacts are anticipated to be Substantial (beneficial) for the upper reaches and Moderate (beneficial) for the lower reaches. The lower increase in enhancement for the lower reaches is due to the presence of the barrage and the fact that the channel appearance will change less from its existing condition following the mitigation measures.

10.12.1.3 The main loss of trees and vegetation will be on the west bank (LR19) due to the barrage construction. Prior to mitigation this is assessed as Substantial during the Operation Stage. However, this will be offset by infill planting of the vegetated areas to the north and south of the barrage and planting associated with the barrage itself including green roofs and vertical greening (as illustrated conceptually in Figure 10.90 – subject to detailed design). Following mitigation the residual impact is anticipated to be Slight at Year 10.

10.12.1.4 The other vegetation impacted is relatively minor and includes vegetation along the banks of the lower section (LR15) and potentially trees at the Shan Pui River peninsula viewpoint (LR20). These impacts are again a result of the barrage construction and are assessed as Slight and Moderate prior to mitigation during the operation stage. These impacts will be offset by greening of the nullah and compensatory tree planting. Following mitigation the impacts are assessed as Slight and Insubstantial respectively at Year 10.

10.12.1.5 There will be no impacts to all the other identified landscape resources within the assessment area.

10.12.1.6 Of the ten landscape character areas identified, only three will experience impacts. The southern portion of the Yuen Long Nullah Landscape (LCA1A) will experience Insubstantial negative impacts during the operation phase prior to mitigation due to the additional drainage interceptor works. However, following mitigation with the extensive landscape enhancement works to the channel, the residual impact is anticipated to be Substantial (beneficial) at Year 10. The northern portion of the Yuen Long Nullah Landscape (LCA1B) will experience Slight negative impacts during the operation phase prior to mitigation due to the additional drainage interceptor works and the construction of the barrage. However, following mitigation with the extensive landscape enhancement works to the channel and mitigation works to the barrage, the residual impact is anticipated to be Moderate (beneficial) at Year 10. The lower increase in enhancement for the lower reaches is due to the presence of the barrage and the fact that the channel appearance will change less from its existing condition following the mitigation measures than the upper reaches of the channel.

10.12.1.7 The only other landscape character area that will be affected is River Corridor Landscape (LCA9) to the north of the mouth of the nullah which is anticipated to experience Slight negative impacts during operation before mitigation due to the presence of the barrage. Following mitigation it is anticipated that the residual impact during operation at Day 1 and Year 10 will be Insubstantial.

10.12.1.8 Overall, the residual impacts to affected landscape resources and landscape character areas is anticipated to be beneficial due to the enhancement of the nullah channel with additional planting, natural materials and public facilities which will add to its value in terms of a landscape resource and landscape character area. An overview of the residual impacts on landscape character areas are shown in Figures 10.24a & 10.24b

10.12.2 Visual Impacts – Yuen Long Barrage Scheme

10.12.2.1 The nullah channel is a highly visible element within the urban context of Yuen Long and any change to it will be experienced by a range of surrounding visually sensitive receivers. The existing visual quality of the nullah is currently low due its featureless concrete lining and general absence of vegetation. Most of the adverse visual impacts of the project will be temporary and during the construction stage caused primarily by construction operations, plant and materials. During the operational phase following mitigation, the proposed extensive landscape works with the introduction of natural materials and planting which will enhance visual variety and amenity will result in beneficial visual impacts to all identified VSRs.

10.12.2.2 Of the residential VSRs overlooking the nullah, RES-4, RES-5, RES-8, RES-9, RES-11 to RES-13 and RES-18. will experience Moderate (adverse) visual impacts during the operation phase prior to mitigation. Mitigation including enhancement of the nullah channel and adjacent edges will result in Substantial (beneficial) residual visual impacts at Day 1 and Year 10 to RES-1 to RES-6, RES-9 to RES-11, RES-13, RES-16, RES-18, RES-20, and RES-22. Residual visual impacts to RES-8, RES-12, RES-14, RES-15, RES-17, RES-19, and RES-25 will be Moderate (beneficial) because the visual mitigation measures are less visible from those VSRs.

10.12.2.3 RES-1 to RES3, RES-6, RES-7, RES-10 and RES-14 to RES-17, and RES-26 will experience Slight (adverse) visual impacts during the operation phase prior to mitigation. Mitigation including enhancement of the nullah channel and adjacent edges will result in Substantial (beneficial) residual visual impacts at Day 1 and Year 10 to RES-1 to RES-6, RES-9 to RES-11, RES-13, RES-16, RES-18, RES-20, RES-22. Residual visual impacts to RES-8, RES-12, RES-14, RES-15, RES-17, RES-19, and RES-25 will be Moderate (beneficial) and for RES-7 will be Slight (beneficial) because the visual mitigation measures are less visible from those VSRs.

10.12.2.4 RES-19 to RES-25 will experience Insubstantial (adverse) visual impacts during the operation phase prior to mitigation. Mitigation including enhancement of the nullah channel and adjacent edges will result in Slight (beneficial) residual visual impacts to RES-21, RES-23 and RES-24 because the visual mitigation measures are barely visible from those VSRs.

10.12.2.5 RES-26 is the only VSR that will experience Slight (adverse) residual visual impacts at Day 1 and Year 10 due to the substantial size of the proposed barrage, pumping stations, and E&M control building. The substantial and generally continuous and retained trees along Shan Pui Ho East Road screen the proposed work and preventing this VSR from more adverse residual visual impacts.

10.12.2.6 REC-5 and REC-6 will experience Moderate (adverse) visual impacts during the construction and operation phase prior to mitigation, as well as following mitigation as it will not be possible to fully mitigate the presence of the barrage, pumping stations, and E&M control building which will cause a degree of visual obstruction of some views. REC-4 will experience Slight (adverse) visual impacts before mitigation during the operation phase. Following mitigation including enhancement of the nullah channel and adjacent edges, the residual visual impact will be Substantial (beneficial). REC-1, REC-2 and REC-3 will experience Negligible adverse visual impacts during construction and operation prior to mitigation as their views of the nullah are poor. Following mitigation, the residual visual impact will be Slight (beneficial).

10.12.2.7 Of the travelling VSR group including vehicles and pedestrians, T-2, T-3. T-9 to T-11, and T-14 will experience Insubstantial (adverse) visual impacts due to only indirect views into the nullah, while T-1, T-4 to T-8, and T-12 and T-13 will experience Slight (adverse) visual impacts during construction and operation prior to mitigation due to their more direct views into the nullah. However, mitigation including enhancement of the nullah channel and adjacent edges will result in Substantial (beneficial) residual visual impacts at Day 1 and Year 10 of T-2, T-4 to T-8, and T-12. Mitigation including enhancement of the nullah channel and adjacent edges will result in Moderate (beneficial) residual visual impacts at Day 1 and Year 10 of T-9 to T-11 and T-13 due to the roadside trees will cause a degree of visual obstruction from these VSRs. Mitigation including enhancement of the nullah channel and adjacent edges will result in Slight (beneficial) residual visual impacts at Day 1 and Year 10 of T-14 due to the screening provided by the substantial and generally continuous retained trees along Shan Pui Ho East Road.

10.12.2.8 Of the occupational VSRs, workers in G/F shops along east side of Town Centre Section (O-2) and workers at Leeman Hydraulic Technology Company Ltd. (O-3) will potentially have Slight (adverse) views during construction and operation prior to mitigation due the construction works and presence of the barrage and associated buildings. Following mitigation, the significance of impact of O-3 will be reduced to Slight (adverse) at Day 1 due to sensitive design of the structures in terms of massing, form and finish, green roofs and vertical greening and compensatory and screen tree planting. At Year 10 the residual visual impact of O-3 will be reduced to Insubstantial due to mature tree screens. Following mitigation, the significance of impact of O-1 and O-2 will be adjusted to Substantial (beneficial) due to the enhancement of the nullah channel and adjacent edges. Due to a dense vegetated edge facing the nullah, the Workers at Hong Kong School of Motoring experience little adverse effects or benefits from the broader nullah improvement as the works will not be visible from this VSR. The impact significance before mitigation, as well as residual impact after mitigation will be Insubstantial (adverse).

10.12.2.9 The residual impact significance after day 1 and year 10 from VP1-8 are beneficial to various degrees due to the removal of concrete and/or the addition of substantial greening and beautification measures within the nullah profile. For the downstream areas near the barrage, VP9 represents the worst-case viewpoint in terms of visual impact, since it is in close proximity to the proposed barrage and there is an absence of roadside screening trees that are generally present along Shan Pui Ho Road East. Due to the large size of the proposed pumping stations, whilst façade mitigation measures can improve their aspect they will not reduce the degree of visual obstruction and general impact of their scale and the impact significance threshold of Substantial will not be lowered for either day 1 or year 10 conditions. VP10 looks west across Shan Pui River towards the Leeman Hydraulic Technology Company Ltd building. While the proposed E&M control building blocks a significant portion of the planting on the west bank of the Shan Pui River, it also blocks the Leeman Hydraulic Technology Company Ltd building. The view of the waterbody in the foreground and the opposite riverbank are unaffected. The impact significance at day 1 and year 10 are therefore considered to be Moderate. VP11 is from the hammerhead of Nam Sang Wai Road, looking south-west towards the proposed barrage. While the full extent of the proposed barrage, pumping stations, and E&M control building is visible from this viewpoint, the large distance between the viewpoint and the proposed works combined with the lack of impact to the ridgelines beyond contribute to an assessment of the impact significance for both day 1 and year 10 as Moderate. The residual visual impacts on VSR’s with mitigation at Year 10 are illustrated in Figures 10.40a to 10.40d.

10.12.2.10 Overall, the proposed engineering works including dry weather flow interceptors and barrage will result in Moderate to Insubstantial (adverse) visual impacts prior to mitigation. Following mitigation, including enhancement of the nullah channel, edges and crossing points, all VSRs will experience Substantial to Slight (beneficial) visual impacts. The only exceptions are RES-26, REC-5, REC-6, O-3 and O-4 which are in the vicinity of the barrage which cannot be completely mitigated and will result in Moderate (adverse) to Insubstantial (adverse) residual visual impacts at Year 10.

10.12.3 Landscape and Visual Impact – Kam Tim River Parapet Modification

10.12.3.1 The parapet modification works comprise the raising of the level of the existing concrete parapet by 325mm. The visual mitigation is the selection of frosted panels for the parapet extension which is intended to minimise any effects of visual obstruction.

10.12.3.2 On the land side of the parapet there is a road/footpath/cycling track and no vegetation. On the nullah side of the parapet there is natural, self-seeded grassy vegetation growing on the bank. The parapet works will be undertaken from the land side and no impacts will occur to the vegetation on the nullah banks. Landscape impacts are therefore None during the Construction and Operation stages.

10.12.3.3 During the construction phase there will be the minor temporary impacts of workers and machinery installing the new panels. These impacts are considered to be Negligible. During the operation stage, the presence of the frosted panels will create minor additional visual obstruction to primary VSRs (drivers, cyclists/pedestrians using the nullah road/footpath). As the panels are transparent, the significance of the impact is considered to be negligible. Visual impacts will therefore be Slight during construction phase and Insubstantial during the operation phase.

10.12.4 Landscape and Visual Impact –Modification of Parapet Walls along Yuen Long Nullah, Yuen Long Bypass Floodway, and Sham Chung River

10.12.4.1 The works concerned with the modification of parapet walls comprise replacing the existing railing along Yuen Long Nullah, Yuen Long Bypass Floodway, and Sham Chung River with concrete parapet walls of approximately 1100mm in height. No landscape and visual impact assessment was conducted for these works as no landscape resources will be affected and the visual impacts will be negligible.

10.12.4.2 On the land side of the parapet there is a road/footpath/cycling track and no vegetation. On the nullah side of the parapet are the nullah banks, void of vegetation. The parapet works will be undertaken from the land side and no impacts will occur to any vegetation. Landscape impacts are therefore None during the Construction and Operation stages.

10.12.4.3 During the construction phase there will be the minor temporary impacts of workers and machinery constructing new parapets. These impacts are considered to be Negligible. During the operation stage, the presence of the parapet walls will create minor additional visual obstruction to primary VSRs (drivers, cyclists/pedestrians using the nullah road/footpath). The significance of the impact is considered to be negligible. Visual impacts will therefore be Slight during construction phase and Insubstantial during the operation phase.

10.12.5 Overall Conclusion

Yuen Long Barrage Scheme

10.12.5.1 Temporary adverse visual impacts will be observed during the construction phase, however beneficial landscape and visual impacts will be observed during the operation phase due to the enhancement of the nullah channel and the integration of the nullah barrage with the landscape.

10.12.5.2 In accordance with Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM, it is considered that, following mitigation, the proposed development will result in overall beneficial landscape and visual impacts as it will complement the landscapes and visual character of its setting, follow the planning objectives and will improve the overall landscape and visual quality.

Kam Tin River Parapet Modification

10.12.5.3 In accordance with Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM, it is considered that the parapet modification works will in overall terms be acceptable, that is there will be no significant effects on the landscape and no significant visual effects or interference with key views.

Modification of Parapet Walls along Yuen Long Nullah, Yuen Long Bypass Floodway, and Sham Chung River

10.12.5.4 In accordance with Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM, it is considered that the parapet modification works will in overall terms be acceptable, that is there will be no significant effects on the landscape and no significant visual effects or interference with key views.