9 Landscape and Visual Impact

9.1 Project Background

9.1.1 An application (No. ESB-317/2019) for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study brief under section 5(1)(a) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) was submitted on 23 May 2019 with a project profile (No. PP-582/2019) (the Project Profile).

9.1.2 The existing Diamond Hill Fresh Water and Salt Water Service Reservoirs (DHSRs) including Diamond Hill Fresh Water Service Reservoir (DHFWSR) and Diamond Hill hillsides to the north of Chuk Yuen (North) Estate in Wong Tai Sin.

9.1.3 Based on the preliminary design, when relocated, DHSRs will be constructed in a series of caverns linked by access tunnels and audits; and DHFWSR and DHSWSR will be constructed with two and three compartments respectively while the existing Diamond Hill Fresh Water and Salt Water Pumping Station will be split into Diamond Hill Fresh Water Pumping Station (DHFWPS) and Diamond Hill Salt Water Pumping Station (DHSWPS).

9.1.4 The proposed storage capacities of the relocated DHFWSR and DHSWSR are approximately 10,000m³ and 19,000m³ respectively. The scope of the Project will also include a vehicular access and some ancillary facilities such as transformer room, switch room, emergency generator room, administration building, control room, ventilation building and pumping station control room.

9.1.5 After commissioning of the relocated DHSRs, the operation of the existing DHSRs and the associated facilities will be terminated under the Project. The subsequent demolition and termination of operation at the existing DHSRs will be carried out by other government departments.

9.1.6 The study is a Designated Project (DP) under Item Q.2, Part I of Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, "Underground Rock Caverns", The alternative options/design/alignments for the Project considered are discussed in Section 2 of this EIA report.

9.1.7 This Section presents the potential landscape and visual impact associated with the Project.

9.2 Key Development Component

9.2.1 The project comprises of the following proposed above-ground structure and temporary works area.

Table 9.1 Description of Key Development Components

Components	Descriptions
Components that lead to permanent loss of landscape cover
Ancillary Building	Facilities such as transformer room, switch room, emergency generator room, ventilation building and pumping station control room will be constructed near the portal to provide electricity and ventilation to the caverns and tunnel.
Re-provision of Access Road	As the original access road to the Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery will be occupied by the ancillary building, a new access road will be constructed to substitute the existing access road.
Slope stabilisation	The proposed tunnel portal and ancillary building are situated on an existing vegetated slope. Slope stabilisation is required.
Components that lead to loss of landscape cover subject to reinstatement
Water main laying works	The water main laying works transport fresh and salt water between the Wong Tai Sin urban areas and the tunnel portal.
Temporary storage	The area is currently the Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery, which will be temporarily used for storing construction materials and equipment. It will be handed back to LCSD after completion of construction.
First 40m of underground tunnel from portal	Open cut method will be adopted after evaluation of geological conditions.
Components that incur negligible loss of landscape cover
Underground tunnels and adits except the first 40m from portal	It serves as the normal vehicular access for the operation and maintenance of the service reservoirs. The tunnel will consist of two traffic lane in opposite direction and will also be an emergency vehicular access (EVA) as one of the fire services provisions.
Underground caverns	It is proposed to accommodate both fresh water and salt water service reservoirs and pumping stations. The fresh water and salt water service reservoirs would be divided into two and three compartments respectively in order to facilitate future maintenance.
Construction of the relocated DHSRs and associated pumping stations	According to the layout recommended in the Feasibility Study, the fresh water and salt water service reservoirs contains two and three compartments respectively in order to facilitate future maintenance

9.2.2 Demolition of existing facilities and construction of infrastructures at the released site are not included in the Project and will be carried out by other parties. Details may refer to Chapter 1.

9.2.3 Details of key development components shall refer to Chapters 1 and 2 of the EIA.

9.3 Relevant Legislations, Standards & Guidelines

9.3.1 This Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment has been conducted with reference to the local legislation, guidelines, plans and relevant studies as follows:

Environmental Impact Assessment

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap.499);

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance - Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO-TM), particularly Annexes 10 and 18;

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Guidance Note No.8/2010 – Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance;

· Countryside Commission (1993) Landscape Assessment Guidance, UK Countryside Commission, Cheltenham;

Ordinances, Planning and Development Control

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131);

· Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208);

· Forest and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) and Forestry Regulations;

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

· Hong Kong Planning and Standards & Guidelines (HKPSG), particularly Chapter 4, 10 and 11;

Tree, Landscape, Slope and Vegetation

· Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong by the Planning Department (https://www.pland.gov.hk/pland_en/p_study/prog_s/landscape/e_index.htm), particularly the Landscape Character Map of Hong Kong; Development Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No. 4/2020 – Tree Preservation;

· Development Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No.5/2020 – Registration and Preservation of Old and Valuable Trees;

· Development Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No. 6/2015 – Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features;

· Development Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No.3/2012 – Site Coverage of Greenery for Government Building Projects;

· Development Bureau Technical Circular (Works) No.6/2011 – Maintenance of Man-made Slopes and Emergency Works to Deal with Landslides;

· GEO Publication No.1/2011 – Technical Guidelines on Landscape Treatment for Slopes;

· Guidelines promulgated by the Development Bureau at: https://www.greening.gov.hk/en/knowledge_database/technical_circulars.html;

· Guidelines on Aesthetic Design of Pumping Station Buildings promulgated by the Drainage Services Department in Oct 2006;

· Civil Engineering and Development Department Technical Circular No.06/2014 – Vetting Committee on Slope Appearance;

· HK Plant Database of Hong Kong Herbarium, Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (https://www.herbarium.gov.hk/Introduction.aspx)

· Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Conservation Branch, Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 02/ June 2006 – Measurement of Diameter at Breast Height (DBH);

· Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department Publication: Checklist of Hong Kong Plants 2012;

· Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation department publication “Rare and precious plants of Hong Kong 2003”;

· Agricultural, Fisheries and Conservation Department, Conservation Branch, Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 03 – The Use of Plant Names;

· Xing, et. al. (2000) Hong Kong Vascular Plants: Distribution and Status, Memoirs of the Hong Kong Natural History Society, No.23. The University of Hong Kong.

9.4 Landscape Assessment Methodology

9.4.1 The landscape assessment has been conducted in accordance with Appendix H of the EIA Study Brief No. ESB-317/2019 issued in June 2019 and with reference to the criteria and guidelines as stipulated in Annex 10 and 18 of EIAO TM and EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010 to include all areas within 500m from the boundaries of the Project Site (i.e. the 500m Study Area).

Identification and Examination of Baseline Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas

9.4.2 With reference to the most recently published EIA studies, literature, topographical maps and aerial photographs, available landscape resources (LRs) and landscape character areas (LCAs) within the 500m Study Area were identified and mapped on plan based on the government base map.

9.4.3 Supplementary field surveys were conducted by walking along representative transect routes to verify the extent and conditions of the identified LRs and LCAs. Broad-brush vegetation surveys were conducted to survey key vegetation species of the identified LRs. LCAs are broader categorizations than LRs that encompass a number of different LRs. Each LCA is a consolidated character derived from holistic reviews of various LRs that result in an overall impression of the landscape. LCAs in the 500m Study Area were mapped with reference to the Landscape Character Map of Hong Kong.

9.4.4 Possible landscape resources include physical landscape resources which are natural components of landscape such as soil, vegetation, water bodies (hydrology), geological and topographical features. In urban areas, man-made landscape resources include human/cultural landscape features such as parks, landscaped gardens, recreation areas, open spaces and community spaces. Urbanised areas with densely packed buildings and development infrastructure also comprise landscape resources such as buildings, retaining walls and formed slopes.

Broad-brush Tree Survey

9.4.5 A broad-brush tree survey was carried out in accordance with Appendix H of the EIA Study Brief to identify dominant tree species, maturity, rarity and any plant species of conservation importance, etc. which would be potentially affected by the Project. Trees located in areas subject to underground works (which have been confirmed not to affect the growth of trees) will not be included in the broad-brush tree survey.

9.4.6 Tree data was collected using a combination of the following methods in respect to site accessibility restrictions:

· Topographical survey and preliminary individual tree survey were carried out at the potential area(s) for construction of the tunnel portal and ancillary building;

· Aerial photographs and group tree survey followed by onsite verification at representative locations were carried out at the potential area(s) for slope stabilisation, temporary storage and proposed access road, because the accessibility of these locations have been restricted; and

· Group tree survey followed by onsite verification at representative locations were carried out at the potential area(s) for construction of the water main laying works.

Assessment of Sensitivity of LRs/ LCAs

9.4.7 The sensitivity of LRs and LCAs is rated as ‘high’, ‘medium’ or ‘low’ and are influenced by rarity, importance, quality and maturity, statutory or regulatory limitations/ requirements and the ability of LRs and LCAs to accommodate change.

Identification of Sources and Magnitude of Potential Landscape Impacts

9.4.8 Potential sources of landscape impacts could arise from both construction and operation of the Project. The magnitude of changes for assessing landscape impacts depends on the following criteria:

· Compatibility of the Project with the surrounding landscape;

· Duration of impacts under construction and operational phases;

· Scale of development; and

· Reversibility of change.

9.4.9 The magnitude of landscape change is classified as follows:

· Large: the landscape or landscape resources would suffer a major change;

· Medium: the landscape or landscape resources would suffer a moderate change;

· Small: the landscape or landscape resources would suffer slight or barely perceptible changes;

· Negligible: the landscape or landscape resources would suffer no discernible change.

Recommendation of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

9.4.10 Possible landscape mitigation measures may include minimisation of extent and duration of construction works, adoption of alternative design, and compensatory measures such as provision of landscape planting/ vegetation.

9.4.11 The following approaches, in order of priority, are advocated:

· Avoidance approach: to avoid direct impacts;

· Minimisation approach: to minimise impacts if avoidance is not possible; and

· Compensation approach: to compensate for significant residual impacts when there is no other alternative available.

Significance of Residual Landscape Impacts

9.4.12 The significance of landscape impacts before and after implementation of mitigation and enhancement measures 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 existing landscape quality.

9.4.13 The degree of significance of landscape impacts has been derived from the combination of the magnitude of change and the sensitivity/ tolerance of the sensitive receivers to change as shown in Table 9.2 below.

Table 9.2 Matrix of Significance of Landscape and Visual Impacts

Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial	Substantial
	Medium	Slight/Moderate	Moderate	Moderate/ Substantial
	Small	Slight	Slight/Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Impact Significance		Low	Medium	High
Impact Significance		Sensitivity

9.5 Visual Assessment Methodology

9.5.1 The Visual Impact Assessment has been conducted in accordance with Appendix H of the EIA Study Brief No. ESB-317/2019 issued in June 2019 and with reference to the criteria and guidelines as stipulated in Annex 10 and 18 of EIAO TM and EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010 to include all areas from which the Project could be seen.

Identification and Examination of Visual Envelope (VE) and Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

9.5.2 The area for studying visual impacts is defined as the Visual Envelope (VE) within which the proposed scheme/ Project can be viewed by local VSRs. The ZVI and the affected key groups of Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs) were initially identified from recently published EIA studies, topographical maps and aerial photographs, and the exact extent of ZVI and the visibility of local VSRs were further verified by site surveys.

9.5.3 The local VSRs to be affected by the Project are categorised as follows:

· Residential (R) who view the proposed Project from their homes;

· Functional (F) who view the proposed Project from their workplaces, institutional and educational buildings;

· Leisure (L) who view the proposed Project when they are enjoying leisure, cultural or recreational activities;

· Travelling (T) who view the proposed Project when they are travelling on vehicles.

Assessment of Sensitivity of VSRs

9.5.4 The sensitivity of VSRs to change is rated as ‘high’, ‘medium’ or ‘low’ as influenced by the value and quality of existing views, availability and amenity of alternate views, type and estimated population of VSRs, duration or frequency of view and degree of visibility.

Identification of Sources and Magnitude of Potential Visual Impacts

9.5.5 Potential sources of visual impacts could arise from both construction and operational phases of the Project. Visual impact assessment shall identify and predict the type and extent of visual impacts relating to visual compatibility with surroundings, visual obstruction and improvement of visual quality. The magnitude of changes for assessing visual impacts includes:

· Compatibility of the Project with the surrounding landscape;

· Duration of impacts under construction and operation phases;

· Scale of development;

· Reversibility of change;

· Viewing distance; and

· Potential blockage of view.

9.5.6 The magnitude of visual change is classified as follows:

· Large: the VSRs would suffer a major change in their viewing experience;

· Medium: 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.

Identification of Potential Visual Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

9.5.7 Possible visual mitigation measures will primarily take the form of adoption of alternative design/ orientation to avoid or minimise visual obstruction resulting from the Project, careful consideration in colour and texture treatment of building features and finishes to soften the visual effects; and provision of green features and screening to neutralise the negative impacts from hard elements.

9.5.8 Computer-generated photomontages will be prepared based on photographs taken at selected vantage points (to be selected and confirmed based on ground-truth surveys) to illustrate visual impacts on key VSRs at four stages (existing conditions, day 1 without mitigation measures, day 1 with mitigation measures and Year 10 with mitigation measures) to demonstrate the comparison of scenarios and the effectiveness of proposed mitigation measures over time.

Significance of Residual Visual Impact

9.5.9 The significance of residual visual impacts before and after implementation of mitigation and enhancement measures are defined as follows:

· Substantial: Adverse/ Beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality;

· Moderate: Adverse/ Beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality;

· Slight: Adverse/ Beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing visual quality;

· Insubstantial: No discernible change in existing visual quality.

The degree of significance of visual impacts has been derived from the combination of the magnitude of change and the sensitivity of the visually sensitive receivers as shown in Table 9.2 similar to the matrix for determining significance of Landscape Impacts.

Overall Result of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

9.5.10 An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise of the impacts according to the criteria in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM has been conducted. The overall assessment has been made on the development based on the identified landscape and visual impacts described as follows:

· Beneficial: The impact is beneficial if the Project will complement the landscape and visual character of its setting, will comply with the relevant planning objectives and will improve overall landscape and visual quality

· Acceptable: 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.

· Acceptable with Mitigation Measures: The impact is acceptable with mitigation measures if there will be adverse effects, but these can be eliminated, reduced or offset to a large extent by specific measures.

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

· Undetermined: The impact is underdetermined 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.

9.6 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

9.6.1 A review of existing planning studies and documents has been undertaken as part of the baseline study to investigate the planned role of the Project site(s), the 500m Study Area and its landscape context. Such information provides the basis to evaluate whether the Project would fit into the development framework and be compatible with the planning intention and future outlook of the area. The locations of the areas are presented on Figure 9.1a and Figure 9.1b.

9.6.2 The review mainly covers two gazette approved Outline Zoning Plans, namely Wang Tau Hom & Tung Tau (KPA 8) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K8/23 and Tsz Wan Shan, Diamond Hill & San Po Kong (KPA 11) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K11/29. Table 9.3 indicates the land use zonings within the 500m Study Area and a brief description on their planning intention.

9.6.3 No structure or works is proposed within Lion Rock Country Park.

9.6.4 For proposed land use change either planning permission from TPB or the amendments to the concerned OZP(s) are required (i.e. rezoning).

Table 9.3 Review of Existing Planning and Development Framework within the 500m Study Area

Land Use Zonings	Approx. Area of the Land Use Zones within 500m Study Area (ha)	Design and Conservation Intention	Approx. Area of the Land Use Zones within Project Site excluding underground tunnel and cavern (sq.m.)	Potential Change to the OZP and the anticipated future outlook of the area due to the Project
Lion Rock Country Park Designated under Country Park Ordinance (Cap.208) on 24/06/1977
CP – Country Park	67.93	This zone is designated for the purposes of nature conservation, countryside recreation and outdoor education. Large development such as residential development is not compatible with the purposes of this zoning.	-	Nil.
Wang Tau Hom & Tung Tau (KPA 8) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K8/23 Gazetted under Section 9(1)(a) on 13/03/2020
G/IC – Government, Institution or Community	12.51	This zone is intended primarily for the provision of Government, institution or community 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.	500	The Project has no contradiction with the planning intention of this zone. ‘Public utility installation’ and ‘service reservoir’ are listed in column 1 as ‘uses always permitted’.
GB – Green Belt	39.10	This zone is intended primarily for the conservation of the existing natural environment amid the built-up areas/at the urban fringe, to safeguard it from encroachment by urban type development, and to provide additional outlets for passive recreational activities. There is a general presumption against development within this zone. Development within this zone will be carefully controlled and development proposals will be assessed on individual merits taking into account the Town Planning Board Guidelines.	470 at temporary construction site along Lion Rock Road; 450 at temporary construction storage near Chuk Yuen Road	The proposed fresh and salt water service reservoirs exits as shown in Figure 9.1a and Figure 9.1b are within caverns and about 100m beneath the surface land, which are expected to have negligible impacts to the existing surface area covered with vegetation. As for the temporary construction storage near Chuk Yuen Road, the uses of ‘service reservoir’ and ‘public utility installation’ are listed in column 2, which implies that planning permission from the Town Planning Board is required.
O – Open Space	9.17	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.	9,400	The proposed pumping station, portal and ancillary facilities of the fresh and salt water service reservoirs are mainly located at this zone. The uses of ‘service reservoir’ and ‘public utility installation’ are listed in column 2, which implies that planning permission from the Town Planning Board is required.
R(A) – Residential (A)	26.35	This zone is 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.	-	Nil.
Major Road and Junction	11.74	This zone is intended for transportation.	7,400	The Project has no contradiction.
Tsz Wan Shan, Diamond Hill & San Po Kong (KPA 11) Outline Zoning Plan No. S/K11/29 Gazetted under Section 9(1)(a) on 16/12/2016
G/IC – Government, Institution and Community	21.74	This zone is intended primarily for the provision of Government, institution or community 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.	2,250	The Project has no contradiction with the planning intention of this zone. ‘Public utility installation’ and ‘service reservoir’ are listed in column 1 as ‘uses always permitted’.
GB – Green Belt	32.14	The planning intention of this zone is primarily for the conservation of the existing natural environment amid the built-up areas/at the urban fringe, to safeguard it from encroachment by urban type development, and to provide additional outlets for passive recreational activities. There is a general presumption against development within this zone. Development within this zone will be carefully controlled and development proposals will be assessed on individual merits taking into account the Town Planning Board Guidelines.	-	Nil.
O – Open Space	6.50	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.	-	Nil.
R(A) – Residential (A)	80.58	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.	400	The Project has no contradiction with the planning intention of this zone. ‘Government Use (not elsewhere specified)’ is listed in column 1 as uses always permitted.
Major Road and Junction	21.79	This zone is intended for transportation.	18,700	The Project has no contradiction.

9.7 Landscape Baseline Condition

Landscape Resources

9.7.1 Landscape resources (LRs) within the 500m Study Area were identified including a combination of mixed woodland, shrubland/grassland, slope vegetation, roadside vegetation, park, sitting-out area, playground, nursery, temple, urban development, construction site and village settlement. The locations of LRs are shown on Figure 9.2a and Figure 9.2b and their photographic record is shown on Figure 9.3a to Figure 9.3g. The following LRs are identified within the 500m Study Area and Table 9.4 describes the baseline condition of each of the identified LRs. Table 9.5 provides an assessment of the sensitivity of LRs.

Table 9.4 Baseline Conditions of Landscape Resources

ID	Landscape Resource	Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Baseline Conditions
1.1	Roadside Vegetation	Medium	This LR is formed by typical roadside amenity planting including trees, shrubs and herbs along urban roadside, planters, central dividers and tree pits. The majority of trees are amenity species such as Aleurites moluccana, Bombax ceiba, Tabebuia chrysantha and Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cuningiana and some native trees such as Ficus microcarpa. Common roadside shrub species are planted including Schefflera arboricola, Duranta erecta, Ixora sp., Cordyline fruticosa, etc. The condition and amenity value of the existing vegetation within the area are fair. The trees are relatively young and contribute to the local urban landscape. Given its medium amenity value, medium quality and tolerance to accommodate change, this LR is considered to have a Medium sensitivity.
1.2	Engineered Slope (Vegetated)	Medium	This LR is formed by typical engineered slopes with some landscape treatment and/or self-seeded vegetation in the urban context. As Wong Tai Sin District is built along hillslopes, numerous engineered slopes are observed and are fragmented across the community. Key vegetation communities on engineered slopes commonly include plantation trees such as Acacia confusa, Acacia mangium, Ficus religiosa, Macaranga tanarius and some self-seeded vegetation such as Leucaena leucocephala and Broussonetia papyrifera. The vegetation on modified slopes enhances the dull appearance of concrete finish and provides a green backdrop for adjacent development. Without active management, the condition of vegetation is poor to fair within the LR. Given its medium quality and medium ability of accommodate change; the sensitivity of this LR is considered Medium.
1.3	Mixed Woodland at Lion Rock	High	This LR is formed by the mixed woodland in Lion Rock Country Park and adjacent green belt area that contributes to the extensive landscape backdrop of Wong Tai Sin District. The upper storey of the woodland is dominated by mature plantation species like Acacia confusa (approx. 300mm-800mm DBH), which is common in the early stages of afforestation in Hong Kong. The understorey comprises a variety of native species, including Psychotria asiatica, Mallotus paniculatus, Sterculia lanceolata, Aporosa dioica and Litsea glutinosa. Footpaths within this LR are frequently travelled by dwellers during weekends. Given a combination of factors such as its high amenity value, its contribution to the landscape context and amenity of the community; its maturity and low tolerance to change this LR is considered to have High sensitivity.
1.4	Shrubland/ Grassland at Lion Rock	High	This LR is located on Lion Rock Country Park and owns the infamous Lion Rock landscape that is commonly referred to as the symbolic representation of Hong Kong. It comprises common shrub species including Rhodomyrtus tomentosa, Rhus chinensis and Melastoma sanguineum. The vegetation cover is thinner and less complex in structure when compared with the mixed woodland. Given its high importance combined with a high cultural value and low ability to accommodate change, it is considered High in sensitivity.
1.5	Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery	Low	This LR is a piece of flat land formed by cutting an existing hillslope near the Lion Rock Park. Most vegetation within the LR are potted plants in the nursery. This LR comprises amenity plantings like Bauhinia x blakeana and some self-colonised plants like Sterculia lanceolata. Given the low quality and high tolerance of this LR to accommodate change, this LR is considered to have Low sensitivity.
1.6	Registered Old and Valuable Tree	High	This LR at Muk Lun Street Playground was registered as LCSD WTS/8 OVT since 8 Sep 2004. It is a Ficus microcarpa tree of large size: DBH 1835mm, Height 15m, Crown Spread 24m. Several lignified stems grown from top reaching the ground provide extra structural support for the large tree. The health and condition of the tree is fair and the amenity is good. Given its high maturity, high quality and low tolerance to change, it is considered to have High sensitivity.
1.7	Important Tree	High	This LR refers to the existing trees that are of relatively larger tree sizes and good amenity value in the local landscape context, including species like Ficus microcarpa and Ficus elastica. No Important Tree is surveyed within project site. Given their high quality, high maturity and low tolerance to accommodate change, it is considered to have High sensitivity.
2.1	Urban Development	Low	This LR comprises buildings that serve residential, commercial and institutional purposes, well-paved surfaces and private landscape areas in the district. The area has a high density of urban development that is manifested in its compact form of urban fabric. This is a typical urban landscape commonly found in Hong Kong that has a high ability to accommodate change. The landscape could be recreated under redevelopment or other urban development. The sensitivity is considered Low.
2.2	Construction Site at Lung Cheung Road	Low	Construction activities are in progress in this LR in New Kowloon Inland Lot No.6579 at the Junction of Lung Cheung Road and Lion Rock Tunnel Road. This LR is anticipated to become a luxury private residential development in the future. The current landscape quality is poor as it is under site formation stage. Given the low quality, low rarity, local importance and high ability for the LR to accommodate change, it is considered Low in sensitivity.
2.3	Chuk Yuen United Village Settlement	Medium	This LR comprises a group of squatter houses with decades of history and some low-rise settlements located next to Lung Cheung Road. Typical village plantings comprise mainly fruit trees such as Clausena lansium, Dimocarpus longan and Litchi chinensis are planted alongside with several self-seeded colonised plants like Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa and Caryota mitis. The rural characteristics of this LR makes it stands out from its surrounding Wong Tai Sin urban settlements. Given a combination of the maturity of this LR, its medium quality and its medium tolerance to accommodate change it is considered to have a Medium sensitivity.
3.1	Tsz Wan Shan Road Sitting Out Area	Medium	This LR is a narrow roadside sitting out area with some seatings. Two parallel rows of over-12m-tall Aleurites moluccana provides shades and contribute to the local landscape environment. There were also some amenity planters with species such as Duranta erecta,etc. Given the medium quality, medium abilit to accommodate change and medium maturity, it is considered to have Medium sensitivity.
3.2	Tsz Wan Shan Estate Central Playground	Medium	This LR is a relatively large public park in Tsz Wan Shan community that comprises 2 soccer pitches, a basketball court, a roller skating rink, children play area, sitting out area and amenity planting including Bauhinia x blakeana, Ficus microcarpa, Duranta erecta, Caryota mitis, etc. Given the local importance, medium quality and medium ability to accommodate change, it is considered to have Medium sensitivity.
3.3	Sitting-out Area near Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Centre	Medium	This LR is an elevated public space and a small outdoor theatre located adjacent to Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Centre. This LR is predominantly paved and comprises tables, seats, pavilions and some amenity vegetation. Given the medium quality and medium tolerance to accommodate change, it is considered to have Medium sensitivity.
3.4	Wong Tai Sin Service Reservoir Playground	Medium	This LR is a recreational playground located closely with the Wong Tai Sin Service Reservoir infrastructure. It comprises a football field and some exercise equipment. Located near the Lion Rock mixed woodland, this LR comprises amenity vegetation like Aleurites moluccana, Liquidambar formosana and some self-seeded vegetation like Bambusa sp., Sterculia lanceolata, etc. Given its medium quality and medium maturity, it is considered to have Medium sensitivity.
3.5	Po Kong Village Road/ Shung Wah Street Sitting-out Area	Medium	This LR is a small, sloped sitting out area located near the Home Affairs Department Tsz Wan Shan (South) Estate Community Centre. It comprises a pet corner and vegetation including Roystonea regia, Ixora sp., Schefflera arboricola etc. Given its medium quality and medium maturity, it is considered to have Medium sensitivity.
3.6	Fung Tak Estate Playground	Medium	This LR refers to the series of ball courts in Fung Tak Estate including basketball court, soccer pitch and surrounding landscape areas. Plant species such as Livistona chinensis, Murraya paniculata and Schefflera arboricola are observed. Given the medium quality of the landscape and medium ability to accommodate change, it is considered Medium in sensitivity.
3.7	Fung Tak Park	High	This LR is characterised by its traditional Chinese-style elements like pavilions, rockscapes and patterned fencing combined with the novel 'Journey to the West'-themed furniture, children playground and fountain. A wide range of amenity planting were observed and are mostly in good quality. Given the high quality of the park, medium importance and maturity, medium ability to accommodate change and a district scale of significance, this LR is considered High in sensitivity.
3.8	Lung Cheung Road North/ Po Kong Village Road Sitting out Area	Medium	This LR comprises seatings, exercise equipment and a number of amenity planting, including a group of Archontophoenix alexandrae that allows passive recreation. The overall landscape quality is medium and the maturity and rarity is also medium. Given its medium ability to accommodate change, this LR is considered Medium in sensitivity.
3.9	Po Kong Interchange Rest Garden	Low	This LR is mostly a pathway surrounded by vegetation at the urban fringe of Wong Tai Sin and Diamond Hill urban areas, next to the busy highway Lung Cheung Road. A group of tall trees and palms like Roystonea regia, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Livistona chinensis and Lagerstroemia speciosa created a local screening effect. The absence of seatings or resting facilities and the proximity to major highway contribute to its rare occupation by public. Considering its medium quality, local significance and medium ability to accommodate change, it is considered Low in sensitivity.
3.10	Muk Lun Street Playground	Medium	This LR comprises ball courts, garden and sittings. A wide range of amenity planting are observed including Bougainvillea spectabilis, Cinnamomum burmanii, Loropetalum chinense, Bombax ceiba, Duranta erecta and Ailanthus fordii. Given the medium quality, medium maturity and medium ability to accommodate change, this LR is considered Medium in sensitivity.
3.11	Lung Chui Yuen Stanley Ho Park	Medium	The LR adopts traditional Chinese garden design elements including framed views and alternate concealment and exposure. A range of amenity planting like Podocarpus macrophyllus, Alpinia zerumbet and Delonix regia are observed. Despite located within an estate, this park is open for general public. Considering the medium quality, medium importance and the local importance, this LR is considered Medium in sensitivity.
3.12	Wong Tai Sin Square	Medium	This LR is a well-paved open space with a small outdoor theatre. Amenity planting including Juniperus chinensis, Podocarpus chinensis, Rhododendron sp., Bougainvillea spectabilis and Loropetalum chinense are observed. Given the medium quality, local significance and medium tolerance to accommodate change, it is considered Medium in sensitivity.
3.13	Morse Park	Low	Morse Park is a large recreational infrastructure. This LR within the 500m Study Area is a very minor portion of the Park that is under rehabilitation. Some retained vegetation are observed including Livistona chinensis, Juniperus chinensis and Aleurites moluccana. Given the high ability to accommodate change and low quality and maturity, this LR is considered Low in sensitivity.
3.14	Sitting Out Area next to Wing Kwong College Bustop	Low	Situated along the busy highway Lung Cheung Road, this LR experiences intense dust impact and is partially shaded by adjacent tall trees. Vegetation in this LR is under fairly poor conditions and some are withered. The species are mostly horticultural species like Cordyline fruticosa which is common in urban areas. Given the low quality and rarity and high tolerance to accommodate change, this LR is considered Low in sensitivity.
3.15	Ma Chai Hang Playground	Medium	Located next to a housing estate this LR comprises seatings, jogging trail and amenity plantings like Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cumingiana, Spathodea campanulata and Livistona chinensis. Given the medium quality and maturity of landscape and the medium tolerance to accommodate change, this LR is considered Medium in sensitivity.
3.16	Sitting Out Area next to Chui Chuk Garden	Medium	This LR is a narrow sloping open space located along the pedestrian path that provides seatings and children play area, serving the nearby residential area. Amenity plantings including Codiaeum variegatum, Schefflera elegantissima, Bauhinia variegata are observed. Given the medium quality and importance and medium ability to accommodate change, this LR is considered Medium in sensitivity.
3.17	Lung Cheung Road Bauhinia Garden	Low	This LR is a small sitting-out area comprising a few seatings, pavilion and amenity plantings like Bauhinia x blakeana, Bombax ceiba, Ixora sp and Aglaia odorata. Located next to the major carriageway Lung Cheung Road, this LR provides minimal shelter to dwellers. Given the medium quality, low rarity and low maturity of the landscape in addition to medium tolerance to accommodate change, this LR is considered Low in sensitivity.
3.18	Junction Road / Fu Keng Street Sitting-out Area	Medium	This LR is a rectangular-shaped sitting-out area along a small pedestrian path. A single strip of Lagerstroemia speciosa, Melia azedarach and Albizia lebbeck trees are planted. Some small planters of Schefflera arboricola and Ixora sp. are observed besides the trees. The linear shape of this LR evokes a balanced character of perspective. Given the medium quality and rarity of this LR and its medium ability to accommodate change, this LR is considered Medium in sensitivity.
3.19	Junction Road Park	High	This LR is a large park predominantly serving both active and passive recreational purposes. It comprises children play areas, pavilions, seatings, jogging trails, ball courts and washrooms. Amenity planting is widely cultivated with species like Plumeria rubra, Bombax ceiba, Grevillea robusta, Ixora sp. and Excoecaria cochinchinensis. It is a major park in the district serving the Lok Fu and Kowloon Tong community. Given its district scale of service, medium to high quality and maturity, this LR is considered High sensitivity.
3.20	Broadcast Drive Playground	Medium	This LR comprises a few seatings, a children playground and a few exercise equipment. Amenity trees like Ormosia pinnata, Aleurites moluccana and Bauhinia x blakeana are observed. Amenity plantings like Calliandra haematocephala are neatly pruned into geometric forms to form hedges. Given the medium quality, maturity and rarity of the garden and its medium ability to accommodate change, this LR is considered Medium in sensitivity.
3.21	Broadcast Drive Garden	Medium	Surrounded by several busy elevated highways, this LR comprises children play area, pavilions, seatings and a fountain. Amenity plantings like Livistona chinensis, Aleurites moluccana, Acacia confusa, Bauhinia x blakeana and Ilex rotunda are observed and are in fair conditions. This LR provides a refuge for people and that the running water of the fountain diffuses the noise generated from the highways. Given the medium quality and importance of landscape and medium ability to accommodate change, this LR is considered Medium in sensitivity.
3.22	Lion Rock Park Baseball Field 2	Medium	Located adjacent to the Lion Rock High Level No.2 Primary Service Reservoir, this LR is one of the five baseball fields in Hong Kong and is critical for the local baseball training. The major landscape is lawn area with some plantation trees surrounding the field like Acacia confusa in poor to fair conditions. Given the medium quality and district significance of the landscape, it is considered Medium in sensitivity.
3.23	Lion Rock Park	Medium	This LR is a recreational park with garden, barbecue facilities, archery, seatings and amenity plantings that allows both active and passive recreation. Amenity planting includes Delonix regia, Acacia confusa, Plumeria rubra, Phoenix roebelenii and Ficus microcarpa. The plantings are arranged in hierarchy and diligently designed. Given the high quality of the park and medium ability to accommodate change, this LR is considered Medium in sensitivity.
3.24	Fei Fung Street Sitting-out Area	Medium	This LR refers to a small sitting-out area within the highly urbanised Wong Tai Sin grids. A few trees are present including Ficus microcarpa, Livistona chinensis and Archontophoenix alexandrae. It provides seating and some exercise equipment that are especially favorable for elderly. Given the medium quality and local significance as well as the medium ability to accommodate change, this LR is considered Medium in sensitivity.
3.25	Fat Jong Temple	High	This LR is a traditional Buddhist temple located at Shatin Pass Road. It embodies traditional features of Chinese palace, such as red columns, beige walls, upturned eaves and red temple gates. Some plants are observed in the backyard of the temple including Macaranga tanarius. Given the high quality and low ability to accommodate change, it is considered to have High sensitivity.
3.26	Chiu Chow Po Hing Lin Fat She	High	Founded in 1939, this LR is a Lingnan-style temple with red-brick exterior and green tiles built on steep slope. It is known for organising various Chiu Chow-style religious activities. Some vegetation is observed grown on slope adjacent to the temple like Ficus religiosa. Given the high quality and low ability to accommodate change, it is considered to have High sensitivity.
3.27	Wong Tai Sin Temple	High	This LR is a well-known Taoist shrine and a popular tourist attraction. The temple is meticulously designed and furnished with various sculptures, calligraphy and art pieces. Its details reflect traditional Chinese beliefs, such as the 12 Chinese Zodiac and celestial stems. This LR is an important cultural heritage to Hong Kong. Given the high quality, important cultural significance and low ability to accommodate change, it is considered to have High sensitivity.

Table 9.5 Summary of Sensitivity of Landscape Resources

ID	LR	Quality (High/ Medium/ Low)	Importance and Rarity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Ability to Accommodate Change (High/ Medium/ Low)	Significance (Global / National / Regional/ District / Local)	Maturity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)
1.1	Roadside Vegetation	Medium	Low	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
1.2	Engineered Slope (Vegetated)	Medium	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
1.3	Mixed Woodland at Lion Rock	High	Medium	Low	Local	High	High
1.4	Shrubland/ Grassland at Lion Rock	High	High	Low	District	High	High
1.5	Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery	Low	Medium	High	Local	Medium	Low
1.6	Registered Old and Valuable Tree	High	High	Low	Local	High	High
1.7	Important Tree	High	High	Low	Local	High	High
2.1	Urban Development	Medium	Low	High	Local	Medium	Low
2.2	Construction Site at Lung Cheung Road	Low	Low	High	Local	Low	Low
2.3	Chuk Yuen United Village Settlement	Medium	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.1	Tsz Wan Shan Road Sitting Out Area	Medium	Low	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.2	Tsz Wan Shan Estate Central Playground	Medium	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.3	Sitting-out Area near Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Centre	Medium	Low	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.4	Wong Tai Sin Service Reservoir Playground	Medium	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.5	Po Kong Village Road/ Shung Wah Street Sitting-out Area	Medium	Low	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.6	Fung Tak Estate Playground	Medium	Low	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.7	Fung Tak Park	High	Medium	Medium	District	Medium	High
3.8	Lung Cheung Road North/ Po Kong Village Road Sitting out Area	Medium	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.9	Po Kong Interchange Rest Garden	Medium	Low	Medium	Local	Medium	Low
3.10	Muk Lun Street Playground	Medium	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.11	Lung Chui Yuen Stanley Ho Park	Medium	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.12	Wong Tai Sin Square	Medium	Low	High	Local	Low	Medium
3.13	Morse Park	Low	Low	High	District	Low	Low
3.14	Sitting Out Area next to Wing Kwong College Bustop	Low	Low	High	Local	Low	Low
3.15	Ma Chai Hang Playground	Medium	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.16	Sitting Out Area next to Chui Chuk Garden	Medium	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.17	Lung Cheung Road Bauhinia Garden	Medium	Low	Medium	Local	Low	Low
3.18	Junction Road / Fu Keng Street Sitting-out Area	Medium	Low	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.19	Junction Road Park	High	Medium	Medium	District	Medium	High
3.20	Broadcast Drive Playground	Medium	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.21	Broadcast Drive Garden	Medium	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.22	Lion Rock Park Baseball Field 2	Medium	High	Medium	District	Medium	Medium
3.23	Lion Rock Park	Medium	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.24	Fei Fung Street Sitting-out Area	Medium	Low	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
3.25	Fat Jong Temple	High	High	Low	Local	High	High
3.26	Chiu Chow Po Hing Lin Fat She	High	High	Low	Local	High	High
3.27	Wong Tai Sin Temple	High	High	Low	Regional	High	High

Landscape Character Areas

9.7.2 Landscape Character Areas (LCAs) within the 500m Study Area have been identified. Locations of LCAs are indicated on Figure 9.4a and Figure 9.4b and the photographic record of LCAs is presented in Figure 9.5. The baseline conditions and assessment of sensitivity of each LCA are shown in Table 9.6 and Table 9.7 respectively.

Table 9.6 Baseline Conditions of Landscape Character Areas

LCA	Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Remarks (Topography, Location, Main Landscape Components, Land Use, Vegetation, Other Features, and Designations)
LCA1 Peak Landscape at Lion Rock Country Park	High	This LCA is located to the north of the Wong Tai Sin urban area and is generally overlapped with the Lion Rock Country Park area. It is characterised by high levels of topographic relief such as a largely unaltered topography, undeveloped, rugged and tranquil landscape. It consists of craggy peak landscapes and that distinctive rocky landscape bears significant cultural symbolic meaning in Hong Kong. Considering its medium to high quality, high importance, low ability to accommodate change and its district significance as a cultural symbol, this LCA is considered High in sensitivity.
LCA2 Upland Hillside Landscape at Lion Rock	High	This LCA refers to the upland and hillside landscapes occurring below 300mPD. Set on a granitic topography, this LCA is generally covered in scrub or woodland. Because of the elevated locations and green belt land use, this LCA still have a rugged character with some hiking trails. A few G/IC facilities of low-rise, low-density and small scale are present within this LCA. Considering its high importance in providing a green backdrop for the District, its high maturity of trees and its low ability to accommodate change, its sensitivity is considered High.
LCA3 Park Urban Landscape in Wong Tai Sin	Medium	This LCA exhibited district-scale parks predominated by landscapes that served recreation purposes such as parks and swimming pools. This LCA mostly refers to the portion of Junction Road Park and Morse Park within the 500m Study Area. This LCA comprises a wide variety of features with extensive circulation routes in a highly-artificial landscape setting. Given the quality, importance and maturity are medium and the ability to accommodate change is also medium, this LCA is considered Medium in sensitivity.
LCA4 Wong Tai Sin Residential Urban Landscape	Medium	This LCA showcased typical residential urban fabric in Hong Kong where urban landscapes are wholly given over to residential land use, accompanied by commercial, institutional, infrastructure, open space and other ancillary urban settlements. This LCA includes medium and high-rise housing estates such as Chuk Yuen Estate, Wong Tai Sin Estate, Tin Ma Court, Chui Chuk Garden. This LCA is highly artificial and the buildings could be recreated by redevelopment. Given the medium quality and medium ability to accommodate change, this LCA is considered Medium in sensitivity.

Table 9.7 Summary of Sensitivity of Landscape Character Areas

LCA	Quality (High/ Medium/ Low)	Importance and Rarity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Ability to Accommodate Change (High/ Medium/ Low)	Significance (Global / National / Regional/ District / Local)	Maturity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)
LCA1 Peak Landscape at Lion Rock Country Park	Medium	High	Low	District	High	High
LCA2 Upland Hillside Landscape at Lion Rock	Medium	High	Low	Local	High	High
LCA3 Park Urban Landscape in Wong Tai Sin	Medium	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium
LCA4 Wong Tai Sin Residential Urban Landscape	Medium	Medium	Medium	Local	Medium	Medium

9.8 Visual Baseline Condition

Visual Envelope (VE)

9.8.1 Visual envelope (VE), the area within which the proposed above-ground works would be seen, is shaped by the surrounding viewsheds. The visible Project works area(s) include the proposed tunnel portal and its ancillary facilities, temporary construction storage area(s) located in the Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery and at the junction between Chuk Yuen Road and Lion Rock Road, and the proposed water mains laying-works area(s).

9.8.2 The construction and operation of underground tunnel and caverns are not going to provoke any visual impact for people so it is excluded in this visual baseline. The visual baseline evaluation and impact assessment only focus on the above ground works including tunnel portal, ancillary building and water mains.

9.8.3 Figures 9.6a and 9.6b illustrate the extent of the visual envelopes during the construction and operation of the Project, respectively.

9.8.4 The proposed portal and the adjoining ancillary building are dull appearance structures of not more than 17m in height above ground level. Located in close proximity to the Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery, the portal and ancillary building are situated in the urban fringe area surrounded by plantation slopes and existing trees.

9.8.5 The resulting VE around the portal and its ancillary building is a small area embraced by Lion Rock Park to the north, facades of The Palace to the west and south, and facades Tin Ma Court to the east.

9.8.6 As the proposed water mains will lie in the underground of urban areas, the proposed works are only visible during the construction phase. The visual envelope around the water mains only indicates the temporary visual influence caused by the above-ground drilling/ excavation activities during the construction phase.

9.8.7 The proposed water mains-related works stretches from the tunnel portal through Lion Rock Road along Chuk Yuen Road to the east till the junction of Sheung Fung Street; and from Chuk Yuen Road to the north along Shatin Pass Road to Tsz Wan Shan Road; another from Chuk Yuen Road to the north along Sheung Fung Street till Wong Tai Sin Service Reservoir Playground. The actual works activities will occur occasionally at intervals. As the details of drilling/ excavation location(s) have not been confirmed, the extent of VE in this study is assumed to cover the entire water mains layout to avoid underestimation of visual impact. The actual visual envelope will be much smaller when the Project is being implemented.

Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

9.8.8 Within the visual envelope(s), a number of visually sensitive receivers (VSRs) have been identified according to the latest Project layout. They are listed in Table 9.8 below and their locations are mapped in Figures 9.6a and 9.6b.

9.8.9 VSRs are categorised into four major types: residential, leisure, functional and travelling as described as follows:

Residential VSRs

9.8.10 Residential VSRs are viewers who view the Project site from their homes and are generally considered most sensitive due to high potential of intrusion on their home environment and their perception of quality of life.

9.8.11 Among the residential VSRs identified for the construction phase of the Project, only the residents of Tin Ma Court (R01) and the Palace (R02) can experience partial views of the Project. Residents of Peninsula Heights and Meridian Hill (R07) located immediately north of the Palace (R02) are unlikely to see the proposed portal site and its ancillary buildings from their homes as Meridian Hill is 9-storey and located in a more low-lying area. Views of R07 towards the portal site are generally blocked by the existing roads and engineered slopes with tall plantation trees.

9.8.12 Based on the drone surveys conducted, it is predicted that residents of Chun Sing House and Chun Wai House of Tin Ma Court who are facing the northeast and located above approximately the fifth floors can partially view the proposed portal and ancillary building site and the adjacent construction storage area(s). These receivers are located approximately 120m from the Project site, however, they can enjoy alternative views of high quality focused to the green backdrop formed by the vegetated slopes on Chuk Yuen Road and the natural hillslopes of Lion Rock Country Park. The sensitivity of R01 is considered to be Medium during both construction and operation phases.

9.8.13 Located approximately 250m southwest of the proposed portal site, the Palace is a 33-storey building situated in the low-rise, low-density residential community of Kowloon Tong where buildings have less than 10 storeys typically (a maximum building height restricted to 13 storeys according to the OZP). When viewing towards the portal site, views from the lower six floors of the Palace are blocked by Meridian Hill on Broadcast Drive. The remaining population ranging from the 7th floor to the rooftop owns an open view and constitutes this group of visually sensitive receivers. The sensitivity of R02 (residents of the Palace) is considered to be Medium given the receivers can enjoy good amenity alternative views provided by the extensive peak landscape and upland hillside landscape of Lion Rock Country Park.

9.8.14 The remaining residential VSRs (R03 to R08) might be able to glimpse the proposed water mains laying works/ stocking piling area(s) from their homes on the lower few floors during construction phase of the Project. Their sensitivity is considered to be Low.

Leisure VSRs

9.8.15 Leisure VSRs are viewers who are enjoying leisure, cultural, recreational activities and their views could be easily distracted by the immediately adjacent amenity landscapes or the activities they are engaging in.

9.8.16 A total of four Leisure VSRs have been identified as listed in Table 9.8, among which the recreational users in Ma Chai Hang Playground (L01), Wong Tai Sin Service Reservoir Playground (L02) and Tsz Wan Shan Road Sitting Out Area (L04) can glimpse the proposed water mains laying works through the existing trees/ screening plantings during the construction period.

9.8.17 Ma Chai Hang Playground is located at a more sunken position than the Project site on Chuk Yuen Road as well as surrounded by screening elements such as barriers, fences, trees and hedge vegetation, so the views towards the Project area are highly restricted by the ground level and the screening planting along the periphery of the Playground. The laying of underground water mains refers to the typical road works during which the works area(s) at intervals will only be temporarily disturbed during construction phase. The affected areas will be reinstated back to the original conditions during the operation phase. As the alternative views within the playground are filled with gratifying landscaped areas, it will be uncommon for this group of leisure VSR to focus on the conventional urban road works outside the park. Given the minimal visibility and temporary nature of the Project, the sensitivity of recreational users in Ma Chai Hang Playground (L01) is considered Low.

9.8.18 The Project area is only visible to the recreational users of Wong Tai Sin Service Reservoir Playground (L02) at the park entrance on the western end adjacent to the Water Supplies Department infrastructure on ground level. The existing view towards the Project area is conventional road views of Shatin Pass Road restricted by 2-metre wire fence and some vegetation overhanging from two sides. There is absent of recreational facilities around this entrance so the view is mostly transient and has a short duration. The sensitivity is therefore considered Low.

9.8.19 Lion Rock Park is a recreational park with garden, barbecue facilities, archery, seatings and amenity plantings that allow both active and passive recreation. The users of this park (L03) can glimpse the proposed ancillary building site at an elevated angle during both construction and operation phases. Given the wide range of recreational facilities available, the park users (L03) are expected to have Low sensitivity to the visual change arising from the Project.

9.8.20 Tsz Wan Shan Road Sitting Out Area is a small area sheltered by two parallel rows of tall trees of Aleurites moluccana and planters. The recreational users of this area (L04) who are immediately proximate to the proposed water mains laying works might be able to glimpse the works area(s) through the existing roadside trees. The sensitivity of L04 is considered to be Medium.

Functional VSRs

9.8.21 Functional VSRs generally refer to those viewers who view the Project from their workplaces, institutional and educational buildings. These viewers are generally more concentrated on the working or educational activities they are engaging in and are considered to be relatively less sensitive to change compared to Residential VSRs.

9.8.22 A total of seven Functional VSRs have been identified (Table 9.8). The occupants/ workers of the schools/ workplaces immediately adjacent to the proposed water mains alignment (i.e. F01 to F06) might be able to glimpse the laying of water mains works on lower floor levels.

9.8.23 Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery maintained by the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will be used as a temporary storage for the Project. The nursery site will resume nursery operations upon completion of the Project, the occupants/ workers of the nursery (F07) are expected to experience a partial view of the constructed portal and the ancillary building. Given the functional VSRs (i.e. F01 to F07) are expected to concentrate on their working/educational activities they are engaging in, the sensitivity to these functional VSRs are all considered to be Low.

Travelling VSRs

9.8.24 These VSRs refer to those pedestrians or vehicular travellers who travel along the proposed alignment of water mains laying works or pass by the proposed portal site and the ancillary buildings. T01 (on foot or on vehicles) who travel along the consecutive road sections (including Chuk Yuen Road, Lung Cheung Road and Lung Fung Street) might be able to glimpse both the proposed temporary stock piling area and the proposed water mains laying work. T03, T04 and T05 are those road travellers who are most away from the proposed portal/ ancillary building site but could occasionally see the proposed water main laying works on Tsz Wan Shan Road, Sheung Fung Street, Sheung Wah Street and Shatin Pass Road. The only travellers who can view the proposed portal site/ ancillary buildings is T02 who travel along Lion Rock Road. All the travelling VSRs are considered to have Low sensitivity to the visual changes resulting from the Project as their views are highly transient and only minor portions of the Project are visible to these highly mobile VSRs.

Table 9.8 Baseline VSRs and their Sensitivity

ID	Location	Description of Existing View			Value and Quality of Existing View (Good/ Fair/ Poor)	Availability and Amenity of Alternative Views (Good/ Fair/ Poor)	Type of Receiver Population (Residential/ Functional/ Leisure/ Travelling)	Estimated Number of Receiver Population (Few/ Typical/ Many)	Duration of View (Long/ Medium/ Short)	Degree of Visibility (Full/ Partial/ Glimpse/ Invisible)		Minimum Viewing Distance (m)		Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)
ID	Location	Rural/ Developed	Open/ Restricted	Static/ Transient	Value and Quality of Existing View (Good/ Fair/ Poor)				Duration of View (Long/ Medium/ Short)	Con.*	Op. *	Tunnel Portal & Ancillary Building	Other Works Area	Con.*	Op.*
Residential VSRs
R01	Residents in Tin Ma Court	Developed	Restricted	Static	Fair	Good	Residential	Typical	Medium	Partial	Partial	120	3	Medium
R02	Residents in The Palace	Developed	Open	Static	Fair	Good	Residential	Typical	Medium	Partial	Partial	250	90	Medium
R03	Residents in Chuk Yuen South Estate	Developed	Restricted	Static	Poor	Fair	Residential	Few	Medium	Glimpse	Invisible	-	5	Low
R04	Residents in Chuk Yuen North Estate and Pang Ching Court	Developed	Restricted	Static	Poor	Fair	Residential	Few	Medium	Glimpse	Invisible	-	0	Low
R05	Residents in Shatin Pass Estate	Developed	Restricted	Static	Fair	Fair	Residential	Few	Medium	Glimpse	Invisible	-	4	Low
R06	Residents in Shing Kung House, Wing Shing House, San Ning Building and The Vista block 1	Developed	Restricted	Static	Poor	Poor	Residential	Few	Medium	Glimpse	Invisible	-	5	Low
R07	Residents of Peninsula Heights and Meridian Hill	Developed	Restricted	Static	Poor	Fair	Residential	Few	Medium	Glimpse	Invisible	-	18	Low
R08	Residents in Tsz Lok Estate	Developed	Restricted	Static	Poor	Poor	Residential	Few	Medium	Glimpse	Invisible	-	10	Low
Leisure VSRs
L01	Recreational users in Ma Chai Hang Playground	Developed	Restricted	Static	Poor	Good	Leisure	Few	Medium	Glimpse	Invisible	-	7	Low
L02	Recreational users in Wong Tai Sin Service Reservoir Playground	Developed	Restricted	Static	Fair	Fair	Leisure	Few	Medium	Glimpse	Invisible	-	5	Low
L03	Recreational users in Lion Rock Park	Developed	Restricted	Static	Fair	Good	Leisure	Few	Medium	Glimpse	Glimpse	30	0	Low
L04	Recreational users in Tsz Wan Shan Road Sitting Out Area	Developed	Restricted	Static	Poor	Fair	Leisure	Few	Medium	Glimpse	Glimpse	-	3	Medium
Functional VSRs
F01	Occupants in Wong Tai Sin Hospital, Wu York Yu Health Center, Home for the Aged and Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital and St. Bonaventure College	Developed	Restricted	Static	Poor	Poor	Functional	Few	Medium	Glimpse	Invisible	-	0	Low
F02	Occupants in CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Kowloon East Office	Developed	Restricted	Static	Poor	Poor	Functional	Few	Medium	Glimpse	Invisible	-	10	Low
F03	Occupants in Our Lady's Primary School, Our Lady's College and Tsz Wan Shan Integrated Family Service Centre	Developed	Restricted	Static	Poor	Poor	Functional	Few	Medium	Glimpse	Invisible	-	3	Low
F04	Occupants in Ho Lap Primary School	Developed	Restricted	Static	Poor	Poor	Functional	Few	Medium	Glimpse	Invisible	-	16	Low
F05	Occupants in Chuk Yuen Substation, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians - Salesian Sisters and Our Lady's Kindergarten	Developed	Restricted	Static	Poor	Poor	Functional	Few	Medium	Glimpse	Invisible	-	5	Low
F06	Occupants in Baptist Rainbow Primary School	Developed	Restricted	Static	Poor	Poor	Functional	Few	Medium	Glimpse	Invisible	-	6	Low
F07	Occupants in Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery	Developed	Restricted	Static	Poor	Fair	Functional	Few	Short	Partial	Partial	0	0	Low
Travelling VSRs
T01	Travellers along Chuk Yuen Road, Lung Cheung Road and Lung Fung Street	Developed	Restricted	Transient	Poor	Poor	Travelling	Typical	Short	Glimpse	Invisible	-	0	Low
T02	Travellers along Lion Rock Road	Developed	Restricted	Transient	Poor	Poor	Travelling	Few	Short	Glimpse	Glimpse	5	0	Low
T03	Travellers along Tsz Wan Shan Road	Developed	Restricted	Transient	Poor	Poor	Travelling	Many	Short	Glimpse	Invisible	-	0	Low
T04	Travellers along Sheung Fung Street and Shung Wah Street	Developed	Restricted	Transient	Poor	Poor	Travelling	Typical	Short	Glimpse	Invisible	-	0	Low
T05	Travellers along Shatin Pass Road	Developed	Restricted	Transient	Poor	Poor	Travelling	Few	Short	Glimpse	Invisible	-	0	Low

*Remarks: “Con.” refers to Construction Phase; “Op.” refers to Operation Phase

9.9 Broad Brush Tree Survey Findings

Broad Brush Tree Survey Findings

9.9.1 A broad brush tree survey was conducted during December 2019 – January 2020 to cover all potential above-ground works area(s) of the Project (including proposed tunnel portal, ancillary building, access road and the proposed alignment(s) of salt water mains and fresh water mains and to provide baseline information for the assessment of LRs and LCAs. The methodology may refer to Section 9.4.5 to Section 9.4.6. The broad brush tree survey findings including broad brush tree survey schedule are presented in Appendix 9A.

9.9.2 Approximately 865 no. of trees were surveyed within the Project Site. It was divided into seven tree groups based on their locations.

9.9.3 The overall dominant tree species surveyed are Acacia confusa, Sterculia lanceolata, Mallotus paniculatus. No tree of particular interest was identified within the project site. Below Table 9.9 is a summary of the Broad Brush Tree results:

Table 9.9 Summary of Broad Brush Tree Survey Results

Tree Group	Works Layout	Est. No. of Trees	Dominant Species	Brief Description of the Tree Group	Preliminary Recommended Treatment (To be confirmed upon detail design stage)
TG1 Proposed Ancillary Building, Tunnel Portal and Re-provision of Access Road	Ancillary Building, Tunnel Portal, Access Road	260	Acacia confusa 85.0% Sterculia lanceolata 5.7% Mallotus paniculatus 3.7%	Typical Acacia plantation slope blended with few native trees; Leaning	Tree Preservation ~0% Tree Removal ~100%
TG2 Vegetated Slope adjacent to Proposed Ancillary Building and Tunnel Portal	Slope Stabilisation Works	335	Acacia confusa 87.8% Mallotus paniculatus 6.1% Sterculia lanceolata 4.0%	Typical Acacia plantation slope blended with few native trees; Leaning	Tree Preservation ~100%
TG3 Vegetated Slope adjacent to Proposed Access Road	Slope Stabilisation Works	80	Acacia confusa 39.0% Sterculia lanceolata 15.0% Macaranga tanarius 10.0%	Typical Acacia plantation slope blended with some native trees; Leaning	Tree Preservation ~100%
TG4 Chuk Yuen Road (West)	Main/ Utilities installation	55	Tabebuia chrysantha 27.0% Cinnamomum burmannii 22.0% Acacia auriculiformis 18.0%	Mostly ornamental roadside trees in planters or tree pits	Tree Preservation ~100%
TG5 Chuk Yuen Road (East)	Main/ Utilities installation	35	Delonix regia 57.0% Melaleuca cajuputi 28.0% Michelia x alba 11.0%	Mostly ornamental roadside trees in planters or tree pits	Tree Preservation ~100%
TG6 Sha Tin Pass Road, Tsz Wan Shan Road, Lung Fung Street and Sheung Fung Street	Main/ Utilities installation	80	Aleurites moluccana 37.5% Melaleuca cajuputi 12.5% Ficus benjamina 11.3%	Mostly ornamental roadside trees in planters or tree pits	Tree Preservation ~100%
TG7 Proposed Temporary Storage near Lion Rock Road	Temporary Storage	20	Leucaena leucocephala 74.0% Acacia confusa 15.0% Macaranga tanarius 5.0%	Common urban trees colonized along joints and cracks on concrete surfaces	Tree Preservation ~100%

Anticipated Impact on Trees due to the Project

9.9.4 Approximately 260 to 300 no. of trees are recommended to be removed due to the Project.

9.9.5 Situated in the upper slope adjacent to existing Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery, TG1 is overlapped with the above ground works including proposed ancillary building, tunnel portal and access road so trees at TG1 would be unavoidably affected. TG1 accounts for most of the loss of tree impact.

9.9.6 The suitability for transplanting for trees in TG1 is anticipated to be low as most trees are of leaning form with a tilted root plate. The post transplantation survival rate is considered low and tree removal is unavoidably expected. Among the 260 to 300 no. of trees to be removed in TG1, about 85.0% are mature Acacia confusa, which is considered senescent in Hong Kong and is recommended to be replaced rather than being transplanted.

9.9.7 For TG2 to TG7, the loss of tree impact is anticipated to be minimal with careful site planning and proper tree protection measures enforced during construction. Works would mostly be carried out around existing trees.

9.10 Sources of Landscape and Visual Impacts

9.10.1 Further to the key development component as described in Section 9.2, several sources of landscape and visual impacts have been identified as follows.

9.10.2 During construction phase landscape and visual impacts can be resulted from the following sources:

· Site clearance works (if any) including removal of remaining temporary structures and facilities, and existing vegetation/trees;

· Site formation and slope stabilization;

· Building works;

· Construction traffic;

· Presence of construction machinery and equipment; temporary parking areas, construction storage, stockpiling area, site offices and facilitates of works area(s);

· Night lighting and welding;

· Temporary works hoardings, barriers and enclosures;

· Construction dust and waste materials;

· Landscaping works; and

· Temporary Traffic Arrangement.

9.10.3 During the operation phase landscape and visual impacts can be resulted from the following sources:

· Operation of unmanned vehicular tunnel and ancillary facilities including the associated landscaped/ amenity areas;

· Any on-going changes in the quality or quantity of LRs resulting from the Project; and

· Loss of visual amenity previously present at the Project site.

Table 9.10 Sources of Landscape and Visual Impacts

Sources of Impact	Descriptions	Brief Description of Landscape and Visual Impact of the Works
Components that lead to permanent loss of landscape cover
Ancillary building	Facilities such as transformer room, switch room, emergency generator room, ventilation building and pumping station control room will be constructed near the portal to provide electricity and ventilation to the caverns and tunnel.	Existing landscape cover and trees within the footprint of the ancillary building will be removed.
Re-provision of access road	As the original access road to the Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery will be occupied by the ancillary building, a new access road will be constructed to substitute the existing access road.	Existing landscape cover and trees along the footprint of the access road will be removed.
Slope stabilisation	The proposed tunnel portal and ancillary building are situated on an existing vegetated slope. Slope stabilisation is required.	Existing slope trees might be affected.
Components that lead to loss of landscape cover subject to reinstatement
Water main laying works	The water main laying works transport fresh and salt water between the Wong Tai Sin urban areas and the tunnel portal.	The main laying works be mostly carried out in existing roads. Tree removal is avoided as far as practicable.
Temporary storage	The area is currently the Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery, which will be temporarily used for storing construction materials and equipment. It will be handed back to LCSD after completion of construction.	Temporary storage will avoid disturbance to existing trees as far as practicable. The final layout of the temporary storage will be finalised during the construction stage.
Initial section ~40m of underground tunnel from portal	Open cut method will be adopted after evaluation of geological conditions.	Existing landscape cover along the first 40m of the tunnel will be removed and the slope topography will be reinstated after works.
Components that incur negligible loss of landscape cover
Underground tunnels and adits except the first 40m from portal	It serves as the normal vehicular access for the operation and maintenance of the service reservoirs. The tunnel will consist of two traffic lane in opposite direction and will also be an emergency vehicular access (EVA) as one of the fire services provisions.	The proposed fresh and salt water service reservoirs exits as shown in Figure 9.1a and 9.1b are within caverns and about 100m beneath the surface land. The proposed tunnel is also underground. These works are expected to have negligible impacts to the existing surface area covered with vegetation.
Underground caverns	It is proposed to accommodate both fresh water and salt water service reservoirs and pumping stations. The fresh water and salt water service reservoirs would be divided into two and three compartments respectively in order to facilitate future maintenance.
Construction of the relocated DHSRs and associated pumping stations	According to the layout recommended in the Feasibility Study, the fresh water and salt water service reservoirs contains two and three compartments respectively in order to facilitate future maintenance

9.11 Magnitude of Change of Landscape Quality without Mitigation

9.11.1 The anticipated magnitude of change of landscape quality without mitigation is described in Table 9.11 below.

Table 9.11 Magnitude of Change of Landscape Quality without Mitigation

ID	Landscape Resources / Landscape Character Areas	Source of Impact	Scale of Develop-ment (Large/ Medium/ Small)	Extent of LR or LCA within Project Site excluding underground tunnel and cavern (ha)		Compatibility with Surrounding Landscape (High/ Medium/ Low)		Duration of Impact (Long/ Medium/ Short)		Reversibility of Change (Reversible/ Irreversible)	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Medium/ Small/ Negligible)		Description of Impacts
ID	Landscape Resources / Landscape Character Areas	Source of Impact	Scale of Develop-ment (Large/ Medium/ Small)	Con.*	Op.*	Con.*	Op.*	Con.*	Op.*	Reversibility of Change (Reversible/ Irreversible)	Con.*	Op.*	Description of Impacts
Landscape Resources
LR1.1	Roadside Vegetation	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains	Small	0.12	-	Medium	Medium	Short	Short	Irreversible	Small	Small	With careful planning of water mains construction layout, the drilling and excavation activities should be able to avoid most trees along pedestrian paths. Some roadside vegetation might be unavoidably lost.
LR1.2	Engineered Slope (Vegetated)	Construction of tunnel portal and ancillary buildings and temporary construction storage	Medium	0.70	0.70	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	Irreversible	Medium	Medium	Based on a broad brush estimate, approximately 175 no. of existing trees will be affected. Affected trees are around 86% Acacia confusa of poor growth form. Majority of trees would be removed due to low suitability for transplantation.
LR1.3	Mixed Woodland at Lion Rock	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR1.4	Shrubland/ Grassland at Lion Rock	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR1.5	Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery	Construction of tunnel portal and ancillary buildings and temporary construction storage	Medium	0.28	0.28	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	Irreversible	Medium	Medium	The nursery will be used as the temporary construction storage. Vegetation such as self-colonised grasses and some shrubs will be removed.
LR1.6	Registered Old and Valuable Tree	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR1.7	Important Tree	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR2.1	Urban Development	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains	Small	2.83	-	High	-	Short	-	Reversible	Small	Negligible	Part of the pedestrian path or vehicular road would be disturbed for laying of water mains and other site works. These kinds of road works are common in urban areas in Hong Kong and the magnitude of change is considered small.
LR2.2	Construction Site at Lung Cheung Road	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR2.3	Chuk Yuen United Village Settlement	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.1	Tsz Wan Shan Road Sitting Out Area	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains	Small	0.01	-	Medium	-	Short	-	Irreversible	Small	Negligible	Part of the pedestrian path or vehicular road would be disturbed for laying of water mains. These kinds of road works are common in urban areas in Hong Kong and the magnitude of change is considered small.
LR3.2	Tsz Wan Shan Estate Central Playground	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.3	Sitting-out Area near Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Centre	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.4	Wong Tai Sin Service Reservoir Playground	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.5	Po Kong Village Road/ Shung Wah Street Sitting-out Area	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.6	Fung Tak Estate Playground	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.7	Fung Tak Park	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.8	Lung Cheung Road North/ Po Kong Village Road Sitting out Area	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.9	Po Kong Interchange Rest Garden	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.10	Muk Lun Street Playground	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.11	Lung Chui Yuen Stanley Ho Park	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.12	Wong Tai Sin Square	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.13	Morse Park	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.14	Sitting Out Area next to Wing Kwong College Bustop	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.15	Ma Chai Hang Playground	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.16	Sitting Out Area next to Chui Chuk Garden	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.17	Lung Cheung Road Bauhinia Garden	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.18	Junction Road / Fu Keng Street Sitting-out Area	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.19	Junction Road Park	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.20	Broadcast Drive Playground	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.21	Broadcast Drive Garden	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.22	Lion Rock Park Baseball -Field 2	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible
LR3.23	Lion Rock Park	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.24	Fei Fung Street Sitting-out Area	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.25	Fat Jong Temple	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	--
LR3.26	Chiu Chow Po Hing Lin Fat She	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LR3.27	Wong Tai Sin Temple	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
Landscape Character Areas
LCA1	Peak Landscape at Lion Rock Country Park	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LCA2	Upland Hillside Landscape at Lion Rock	Construction of tunnel portal and ancillary buildings	Medium	0.98	0.98	Medium	Medium	Medium	Medium	Irreversible	Medium	Medium	The project site is lying at the periphery of the Upland Hillside Landscape where it starts to transit to the Residential Urban Landscape. Based around a backdrop of mature woodland, the proposed tunnel portal and ancillary facilities are anticipated to blend in well with nearby low-rise existing G/IC facilities.
LCA3	Park Urban Landscape in Wong Tai Sin	None	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	-	Negligible	Negligible	-
LCA4	Wong Tai Sin Residential Urban Landscape	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains	Small	2.96	-	High	-	Short	-	Reversible	Small	Negligible	Road works will be involved in part of the pedestrian path or vehicular road, which is compatible with the surrounding urban landscape character. The water mains will be laid underground and the project site will be reinstated during operation phase.

*Remarks: “Con.” refers to Construction Phase; “Op.” refers to Operation Phase

*Remarks: “Con.” refers to Construction Phase; “Op.” refers to Operation Phase

Table 9.12 Magnitude of Change of Visual Quality without Mitigation

ID	Visually Sensitive Receivers	Source of Impact	Compatibility with Surrounding Visual Environment (Good/ Fair/ Poor)		Scale of Development (Large/ Medium/ Small/ Negligible)		Reversibility of Change (Reversible/ Irreversible)		Potential Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Nil.)		Magnitude of Change (Large/ Medium/ Small/ Negligible)
ID	Visually Sensitive Receivers	Source of Impact	Con.*	Op.*	Con.*	Op.*	Con.*	Op.*	Con.*	Op.*	Con.*	Op.*
Residential VSRs
R01	Residents in Tin Ma Court	Project Site including tunnel portal and ancillary buildings	Poor	Fair	Small	Small	Irreversible	Irreversible	Partial	Partial	Medium	Medium
R02	Residents in The Palace	Project Site including tunnel portal and ancillary buildings	Poor	Fair	Small	Small	Irreversible	Irreversible	Partial	Partial	Medium	Medium
R03	Residents in Chuk Yuen South Estate	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
R04	Residents in Chuk Yuen North Estate and Pang Ching Court	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
R05	Residents in Shatin Pass Estate	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
R06	Residents in Shing Kung House, Wing Shing House, San Ning Building and The Vista block 1	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
R07	Residents of Peninsula Heights and Meridian Hill	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
R08	Residents in Tsz Lok Estate	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
Leisure VSRs
L01	Recreational users in Ma Chai Hang Playground	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
L02	Recreational users in Wong Tai Sin Service Reservoir Playground	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
L03	Recreational users in Lion Rock Park	Project Site including tunnel portal and ancillary buildings	Poor	Fair	Small	Small	Irreversible	Irreversible	Partial	Partial	Medium	Medium
L04	Recreational users in Tsz Wan Shan Road Sitting Out Area	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
Functional VSRs
F01	Occupants in Wong Tai Sin Hospital, Wu York Yu Health Center, Home for the Aged and Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital and St. Bonaventure College	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
F02	Occupants in CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Kowloon East Office	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
F03	Occupants in Our Lady's Primary School, Our Lady's College and Tsz Wan Shan Integrated Family Service Centre	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
F04	Occupants in Ho Lap Primary School	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
F05	Occupants in Chuk Yuen Substation, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians - Salesian Sisters and Our Lady's Kindergarten	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
F06	Occupants in Baptist Rainbow Primary School	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
F07	Occupants in Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery	Project Site including tunnel portal and ancillary buildings	Fair	Fair	Small	Small	Reversible	Reversible	Partial	Partial	Medium	Medium
Travelling VSRs
T01	Travellers along Chuk Yuen Road, Lung Cheung Road and Lung Fung Street	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
T02	Travellers along Lion Rock Road	Project Site including tunnel portal and ancillary buildings	Fair	Fair	Small	Small	Irreversible	Irreversible	Partial	Partial	Medium	Medium
T03	Travellers along Tsz Wan Shan Road	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
T04	Travellers along Sheung Fung Street and Shung Wah Street	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible
T05	Travellers along Shatin Pass Road	Temporary road works due to laying of water mains at intervals	Fair	-	Small	-	Reversible	-	Partial	-	Small	Negligible

9.13 Significance of Landscape Impacts without Mitigation

9.13.1 The degree of significance of landscape impacts before implementation of mitigation measures has been derived from the combination of the magnitude of change and the sensitivity/ tolerance of the sensitive receivers to change in accordance with Table 9.2 above and listed in Table 9.15.

Impact Significance for Tunnel Portal, Ancillary Building and Access Road

9.13.2 The affected LRs and LCAs include LR1.2 Engineered Slope (Vegetated), LR1.5 Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery and LCA2 Upland Hillside Landscape at Lion Rock which falls within the footprints of the proposed tunnel portal, the access road leading to the portal, and the ancillary buildings. The landscape impacts of LRs and LCAs within the footprint of the tunnel portal, ancillary facilities and temporary construction storage are considered to be Moderately Adverse without implementation of mitigation measures during construction phase.

9.13.3 The proposed development is low-rise, low-density and mostly unmanned during operation phase. The introduction of population and associated landscape impact is minimal. However, removal of some vegetation cover is unavoidable. The landscape will be irreversibly changed despite the limited scale of the proposed development. Given the site is in close proximity to similar existing G/IC structures situated at the fringe of mature woodland, the aforementioned LRs and LCA will subject to Moderately Adverse landscape impact during operation phase without mitigation measures.

Impact Significance for Water Mains Works

9.13.4 For the proposed water mains works, the overall landscape impacts of LRs and LCAs along the footprint (i.e. LR1.1 Roadside vegetation, LR2.1 Urban development, LR3.1 Tsz Wan Shan Road Sitting Out Area and LCA4 Wong Tai Sin Residential Urban Landscape) are considered to be Slightly Adverse without implementation of mitigation measures during construction phase and Slightly Adverse to Insubstantial during operation phase. Most of them are situated among highly urbanised areas of impermeable existing paving surfaces that have high tolerance to change. The intrinsic landscape sensitivity and amenity value of them are limited. The extent of project scale is small with a short duration of works that is compatible with and common in urban areas. During operation phase, the water mains will operate underground and the project site will be reinstated.

9.13.5 The remaining LRs and LCAs are far away from the Project site and are estimated to encounter Insubstantial landscape impacts.

9.14 Significance of Visual Impacts without Mitigation

9.14.1 The degree of significance of visual impacts before implementation of mitigation measures has been derived from the matrix of the magnitude of change and the sensitivity/ tolerance of the sensitive receivers to change in accordance with Table 9.2 above. The significance of visual impacts without mitigation for each VSR is listed in Table 9.16.

9.14.2 During the construction phase of the Project, the overall visual impacts on the VSRs who can partially see the construction site of the proposed portal and the ancillary buildings (i.e. residents of Tin Ma Court (R01) and the Palace (R02)) are considered to be Moderately Adverse without implementation of mitigation measures. The overall visual impact on occupants in Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery (F07) is considered to be Slightly Adverse without implementation of mitigation measures.

9.14.3 The Project is considered to have Slightly Adverse visual impacts on another two VSRs (the recreational users in Lion Rock Park (L03), and travellers along Lion Rock Road (T02)) who can have a glimpse view of the construction site of the proposed portal/ ancillary buildings. The proposed water mains laying works will only result in Slightly Adverse visual impacts on the local VSRs during the construction phase.

9.14.4 The Project will result in Moderately Adverse visual impacts on the residents of Tin Ma Court (R01) and the Palace (R02) during the operation phase, and Slightly Adverse impacts on the other three VSRs (L03, F07 and T02) who can glimpse the portal site and the ancillary buildings.

9.14.5 The rest of the VSRs who can see the temporary road works for water mains laying works will only experience insubstantial visual impacts during the Project operation phase as the water mains are located in the underground and invisible to the VSRs. The temporary disturbed works sites will be reinstated to the original conditions.

9.15.1 Mitigation measures follow the principle of Mitigation Hierarchy such that measures are taken to prioritise avoidance of adverse impacts, then to minimise the duration, intensity and/or extent of impacts and finally to mitigate or compensate for the unavoidable impacts.

9.15.2 The project layout has sought to minimise any potential landscape and visual impact as much as possible. Unavoidably, some adverse landscape and visual impact would still be anticipated. As a result, the following recommended landscape and visual mitigation measures are proposed to alleviate the potential adverse landscape and visual impact, as listed in Table 9.13 for construction phase and Table 9.14 for operation phase.

Compensatory Tree Planting

9.15.3 The project is estimated to involve removal of approximately 260-300 no. of trees. The project proponent is committed to compensate for the loss of trees in not less than 1:1 ratio in terms of quantity.

9.15.4 For CM4 Tree Transplanting and Compensatory Tree Planting, despite onsite compensation has been prioritised, offsite compensation is anticipated due to site conditions. The Project Site is a short-term tenancy site that will be returned to the LCSD after completion of works, as presented in Figure 9.9. After handover, areas within the Project Site will be resumed back to Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery operation. As a result, onsite compensation of trees within Project Site is restricted to the area of formed slope beyond the first 20m of tunnel portal. The area is estimated to accommodate around less than 40 no. of trees as indicated in Figure 9.10a and Figure 9.11, which is considered inadequate to compensate for the tree loss.

9.15.5 Nearby offsite compensatory planting locations within 500m Study Area under the maintenance of the project proponent are therefore further explored. In view of the densely urbanised Wong Tai Sin District, areas available for offsite compensation are very limited. Possible locations include slopes around Lion Rock High Level No.2 Fresh Water Primary Service Reservoir and Ma Chai Hang Fresh Water Service Reservoir.

9.15.6 Due to the rooting of compensatory trees were affecting structural integrity of the Lion Rock High Level No.2 Fresh Water Primary Service Reservoir (record from another Project), all former compensatory trees were required to be removed in order to mitigate the risk. Tree planting in areas around Lion Rock High Level No.2 Fresh Water Primary Service Reservoir is considered impractical and not recommended.

9.15.7 As for areas around Ma Chai Hang Fresh Water Service Reservoir, it is expected to be sufficient to accommodate the remaining compensatory trees as presented in Figure 9.10b. The proposed planting area(s) are gentle slopes (around 30°). As such, compensatory trees of whip trees or seedlings are recommended for slope planting.

9.15.8 It should also be noted that the full effect of soft landscape mitigation measures would not be appreciated for several years and full effect of mitigation measures might take as many as ten years to be realised.

Table 9.13 Recommended Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase

ID	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase	Objectives or Justifications for the Mitigation Measures	Implementation Agency
CM1	Careful Site Planning and Management · Site layout and works area including temporary access road(s), stockpiling area(s), temporary construction storage shall be carefully planned to preserve existing landscape resources and trees as far as practicable.	To minimise site clearance, tree removal and disturbance to existing Landscape Resources	WSD
CM1	· Good site practices shall be enforced to eliminate eyesores from unappealing stockpiling/ storage areas and/or construction activities.	To minimise visual obstruction to VSRs	WSD
CM2	Careful Design of Slope Works · Slope stabilization methods (i.e. insertion of soil nails and establishment of grillage, etc.) shall be carefully formulated to minimise the loss of tree and landscape cover as far as practicable.	To minimise tree removal and to create a slope surface better blending with the surrounding environment	WSD
CM3	Tree Preservation · In accordance with DEVB TC (W) No.4/2020 – Tree Preservation or its latest version, existing vegetation shall be retained on site as far as practicable. · Adequate tree protection measures shall be provided for the Trees to be retained on site. Relevant guidelines on tree care and protection promulgated by Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section of Development Bureau shall be observed and followed.	To minimise tree removal	WSD
CM4	Tree Transplanting/ Compensatory Tree Planting · Trees unavoidably affected by the project shall be transplanted as far as practicable in accordance with DEVB TC (W) No.4/2020 – Tree Preservation or its latest version and the latest guidelines promulgated by Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section of Development Bureau. · Affected trees that are not suitable for transplantation and to be felled shall be compensated in not less than 1:1 in quantity and in accordance with DEVB TC (W) No.4/2020 – Tree Preservation or its latest version. · Onsite compensation has been prioritised. However, due to land status issues, area of onsite compensatory planting locations are insufficient to compensate for the loss of trees and near site compensatory locations managed by WSD are adopted, as shown in Figure 9.9, Figure 9.10a, Figure 9.10b and Figure 9.11. · Tree species selected shall be compatible with surrounding existing vegetation.	To minimise the loss of trees To compensate for the loss of trees To provide quality and sustainable landscape that is compatible with the site context	WSD
CM5	Inspection of Tree Works · Regular site inspection shall be conducted by tree specialist.	To closely monitor the site activities in order to avoid or minimise any possible adverse impact to the retained trees during construction	WSD
CM6	Minimisation of Light Impact · Lighting at construction sites shall be carefully controlled at night.	To avoid disturbance to nearby VSRs	WSD
CM7	Erection of Decorative Site Hoarding · Decorative hoarding that is compatible with the surrounding environment shall be erected during construction.	To enhance the visual amenity of construction hoarding	WSD
CM8	Reinstatement of Temporarily Disturbed Areas · Temporarily disturbed areas shall be reinstated.	To reinstate the disturbed landscape	WSD

Table 9.14 Recommended Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Operation Phase

ID	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Operation Phase	Objectives or Justifications for the Mitigation Measures	Implementation Agency and Maintenance Agency
OM1	Landscape Planting · Landscape planting shall be provided in accordance with DEVB TCW No.3/2012 – Site Coverage of Greenery for Government Building Projects or its latest version. · Planting species shall be compatible with the nearby existing vegetation cover as far as practicable. · Not less than 12-month establishment after completion shall be provided for the landscape planting.	To soften the hard edges of the structure and make it more compatible with the surrounding environment	WSD
OM2	Rooftop Greening · Rooftop greening shall be implemented with reference to the references on skyrise greenery provided by the Greening, Landscape & Tree Management Section, Development Bureau.	To make the ancillary facilities more compatible with the surrounding woodland landscape and to mitigate the potential adverse visual impact on adjacent residential VSRs viewing from an elevated vantage point	WSD
OM3	Vertical Greening · Vertical greening shall be provided.	To enhance the visual amenity of the ancillary facilities and to blend in with the surrounding landscape	WSD
OM4	Careful Design of Ancillary Facilities · The orientation and location of the ancillary facilities shall be carefully designed. Its finish shall be non-reflective and dull in colour. · The ancillary facilities are unmanned structures that merely require minimal security services during day time. There shall be nobody and no lighting illuminating from the buildings at night, except essential street lighting for the portal access road.	To avoid glare impact to surrounding VSRs	WSD

9.16.1 To illustrate the predicted effectiveness of the proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures, a series of computer-generated photomontages have been prepared at representative vantage points (VPs) to provide comparison between the existing views, proposals on day 1 of operation without mitigation, on day 1 of operation after mitigation, and in year 10 after mitigation, as shown in Figure 9.8a to Figure 9.8c.

Photomontage for VP1

9.16.2 This vantage point represents a depressed view from high-rise residential buildings including Chun Sing House and Chun Wai House of Tin Ma Court (VSR R01). Without mitigation, the low-rise proposed development is still fairly compatible with the surrounding environment as its level is similar to the top of existing tree canopy. No abrupt or unsightly structures are anticipated. The significance of visual impact is considered Moderate.

9.16.3 With mitigation measures implemented, the proposed development will further blend in with the surrounding landscape. Hard edges and grey finish of the structure will be softened by vegetation and the effect will be more prominent with time. The residual visual impact is considered Slight and it will be Acceptable when mitigation measures are implemented.

Photomontage for VP2

9.16.4 This vantage point represents the travelling VSR along Lion Rock Road near the entrance of the Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery. Receivers could glimpse through the Acacia plantation or look at an elevated angle to obtain a view of the proposed development. They are highly mobile and can view different portions of the Project when they are travelling along Lion Rock Road. The tunnel portal and ancillary facilities are below 17m, which is approximately the height of the existing tree canopy. With low sensitivity and medium in magnitude of change, the visual impact is considered Slight when unmitigated.

9.16.5 With mitigation measures implemented, the Project is further blended in with the surrounding landscape and the significance of residual visual impact in year 10 is considered Insubstantial and it is Acceptable.

Photomontage for VP3

9.16.6 This vantage point represents the travelling general public along the footprint of the proposed water mains. Although the scale of development is very small and the site will be reinstated during operation phase, this vantage point is still selected as the population of visually sensitive receivers with a view to the proposed water mains works is large.

9.16.7 The visual impact without mitigation is considered Slight during construction phase as the receivers are highly mobile and the existing visual context is mostly typical urban road scenario with urbanised developments on the backdrop. The sensitivity is considered low and the magnitude of change is also small as water mains works are minor in scale and common in urban areas. It is Acceptable.

During operation phase, the residual visual impact is considered Insubstantial as the water mains will operate underground. The above ground will be reinstated and there will be negligible change in visual quality. Mitigation measures are not required after the site is reinstated.

Table 9.15 Significance of Residual Landscape Impacts

ID	Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas	Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Medium/ Small/ Negligible)		Impact Significance without Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insubstantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Impact Significance with Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insubstantial)
ID	Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas	Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Con.	Op.	Con.	Op.	Recommended Mitigation Measures	Con.	Op. Day 1	Op. Year 10
Landscape Resources
LR1.1	Roadside Vegetation	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM8	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.2	Engineered Slope (Vegetated)	Medium	Medium	Medium	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM8, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4	Slight to Moderate	Slight	Slight
LR1.3	Mixed Woodland at Lion Rock	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.4	Shrubland/ Grassland at Lion Rock	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.5	Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery	Low	Medium	Medium	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM8, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4	Slight to Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR1.6	Registered Old and Valuable Tree	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR1.7	Important Tree	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR2.1	Urban Development	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM8	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR2.2	Construction Site at Lung Cheung Road	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR2.3	Chuk Yuen United Village Settlement	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.1	Tsz Wan Shan Road Sitting Out Area	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM8	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.2	Tsz Wan Shan Estate Central Playground	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.3	Sitting-out Area near Tsz Wan Shan Shopping Centre	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.4	Wong Tai Sin Service Reservoir Playground	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.5	Po Kong Village Road/ Shung Wah Street Sitting-out Area	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.6	Fung Tak Estate Playground	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.7	Fung Tak Park	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.8	Lung Cheung Road North/ Po Kong Village Road Sitting out Area	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.9	Po Kong Interchange Rest Garden	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.10	Muk Lun Street Playground	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.11	Lung Chui Yuen Stanley Ho Park	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.12	Wong Tai Sin Square	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.13	Morse Park	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.14	Sitting Out Area next to Wing Kwong College Bustop	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.15	Ma Chai Hang Playground	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.16	Sitting Out Area next to Chui Chuk Garden	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.17	Lung Cheung Road Bauhinia Garden	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.18	Junction Road / Fu Keng Street Sitting-out Area	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.19	Junction Road Park	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.20	Broadcast Drive Playground	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.21	Broadcast Drive Garden	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.22	Lion Rock Park Baseball Field 2	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.23	Lion Rock Park	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.24	Fei Fung Street Sitting-out Area	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.25	Fat Jong Temple	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.26	Chiu Chow Po Hing Lin Fat She	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR3.27	Wong Tai Sin Temple	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Landscape Character Areas
LCA1	Peak Landscape at Lion Rock Country Park	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA2	Upland Hillside Landscape at Lion Rock	High	Medium	Medium	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM8, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4	Slight to Moderate	Slight	Slight
LCA3	Park Urban Landscape in Wong Tai Sin	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not Required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA4	Wong Tai Sin Residential Urban Landscape	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Slight	CM1	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

*Remarks: “Con.” refers to Construction Phase; “Op.” refers to Operation Phase

Table 9.16 Significance of Residual Visual Impacts

ID	Visually Sensitive Receivers	Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Medium/ Small/ Negligible)		Impact Significance without Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insubstantial)			Recommended Mitigation Measures	Impact Significance with Mitigation (Substantial/ Moderate/ Slight/ Insubstantial)
ID	Visually Sensitive Receivers	Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)	Con.	Op.	Con.	Op.		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Con.	Op. Day 1	Op. Year 10
Residential VSRs
R01	Residents in Tin Ma Court	Medium	Medium	Medium	Moderate		Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, CM8, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4	Slight to Moderate	Moderate	Slight
R02	Residents in The Palace	Medium	Medium	Medium	Moderate		Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, CM8, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4	Slight to Moderate	Moderate	Slight
R03	Residents in Chuk Yuen South Estate	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight		Insubstantial	Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R04	Residents in Chuk Yuen North Estate and Pang Ching Court	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight		Insubstantial	Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R05	Residents in Shatin Pass Estate	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight		Insubstantial	Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R06	Residents in Shing Kung House, Wing Shing House, San Ning Building and The Vista block 1	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight		Insubstantial	Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R07	Residents of Peninsula Heights and Meridian Hill	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight		Insubstantial	Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R08	Residents in Tsz Lok Estate	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight		Insubstantial	Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Leisure VSRs
L01	Recreational users in Ma Chai Hang Playground	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial		Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
L02	Recreational users in Wong Tai Sin Service Reservoir Playground	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial		Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
L03	Recreational users in Lion Rock Park	Low	Medium	Medium	Slight	Slight		CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, CM8, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
L04	Recreational users in Tsz Wan Shan Road Sitting Out Area	Medium	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial		Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
Functional VSRs
F01	Occupants in Wong Tai Sin Hospital, Wu York Yu Health Center, Home for the Aged and Our Lady of Maryknoll Hospital and St. Bonaventure College	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial		Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
F02	Occupants in CLP Power Hong Kong Limited Kowloon East Office	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial		Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
F03	Occupants in Our Lady's Primary School, Our Lady's College and Tsz Wan Shan Integrated Family Service Centre	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial		Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
F04	Occupants in Ho Lap Primary School	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial		Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
F05	Occupants in Chuk Yuen Substation, Daughters of Mary Help of Christians - Salesian Sisters and Our Lady's Kindergarten	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial		Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
F06	Occupants in Baptist Rainbow Primary School	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial		Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
F07	Occupants in Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery	Low	Medium	Medium	Slight	Slight		CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, CM8, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
Travelling VSRs
T01	Travellers along Chuk Yuen Road, Lung Cheung Road and Lung Fung Street	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial		Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T02	Travellers along Lion Rock Road	Low	Medium	Medium	Slight	Slight		CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7. CM8, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
T03	Travellers along Tsz Wan Shan Road	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial		Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T04	Travellers along Sheung Fung Street and Shung Wah Street	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial		Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T05	Travellers along Shatin Pass Road	Low	Small	Negligible	Slight	Insubstantial		Not Required	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial

*Remarks: “Con.” refers to Construction Phase; “Op.” refers to Operation Phase

9 Landscape and Visual Impact

9.1 Project Background

9.1.1 An application (No. ESB-317/2019) for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) study brief under section 5(1)(a) of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) was submitted on 23 May 2019 with a project profile (No. PP-582/2019) (the Project Profile).

9.1.2 The existing Diamond Hill Fresh Water and Salt Water Service Reservoirs (DHSRs) including Diamond Hill Fresh Water Service Reservoir (DHFWSR) and Diamond Hill hillsides to the north of Chuk Yuen (North) Estate in Wong Tai Sin.

9.1.5 After commissioning of the relocated DHSRs, the operation of the existing DHSRs and the associated facilities will be terminated under the Project. The subsequent demolition and termination of operation at the existing DHSRs will be carried out by other government departments.

9.1.6 The study is a Designated Project (DP) under Item Q.2, Part I of Schedule 2 of the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance, "Underground Rock Caverns", The alternative options/design/alignments for the Project considered are discussed in Section 2 of this EIA report.

9.1.7 This Section presents the potential landscape and visual impact associated with the Project.

9.2.1 The project comprises of the following proposed above-ground structure and temporary works area.

9.2.2 Demolition of existing facilities and construction of infrastructures at the released site are not included in the Project and will be carried out by other parties. Details may refer to Chapter 1.

9.2.3 Details of key development components shall refer to Chapters 1 and 2 of the EIA.

9.3 Relevant Legislations, Standards & Guidelines

9.3.1 This Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment has been conducted with reference to the local legislation, guidelines, plans and relevant studies as follows:

Environmental Impact Assessment

Ordinances, Planning and Development Control

Tree, Landscape, Slope and Vegetation

9.4 Landscape Assessment Methodology

Identification and Examination of Baseline Landscape Resources and Landscape Character Areas

9.4.2 With reference to the most recently published EIA studies, literature, topographical maps and aerial photographs, available landscape resources (LRs) and landscape character areas (LCAs) within the 500m Study Area were identified and mapped on plan based on the government base map.

Broad-brush Tree Survey

9.4.6 Tree data was collected using a combination of the following methods in respect to site accessibility restrictions:

Assessment of Sensitivity of LRs/ LCAs

9.4.7 The sensitivity of LRs and LCAs is rated as ‘high’, ‘medium’ or ‘low’ and are influenced by rarity, importance, quality and maturity, statutory or regulatory limitations/ requirements and the ability of LRs and LCAs to accommodate change.

Identification of Sources and Magnitude of Potential Landscape Impacts

9.4.8 Potential sources of landscape impacts could arise from both construction and operation of the Project. The magnitude of changes for assessing landscape impacts depends on the following criteria:

9.4.9 The magnitude of landscape change is classified as follows:

Recommendation of Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

9.4.10 Possible landscape mitigation measures may include minimisation of extent and duration of construction works, adoption of alternative design, and compensatory measures such as provision of landscape planting/ vegetation.

9.4.11 The following approaches, in order of priority, are advocated:

Significance of Residual Landscape Impacts

9.4.12 The significance of landscape impacts before and after implementation of mitigation and enhancement measures are defined as follows:

9.4.13 The degree of significance of landscape impacts has been derived from the combination of the magnitude of change and the sensitivity/ tolerance of the sensitive receivers to change as shown in Table 9.2 below.

Identification and Examination of Visual Envelope (VE) and Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

9.5.3 The local VSRs to be affected by the Project are categorised as follows:

Assessment of Sensitivity of VSRs

9.5.4 The sensitivity of VSRs to change is rated as ‘high’, ‘medium’ or ‘low’ as influenced by the value and quality of existing views, availability and amenity of alternate views, type and estimated population of VSRs, duration or frequency of view and degree of visibility.

Identification of Sources and Magnitude of Potential Visual Impacts

9.5.6 The magnitude of visual change is classified as follows:

Identification of Potential Visual Mitigation and Enhancement Measures

Significance of Residual Visual Impact

9.5.9 The significance of residual visual impacts before and after implementation of mitigation and enhancement measures are defined as follows:

The degree of significance of visual impacts has been derived from the combination of the magnitude of change and the sensitivity of the visually sensitive receivers as shown in Table 9.2 similar to the matrix for determining significance of Landscape Impacts.

Overall Result of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment

9.5.10 An overall assessment of the acceptability, or otherwise of the impacts according to the criteria in Annex 10 of the EIAO-TM has been conducted. The overall assessment has been made on the development based on the identified landscape and visual impacts described as follows:

9.6.3 No structure or works is proposed within Lion Rock Country Park.

9.6.4 For proposed land use change either planning permission from TPB or the amendments to the concerned OZP(s) are required (i.e. rezoning).

Landscape Resources

Landscape Character Areas

Visual Envelope (VE)

9.8.3 Figures 9.6a and 9.6b illustrate the extent of the visual envelopes during the construction and operation of the Project, respectively.

9.8.5 The resulting VE around the portal and its ancillary building is a small area embraced by Lion Rock Park to the north, facades of The Palace to the west and south, and facades Tin Ma Court to the east.

Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

9.8.8 Within the visual envelope(s), a number of visually sensitive receivers (VSRs) have been identified according to the latest Project layout. They are listed in Table 9.8 below and their locations are mapped in Figures 9.6a and 9.6b.

9.8.9 VSRs are categorised into four major types: residential, leisure, functional and travelling as described as follows:

9.8.10 Residential VSRs are viewers who view the Project site from their homes and are generally considered most sensitive due to high potential of intrusion on their home environment and their perception of quality of life.

9.8.14 The remaining residential VSRs (R03 to R08) might be able to glimpse the proposed water mains laying works/ stocking piling area(s) from their homes on the lower few floors during construction phase of the Project. Their sensitivity is considered to be Low.

9.8.15 Leisure VSRs are viewers who are enjoying leisure, cultural, recreational activities and their views could be easily distracted by the immediately adjacent amenity landscapes or the activities they are engaging in.

9.8.22 A total of seven Functional VSRs have been identified (Table 9.8). The occupants/ workers of the schools/ workplaces immediately adjacent to the proposed water mains alignment (i.e. F01 to F06) might be able to glimpse the laying of water mains works on lower floor levels.

Broad Brush Tree Survey Findings

9.9.2 Approximately 865 no. of trees were surveyed within the Project Site. It was divided into seven tree groups based on their locations.

9.9.3 The overall dominant tree species surveyed are Acacia confusa, Sterculia lanceolata, Mallotus paniculatus. No tree of particular interest was identified within the project site. Below Table 9.9 is a summary of the Broad Brush Tree results:

Anticipated Impact on Trees due to the Project

9.9.4 Approximately 260 to 300 no. of trees are recommended to be removed due to the Project.

9.9.5 Situated in the upper slope adjacent to existing Lion Rock Park Transit Nursery, TG1 is overlapped with the above ground works including proposed ancillary building, tunnel portal and access road so trees at TG1 would be unavoidably affected. TG1 accounts for most of the loss of tree impact.

9.9.7 For TG2 to TG7, the loss of tree impact is anticipated to be minimal with careful site planning and proper tree protection measures enforced during construction. Works would mostly be carried out around existing trees.

9.10.1 Further to the key development component as described in Section 9.2, several sources of landscape and visual impacts have been identified as follows.

9.10.2 During construction phase landscape and visual impacts can be resulted from the following sources:

9.10.3 During the operation phase landscape and visual impacts can be resulted from the following sources:

9.11.1 The anticipated magnitude of change of landscape quality without mitigation is described in Table 9.11 below.

9.13.1 The degree of significance of landscape impacts before implementation of mitigation measures has been derived from the combination of the magnitude of change and the sensitivity/ tolerance of the sensitive receivers to change in accordance with Table 9.2 above and listed in Table 9.15.

Impact Significance for Tunnel Portal, Ancillary Building and Access Road

Impact Significance for Water Mains Works

9.13.5 The remaining LRs and LCAs are far away from the Project site and are estimated to encounter Insubstantial landscape impacts.

9.14.4 The Project will result in Moderately Adverse visual impacts on the residents of Tin Ma Court (R01) and the Palace (R02) during the operation phase, and Slightly Adverse impacts on the other three VSRs (L03, F07 and T02) who can glimpse the portal site and the ancillary buildings.

9.15.1 Mitigation measures follow the principle of Mitigation Hierarchy such that measures are taken to prioritise avoidance of adverse impacts, then to minimise the duration, intensity and/or extent of impacts and finally to mitigate or compensate for the unavoidable impacts.

Compensatory Tree Planting

9.15.3 The project is estimated to involve removal of approximately 260-300 no. of trees. The project proponent is committed to compensate for the loss of trees in not less than 1:1 ratio in terms of quantity.

9.15.8 It should also be noted that the full effect of soft landscape mitigation measures would not be appreciated for several years and full effect of mitigation measures might take as many as ten years to be realised.

9.16.5 With mitigation measures implemented, the Project is further blended in with the surrounding landscape and the significance of residual visual impact in year 10 is considered Insubstantial and it is Acceptable.

During operation phase, the residual visual impact is considered Insubstantial as the water mains will operate underground. The above ground will be reinstated and there will be negligible change in visual quality. Mitigation measures are not required after the site is reinstated.

9.17.1 With full implementation of the mitigation measures as detailed in Section 9.15, no significantly adverse residual impacts are anticipated from the construction and operation of the Project. All the residual landscape and visual impacts arising from the project are considered Acceptable