9 Landscape and Visual Impact

9.1 Introduction

9.1.1 ThisThis section presents the findings of the assessment of potential landscape and visual impacts associated with the construction and operation of the proposed development of Revised Trunk Road T4 (T4).

9.1.2 Landscape and visual impacts assessment are assessed in accordance with the criteria and guidelines as stated in Annexes 10 and 18 of the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO-TM) and the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (EIAO) Guidance Note No. 8/2010 on “Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance”, as well as the requirements given in Clause 3.4.10 and Appendix H of the EIA Study Brief (No. ESB-315/2019).

9.1.3 The assessment area for landscape impact assessment shall include areas within a 100m distance from the site boundary of the Project and any other areas likely to be impacted by the Project. It is mapped in Figure 9.1 & Figure 9.2. The assessment area for the visual impact assessment shall be defined by the visual envelope of the Project.

9.1.4 The list of all designated projects under Schedule 2 within the assessment area is listed in Section 1 of this EIA Report. The alternative options/alignments/designs for the Project considered are discussed in Section 2 of this EIA Report.

9.2 Environmental Legislation, Standards and Criteria

9.2.1 The following legislation, standards and guidelines are applicable to landscape and visual impact assessment associated with the construction and operation of the Project:

· Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department – AFCD Nature Conservation Practice Note No. 1, 2, and 3;

· Country Parks Ordinance (Cap. 208);

· Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) and its subsidiary legislations;

· Plant Varieties Protection Ordinance (Cap. 490);

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

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance (Cap. 499. S16) and the Technical Memorandum on EIA Process (EIAO-TM), particularly Annexes 10 (Criteria for Evaluating Visual and Landscape Impact) and 18 (Guidelines for Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment);

· Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance Guidance Note 8/2010 (Preparation of Landscape and Visual Impact Assessment under the Environmental Impact Assessment Ordinance);

· Town Planning Ordinance (Cap. 131) and Town Planning (Amendment) Ordinance;

· Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines (HKPSG) issued by the Planning Department, in particular Chapters 4, 10, 11 and Section 7 in Chapter 12;

· Development Bureau TC(W) No. 2/2012 - Allocation of Space for Quality Greening on Roads;

· Development Bureau TC(W) No. 3/2012 - Site Coverage of Greenery for Government Building Projects;

· Development Bureau, Greening, Landscape and Tree Management Section (GLTM) April 2012 - Guidelines on Greening of Noise Barriers;

· Development Bureau TC(W) No. 1/2018 - Soft Landscape Provisions on Highway Structures;

· Development Bureau TC(W) No. 6/2015 - Maintenance of Vegetation and Hard Landscape Features;

· Development Bureau TC(W) No. 4/2020 - Tree Preservation;

· Development Bureau TC(W) No. 5/2020 - Registration and Preservation of Old and Valuable Trees;

· ETWB TCW No. 36/2004 - The Advisory Committee on the Appearance of Bridges and Associated Structures (ACABAS), including Appendix A 'Guidelines for Submissions to ACABAS';

· Urban Design Guidelines for Hong Kong issued by the Planning Department (2003);

· Study on Landscape Value Mapping of Hong Kong;

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

· Town Planning Board Guidelines on Submission of Visual Impact Assessment for Planning Applications to the Town Planning Board (TPB PG-No.41);

· Guidelines for Tree Risk Assessment and Management Arrangement (9th Edition or latest version);

· Guidelines on Tree Transplanting issued by Development Bureau; and

· Guidelines on Tree Preservation during Construction by Development Bureau.

9.2.2 The Outline Zoning Plan (OZP) gazetted under the Town Planning Ordinance provides the statutory framework for land use development. Reference has been made to the Approved Sha Tin OZP No. S/ST/34 (8.6.2018).

9.3 Assessment Methodology

Landscape Impact Assessment Methodology

9.3.1 The landscape impacts have been assessed according to the following procedures.

· Identification of the baseline landscape resources (LRs) and landscape characters found within the study area. This is achieved by site visits and desktop study of topographical maps, information databases and photographs.

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

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

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

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

· The magnitude of landscape changes is classified as follows:

Large:	The landscape character or landscape resource would incur a major change.
Intermediate:	The landscape character or landscape resource would incur a moderate change.
Small:	The landscape or landscape resource would incur slight or barely perceptible change.
Negligible:	The landscape or landscape resource would incur no discernible change.

· Identification of potential landscape mitigation measures. These may take the form of adopting basic engineering design to prevent and/or minimise adverse landscape impacts before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts. Potential mitigation measures shall also include the preservation of vegetation and natural landscape resources, transplanting trees in good condition and value, provision of screen planting, re-vegetation of disturbed lands, compensatory planting, woodland restoration, aesthetic design of aboveground structures including provision of finishes, colour scheme, texture of materials used and any measures to mitigate the impact on the existing and planned land use and visually sensitive receivers (VSRs). A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified.

· Prediction of the significance of landscape impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesizing the magnitude of the various impacts and the sensitivity of the various landscape resources, it is possible to categorise impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 9.1 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely insubstantial, slight, moderate, and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of change and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of landscape resource /character.

Table 9.1 Relationship between Landscape Sensitivity and Magnitude of Change in Defining Impact Significance

Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
		Low	Medium	High
		Sensitivity of Landscape Character Area and Resource
Note: All impacts are Adverse unless otherwise noted with Beneficial.

· The significance of landscape impacts is categorised as follows:

Substantial:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause significant deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality.
Moderate:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a noticeable deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality.
Slight:	Adverse / beneficial impact where the proposal would cause a barely perceptible deterioration or improvement in existing landscape quality.
Insubstantial:	No discernible change in the existing landscape quality.

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

Visual Impact Assessment Methodology

9.3.2 The visual impacts have been assessed according to the following procedures.

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

· Identification of the VSRs within the Visual Envelope at construction and operation phases. These are the people who would reside within, work within, play within, or travel through, the Visual Envelope.

· Assessment of the degree of sensitivity of the VSRs. Factors considered include:

o The type of VSRs, which is classified according to whether the person is at home, at work, at play, or travelling. Those who view the change from their homes are considered to be highly sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook from their home will have a substantial effect on their perception of the quality and acceptability of their home environment and their general quality of life. Those who view the impact from their workplace are considered to be only moderately sensitive as the attractiveness or otherwise of the outlook will have a less important, although still material, effect on their perception of their quality of life. The degree to which this applies depends on whether the workplace is industrial, retail or commercial. Those who view the impact whilst taking part in an outdoor leisure activity may display varying sensitivity depending on the type of leisure activity. Those who view the impact whilst travelling on a public thoroughfare will also display varying sensitivity depending on the speed of travel.

o Estimated number of VSR population. This is expressed in terms of whether there are “many“, “medium” and “few” VSRs in any one category of VSR.

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

· The sensitivity of VSRs is classified as follows:

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

· Identification of potential sources of visual changes. These are the various elements of the construction works and operation that would generate visual changes.

· Assessment of the potential magnitude of visual changes. Factors considered include:

o the compatibility with the surrounding landscape;

o the duration of the impact;

o the reversibility of the impact;

o the scale of the impact and distance of the source of impact from the viewer; and

o the degree of visibility of the impact, and the potential blockage of view which the impact dominates the field of vision of the viewer.

· The magnitude of visual changes is classified as follows:

Large:	The VSRs would suffer a major change in their viewing experience.
Intermediate:	The VSRs would suffer a moderate change in their viewing experience.
Small:	The VSRs would suffer a small change in their viewing experience.
Negligible:	The VSRs would suffer no discernible change in their viewing experience.

· Identification of potential visual mitigation measures. These may take the form of adopting basic engineering design to prevent and/or minimise adverse visual impacts before adopting other mitigation or compensatory measures to alleviate the impacts. Potential mitigation measures shall also include the preservation of vegetation and natural landscape resources, provision of screen planting, re-vegetation of disturbed lands, compensatory planting, woodland restoration, aesthetic design of aboveground structures including provision of finishes, colour scheme, texture of materials used and any measures to mitigate the impact on the existing and planned land use and VSRs. A programme for the mitigation measures is provided. The agencies responsible for the funding, implementation, management and maintenance of the mitigation measures are identified.

· Prediction of the significance of visual impacts before and after the implementation of the mitigation measures. By synthesizing the magnitude of the various visual impacts and the sensitivity of the VSRs, it is possible to categorise the degree of significance of the impacts in a logical, well-reasoned and consistent fashion. Table 9.2 shows the rationale for dividing the degree of significance into four thresholds, namely, insubstantial, slight, moderate and substantial, depending on the combination of a negligible-small-intermediate-large magnitude of change and a low-medium-high degree of sensitivity of VSRs.

Table 9.2 Relationship between VSRs’ Sensitivity and Magnitude of Change in Defining Impact Significance

Magnitude of Change	Large	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial	Substantial
	Intermediate	Slight / Moderate	Moderate	Moderate / Substantial
	Small	Insubstantial / Slight	Slight / Moderate	Moderate
	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
		Low	Medium	High
		Sensitivity of VSRs
Note: All impacts are Adverse unless otherwise noted with Beneficial.

· The significance of visual impacts is categorised 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 the existing visual quality.

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

9.4 Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

9.4.1 Relevant plan(s) and/or studies which may identify areas of high landscape value, country parks, coastal protection area, green belt (GB) and conservation area designations are reviewed. Any guidelines on landscape and urban design strategies and frameworks that may affect the appreciation of the Project are also reviewed. The aim is to gain an insight of the future outlook of the affected area so as to assess whether the Project can fit into the surrounding setting. Any conflict with statutory town plan(s) is highlighted and appropriate follow-up action is recommended.

9.4.2 The Study Area of the Project is covered under the Approved Sha Tin OZP No. S/ST/34 (8.6.2018). The review of land use zones overlaid on the Project layout is shown in Figure 9.1. The land use zones to be potentially affected by the Project and the future outlook of the area is discussed and summarised in Table 9.3.

Table 9.3 Summary of the Review of Planning and Development Control Framework

Proposed Works	OZP Plan Title and No.	Land Use ID	Land Use Zonings	Approx. Area of the Land Use Zones to be affected by the Project
Revised Trunk Road T4	Approved Sha Tin OZP No. S/ST/34 (8.6.2018)	GB	Green Belt	Nil
		O	Open Space	1,150m²
		V	Village Type Development	2,000m²
		R(A)	Residential (Group A)	1,320m²
		R(B)	Residential (Group B)	4,050m²
		CDA(1)	Comprehensive Development Area (1)	1,150m²
		G/IC	Government, Institution or Community	5,750m²
		I	Industrial	1,960m²
		OU	Other Specified Uses	2,030m²

9.4.3 The Revised T4 provides a direct trunk road linking Sha Tin Road with Shing Mun Tunnel Road and Tsing Sha Highway. It is designed to provide a direct connection for through traffic between Ma On Shan area and Tsuen Wan / West Kowloon areas bypassing the busy at-grade road network of Sha Tin Central. The proposed road works mainly aligned adjoining or above the existing road networks. Starting from the northern portion of the Project, approximately 2,760m²of R(B) and 680m²of O will be affected by the slope works along the northern side of Shing Mun Tunnel Road near Mei Tin Road. Some portion 490m²of R(A) near Mei Lam Estate will be involved for the modification works on the existing Tsing Sha Highway. Approximately 1,290m²of R(B) near Chung Ling Lane and 1,960m²of I in Tai Wai Industrial Area will be affected by the proposed elevated roads. The proposed elevated roads will also overlap with approximately 2,030m²with the OU along the East Rail Line Railway at the junction of Shing Mun Tunnel Road and Tai Po Road. There is major change on the G/IC at the existing carparking and amenity areas outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum, involving the construction of elevated roads of approximately 5,750m². For the south of Shing Mun River Channel, small portion 310m²of O along the promenade and 1,150m²of CDA(1) adjoining The Riverpark will be affected by the proposed roads, excluding the re-arrangement of pedestrian subway and cycle path system. Approximately 1,430m²of V near Sha Tin Tau Village, 290m²of V near Tsang Tai Uk and 160m²of O near Tsang Tai Uk Recreation Ground will be affected by the construction of depressed roads and slip road along Lion Rock Tunnel Road. For the widening works along Sha Tin Road, approximate 830m²of R(A) near SIMAR slopes of Pok Hong Estate and small portion 280m²of V near SIMAR slopes of Tsok Pok Hang San Tsuen will be affected. The impact on the OZP is illustrated in Figure 9.1.

9.5 Baseline Study

Landscape Resources (LRs)

9.5.1 The details of Baseline LRs which will be potentially affected by the Project, together with their sensitivity are described in Table 9.4. The locations of baseline LRs are mapped in Figure 9.3.1, Figure 9.3.2, Figure 9.3.3, Figure 9.3.4, Figure 9.3.5, Figure 9.3.6 and Figure 9.3.7. Photo views illustrating the LRs within the study area are illustrated in Figure 9.4.1, Figure 9.4.2, Figure 9.4.3 and Figure 9.4.4.

Table 9.4 Baseline LRs and their Sensitivity

LRs	Description	Approx. Area (m²)	Sensitivity
	*Hillside and Village Vegetation*
LR-1.1	*Woodland and Mixed Woodland near Needle Hill* This LR covers the densely vegetated hillside woodland extending to the Needle Hill. It comprises canopy trees and understory vegetation. They are common species found in woodland of Hong Kong. The hillside woodland provides a natural green backdrop for the urban fringe of Tai Wai. The major tree species are Aporosa dioica, Cratoxylum cochinchinense, Dimocarpus longan, Litsea glutinosa, Mallotus paniculatus, Schefflera heptaphylla, Schima superba and Sterculia lanceolata, generally in heavy-standard to mature size. No registered OVTs are identified. The quality of the existing vegetation is high as it provides a natural green backdrop for the area. The ability to accommodate change is low and the sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	123,970	High
LR-1.2	*Woodland and Mixed Woodland near Sha Tin Road* This LR covers the densely vegetated hillside woodland near Sha Tin Road. Small portion of Lion Rock Country Park also falls within this LCA. It comprises canopy trees and understory vegetation, with several burial grounds found. The majority tree species are either common or very common in Hong Kong. The hillside woodland provides a natural green backdrop for the urban fringe of Sha Tin. The major tree species are Acronychia pedunculata, Canthium dicoccum, Cratoxylum cochinchinense, Garcinia oblongifolia, Itea chinensis, Schefflera heptaphylla and Schima superba, generally in heavy-standard to mature size. No registered OVTs are identified. Approximately 146 nos. of Canthium dicoccum with conservation importance in which 127 nos. of them are within Lion Rock Country Park. Although it is classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List because of continuing decline of mature individuals, it is a common species that can be easily found in the forest in Hong Kong. In addition, two nos. of Ixonanthes chinensis with conservation importance are also recorded within Lion Rock Country Park. The quality of the existing vegetation is medium to high. The ability to accommodate change is low and the sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	83,160	High
LR-1.3	*Tree and Shrub Planting in Village Areas near Lai Chi Yuen* This LR covers the vegetation in the low-density local villages in Lai Chi Yuen areas, including Tung Lo Wan, Villa Maria, Pineridge, The Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints and Villa Leparc. The village houses are relatively compacted with limited rooms for planting. Village plantings are found mainly at the periphery of the villages. The tree species are common village species in Hong Kong. 5 nos. of registered OVTs [OVT nos: LCSD ST/7, LCSD ST/8, LCSD ST/9, LCSD ST/10 and LCSD ST/11] are identified along roadside area of Chung Ling Road. They are Cinnamomum camphora. In view of the certain quantity of OVTs in this LR, the quality of this LR is high. The ability to accommodate change is low and the sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	59,600	High
LR-1.4	*Tree and Shrub Planting in Village Areas Near Tsang Tai Uk* This LR covers the vegetation in the low-density local villages in Tsang Tai Uk areas, including Sha Tin Tau Village and Tsang Tai Uk. The village houses are relatively compacted with limited rooms for planting. Village plantings found mainly at the periphery of the villages. The tree species are common village species in Hong Kong such as Aporosa dioica, Celtis sinensis, Dimocarpus longan, Ficus hispida, Ficus subpisocarpa, Macaranga tanarius var. tomentosa, Melia azedarach, Musa x paradisiaca and Sterculia lanceolata. No registered OVTs are identified. Under-sized tree species Canthium dicoccum and Aquilaria sinensis with conservation importance are recorded near the isolated woodland surrounding Stewards High Rock Centre under Ecological section of this EIA report. The quality of the existing vegetation is medium. The ability to accommodate change is medium and the sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	53,030	Medium
LR-1.5	*Tree and Shrub Planting in Village Areas Near Fui Yiu Ha* This LR covers the vegetation in the low-density local villages in Fui Yiu Ha areas, including Tsok Pok Hang San Village, Tse Uk Village, Fui Yiu Ha New Village and Sha Tin Wai New Village. The village houses are relatively compacted with limited rooms for planting. Village plantings found mainly at the periphery of the villages. The tree species are common village species in Hong Kong. No registered OVTs are identified. The quality of the existing vegetation is medium. The ability to accommodate change is medium and the sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	31,650	Medium
	*Watercourse*
LR-2.1	*Natural Watercourses* Several natural watercourses were identified within the study area, sourced from Needle Hill and Lion Rock. The natural watercourses had rocky substratum with semi-dense riparian vegetation along the bank. Major four natural watercourses were identified on hillslope to the north of Shing Mun Tunnel Road and near Shui Chuen O Estate and partly fall within Lion Rock Country Park. The naturalness of this LR is moderate to high, ability to accommodate change of this LR is low and the sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	800m long	High
LR-2.2	*Waterbodies in Shing Mun River Channel* This LR refers to modified watercourses in Shing Mun River Channel with artificial structures for drainage, flood control or irrigation purposes. The waterbodies ranged from 32-75m wide having man-made concrete base, and are generally open with temporary, slow to moderate water flow. The embankment is partly concrete and partly soil base, which allow vegetation grown in several portions along the channel. Low coverage and diversity of riparian vegetation were found from the channel. This LR is common in Hong Kong. The quality of this resource is medium, ability to accommodate change is medium and the sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	38,500	Medium
LR-2.3	*Modified Watercourse in Sha Tin Tau* This LR refers to the narrow nullah along the roadside engineered slopes near Sha Tin Tau Village. It is channelized with about 2m wide and shallow (less than 1m) supported only a limited weedy vegetation. This LR is common in Hong Kong. The quality of this resource is low, ability to accommodate change is high and the sensitivity of this LR is considered as low.	450	Low
	*Parks and Recreational Areas*
LR-3.1	*Tung Lo Wan Playground* This LR is a public pocket garden under the network of elevated roads. It provides some recreational facilities to the residents, including basketball court and sitting out areas. Shade tolerant tree Dypsis lutescens and shrub plantings are found in the playground. No registered OVTs are identified. It is a common landscape resource. The quality of this resource is medium and the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is medium. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	2,370	Medium
LR-3.2	*Pok* *Ngar Villa* This LR is a public park under Shing Mun Tunnel Road and near Shing Mun River Channel. It is sunken and bounded by slope planting of the surrounding slip road and provides a passive rest garden for the residents nearby. It is characterised by its Chinese architectural design and as a cultural gathering place in this area. No registered OVTs are identified. The quality of this resource is high as it is a cultural gathering place with special Chinese architectural design in this area and the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is low. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	800	High
LR-3.3	*Sha Tin Park* This LR is a town park situated along Shing Mun River Channel, with over 8 hectares of open space. It provides various recreational facilities to the residents, including theme gardens, plaza, amphitheatre, children playground, elderly fitness corner etc. Ornamental trees and shrub planting are found in the park. No registered OVTs are identified with the study area. It is one of the major landscape resources in the district to serve as a town park. The quality of this resource is high and the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is low. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	14,500	High
LR-3.4	*Tsang Tai Uk Recreation Ground* This LR is a public park near Tsang Tai Uk. It provides open space and various recreational facilities to the residents, including football field, basketball court, tennis court and sitting out area. Ornamental tree and shrub plantings are found in the park. No registered OVTs are identified. It is a common landscape resource. The quality of this resource is medium and the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is medium. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium	21,400	Medium
LR-3.5	*Sha Tin Tau Village Sitting-Out Area* This LR is a public pocket park near Sha Tin Tau Village. It provides a passive rest garden and elderly fitness corners for the local residents nearby. Ornamental trees and shrub planting such as Caryota mitis, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Livistona chinensis and Phoenix roebelenii are found in the garden. No registered OVTs are identified. It is a common landscape resource. The quality of this resource is medium and the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is medium. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	930	Medium
LR-3.6	*Shing Mun River Promenade* This LR is a public river promenade along Shing Mun River Channel. Ornamental trees and shrub planting are found along the footpath and cycle track. A portion of vegetation groups between the Hong Kong Heritage Museum and Man Lai Court are found providing habitat for ardeids. Common tree species such as Aleurites moluccana, Celtis sinensis and Ficus microcarpa are found. No registered OVTs are identified. 3 nos. of Ficus microcarpa are with DBH over 1m are identified along the promenade outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum and near Hong Kong Bible Research and Education Centre and defined as trees of particular interest in view of the large size and amenity value. In view of the riverside location and the habitat for ardeids, the quality of this resource is high and the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is low. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	9,400	High
LR-3.7	*Tai Wai Soccer Pitch* This LR is a newly constructed soccer pitch on the landscaped deck of river channel. It mainly comprised of soccer pitch and sitting out areas with limited greenery for the residentials or workers nearby. No registered OVTs are identified. The quality of this resource is medium and the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is medium to high. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	230	Medium
	*Landscape Areas in Urban Development Area*
LR-4.1	*Landscape Areas in Urban Development Area in Tai Wai* This LR refers to urbanized areas which are intensively developed and characterized by residential and industrial buildings interwoven with minor feeder roads and other hard surface areas. The developments include Mei Lam Estate, Peak One, Peak House and community along Man Lai Road. Vegetation is mainly found in amenity areas, sitting out areas, podium gardens and buffer strips associated with these areas. No registered OVTs are identified. It is a common landscape resource. In view of the species composition in this LR is common landscape tree species, the quality of this resource is medium and the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is medium. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	100,350	Medium
LR-4.2	*Landscape Areas in Urban Development Area near Lion Rock Tunnel Road* This LR refers to urbanized areas which are intensively developed and characterized by residential and institutional buildings interwoven with minor feeder roads and other hard surface areas. The developments include Hong Kong Heritage Museum, Scenery Court, Hong Kong Bible Research and Education Centre, Garden Villa, Ng Yuen, Chun Shek Estate and The Riverpark. Vegetation is mainly found in amenity areas, sitting out areas, podium gardens and buffer strips associated with these areas. Major tree species such as Bauhinia sp., Bombax ceiba, Celtis sinensis, Delonix regia, Dypsis lutescens, Ficus microcarpa, Lagerstroemia indica, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Livistona chinensis Roystonea regia, Spathodea campanulata and Terminalia catappa are found. No registered OVTs are identified. One Ficus benjamina with DBH over 1m is identified outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum and defined as tree of particular interest in view of the large size and high amenity value. It is a common landscape resource. In view of the majority of species composition in this LR is common landscape tree species, the quality of this resource is medium and the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is medium. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	107,800	Medium
LR-4.3	*Landscape Areas in Urban Development Area near Sha Tin Wai* This LR refers to urbanized areas which are intensively developed and characterized by residential and institutional buildings interwoven with minor feeder roads and other hard surface areas. The developments include Island School Sha Tin Wai Campus, Christ College, Pok Hong Estate and Shui Chuen O Estate. Vegetation is mainly found in nearby slopes, amenity areas, sitting out areas and buffer strips associated with these areas. No registered OVTs are identified. It is a common landscape resource. The quality of this resource is medium and the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is medium. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	57,370	Medium
	*Other Vegetated Areas*
LR-5.1	*Vegetated Areas near To Shek Fresh Water Pumping Station* This LR refers to the vegetated areas associated with the water pumping station. This LR also provides recreational ground in terms of baseball field for the public. The station is surrounded by tree plantings on slopes, which serve as a green buffer to the busy Sha Tin Road at the lower level. No registered OVTs are identified. The quality of this resource is low and the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is high. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as low.	8,755	Low
LR-5.2	*Agricultural Land Near Sha Tin Tau Village* This LR refers to the both the active and inactive agricultural fields associated with Sha Tin Tau Village. Active dry agricultural lands are found in the northern portion of this LR, while more than a half of this LR is abandoned agricultural fields dominated by weedy shrubs and herbs. Common village tree and fruit tree species such as Artocarpus heterohpyllus, Clausena lansium, Dimocarpus longan, Mangifera indica, Michelia x alba and Syzygium jambos are found. No registered OVTs are identified. The quality of this resource is medium and the ability of this resource to accommodate changes is medium. The sensitivity of this LR is considered as medium.	6,450	Medium
LR-5.3	*Plantation on Engineered Slopes* This LR mainly comprised of plantation scattered throughout the study area. It provides a visual buffer between the busy roads and adjacent residential developments. It comprises canopy trees and understory vegetation. Plant species found are common roadside landscape species in Hong Kong. The major tree species are Acacia confusa, Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia mangium, Pinus massoniana, Schima superba, Schefflera heptaphylla and Eucalyptus tereticornis, generally in heavy-standard to mature size. One registered OVT [OVT no: HYD ST/3] in species Ficus microcarpa is identified under elevated road along Chik Chuen Street. Approximately 3 nos. of Ailanthus fordii and 5 nos. of Canthium dicoccum with conservation importance are found on the engineered slopes near Sha Tin Tau Village and Tsang Tai Uk Recreational Ground. Approximate 8 nos. of Canthium dicoccum with conservation importance are found along the slopes south of Sha Tin Road. In addition, one under-sized Canthium dicoccum and one under-sized Aquilaria sinensis with conservation importance are recorded near the slope of Mei Chung Court under Ecological section of this EIA report. The quality of the existing vegetation is medium with low to medium ability to accommodate change, and this LR is common in Hong Kong. In view of the presence of OVT and certain amount of protected species in this LR, the sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	147,000	High
LR-5.4	*Tree and Shrub Planting* *in Roadside Areas* This LR generally comprises of roadside amenity planting in the gentle planting areas in between the busy roads. It mainly includes the tree, palm and shrub planting areas in Tai Wai and near Lion Rock Tunnel Road. Plant species found are common roadside landscape species in Hong Kong. The major tree species are Acacia confusa, Bauhinia sp., Delonix regia, Ficus microcarpa, Lagerstroemia speciosa, Livistona chinensis, Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cumingiana and Peltophorum tonkinense, generally in heavy-standard to semi-mature size. No registered OVTs are identified. Approximate 7 nos. of Pterocarpus indicus with conservation importance are found along the roadside near Chung Ling Road, Sha Tin Park and Scenery Court. Although it is listed as “Endangered” under IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it is a common ornamental species easily found in open space in Hong Kong. One Ficus virens with DBH over 1m is identified along the riverside near Shing Mun Tunnel Road and defined as tree of particular interest in view of the large size and amenity value. The quality of this LR is considered as medium with low to medium ability to accommodate changes. In view of the presence of certain amount of protected species and a tree of particular interest in this LR, the sensitivity of this LR is considered as high.	36,870	High

Landscape Character Areas (LCAs)

9.5.2 The details of Baseline LCAs which will be potentially affected by the Project, together with their sensitivity are described in Table 9.5. The locations of baseline LCAs are mapped in Figure 9.5.1, Figure 9.5.2, Figure 9.5.3, Figure 9.5.4, Figure 9.5.5, Figure 9.5.6, and Figure 9.5.7. Photo views illustrating the LCAs within the study area are illustrated in Figure 9.6.1, Figure 9.6.2, and Figure 9.6.3.

Table 9.5 Baseline LCAs and their Sensitivity

LCAs	Description	Approx. Area (m²)	Sensitivity
	*Upland and Hillside LCA*
LCA-1.1	*Tai Wai Upland and Hillside LCA* This LCA consists of hillsides, knolls, ridges and spurs in Tai Wai. Part of the LCA falls within Needle Hill. It contains few human features and retains a rugged, tranquil character and muted natural colours. It is generally covered with hillside woodland, with seasonal rocky streams tumble down these hillsides. This LCA has low ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered as high.	67,850	High
LCA-1.2	*Sha Tin Upland and Hillside LCA* This LCA consists of hillsides, knolls, ridges and spurs in Sha Tin. Part of the LCA falls within Lion Rock. It contains few human features and retains a rugged, tranquil character and muted natural colours. It is generally covered with hillside woodland, with seasonal rocky streams tumble down these hillsides. Small portion of Lion Rock Country Park also falls within this LCA. This LCA has low ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered as high.	113,550	High
	*Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape*
LCA-2.1	*Tai Wai Miscellaneous Urban Fringe LCA* This LCA is found on the periphery of the urban area of Tai Wai. It is characterised by vegetation along engineered slopes, vacant land, institutional areas, industrial areas and residential areas. They are transitional landscapes which are characterised by a diverse range of features with little formal relationship to each other. This LCA has high ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered as low.	152,580	Low
LCA-2.2	*Sha Tin Miscellaneous Urban Fringe LCA* This LCA is found on the periphery of the urban area of Sha Tin. It is characterised by vegetation along engineered slopes, railway station, villages, modified river channel, abandoned farmland and residential areas. They are transitional landscapes which are characterised by a diverse range of features with little formal relationship to each other. This LCA has high ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity of this LCA is considered as low.	106,350	Low
	*Residential Urban Landscape*
LCA-3.1	*Tai Wai Residential Urban LCA* This is an area comprises of various medium to high-rise estates, temple and schools. The residential blocks are with sufficient landscape buffer from the Tai Wai transportation corridor, such as the Shing Mun River Channel. Sufficient amenity landscape areas are contained in the residential developments. This LCA has medium ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity is considered as medium.	97,120	Medium
LCA-3.2	*Sha Tin Tau Residential Urban LCA* This is an area comprises of various low to high-rise estates, village houses, playground, schools, institutions and the Shing Mun River Channel. The residential estates are with sufficient landscape buffer from the Lion Rock Tunnel Road transportation corridor and Sha Tin Road transportation corridor. Sufficient amenity landscape areas are contained in the residential estates. The village houses in Tsang Tai Uk and Sha Tin Tau Village are mainly in the form of village houses. Village plantings along Lion Rock Tunnel Road transportation corridor act as a greenery buffer for the villages. This LCA has medium ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity is considered as medium.	185,550	Medium
LCA-3.3	*Shui Chuen O Residential Urban LCA* This is a new development area comprises of various high-rise residential estates and shopping centre. The residential estates are with sufficient landscape buffer from the Sha Tin Road transportation corridor. Sufficient amenity landscape areas are contained in the residential estates. Since the area is newly developed, this LCA has high ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity is considered as low.	53,320	Low
	*Residential Urban Fringe Landscape*
LCA-4.1	*Tai Wai Residential Urban Fringe LCA* This LCA comprises of low-density residential landscape such as individual houses or villas based around the winding roads with a backdrop of hillside vegetation. The result is a fairly coherent residential landscape with a high coverage of vegetation which possess a relatively informal and tranquil character. This LCA has medium ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity is considered as medium.	89,000	Medium
	*Urban Peripheral Village Landscape*
LCA-5.1	*Tai Wai Urban Peripheral Village LCA* This LCA found on the periphery of Tai Wai new town. There are the relic landscapes of former villages which have been retained amidst the new development around them. This LCA generally located at the foot of a hill which forms its backdrop, it consists typically of grouped village houses and temples, all separated by narrow footpaths or lanes. The result is an informal domestic landscape which stands in stark contrast to the urban aeras around the LCA. This LCA has medium ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity is considered as medium.	66,700	Medium
	*Mixed Modern Comprehensive Urban Development Landscape*
LCA-6.1	*Sha Tin Mixed Modern Comprehensive Urban Development LCA* This LCA comprises of low to high-rise residential developments and plantation. The hillside woodland and Sha Tin Park provide a green backdrop to the residential estates, buffering the impacts from Tai Wai transportation corridor. Sufficient amenity landscape areas are contained in the residential estates. The village houses in Tse Uk Village, Fui Yiu Ha New Village and Sha Tin Wai New Village are mainly in the form of squatters. Village plantings and plantation along Sha Tin Road transportation corridor act as a greenery buffer for the villages. This LCA has medium ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity is considered as medium.	11,420	Medium
	*Park Urban Landscape*
LCA-7.1	*Sha Tin Park Urban LCA* This LCA comprises of a major urban park situated along Shing Mun River Channel, with over 8 hectares of open space. It provides various recreational facilities to the residents, including theme gardens, plaza, amphitheatre, children playground, elderly fitness corner etc. Ornamental trees and shrub planting are found in the park. The quality of this LR is high serve as a town park for the whole district. This LCA has low ability to accommodate change. The sensitivity is considered as high.	22,100	High
	*Major Transportation Corridor*
LCA-8.1	*Tai Wai Transportation Corridor LCA* This LCA is characterised by major highways including Shing Mun Tunnel Road, Tai Po Road – Tai Wai, Tsing Sha Highway and their feeder roads. Major features include flyovers, signage gantries, interchange, traffic islands, associated roadside buffer planting areas and a small section of Shing Mun River Channel in Tai Wai. This type of LCA is common to Hong Kong. It has high ability to accommodate changes. The sensitivity is considered as low.	99,700	Low
LCA-8.2	*Lion Rock Tunnel Road Transportation Corridor LCA* This LCA is characterised by main roads including Lion Rock Tunnel Road and Tai Chung Kiu Road. Vegetation cover is restricted to narrow central divider with grass and hedge. The overall sensitivity is considered as ‘Low’. It has high ability to accommodate changes. The sensitivity is considered as low.	37,880	Low
LCA-8.3	*Sha Tin Road Transportation Corridor LCA* This LCA is characterised by major highways and main roads including Shui Chuen Au Street, Sha Tin Road and Sha Lek Highway. Major features include flyovers, signage gantries, traffic islands and associated roadside buffer planting areas. This type of LCA is common to Hong Kong. It has high ability to accommodate changes. The sensitivity is considered as low.	41,550	Low

Broad Brush Tree and Vegetation Survey

9.5.3 A broad brush tree and vegetation survey was carried out in accordance with the Appendix H of the EIA Study Brief to identify dominant tree species, maturity, rarity and any plant species of conservation interest, etc. which would be potentially affected to provide baseline information on the LRs and LCAs. The broad brush tree and vegetation survey findings including tree survey plans and tree schedule are illustrated in Appendix 9.1 and to be read in conjunction with Habitat Map in Ecological section of this EIA Report.

9.5.4 It is estimated that approximately 3,685 nos. of trees were surveyed in the broad-brush tree survey within the project boundary, including approximately 3,509 nos. of trees in 99 nos. of tree groups and 176 nos. of individual trees. The dominant tree species include Acacia confusa, Acacia auriculiformis, Acacia mangium, Acronychia pedunculata, Archontophoenix alexandrae, Bauhinia sp., Canthium dicoccum, Caryota mitis, Ficus elastica, Garcinia oblongifolia, Livistona chinensis, Melaleuca cajuputi subsp. cumingiana Schima superba and Sterculia lanceolata. They are generally of heavy-standard to mature size. Most of the tree species are commonly found in Hong Kong, in which 12 nos. of the surveyed trees are undesirable tree species Leucaena leucocephala.

9.5.5 There are no OVTs identified within the project boundary. However, total 6 nos. of registered OVTs are identified within the 100m landscape impact assessment area. Among them, 5 nos. of registered OVTs [OVT nos: LCSD ST/7, LCSD ST/8, LCSD ST/9, LCSD ST/10 and LCSD ST/11] are identified along roadside area of Chung Ling Road. They are Cinnamomum camphora. One registered OVT [OVT no: HYD ST/3] in species Ficus microcarpa is identified under elevated road along Chik Chuen Street. The locations of OVTs are mapped in Figure 9.3.1, Figure 9.3.2, Figure 9.3.3, Figure 9.3.4, Figure 9.3.5, Figure 9.3.6, and Figure 9.3.7.

9.5.6 Total 5 nos. of trees of particular interest with very large size with DBH over 1m are identified in according to DEVB TC(W) No. 4/2020 in the broad-brush tree survey. They are 1 no. of Ficus benjamina in roadside area near Hong Kong Heritage Museum (LR-4.2), 1 no. of Ficus virens along the riverside near Shing Mun Tunnel Road (LR-5.4), and 2 nos. of Ficus microcarpa along promenade near Hong Kong Bible Research and Education Centre (LR-3.6) ) and 1 no. of Ficus macrocarpa along the promenade near Hong Kong Heritage Museum(LR-3.6).

9.5.7 Around 171 nos. of tree in species with conservation importance are surveyed in the broad-brush tree survey. They are approximately 3 nos. of Ailanthus fordii, 159 nos. of Canthium dicoccum, 2 nos. of Ixonanthes chinensis and 7 nos. of Pterocarpus indicus, in which 127 nos. of Canthium dicoccum and 2 nos. of Ixonanthes chinensis are within Lion Rock Country Park. Ailanthus fordii is surveyed along the engineered slope near Sha Tin Tau Village (LR-5.3). It is listed under Forests and Countryside Ordinance (Cap. 96) and listed as “Nearly Threatened” under Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong. It is commonly planted as roadside trees in Hong Kong. Ixonanthes chinensis / Ixonanthes reticulata is surveyed in the woodland and mixed woodland near Lion Rock Country Park along Sha Tin Road (LR-1.2). It is classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List due to extensive habitat loss and considered as “Vulnerable” in China by the Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong and China Plant Red Data Book. Canthium dicoccum is surveyed along the engineered slopes near Tsang Tai Uk Recreational Ground and Sha Tin Tau (LR-5.3) and natural terrain along Sha Tin Road (LR-1.2). Although it is classified as “Vulnerable” by the IUCN Red List because of continuing decline of mature individuals, it is a common species that can be easily found in the forest in Hong Kong. Total 7 nos. of Pterocarpus indicus are surveyed within LR-5.4, in which 3 nos. are along Chung Ling Road, 3 nos. near Scenery Court and 1 no. in the roadside area adjoining Sha Tin Park. Although it is listed as “Endangered” under IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it is a common ornamental species easily found in open space in Hong Kong. Within the broad-brush tree survey, Lagerstroemia species (i.e. Lagerstroemia indica and Lagerstroemia speciosa) and Magnoliaceae species (i.e. Michelia x alba) are also listed under Cap. 96, however, not considered as species of conservation importance in this report as they are widely planted as ornamental trees in Hong Kong and are likely to be planted for amenity purpose.

9.5.8 Apart from the broad-brush tree survey, a few under-sized Aquilaria sinensis, Canthium dicoccum and Ixonanthes chinensis / Ixonanthes reticulata are recorded in the Ecological section of this EIA Report as they are not defined as “tree” based on DEVB TC(W) No. 4/2020. Aquilaria sinensis is listed under The Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586). This species also listed as “Nearly Threatened” under Rare and Precious Plants of Hong Kong and as “Vulnerable” under China Plant Red Data Book.

Visual Envelope

9.5.9 The location of the study area gives rise to a visual envelope which extends beyond the vicinity in several directions. The visual envelope of the Project is mainly embraced by the ridgelines and high-rise residential developments in Sha Tin and Tai Wai. For the northern boundary of visual envelope, it is started at the ridgeline of Needle Hill to the West, extended along the ridgeline and medium-rise residential developments of Tung Lo Wan Hill to the North, bounded by the high-rise residential developments in Sha Tin to the East and ended at the hillside of To Shek. For the southern boundary of visual envelope, it is bounded by the high-rise residential developments in Shui Chuen O, extended along the hillside of Tsok Pok Hang, further framed by high-rise residential developments in Sha Tin Tau to the Southwest, and extended along the industrial developments and high-rise residential developments in Tai Wai back to the ridgeline of Needle Hill to the West. The Visual Envelopes of the Project are shown in Figure 9.7.

Visual Resource

9.5.10 The major visual resources within the visual envelope include the ridgeline and hillside vegetation of Needle Hill to the West, the water body of Shing Mun River Channel and the hillside vegetation of Lion Rock Country Park south of Sha Tin Road. The Shing Mun River Channel serves as a key visual corridor within the area. The major visual resources are indicated in Figure 9.7.

Visually Sensitive Receivers (VSRs)

9.5.11 Within the Visual Envelopes, a number of key VSRs have been identified during construction and operation phases. They are listed, together with their baseline assessment and sensitivity, in Table 9.6 and mapped in Figure 9.7.

9.5.12 The sensitivity of VSRs is assessed in accordance with EIAO Guidance Note No. 8/2010. Key factors including type of VSRs, number of individuals within the VSRs, quality of existing view, availability of alternative views, degree of visibility and frequency of view of the VSRs are evaluated.

9.5.13 There are five types of Key VSR Types identified in the Visual Envelopes of the Project, which are Residential VSRs, Institutional VSRs, Recreational VSRs, Travelling VSRs and Industrial VSR.

9.5.14 Institutional VSRs include temporarily occupants in places of worship, schools, clinics and other government/institute/community (GIC) buildings. Recreational VSRs include users in parks, promenade, museum and hikers in country park. Travelling VSRs include travellers along the main roads and transportation corridors. Industrial VSR includes workers in the Tai Wai industrial area.

9.5.15 Residential VSRs live in the low to high-rise residential developments in the vicinity. Residents in residential developments in Tai Wai (R-01) include high-rise buildings (i.e. Mei Chung Court, May Shing Court and Mei Lam Estate), medium-rise buildings (i.e. Peak One) and low-rise buildings (i.e. Peak House). Residents in residential developments along Tsing Sha Highway (R-02) include high-rise buildings (i.e. Glamour Garden) and medium-rise buildings (i.e. Yuet On Building, Yiu Po Mansion, Kam Shan Building, Lung Wah House, Lung King Building, Siu Yuen House, Kai Yuen Building, Lin King House, On Fu Mansion, Ka Chuen House, Kwai Wai Building, Home for the aged, King Sing House, Kong Yip House, Lin Fung House, Chik Sin Building, Chik Tak Building, Chik Fuk Building, Shing Ho Building and Ping Yuen). Residents in residential developments along promenade (R-03) include high-rise buildings (i.e. The Riverpark). Residents in residential developments along Tai Po Road (R-04) include high-rise buildings (i.e. New Town Plaza Phase III, Hilton Plaza, Scenery Court and Wai Wah Centre), medium-rise buildings (i.e. The Great Hill) and low-rise buildings (i.e. Low: Vermont Villa, Mantex Villa, Harmony Lodge, On Ting Terrace, Villa Augustana, Villa Maria, Pineridge, Villa Le Parc, Villa Viva and Tung Lo Wan Village). Residents in residential developments along Sha Tin Road (R-05) include high-rise buildings (i.e. Jat Min Chuen, Pok Hong Estate and Shui Chuen O Estate) and low-rise buildings (i.e. Fui Yiu Ha New Village, Tse Uk Village, Tsok Pok Hang San Tsuen, Sha Tin Wai New Village, Ronald McDonald Home and villages along Sha Lek Highway). Residents in residential developments along Lion Rock Tunnel Road (R-06) include high-rise buildings (i.e. Chun Shek Estate and Fung Shing Court) and low-rise buildings (i.e. Shan Ha Wai (Tsang Tai Uk) & Tsang Tai Uk New Village and Sha Tin Tau Village).

9.5.16 Among the Residential VSRs, the sensitivities of R-03, R-05 and R-06 are considered as high in view of the many number of population, good quality of existing view and full degree of visibility to the Project. The remaining residential VSRs are considered as medium sensitivity since R-01, R-02 and R-04 are either with glimpse visibility to the site, partial visibility with poor quality of existing view or fair quality of existing view with alternative view available.

9.5.17 Among the Institutional VSRs, the sensitivities of I-02, I-03, I-04 and I-07 are considered as medium since they have occasional view with partial to full visibility to the Project. For I-01, I-05, I-06 and I-08 with low sensitivity, they have glimpse degree of visibility to the Project or with rare frequency of view.

9.5.18 For the Recreational VSRs, the sensitivity of O-01, O-04 and O-05 with fair to good quality of existing view and occasional to frequent view to the Project is graded as high. The O-03 is considered as medium sensitivity since the recreational activity is mainly indoor with rare frequency of view to the Project. For O-02 with few number of individual and poor quality of existing view under the flyover of Shing Mun Tunnel Road, the sensitivity is considered as low.

9.5.19 For the Travelling VSRs, sensitivity of VSRs with full degree of visibility to the Project (i.e. T-01, T-03 and T-06) is graded as medium, while those VSRs with partial degree of visibility (i.e. T-02, T-04 and T-05) is graded as low.

9.5.20 The sensitivity of Industrial VSR W-01 is considered as low since the VSR usually engaged in work with occasional view to the Project and also the existing quality of view is poor.

VSR ID.	VSRs	Type of VSRs	Number of Individuals (Many/ Medium/ Few)	Quality of Existing View (Good/Fair/ Poor)	Availability of Alternative Views (Yes/No)	Degree of Visibility (Full/ Partial/ Glimpse)	Frequency of View (Frequent/ Occasional/ Rare)	Sensitivity (High/ Medium/ Low)
R-01	Residents in residential developments in Tai Wai	Residential	Many	Good	Yes	Glimpse	Frequent	Medium
R-02	Residents in residential developments along Tsing Sha Highway	Residential	Medium	Poor	No	Partial	Frequent	Medium
R-03	Residents in residential developments along Promenade	Residential	Many	Good	Yes	Full	Frequent	High
R-04	Residents in residential developments along Tai Po Road	Residential	Many	Fair	Yes	Full	Frequent	Medium
R-05	Residents in residential developments along Sha Tin Road	Residential	Many	Good	Yes	Full	Frequent	High
R-06	Residents in residential developments along Lion Rock Tunnel Road	Residential	Many	Good	Yes	Full	Frequent	High
I-01	Occupants in GIC north of Tai Po Road	Institutional	Few	Fair	Yes	Full	Rare	Low
I-02	Occupants in schools in Tai Wai	Institutional	Few	Fair	Yes	Full	Occasional	Medium
I-03	Occupants in GIC south of Tai Po Road	Institutional	Few	Fair	Yes	Full	Occasional	Medium
I-04	Occupants in Hong Kong Bible Research and Education Centre	Institutional	Few	Fair	Yes	Partial	Occasional	Medium
I-05	Occupants in schools in Sha Tin	Institutional	Few	Fair	Yes	Glimpse	Occasional	Low
I-06	Occupants in SRACP Teen Guard Valley Crime Prevention Education Centre	Institutional	Few	Fair	Yes	Full	Rare	Low
I-07	Occupants in schools along Sha Tin Road	Institutional	Few	Fair	Yes	Full	Occasional	Medium
I-08	Occupants in GIC near To Shek Street	Institutional	Few	Good	Yes	Glimpse	Rare	Low
O-01	Recreational Users in Sha Tin Park and Promenade	Recreational	Many	Good	Yes	Partial	Frequent	High
O-02	Recreational Users in Tung Lo Wan Playground	Recreational	Few	Poor	No	Partial	Occasional	Low
O-03	Recreational Users in Hong Kong Heritage Museum	Recreational	Many	Fair	Yes	Full	Rare	Medium
O-04	Recreational Users in Tsang Tai Uk Recreation Ground	Recreational	Medium	Fair	Yes	Partial	Occasional	High
O-05	Hikers in Lion Rock Country Park	Recreational	Few	Good	Yes	Partial	Occasional	High
T-01	Traveller along Shing Mun Tunnel Road	Travelling	Many	Fair	Yes	Full	Rare	Medium
T-02	Traveller along railway between Sha Tin Station and Tai Wai Station	Travelling	Many	Fair	Yes	Partial	Rare	Low
T-03	Traveller along Lion Rock Tunnel Road	Travelling	Many	Fair	Yes	Full	Rare	Medium
T-04	Traveller along railway between Che Kung Temple Station and Sha Tin Wai Station	Travelling	Many	Fair	Yes	Partial	Rare	Low
T-05	Traveller along Che Kung Miu Road and Tai Chung Kiu Road	Travelling	Many	Fair	Yes	Partial	Rare	Low
T-06	Traveller along Sha Tin Road	Travelling	Many	Fair	Yes	Full	Rare	Medium
W-01	Workers in Industrial Developments in Tai Wai	Industrial	Many	Poor	No	Full	Occasional	Low

9.6 Landscape Impact Assessment

Sources of Landscape Impacts

9.6.1 The Project will involve various sources of landscape impact. The proposed development will create varying levels of impact on the landscape resources and landscape character areas at different stages of its lifetime. Potential landscape impact from above ground development and the footprint of construction works and operational facilities is concentrated upon for the purpose of the assessment.

9.6.2 The sources of landscape impacts in the construction phase would include:

· Site clearance and tree removal/transplanting;

· Site formation works and slope works including creation of hoarding, cutting and filling;

· Construction of new lanes, widen existing roads, depressed roads, underpass, flyovers, noise barriers / enclosures, bridges and associated slope works;

· Re-arrangement of footbridge, pedestrian subway and cycle path system affected by the road works;

· Temporary site areas, site offices, haul road, storage of construction materials, equipment and plants, hoarding, construction traffic etc.; and

· Construction of natural terrain hazards mitigation works (i.e. flexible barrier) and associated works with maintenance path.

9.6.3 The sources of landscape impacts in the operation phase would include:

· Operation of new lanes, widen existing roads, depressed roads, underpass, flyovers, noise barriers / enclosures, bridges and associated slope works; and

· Operation of re-arranged footbridge, pedestrian subway and cycle path system affected by the road widening works.

Magnitude of Landscape Changes

9.6.4 The magnitude of landscape changes before implementation of mitigation measures associated with the construction phase and operational phases of the Project are assessed and described in Table 9.7 for Landscape Recourse (LR) and Table 9.8 for Landscape Character Area (LCA) respectively.

Table 9.7 Magnitude of Landscape Impacts on LR during Construction and Operation

ID	Landscape Resources	Potential Source of Impact	Description of Impacts	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
ID	Landscape Resources	Potential Source of Impact	Description of Impacts	Construc-tion	Oper-ation
Landscape Resources
Hillside and Village Vegetation
LR-1.1	Woodland and Mixed Woodland near Needle Hill	· Construction of new elevated roads and associated slope works.	Approximate 100m² of area of this LR will be affected. Approximate 6 nos. of existing trees are being affected by the construction of elevated roads (near Mei Tin Road).	Small	Small
LR-1.2	Woodland and Mixed Woodland near Sha Tin Road	· Construction of new lanes, road widening, noise barriers / enclosures and associated slope works. · Construction of flexible barrier and associated works with maintenance path.	Approximate 765m² of area of this LR will be affected. Approximate 50 nos. of existing trees are being affected by the road widening and construction of noise barriers / enclosures and flexible barrier, in which approximate 20 nos. of existing trees are within Lion Rock Country Park. No species with conservation importance will be affected.	Small	Small
LR-1.3	Tree and Shrub Planting in Village Areas near Lai Chi Yuen	· Construction of new elevated roads, extension of existing stub elevated road and noise barriers.	Approximate 750m² of area of this LR will be involved, but only those areas for viaduct piers of the elevated roads will be affected. Most of the works near this LR is about the modification works on the existing elevated roads above Chung Ling Road, which will not affect the existing trees underneath and the 5 nos. of OVTs in the vicinity. Approximate 26 nos. of existing trees along Chung Ling Lane are being affected by the construction of viaduct piers for the extension of existing stub elevated road above.	Small	Small
LR-1.4	Tree and Shrub Planting in Village Areas Near Tsang Tai Uk	· Construction of new elevated road, underpass, depressed road and associated slope works.	Approximate 3,900m² of area of this LR will be affected by the construction of underpass, depressed road and elevated road. Approximate 25 nos. of existing trees are being affected mainly by the construction of underpass and depressed road and associated slope works.	Large	Large
LR-1.5	Tree and Shrub Planting in Village Areas Near Fui Yiu Ha	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Watercourse
LR-2.1	Natural Watercourses	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR-2.2	Waterbodies in Shing Mun River Channel	· Construction of new bridges, elevated road and noise barriers / semi-enclosures across the river channel.	Approximate 200m² of area of this LR fall within the alignment of proposed bridge, but only a small section for drilling and piling works of foundation of the bridges will be affected (near Hong Kong Heritage Museum and near Shing Mun Tunnel Road). Since the affected section is small and channelized with low flora and fauna diversity, the magnitude of change is considered as small.	Small	Small
LR-2.3	Modified Watercourse in Sha Tin Tau	· Construction of new underpass, depressed road, noise barriers and associated slope works. · Re-arrangement of footbridge and pedestrian subway system affected by the road works.	Approximate 220m long at the southern portion of modified watercourse are being affected mainly by the construction of underpass and associated slope works. Since the affected section is small in size, highly modified and experienced frequent disturbance frequent disturbance from nearby residential areas and road traffic, the magnitude of change is considered as small.	Small	Small
Parks and Recreational Areas
LR-3.1	Tung Lo Wan Playground	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR-3.2	Pok Ngar Villa	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR-3.3	Sha Tin Park	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR-3.4	Tsang Tai Uk Recreation Ground	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR-3.5	Sha Tin Tau Village Sitting-Out Area	· Construction of new underpass, depressed road, noise barriers and associated slope works.	The whole area of this LR (approximate 930m²) will be affected by the construction of underpass, depressed road and associated slope works. Most of the landscape impact on this LR is temporary and the affected open space will be closed during construction and re-instated upon the completion of the underpass and depressed road. Approximate 28 nos. of existing trees are being affected by the construction of underpass, depressed road and associated slope works.	Large	Inter-mediate
LR-3.6	Shing Mun River Promenade	· Construction of new bridges and noise barriers / semi-enclosures across the river channel.	Approximate 700m² of area of this LR will be affected by the construction of new bridges (near Hong Kong Heritage Museum and near The Riverpark). Approximate 29 nos. of existing trees are being affected by the construction of new bridges. Trees of particular interest within this LR would be preserved and not be affected. In compared with the whole Shing Mun River Promenade, the affected area and affected trees of this LR is considered as small.	Small	Small
LR-3.7	Tai Wai Soccer Pitch	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Landscape Areas in Urban Development Area
LR-4.1	Landscape Areas in Urban Development Area in Tai Wai	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR-4.2	Landscape Areas in Urban Development Area near Lion Rock Tunnel Road	· Construction of new elevated roads and noise barriers / semi-enclosures. · Temporary site office and storage of construction materials, equipment and plants. · Re-arrangement of footbridge, pedestrian subway and cycle path system affected by the road works.	Approximate 8,500m² of area of this LR will be affected by the construction of new elevated roads and noise barriers / semi-enclosures. The existing carpark and the surrounding areas outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum will be used as temporary site office and storage of construction materials tentatively. The footbridge, pedestrian subway and cycle path near The Riverpark will be re-arranged and re-provided upon the construction of road works. Approximate 214 nos. of existing trees are being affected by the project, in which one tree of particular interest Ficus benjamina with DBH over 1m outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum will be unavoidably directly affected by the construction of elevated roads. Tree transplanting is proposed, subject to the review on technical feasibility and sensitivity analysis in detail design stage and further advice from the existing and future tree maintenance departments. In case removal of the subject tree of particular interest is considered unavoidable in later stage, the procedures as set out in Section 2.6 of the TRAM Guidelines and suitable initiatives to commemorate the tree (e.g. replanting) shall be considered in accordance with Para. 26 (d) of DEVB TC(W) No. 4/2020.	Large	Large
LR-4.3	Landscape Areas in Urban Development Area near Sha Tin Wai	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Other Vegetated Areas
LR-5.1	Vegetated Areas near To Shek Fresh Water Pumping Station	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LR-5.2	Agricultural Land Near Sha Tin Tau Village	· Construction of new underpass, depressed road, noise barriers and associated slope works. · Re-arrangement of footbridge and pedestrian subway system affected by the road works.	Approximate 4,900m² of area this LR will be temporarily or permanently affected by the construction of new underpass, depressed road, noise barriers and associated slope works. The existing pedestrian subway will be modified, and a new footbridge will be constructed. Among the affected area, about 500m² of active agricultural land and 1,200m² of abandoned agricultural land will be permanently affected. Approximate 7 nos. of existing trees are being affected. Most of the affected area are covered with wildly grown groundcovers or shrubs. Since the affected vegetated area of this LR is large, the magnitude of change is considered as large.	Large	Large
LR-5.3	Plantation on Engineered Slopes	· Construction of new elevated road, depress road, underpass, noise barriers / enclosures and associated slope works. · Re-arrangement of footbridge and pedestrian subway system affected by the road works.	Approximate 25,000m² of area of this LR will be affected by the project. The affected areas mainly located near Mei Tin Road for the construction of elevated road, near The Riverpark for the construction of depressed road and re-arrangement of pedestrian subway and cycle path, near Sha Tin Tau Village for the construction of depressed road and underpass, and along Sha Tin Road near Pok Hong Estate for the construction of new roads with noise enclosure and road widening works. Approximate 537 nos. of existing trees on slopes are being affected by the project. The OVT [OVT no: HYD ST/3] along Chik Chuen Street is out of boundary and not affected by the Project. Approximately 2 nos. of Ailanthus fordii and 5 nos. of Canthium dicoccum with conservation importance are unavoidably affected by the construction of depressed road and underpass in Sha Tin Tau and are proposed to be felled. Approximately 2 nos. of Canthium dicoccum with conservation importance are unavoidably affected by the road widening and noise enclosure works along Sha Tin Road and proposed to be felled.	Large	Large
LR-5.4	Tree and Shrub Planting in Roadside Areas	· Construction of new elevated road, extension of existing stub elevated road, depress road, underpass, noise barriers / enclosures and associated slope works. · Re-arrangement of footbridge and pedestrian subway system affected by the road works.	Approximate 4,000m² of area of this LR will be affected by the project. For the involved area located at the road verge planting areas covered by the elevated roads near Tung Lo Wan Village, only those along Chung Ling Lane will be affected by the construction of viaduct piers for the extension of existing stub elevated road above. For the roadside planting areas at the periphery of Tai Wai industrial area, only those areas for construction of viaduct piers of the elevated roads will be affected. For central reserve area of Sha Tin Road near Pok Hong Estate will be affected by the construction of noise enclosure and road widening works. Approximate 116 nos. of existing trees are being affected by the project. Approximate 3 nos. of Pterocarpus indicus with conservation importance along Chung Ling Road are unavoidably affected and proposed to be felled. Although it is listed as “Endangered” under IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it is a common ornamental species easily found in open space in Hong Kong.	Large	Large

Table 9.8 Magnitude of Landscape Impacts on LCA during Construction and Operation

ID	Landscape Character Areas	Potential Source of Impact	Description of Impacts	Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
ID	Landscape Character Areas	Potential Source of Impact	Description of Impacts	Construc-tion	Oper-ation
Landscape Character Areas
Upland and Hillside Landscape
LCA-1.1	Tai Wai Upland and Hillside LCA	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LCA-1.2	Sha Tin Upland and Hillside LCA	· Construction of noise enclosure, road widening and associated slope works. · Construction of flexible barrier and associated works with maintenance path	Approximate 600m² of area of this LCA will be affected by the project and changed to transportation corridor LCA. Small portion (approximately 166m²) within Lion Rock Country Park will be temporarily affected for the construction of flexible barrier and associated works with maintenance path, but will not have permanent change to this LCA.	Small	Small
Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape
LCA-2.1	Tai Wai Miscellaneous Urban Fringe LCA	· Construction of new elevated roads, new bridges and noise barriers. · Temporary site office and storage of construction materials, equipment and plants.	Approximate 9,200m² of area of this LCA will be affected by the project and changed to transportation corridor LCA.	Large	Large
LCA-2.2	Sha Tin Miscellaneous Urban Fringe LCA	· Construction of new underpass, depressed road, noise barriers and associated slope works. · Re-arrangement of footbridge and pedestrian subway system affected by the road works.	Approximate 5,300m² of area of this LCA will be affected by the project and changed to transportation corridor LCA.	Intermediate	Inter-mediate
Residential Urban Landscape
LCA-3.1	Tai Wai Residential Urban LCA	· Construction of new elevated road.	Approximate 500m² of area of this LCA will be affected by the project and changed to transportation corridor LCA.	Small	Small
LCA-3.2	Sha Tin Tau Residential Urban LCA	· Construction of new depressed road, underpass, bridges and noise barriers / enclosures. · Re-arrangement of footbridge, pedestrian subway and cycle path system affected by the road works.	Approximate 14,800m² of area of this LCA will be affected by the project and changed to transportation corridor LCA.	Large	Large
LCA-3.3	Shui Chuen O Residential Urban LCA	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Residential Urban Fringe Landscape
LCA-4.1	Tai Wai Residential Urban Fringe LCA	· Construction of new elevated roads, and associated slope works.	Approximate 3,000m² of area of this LCA will be affected by the project and changed to transportation corridor LCA.	Intermediate	Inter-mediate
Urban Peripheral Village Landscape
LCA-5.1	Tai Wai Urban Peripheral Village LCA	· Construction of new elevated roads and at-grade road improvement works	Approximate 700m² of area of this LCA will be affected by the project.	Small	Small
Mixed Modern Comprehensive Urban Development Landscape
LCA-6.1	Sha Tin Mixed Modern Comprehensive Urban Development LCA	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Park Urban Landscape
LCA-7.1	Sha Tin Park Urban LCA	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
Major Transportation Corridor
LCA-8.1	Tai Wai Transportation Corridor LCA	· Construction of new elevated roads and noise barriers.	Approximate 7,200m² of area of this LCA fall within the works area of this Project. Although the landscape impact during construction and operation is anticipated, the Project will not alter the landscape character of the transportation corridor. The resultant transportation corridor landscape character is compatible to the current LCA. The magnitude of change is rated as small in view of the resultant transportation corridor landscape character is compatible to the current LCA.	Small	Small
LCA-8.2	Lion Rock Tunnel Road Transportation Corridor LCA	· Negligible	Negligible	Negligible	Negligible
LCA-8.3	Sha Tin Road Transportation Corridor LCA	· Construction of noise enclosures, road widening and associated slope works.	Approximate 12,350m² of area of this LCA fall within the works area of this Project. Although relatively large area of this LCA will be affected during construction and operation, the Project will not alter the landscape character of the transportation corridor. The resultant transportation corridor landscape character is compatible to the current LCA. The magnitude of change is rated as intermediate in view of the resultant transportation corridor landscape character is compatible to the current LCA.	Intermediate	Inter-mediate

Significance of Unmitigated Landscape Impacts

9.6.5 The significance of landscape impacts, before implementation of mitigation measures, in the construction and operation phases are assessed and presented in Table 9.12.

9.7 Visual Impact Assessment

Sources of Visual Impacts

9.7.1 The sources of visual impacts in the construction phase would include:

· Site clearance and tree removal/transplanting;

· Site formation works and slope works including creation of hoarding, cutting and filling;

· Construction of new lanes, widen existing roads, depressed roads, underpass, flyovers, noise barriers / enclosures, bridges and associated slope works;

· Re-arrangement of footbridge, pedestrian subway and cycle path system affected by the road works;

· Temporary site areas, site offices, haul road, storage of construction materials, equipment and plants, hoarding, construction traffic etc.;

· Potential night-time glare arising from the lighting of construction activities;

· Dust and construction debris; and

· Construction of natural terrain hazards mitigation works (i.e. flexible barrier) and associated works with maintenance path.

9.7.2 The sources of visual impacts in the operation phase would include:

· Operation of new lanes, widen existing roads, depressed roads, underpass, flyovers, noise barriers / enclosures, bridges and associated slope works;

· Operation of re-arranged footbridge, pedestrian subway and cycle path system affected by the road widening works; and

· Increased road traffic and road lighting.

Magnitude of Visual Changes

9.7.3 The magnitude of visual changes before implementation of mitigation measures during construction and operation phases is assessed based on the viewing distance, compatibility of the project with the surrounding landscape, duration of changes, scale of development, reversibility of change, potential blockage of view as shown in Table 9.9.

9.7.4 In general, the duration of impacts will be medium as the construction works will last for a few years, and the duration of impacts will be long during operation phase since the road works are permanent and irreversible. In view of the nature of road works, the scale of developments for the travelling VSRs during construction phase will be large. The scale of development for most of the areas will be medium. Those road improvement works along Tsing Sha Highway and near Mei Tin Road will be small in scale, while the scale of development for construction of noise enclosure along Sha Tin Road will be considered as large.

9.7.5 The existing views of VSRs near the proposed noise enclosure along Sha Tin Road (including R-05, I-06 and I-07) will be partially blocked during both construction and operation phase. The magnitude of change is considered to be large. The magnitude of change for R-06 will be large during construction of the depressed road and underpass and intermediate upon completion of the road works.

9.7.6 For those travelling VSRs (T-01, T-02, T-03, T-04, T-05 and T-06), the magnitude of change during construction will be large, but the magnitude of change will be small upon completion of the road works as the proposed works are highly compatible to the surrounding visual context.

9.7.7 Most of the VSRs involve partial blockage to existing views and medium scale of development. They are R-03, R-04, I-01, I-03, I-04, I-05, O-01, O-03, O-04 and W-01. The magnitude of change for these VSRs is considered as intermediate.

9.7.8 There will be no blockage to the existing views and the scale of development is medium for VSRs R-01, O-02 and O-05. Although the scale of development along Sha Tin Road is large, but there will be no blockage to existing views for the distant VSR I-08. Hence, the proposed works are compatible to the surrounding visual context and the magnitude of change for these VSRs is considered to be small.

9.7.9 For other VSRs, including R-02 and I-02, there will be no blockage to the existing views and the scale of development is small. The proposed works are highly compatible to the surrounding visual context. The magnitude of change for these VSRs is considered to be negligible.

Table 9.9 Magnitude of Visual Impacts during Construction and Operation

VSR ID.	VSR	Major Source of Visual Impact	Viewing Distance (m)	Compatibility of the Project with the Surrounding Landscape (High/ Medium/ Low)		Duration of Impacts (Long/ Medium/ Short)		Scale of Development (Large/ Medium/ Small)		Reversibility of Change (Yes/ No)		Potential Blockage of View (Full/ Partial/ Nil)		Magnitude of Change (Large/ Intermediate/ Small/ Negligible)
VSR ID.	VSR	Major Source of Visual Impact	Viewing Distance (m)	Const-ruction	Operat-ion	Const-ruction	Operat-ion	Const-ruction	Operat-ion	Const-ruction	Operat-ion	Const-ruction	Operat-ion	Const-ruction	Operat-ion
R-01	Residents in residential developments in Tai Wai	New elevated road and associated slope works	50m-300m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
R-02	Residents in residential developments along Tsing Sha Highway	New elevated road	60m-350m	High	High	Medium	Long	Small	Small	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
R-03	Residents in residential developments along Promenade	New bridges, depressed roads, noise barriers and re-arrangement of pedestrian subway and cycle path system	80m-250m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
R-04	Residents in residential developments along Tai Po Road	New elevated roads and noise barriers	10m-200m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
R-05	Residents in residential developments along Sha Tin Road	New lane, road widening, noise enclosures and associated slope works	25m-300m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Partial	Partial	Large	Large
R-06	Residents in residential developments along Lion Rock Tunnel Road	New elevated road, underpass, depressed roads, noise barriers and re-arrangement of footbridge, pedestrian subway and cycle path system and flexible barrier	70m-300m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Large	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Large	Intermediate
I-01	Occupants in GIC north of Tai Po Road	New elevated road and noise barriers	30m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
I-02	Occupants in schools in Tai Wai	New elevated road and associated slope works	50m-150m	High	High	Medium	Long	Small	Small	No	No	Nil	Nil	Negligible	Negligible
I-03	Occupants in GIC south of Tai Po Road	New elevated road, bridges and noise barriers	5m-100m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
I-04	Occupants in Hong Kong Bible Research and Education Centre	New bridges, depressed roads, noise barriers and re-arrangement of pedestrian subway and cycle path system	20m-130m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
I-05	Occupants in schools in Sha Tin	New roads, noise enclosures and associated slope works	220m-250m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
I-06	Occupants in SRACP Teen Guard Valley Crime Prevention Education Centre	New roads, noise enclosures and associated slope works	10m-60m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Partial	Partial	Large	Large
I-07	Occupants in schools along Sha Tin Road	New roads, noise enclosures and associated slope works	30m-80m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Partial	Partial	Large	Large
I-08	Occupants in GIC near To Shek Street	New roads, noise enclosures and associated slope works	300m-380m	High	High	Medium	Long	Large	Large	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
O-01	Recreational Users in Sha Tin Park and Promenade	New bridges and noise barriers	25m-200m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
O-02	Recreational Users in Tung Lo Wan Playground	New elevated road	5m-20m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
O-03	Recreational Users in Hong Kong Heritage Museum	New elevated road and noise barriers	5m-150m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
O-04	Recreational Users in Tsang Tai Uk Recreation Ground	Depressed roads, noise barriers, underpass and re-arrangement of footbridge	60m-200m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate
O-05	Hikers in Lion Rock Country Park	Depressed roads, underpass, road widening, noise barriers and noise enclosures and flexible barrier	100m-300m	Medium	Medium	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Nil	Nil	Small	Small
T-01	Traveller along Shing Mun Tunnel Road	New elevated road and noise barriers	0m-50m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Large	Medium	No	Yes	Partial	Nil	Large	Small
T-02	Traveller along railway between Sha Tin Station and Tai Wai Station	New elevated road and noise barriers	0m-100m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Large	Medium	No	Yes	Partial	Nil	Large	Small
T-03	Traveller along Lion Rock Tunnel Road	New bridges, depressed roads, noise barriers, underpass and re-arrangement of pedestrian subway and cycle path system	0m-50m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Large	Medium	No	Yes	Partial	Nil	Large	Small
T-04	Traveller along railway between Che Kung Temple Station and Sha Tin Wai Station	Depressed roads, noise barriers, underpass and re-arrangement of footbridge	20m-100m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Large	Medium	No	Yes	Partial	Nil	Large	Small
T-05	Traveller along Che Kung Miu Road and Tai Chung Kiu Road	Depressed roads, noise barriers, underpass and re-arrangement of footbridge	20m-50m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Large	Medium	No	Yes	Partial	Nil	Large	Small
T-06	Traveller along Sha Tin Road	New roads, noise enclosures and associated slope works	0m-50m	Medium	High	Medium	Long	Large	Medium	No	Yes	Partial	Nil	Large	Small
W-01	Workers in industrial developments in Tai Wai	New elevated road and noise barriers	10m-90m	High	High	Medium	Long	Medium	Medium	No	No	Partial	Partial	Intermediate	Intermediate

Significance of Unmitigated Visual Impacts

9.7.10 The significance of visual impacts, before the implementation of mitigation measures, in the construction phase and operation phase are assessed in accordance with the methodology set out in Table 9.2 of the Report and described in Table 9.13.

9.7.11 The visual impacts before mitigation on immediately adjacent VSRs (i.e. R-05 and I-07) with medium to high sensitivity and full overview of the proposed noise enclosure and associated slope works along Sha Tin Road are substantial both during construction and operation phases. The visual impact before mitigation on R-06 with high sensitivity and overview of the proposed structures along Lion Rock Tunnel Road south of the Shing Mun River Channel is substantial during construction and moderate upon completion of the proposed elevated road, underpass and depressed road near Sha Tin Tau.

9.7.12 The unmitigated visual impacts on VSRs R-03, R-04, I-03, I-04, O-01, O-03, O-04 and O-05, with medium to high sensitivity and intermediate magnitude of change, are moderate both during construction and operation phases. I-06 is close to the proposed noise enclosure along Sha Tin Road, the unmitigated visual impact is moderate both during construction and operation phases in view of its low sensitivity.

9.7.13 All travelling VSRs are with moderate unmitigated visual impacts during construction due to the proposed roadworks. T-01, T-03 and T-06 still have slight unmitigated visual impacts during operation phase as they are the travellers along the proposed roadworks. The unmitigated visual impacts upon completion of the proposed roadworks for the other travelling VSRs T-02, T-04 and T-05 are insubstantial.

9.7.14 Visual impact before mitigation on R-01 with medium sensitivity and small magnitude of change is slight both during construction and operation phases. VSRs I-01, I-05 and W-01 also have slight unmitigated visual impacts with low sensitivity and intermediate magnitude of change.

9.7.15 R-02 and I-02 with negligible magnitude of change, hence, the visual impacts before mitigation is insubstantial for both construction and operation phases. The unmitigated visual impacts during construction and operation phases for O-02 and I-08 with low sensitivity and small magnitude of change are also assessed as insubstantial.

Recommended Photomontage Viewpoints

9.7.16 Computer generated photomontages will be prepared to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact of the Project. The criteria for the selection of representative viewpoints for photomontages include: -

· the viewpoints which cover the aboveground structure viewed from major public viewpoint represents key VSRs or VSR groups who would be potentially affected by the proposed Project; and

· the viewpoints which shall be able to represent the worst case scenarios and demonstrate the compatibility of the aboveground structures to the adjacent visual context.

9.7.17 Based on the location of the proposed aboveground structures, proposed viewpoint (VP) representing the key VSRs are mapped in Figure 9.7 and indicated in Table 9.13, and the existing condition of the VPs is shown in Figure 9.8.1 to Figure 9.8.2. They are described as follow:

· Viewpoint VP01 near the cycle track adjoining Scenery Court is approximately 100m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of residents in residential developments along Tai Po Road (R-04), occupants in GIC north of Tai Po Road (I-01), traveller along Shing Mun Tunnel Road (T-01) and traveller along railway between Sha Tin Station and Tai Wai Station (T-02) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed elevated roads with noise barrier outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum;

· Viewpoint VP02 near the entrance of Hong Kong Heritage Museum is approximately 50m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of occupants in GIC south of Tai Po Road (I-03), recreational Users in Sha Tin Park and Promenade (O-01) and recreational Users in Hong Kong Heritage Museum (O-03) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed elevated roads outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum in a close distance;

· Viewpoint VP03 on the footbridge near Sha Tin Government Secondary School is approximately 230m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of residents in residential developments along Promenade (R-03), occupants in GIC south of Tai Po Road (I-03) and recreational Users in Sha Tin Park and Promenade (O-01) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed bridges with noise semi-enclosures near the Riverpark in a distant view from the West;

· Viewpoint VP04 on the footbridge near Sha Tin Park is approximately 160m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of occupants in Hong Kong Bible Research and Education Centre (I-04) and recreational Users in Sha Tin Park and Promenade (O-01) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed bridges with noise semi-enclosure and proposed noise barrier outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum viewing from the East;

· Viewpoint VP05 along Tai Chung Kiu Road near Tsang Tai Uk Recreation Ground is approximately 60m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of occupants in Hong Kong Bible Research and Education Centre (I-04), recreational users in Tsang Tai Uk Recreation Ground (O-04), Traveller along Lion Rock Tunnel Road (T-03), Traveller along railway between Che Kung Temple Station and Sha Tin Wai Station (T-04) and Traveller along Che Kung Miu Road and Tai Chung Kiu Road (T-05) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed depressed roads with noise semi-noise enclosure and proposed pedestrian-cum-cyclist bridge in a close distance;

· Viewpoint VP06 at Lion Rock Country Park near Sha Tin Road is approximately 100m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of residents in residential developments along Lion Rock Tunnel Road (R-06) and hikers in Lion Rock Country Park (O-05) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed depressed roads and underpass in Sha Tin Tau overlooking at a level of about 70mPD;

· Viewpoint VP07 at Pok Hong Shopping Centre and Car Park is approximately 120m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of residents in residential developments along Sha Tin Road (R-05), occupants in schools in Sha Tin (I-05), occupants in SRACP Teen Guard Valley Crime Prevention Education Centre (I-06), occupants in schools along Sha Tin Road (I-07) and traveller along railway between Che Kung Temple Station and Sha Tin Wai Station (T-04) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed road widening with full noise enclosure along Sha Tin Road;

· Viewpoint VP08 at Lift Tower at Shui Chuen O Estate is approximately 30m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of residents in residential developments along Sha Tin Road (R-05) and traveller along Sha Tin Road (T-06) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed road widening with full noise enclosure along Sha Tin Road overlooking at a close distance;

· Viewpoint VP09 near Mei Lam Estate is approximately 110m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of residents in residents in residential developments in Tai Wai (R-01) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed works along Shing Mun Tunnel Road;

· Viewpoint VP10 near Shing Ho Road is approximately 100m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of residents in residential developments along Tsing Sha Highway (R-02), occupants in schools in Tai Wai (I-02), traveller along railway between Sha Tin Station and Tai Wai Station (T-02) and workers in industrial developments in Tai Wai (W-01) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed elevated road at the periphery of Tai Wai Industrial Area; and

· Viewpoint VP11 near Sha Tin Park is approximately 200m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of recreational Users in Sha Tin Park and Promenade (O-01) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed bridges with noise semi-enclosure near the Riverpark in a distant view from the East.

9.7.18 The recommended viewpoints cover all VSRs with visual impacts before mitigation for the Project. Since I-08 and O-02 have insubstantial unmitigated visual impacts, no viewpoints are recommended for these VSRs.

9.8 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures

9.8.1 The proposed engineering works have been designed to minimise any potential landscape and visual impact as much as possible. Unavoidably, there would be some potential landscape and visual impact. Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures are therefore proposed to alleviate the potential adverse landscape and visual impact.

9.8.2 The proposed landscape and visual mitigation measures in the construction and operation are listed in Table 9.10 and Table 9.11 below, together with an indication of Funding, Implementation and Maintenance Agencies and illustrated in Landscape and Visual Mitigation Plan in Figure 9.9.1, Figure 9.9.2, Figure 9.9.3, Figure 9.9.4, and Figure 9.9.5 with sections illustrated in Figure 9.9.6, Figure 9.9.7, Figure 9.9.8, Figure 9.9.9, Figure 9.9.10, and Figure 9.9.11.

Table 9.10 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Construction Phase

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implementation Agency
CM1	Preservation of Existing Vegetation All the existing vegetation and trees to be retained and not to be affected by the Project shall be carefully protected during construction accordance with DEVB TC(W) No. 4/2020 - Tree Preservation and the latest Guidelines on Tree Preservation during Development issued by GLTMS of DEVB. Any existing vegetation in landscaped areas and natural terrain not to be affected by the Project shall be carefully preserved. In particular, the existing vegetation in the ardeid night roosting sites along Shing Mun River Channel identified in Ecological section of this EIA Report shall be preserved to minimize disturbance to the ardeids. Besides, the proposed alignment and footing of the natural terrain hazards mitigation works (i.e. flexible barrier) shall be carefully designed and arranged to preserve existing trees and those of conservation importance (i.e. Canthium dicoccum and Ixonanthes chinensis) on the hillside along Sha Tin Road.	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)
CM2	Preservation of Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs) In particular Old and Valuable Trees (OVTs) will be preserved and protected according to DEVB TC(W) No. 5/2020, Management Guidelines for Mature Trees and Guideline for Tree Risk Assessment and Management Arrangement by DEVB. Construction works within tree protection zones of the OVTs shall be avoided as far as possible, in particular for the 5 nos. of OVTs Cinnamomum camphora [OVT nos: LCSD ST/7, LCSD ST/8, LCSD ST/9, LCSD ST/10 and LCSD ST/11] adjoining the site boundary along Chung Ling Road, and 1 no. of OVT Ficus microcarpa [OVT no: HYD ST/3] along Chik Chuen Street. Proper tree protection measures shall be implemented for the OVTs adjoining the site boundary during the construction stage. Should construction works within the tree protection zones are unavoidable, application in accordance with DEVB TC(W) No. 5/2020 to be submitted with full justifications and method statement to GLTMS and relevant tree maintenance departments for approval. The detailed Tree Protection Specification shall be included in the Contract Specification.	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)
CM3	Transplanting of Affected Trees Trees with particular interest and high amenity value unavoidably affected by the works shall be transplanted where practical. A detailed transplanting proposal will be submitted to relevant government departments for approval in accordance with DEVB TC(W) Nos. 6/2015 and 4/2020 and Guidelines on Tree Transplanting by DEVB and final locations of transplanted trees should be agreed prior to commencement of the work. One tree of particular interest Ficus benjamina with DBH over 1m outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum will be unavoidably affected by the construction of elevated roads. Tree transplanting is proposed, subject to the review on technical feasibility and sensitivity analysis in detail design stage. Various limitations to be carefully considered in detail design stage such as the arrangement of long root pruning period along the roadside, formation of large root ball, temporary traffic/construction arrangement for uplifting and transplanting the large tree, availability of final receptor location for the large tree in the vicinity, tree safety concern during root pruning period and after transplanting, the ability to recover from transplanting stress and the cost effectiveness etc. The final decision on tree transplanting will be confirmed in detail design stage taking into account the mentioned limitations and further advice from the existing and future tree maintenance departments. In case removal of the subject tree of particular interest is considered unavoidable in later stage, the procedures as set out in Section 2.6 of the TRAM Guidelines and suitable initiatives to commemorate the tree (e.g. replanting) shall be considered in accordance with Para. 26 (d) of DEVB TC(W) No. 4/2020.	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor until handover to the future tree maintenance departments)
CM4	Control of Night-time Lighting Glare Any lighting provision of the construction works at night shall be carefully control to prevent light overspill to the nearby VSRs and into the sky. Relevant best practices as suggested in the “Guidelines on Industry Best Practices for External Lighting Installations” promulgated by ENB shall be adopted.	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)
CM5	Erection of Decorative Screen Hoarding Decorative Hoarding, which is compatible with the surrounding settings, shall be erected during construction to minimise the potential landscape and visual impacts due to the construction works and activities. Greening measure such as planting of peripheral screening plants/vertical green along hoarding shall be explored.	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)
CM6	Management of Construction Activities and Facilities The facilities and activities at works sites and areas, which include site office, temporary storage areas, temporary works etc., shall be carefully managed and controlled on the height, deposition and arrangement to minimise any potential adverse landscape and visual impacts. Careful planning shall be arranged for the potential site office at the existing carpark area outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum.	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)
CM7	Reinstatement of Temporarily Disturbed Landscape Areas All hard and soft landscape areas disturbed temporarily during construction due to temporary excavations, temporary works sites and works areas shall be reinstated to equal or better quality, to the satisfaction of the relevant Government Departments.	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)
CM8	Reinstatement of Affected Watercourses The affected modified watercourses in Shing Mun River Channel and Sha Tin Tau Village shall be reinstated upon completion of construction. The construction method and sequence of the proposed bridge piers at Shing Mun River Channel shall be carefully designed, to make sure that all pilling and excavation works in river should be fully enclosed by cofferdam/ watertight steel casing/temporary steel platform to further minimize any adverse water quality impact. During diversion of watercourse of Sha Tin Tau Nullah, precaution measures shall be implemented to prevent adverse water quality impact to the surrounding environment. Various measures to mitigate the potential water quality impacts from the land-based construction works shall be implemented as detailed in Section 5 of this EIA Report. Good site practices as described in ETWB TC(W) No. 5/2005 “Protection of natural streams/rivers from adverse impacts arising from construction works” and ProPECC PN1/94 “Construction Site Drainage” should be adopted where applicable.	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)

Table 9.11 Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures for Operation Phase

ID No.	Landscape and Visual Mitigation Measures	Funding Agency	Implement-ation Agency	Maintenance/ Management Agency*
OM1	Compensatory Planting for Loss of Existing Trees Any trees to be felled under the Project shall be compensated in accordance with DEVB TC(W) No. 4/2020 - Tree Preservation. The compensatory plantings shall be realistic, practicable and sustainable with a holistic consideration to balance the quantity and quality of tree planting, and follow the “right tree for the right place” principles. For trees to be compensated on slopes, the guidelines for tree planting stipulated in GEO Publication No. 1/2011 will be followed. The quality aspects such as improving the vegetation diversity of native species mix, enhancing ecological value and improving overall value of landscape setting etc. of the compensatory planting proposal shall be fully considered. The proposed planting species shall be made reference to the Greening Master Plan issued by CEDD and the Street Tree Selection Guide issued by DEVB. Compensatory tree planting in roadside and flat areas and woodland mix planting on slopes are proposed subject to the gradient of the proposed new slopes. A minimum of 250 heavy standard trees and approximately 3,400 nos. of tree whips as compensatory woodland mix planting are proposed.	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	LCSD / HyD / Allocatee of the SIMAR slopes as per DEVB TC(W) No. 6/2015
OM2	Landscape Treatment on Slopes Woodland mix planting, tree whips and/or shrub mix shall be applied to new soil cut and fill slopes, shrub and climber planting shall be applied to toe-wall planters along retaining structures as far as possible in accordance with technical guidelines set out in GEO Publication No. 1/2011 to maximize the greening provision along the road improvement works. Approximate 21,800m² of landscape treatment on slopes are proposed, which include approximate 11,300m2 area of proposed compensatory woodland mix planting with approximately 3,400 nos. of tree whips to be planted under OM1. Use of unobtrusive colours and tones shall be proposed for all hard elements on slopes including the natural terrain hazards mitigation works (i.e. flexible barrier). The flexible barrier shall avoid placing in front of the vegetated area so that visual screening can be provided by the vegetation as per the GEO Publication No. 1/2011. Use of native species shall be maximized as far as possible in accordance with the Guiding Principles on Use of Native Plant Species in Public Works Projects issued by DEVB.	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	Allocatee of the SIMAR slopes as per DEVB TC(W) No. 6/2015
OM3	Provision of Screen Planting Screen or buffer planting shall be provided at the periphery of the above ground structures along the roadside. Use of plant species with tall and bushy form can serve as a green buffer to soften the hard structural elements such as along noise barriers or near the viaduct piers. Approximate 20,300m² of screen planting areas are proposed. This measure may additionally form part of the compensatory planting and will improved compatibility with the surrounding environment. Early advice from maintenance / management parties and ACABAS shall be sought.	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	LCSD / HyD as per DEVB TC(W) No. 6/2015
OM4	Maximization of Roadside Planting Although most of the works are carried out along the existing transportation corridors, greening opportunities for roadside planting shall be maximized as far as possible. Roadside Planting shall be effective visual relief to the adjacent VSRs. Planting opportunities shall be also explored in the shaded area underneath the proposed elevated roads, such as the area outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum, to maximize the greening effect by shade-tolerant tree or shrub species. Due consideration shall be given to the selection of appropriate plant species on shade-tolerance, hardiness and headroom of the structure above. The roadside plant species shall be made reference to the Greening Master Plan issued by CEDD and the Street Tree Selection Guide issued by DEVB.	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	LCSD / HyD as per DEVB TC(W) No. 6/2015
OM5	Re-provision of Affected Open Space To re-provide the affected open space of Sha Tin Tau Sitting-out Area, that is temporarily closed during the construction phase of the Project, in better quality and design for the enjoyment of the local residents. Both soft and hard landscape proposals shall be provided for LCSD’s agreement.	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	LCSD
OM6	Visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures Sensitive design of noise barriers and noise enclosures with chromatic measures. The design and color themes shall be coherent with the existing noise barrier design along the adjourning transportation corridors such as Tai Po Road to echo with the visual context and character of the transportation corridors. A combination of tinted or transparent panels at top and solid panels at the bottom could allow the daylight to pass through and lighten the visual impact. AFCD’s advice on the design of anti-bird collision measures shall be sought. The detail design of noise barriers and noise enclosures shall make reference to "Guidelines on Greening of Noise Barriers" published by DEVB in appropriate locations, subject to the agreement of future maintenance departments. Greening measures such as screen planting and/or climbers along the barriers shall be fully explored in design stage. Early advice from maintenance / management parties and ACABAS shall be sought. The extent and height of the noise barrier across the Shing Mun River Channel shall be sensitively designed to minimize disturbance to the flight path of ardeids. AFCD’s advice on the design of anti-bird collision measures shall be sought.	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	HyD
OM7	Aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures Footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures proposed shall be sensitively designed in the regard of form, tonal colour and texture so as to minimise any potential adverse landscape and visual impact. Greening measures such as climbers along viaduct piers and shrubs along footbridges shall be fully explored in design stage. Early advice from maintenance / management parties and ACABAS shall be sought.	CEDD	CEDD (via Contractor)	LCSD for soft landscape / HyD for hard landscape

* Remarks: The arrangement of maintenance/management agencies is subject to agreement with corresponding departments/parties in accordance with DEVB TCW No. 6/2015.

9.8.3 The construction phase mitigation measures listed above shall be implemented as early as possible in order to minimise the landscape impacts in the construction stage. The operation phase mitigation measures listed above shall be adopted during the detailed design and be built as part of the construction works at the last stage of the construction period so that they are in place at the date of commissioning of the Project. However, it should be noted that the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be appreciated after year 10 of the operation.

9.9 Residual Impact

Significance of Residual Landscape Impacts

9.9.1 The potential significance of the landscape impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is provided in Table 9.12. The assessment follows the proposed methodology and assumes that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Tables 9.10 and 9.11 above would be implemented, and the full effect of the soft landscape mitigation measures would be realised after ten years.

Residual Impacts on LRs

9.9.2 For the LRs under the Project, it is anticipated that there would be temporary and permanent change in Woodland and Mixed Woodland near Needle Hill (LR-1.1) due to the construction of new elevated roads and associated slope works. It is estimated that approximate 100m² of area of this LR will be affected, and approximate 6 nos. of existing trees are being affected by the construction of elevated roads (near Mei Tin Road). The sensitivity of this LR is high. The magnitude of change is small. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LR would be moderate during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), landscape treatment on slopes (OM2) and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (OM7), it is predicted that there would still be moderate residual impact during construction, and would reduce to slight residual impact during day 1 and further reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.3 It is predicted that there would be a temporary and permanent change in Woodland and Mixed Woodland near Sha Tin Road (LR-1.2) due to the construction of new lanes, road widening, noise barriers / enclosures and associated slope works. It is estimated that approximate 765m² of area of this LR will be affected. Approximate 50 nos. of existing trees are being affected by the road widening and construction of noise barriers / enclosures and flexible barrier in which approximate 20 nos. of existing trees are within Lion Rock Country Park. No species with conservation importance will be affected. The sensitivity of this LR is high. The magnitude of impact is small. The resultant unmitigated landscape change on this LR would be moderate during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), compensatory planting for loss of existing trees (OM1), landscape treatment on slopes (OM2), visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures (OM6) and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (OM7), it is predicted that there would still be moderate residual impact during construction, and would reduce to slight residual impact during day 1 and further reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.4 It is anticipated that there would be a temporary and permanent change in Tree and Shrub Planting in Village Areas near Lai Chi Yuen (LR-1.3) due to the construction of new elevated roads, extension of existing stub elevated road and noise barriers. It is estimated that approximate 750m² of area of this LR will be involved, but only those areas for viaduct piers of the elevated roads will be affected. Most of the works near this LR is about the modification works on the existing elevated roads above Chung Ling Road, which will not affect the existing trees underneath and the 5 nos. of OVTs in the vicinity. Approximate 26 nos. of existing trees along Chung Ling Lane are being affected by the construction of viaduct piers for the extension of existing stub elevated road above. The sensitivity of this LR is high. The magnitude of change is small. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LR would be moderate during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), preservation of old and valuable trees (OVTs) (CM2), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding, reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), provision of screen planting (OM3), maximization of roadside planting (OM4), visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures (OM6) and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (OM7), it is predicted that there would still be moderate residual impact during construction, and would reduce to slight residual impact during day 1 and further reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.5 It is predicted that there would be a temporary and permanent change in Tree and Shrub Planting in Village Areas Near Tsang Tai Uk (LR-1.4) due to the Construction of new elevated road, underpass, depressed road and associated slope works. It is estimated that approximate 3,900m² of area of this LR will be affected by the construction of underpass, depressed road and elevated road, and approximate 25 nos. of existing trees are being affected mainly by the construction of underpass and depressed road and associated slope works. The sensitivity of this LR is medium. The magnitude of change is large. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LR would be substantial during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), compensatory planting for loss of existing trees (OM1), landscape treatment on slopes (OM2), provision of screen planting (OM3), maximization of roadside planting (CM4), visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures (OM6) and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (OM7), it is predicted that there would be moderate residual impact during construction, and would reduce to slight residual impact during day 1 and further reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.6 It is anticipated that there would be a temporary and permanent change in the waterbodies in Shing Mun River Channel (LR-2.2) due to the construction of new bridges, elevated road and noise barriers / semi-enclosures across the river channel. It is estimated that approximate 200m² of area of this LR fall within the alignment of proposed bridge, but only a small section for drilling and piling works of foundation of the bridges will be affected (near Hong Kong Heritage Museum and near Shing Mun Tunnel Road). The sensitivity of this LR is medium. The magnitude of change is small. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LR would be slight during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5) and reinstatement of affected watercourses (CM8), it is predicted that there would be slight residual impact during construction, and would reduce to insubstantial residual impact during day 1 and after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.7 It is predicted that there would be a permanent change in the modified Watercourse in Sha Tin Tau (LR-2.3) due to the construction of new underpass, depressed road, noise barriers and associated slope works, as well as the re-arrangement of footbridge and pedestrian subway system affected by the road works. It is estimated that approximate 220m long at the southern portion of modified watercourse are being affected mainly by the construction of underpass and associated slope works. The sensitivity of this LR is low. Since the affected section is small in size, highly modified and experienced frequent disturbance frequent disturbance from nearby residential areas and road traffic, the magnitude of change is considered as small. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LR would be slight during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5) and reinstatement of affected watercourses (CM8), it is predicted that there would be slight residual impact during construction, and would reduce to insubstantial residual impact during day 1 and after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.8 It is anticipated that there would be a temporary and permanent change in Sha Tin Tau Village Sitting-Out Area (LR-3.5) due to the construction of new underpass, depressed road, noise barriers and associated slope works. It is estimated that The whole area of this LR (approximate 930m²) will be affected by the construction of underpass, depressed road and associated slope works. Most of the landscape impact on this LR is temporary and the affected open space will be closed during construction and re-instated upon the completion of the underpass and depressed road. Approximate 28 nos. of existing trees are being affected by the construction of underpass, depressed road and associated slope works. The sensitivity of this LR is medium. The magnitude of change is large during construction and would reduce to intermediate during operation. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LR would be substantial during construction and moderate during operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), compensatory planting for loss of existing trees (OM1), provision of screen planting (OM3), maximization of roadside planting (OM4) and re-provision of affected open space (OM5), it is predicted that there would still be moderate residual impact during construction, and would reduce to slight residual impact during day 1 and further reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.9 It is predicted that there would be a temporary permanent change in Shing Mun River Promenade (LR-3.6) due to the construction of new bridges and noise barriers / semi-enclosures across the river channel. It is estimated that approximate 700m² of area of this LR will be affected by the construction of new bridges (near Hong Kong Heritage Museum and near The Riverpark). Approximate 29 nos. of existing trees are being affected by the construction of new bridges. Trees of particular interest within this LR would be preserved and not be affected. In compared with the whole Shing Mun River Promenade, the affected area and affected trees of this LR is considered as small. The sensitivity of this LR is high. The magnitude of change is small. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LR would be moderate during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), compensatory planting for loss of existing trees (OM1), provision of screen planting (OM3), maximization of roadside planting (OM4), visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures (OM6) and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (OM7), it is predicted that there would still be moderate residual impact during construction, and would reduce to slight residual impact during day 1 and further reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.10 It is anticipated that there would be a temporary and permanent change in Landscape Areas in Urban Development Area near Lion Rock Tunnel Road (LR-4.2) due to the construction of new elevated roads and noise barriers / semi-enclosures, temporary site office and storage of construction materials, equipment and plants, and re-arrangement of footbridge, pedestrian subway and cycle path system affected by the road works. It is estimated that approximate 8,500m² of area of this LR will be affected by the construction of new elevated roads and noise barriers / semi-enclosures. The existing carpark and the surrounding areas outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum will be used as temporary site office and storage of construction materials tentatively. The footbridge, pedestrian subway and cycle path near The Riverpark will be re-arranged and re-provided upon the construction of road works. Approximate 214 nos. of existing trees are being affected by the project, in which one tree of particular interest Ficus benjamina with DBH over 1m outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum will be unavoidably directly affected by the construction of elevated roads. Tree transplanting is proposed, subject to the review on technical feasibility and sensitivity analysis in detail design stage. Various limitations to be carefully considered in detail design stage such as the arrangement of long root pruning period along the roadside, formation of large root ball, temporary traffic/construction arrangement for uplifting and transplanting the large tree, availability of final receptor location for the large tree in the vicinity, tree safety concern during root pruning period and after transplanting, the ability to recover from transplanting stress and the cost effectiveness etc. The final decision on tree transplanting will be confirmed in detail design stage taking into account the mentioned limitations and further advice from the existing and future tree maintenance departments. In case removal of the subject tree of particular interest is considered unavoidable in later stage, the procedures as set out in Section 2.6 of the TRAM Guidelines and suitable initiatives to commemorate the tree (e.g. replanting) shall be considered in accordance with Para. 26 (d) of DEVB TC(W) No. 4/2020. The sensitivity of this LR is medium. The magnitude of change is large. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LR would be substantial during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), transplanting of affected trees (CM3), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), management of construction activities and facilities (CM6), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), compensatory planting for loss of existing trees (OM1), provision of screen planting (OM3), maximization of roadside planting (OM4), visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures (OM6) and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (OM7), it is predicted that there would reduce to moderate residual impact during construction, and would further reduce to slight residual impact during day 1 and insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.11 It is predicted that there would be a temporary and permanent change in Agricultural Land Near Sha Tin Tau Village (LR-5.2) due to the construction of new underpass, depressed road, noise barriers and associated slope works and re-arrangement of footbridge and pedestrian subway system affected by the road works. It is estimated that approximate 4,900m² of area this LR will be affected by the construction of new underpass, depressed road, noise barriers and associated slope works. The existing pedestrian subway will be modified, and a new footbridge will be constructed. Among the affected area, about 500m² of active agricultural land and 1,200m² of abandoned agricultural land will be permanently affected. Approximate 7 nos. of existing trees are being affected. Most of the affected area are covered with wildly grown groundcovers or shrubs. Since the affected vegetated area of this LR is large, the magnitude of change is considered as large. The sensitivity of this LR is medium. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LR would be substantial during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), management of construction activities and facilities (CM6), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), compensatory planting for loss of existing trees (OM1), landscape treatment on slopes (OM2), provision of screen planting (OM3), maximization of roadside planting (OM4), visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures (OM6) and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (OM7), it is predicted that there would be moderate residual impact during construction, and would reduce to slight residual impact during day 1 and further reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.12 It is anticipated that there would be a temporary and permanent change to the plantation on engineered slopes (LR-5.3) due to the construction of new elevated road, depress road, underpass, noise barriers / enclosures and associated slope works and re-arrangement of footbridge and pedestrian subway system affected by the road works. It is estimated that approximate 25,000m² of area of this LR will be affected by the project. The affected areas mainly located near Mei Tin Road for the construction of elevated road, near The Riverpark for the construction of depressed road and re-arrangement of pedestrian subway and cycle path, near Sha Tin Tau Village for the construction of depressed road and underpass, and along Sha Tin Road near Pok Hong Estate for the construction of new roads with noise enclosure and road widening works. Approximate 537 nos. of existing trees on slopes are being affected by the project. The OVT [OVT no: HYD ST/3] along Chik Chuen Street is out of boundary and not affected by the Project. Approximately 2 nos. of Ailanthus fordii and 5 nos. of Canthium dicoccum with conservation importance are unavoidably affected by the construction of depressed road and underpass in Sha Tin Tau and are proposed to be felled. Approximately 2 nos. of Canthium dicoccum with conservation importance are unavoidably affected by the road widening and noise enclosure works along Sha Tin Road and proposed to be felled. The sensitivity of this LR is high. The magnitude of change is large. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LR would be substantial during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), preservation of old and valuable trees (OVTs) (CM2), transplanting of affected trees (CM3), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), management of construction activities and facilities (CM6), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), compensatory planting for loss of existing trees (OM1), landscape treatment on slopes (OM2), provision of screen planting (OM3), maximization of roadside planting (OM4), visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures (OM6)and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (OM7), it is predicted that there would be moderate residual impact during construction, and would reduce to slight residual impact during day 1 and further reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.13 It is predicted that there would be a temporary and permanent change to the tree and shrub planting in roadside areas (LR-5.4) due to the construction of new elevated road, extension of existing stub elevated road, depress road, underpass, noise barriers / enclosures and associated slope works and re-arrangement of footbridge and pedestrian subway system affected by the road works. It is estimated that approximate 4,000m² of area of this LR will be affected by the project. For the involved area located at the road verge planting areas covered by the elevated roads near Tung Lo Wan Village, only those along Chung Ling Lane will be affected by the construction of viaduct piers for the extension of existing stub elevated road above. For the roadside planting areas at the periphery of Tai Wai industrial area, only those areas for construction of viaduct piers of the elevated roads will be affected. For central reserve area of Sha Tin Road near Pok Hong Estate will be affected by the construction of noise enclosure and road widening works. Approximate 116 nos. of existing trees are being affected by the project, in which 3 nos. of Pterocarpus indicus with conservation importance along Chung Ling Road are unavoidably affected and proposed to be felled. Although it is listed as “Endangered” under IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, it is a common ornamental species easily found in open space in Hong Kong. The sensitivity of this LR is high. The magnitude of change is large. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LR would be substantial during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), management of construction activities and facilities (CM6), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), compensatory planting for loss of existing trees (OM1), provision of screen planting (OM3), maximization of roadside planting (OM4), visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures (OM6) and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (OM7), it is predicted that there would still be moderate residual impact during construction, and would reduce to slight residual impact during day 1 and further reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.14 Apart from LR-1.1, LR-1.2, LR-1.3, LR-1.4, LR-2.2, LR-2.3, LR-3.5, LR-3.6, LR-4.2, LR-5.2, LR-5.3 and LR-5.4, it is predicted that there would not be any discernible change in other LRs (i.e. LR-1.5, LR-2.1, LR-3.1, LR-3.2 LR-3.3, LR-3.4, LR-3.7, LR-4.1, LR-4.3 and LR-5.1) identified within the study boundary of the Project.

Residual Impacts on LCAs

9.9.15 For the LCAs under the Project, it is anticipated that there would be permanent change in Sha Tin Upland and Hillside LCA (LCA-1.2) due to the construction of noise enclosure, road widening, associated slope works and flexible barrier. It is estimated that approximate 600m² of area of this LCA will be affected by the project and changed to transportation corridor LCA. Small portion (approximately 166m²) within Lion Rock Country Park will be temporarily affected for the construction of flexible barrier and associated works with maintenance path, but will not have permanent change to this LCA. The sensitivity of this LCA is high. The magnitude of change is small. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA would be moderate during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), landscape treatment on slopes (OM2) and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (OM7), it is predicted that there would still be moderate residual impact during construction, and would reduce to slight residual impact during day 1 and further reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.16 It is predicted that there would be a temporary and permanent change in Tai Wai Miscellaneous Urban Fringe LCA (LCA-2.1) due to the construction of new elevated roads, new bridges and noise barriers. Temporary site office and storage of construction materials, equipment and plants will be temporarily located at the exiting carpark outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum tentatively during construction phase. It is estimated that approximate 9,200m² of area of this LCA will be affected by the project and changed to transportation corridor LCA. The magnitude of change is large. The sensitivity of this LCA is low. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA would be moderate during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), transplanting of affected trees (CM3), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), management of construction activities and facilities (CM6), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), compensatory planting for loss of existing trees (OM1), provision of screen planting (OM3), maximization of roadside planting (OM4), visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures (OM6) and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structure (OM7), it is predicted that there would still be moderate residual impact during construction, and would reduce to slight residual impact during day 1 and further reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.17 It is predicted that there would be a permanent change in Sha Tin Miscellaneous Urban Fringe LCA (LCA-2.2) due to the construction of new underpass, depressed road, noise barriers and associated slope works. The footbridge and pedestrian subway system affected by the road works during construction phase would be re-arranged. It is estimated that approximate 5,300m² of area of this LCA will be affected by the project and changed to transportation corridor LCA. The magnitude of change is intermediate. The sensitivity of this LCA is low. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA would be slight during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), reinstatement of affected watercourses (CM8), compensatory planting for loss of existing trees (OM1), landscape treatment on slopes (OM2), provision of screen planting (OM3), maximization of roadside planting (OM4), re-provision of affected open space (OM5), visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures (OM6) and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (OM7), it is predicted that there would be slight residual impact during construction and day 1 of operation, and would eventually reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.18 It is predicted that there would be a permanent change in Tai Wai Residential Urban LCA (LCA-3.1) due to the construction of new elevated road. It is estimated that approximate 500m² of area of this LCA will be affected by the project and changed to transportation corridor LCA. The magnitude of change is small. The sensitivity of this LCA is medium. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA would be slight during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), reinstatement of affected watercourses (CM8), compensatory planting for loss of existing trees (OM1), provision of screen planting (OM3), maximization of roadside planting (OM4) and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (OM7), it is predicted that there would be slight residual impact during construction and day 1 of operation, and would eventually reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.19 It is predicted that there would be a permanent change in Sha Tin Tau Residential Urban LCA (LCA-3.2) due to the new depressed road, underpass, bridges and noise barriers / enclosures. The footbridge and pedestrian subway system affected by the road works during construction phase would be re-arranged. It is estimated that approximate 14,800m² of area of this LCA will be affected by the project and changed to transportation corridor LCA. The magnitude of change is large. The sensitivity of this LCA is medium. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA would be substantial during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), reinstatement of affected watercourses (CM8), compensatory planting for loss of existing trees (OM1), landscape treatment on slopes (OM2), provision of screen planting (OM3), maximization of roadside planting (OM4), visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures (OM6), aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (OM7), it is predicted that there would be moderate residual impact during construction, and would further reduce to slight residual impact during day 1 and eventually reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.20 It is predicted that there would be a permanent change in Tai Wai Residential Urban Fringe LCA (LCA-4.1) due to the construction of new elevated roads, and associated slope works during construction phase. It is estimated that approximate 3,000m² of area of this LCA will be affected by the project and changed to transportation corridor LCA. The magnitude of change is intermediate. The sensitivity of this LCA is medium. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA would be moderate during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), compensatory planting for loss of existing trees (OM1), landscape treatment on slopes (OM2), provision of screen planting (OM3), maximization of roadside planting (OM4) and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (OM7), it is predicted that there would still be moderate residual impact during construction, and would reduce to slight residual impact during day 1 and further reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.21 It is predicted that there would be a permanent change in Tai Wai Urban Peripheral Village LCA (LCA-5.1) due to the construction of new elevated roads and at-grade road improvement works. It is estimated that approximate 700m² of area of this LCA will be affected by the project during construction phase and operation phase. The magnitude of change is small during construction and during operation. The sensitivity of this LCA is medium. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA would be slight during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), preservation of old and valuable trees (OVTs) (CM2), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), compensatory planting for loss of existing trees (OM1), provision of screen planting (OM3), maximization of roadside planting (OM4), visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures (OM6) and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (OM7), it is predicted that there would still be slight residual impact during construction and day 1 of operation, and would reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.22 It is predicted that there would be a temporary and permanent change in Tai Wai Transportation Corridor LCA (LCA-8.1) due to the construction of new elevated roads and noise barriers during construction phase. It is estimated that approximate 7,200m² of area of this LCA fall within the works area of this Project. Although the landscape impact during construction and operation is anticipated, the Project will not alter the landscape character of the transportation corridor. The resultant transportation corridor landscape character is compatible to the current LCA. The magnitude of change is rated as small in view of the resultant transportation corridor landscape character is compatible to the current LCA. The sensitivity of this LCA is low. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA would be slight during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), preservation of OVTs (CM2), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), management of construction activities and facilities (CM6), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), reinstatement of affected watercourses (CM8), compensatory planting for loss of existing trees (OM1), provision of screen planting (OM3), maximization of roadside planting (OM4) and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (CM7), it is predicted that there would still be slight residual impact during construction and day 1 of operation, and would reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.23 It is predicted that there would be a temporary and permanent change in Sha Tin Road Transportation Corridor LCA (LCA-8.3) due to the construction of noise enclosures, road widening and associated slope works during construction phase. It is estimated that approximate 12,350m² of area of this LCA fall within the works area of this Project. Although relatively large area of this LCA will be affected during construction and operation, the Project will not alter the landscape character of the transportation corridor. The resultant transportation corridor landscape character is compatible to the current LCA. The magnitude of change is rated as intermediate in view of the resultant transportation corridor landscape character is compatible to the current LCA. The sensitivity of this LCA is low. The resultant unmitigated landscape impact on this LCA would be slight during construction and operation. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures, such as preservation of existing vegetation (CM1), control of night-time lighting glare (CM4), erection of decorative screen hoarding (CM5), management of construction activities and facilities (CM6), reinstatement of temporarily disturbed landscape areas (CM7), compensatory planting for loss of existing trees (OM1), landscape treatment on slopes (OM2), provision of screen planting (OM3), maximization of roadside planting (OM4), visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures (OM6) and aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges, pedestrian subways, cycle paths, carriageways and other highways structures (OM7), it is predicted that there would still be slight residual impact during construction and day 1 of operation, and would reduce to insubstantial after year 10 of the operation.

9.9.24 Apart from LCA-1.2, LCA-2.1, LCA-2.2, LCA-3.1, LCA-3.2, LCA-4.1, LCA-5.1, LCA-8.1 and LCA-8.3, it is predicted that there would not be any discernible change in other LCAs (i.e. LCA-1.1, LCA-3.3, LCA-6.1, LCA-7.1 and LCA-8.2) identified within the study boundary of the Project.

Summary on Recommendation in Broad Brush Tree and Vegetation Survey

9.9.26 Based on the broad-brush tree estimate with approximately 3,685 nos. of trees surveyed, approximate 1,051 nos. of existing trees including 13 nos. of trees of particular interest will be unavoidably affected by the Project. All the 6 nos. of registered OVTs in the vicinity of the project boundary will be retained in-situ and not be affected by the Project. One tree of particular interest Ficus benjamina with high amenity value and large size outside the Hong Kong Heritage Museum will be unavoidably affected and tree transplanting is proposed, subject to the review on technical feasibility and sensitivity analysis in detail design stage and further advice from the existing and future tree maintenance departments. In case removal of the subject tree of particular interest is considered unavoidable in later stage, the procedures as set out in Section 2.6 of the TRAM Guidelines and suitable initiatives to commemorate the tree (e.g. replanting) shall be considered in accordance with Para. 26 (d) of DEVB TC(W) No. 4/2020. For the remaining approximate 1,050 nos. of affected trees, tree felling will be proposed. The major affected tree species in the individual tree survey include Ailanthus fordii, Canthium dicoccum, Ficus benjamina and Pterocarpus indicus. The major affected tree species in tree group survey include Acacia confusa, Bridelia tomentosa, Casuarina equisetifolia, Eucalyptus tereticornis, Ficus microcarpa, Melia azedarach, Polyspora axillaris, Sterculia lanceolata and Schima superba.

9.9.27 Among the affected trees proposed to be felled, an approximate of 12 nos. of trees of particular interest in species with conservation importance will be inevitably affected and proposed to be felled. They include 2 nos. of Ailanthus fordii, 7 nos. of Canthium dicoccum and 3 nos. of Pterocarpus indicus. The Ailanthus fordii and 5 nos. of Canthium dicoccum are located on the SIMAR slopes between Tsang Tai Uk and Sha Tin Tau Village (LR-5.3) and in conflict with the construction of depressed road, underpass and associated slope works, while the 2 nos. of Canthium dicoccum are located on the SIMAR slopes along Sha Tin Road (LR-5.3) affected by the proposed road widening, noise enclosure and associated slope works. The 3 nos. of affected Pterocarpus indicus are located in Tree and Shrub Planting in Roadside Areas along Chung Ling Road (LR-5.4). Since most of the affected trees are located either on natural terrain or engineered slopes, their survival rate after transplanting is low and not feasible for transplanting. Therefore, tree felling is proposed with compensatory planting.

9.9.28 Due to the limited site areas within developed built-up areas in Sha Tin, tree compensatory planting in roadside and flat areas and woodland mix planting on slopes are proposed subject to the gradient of the proposed new slopes . A minimum of 250 heavy standard trees will be proposed at roadside flat areas, at the re-provided Sha Tin Tau Village Sitting-out Area and at the planting areas of elevated roads with shade-tolerant tree species. The proposed species are commonly used in urban environment so as to reinstate and enhance the surrounding landscape value. Reference could be made to Greening Master Plan issued by CEDD and Street Tree Selection Guide promulgated by DEVB.

9.9.29 Total area of approximate 11,300m² will be proposed as compensatory woodland mix planting with approximately 3,400 nos. of tree whips to be planted. Mix of native tree species will be proposed in reference to Guiding Principles on Use of Native Plant Species in Public Works Projects promulgated by DEVB to improve the vegetation diversity, enhance ecological value and re-creation of vegetation habitat particular for areas adjoining the Lion Rock Country Park. The proposed location for compensatory tree planting and compensatory woodland mix is shown in Figure 9.9.1, Figure 9.9.2, Figure 9.9.3, Figure 9.9.4, and Figure 9.9.5.

Table 9.12 Significance of Landscape Impacts during Construction and Operation Phases

ID No.	Landscape Resource / Character Areas	Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Change (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance before Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Significance of Residual Impact (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Operation
		Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	Day 1	Year 10
Landscape Resources
LR-1.1	Woodland and Mixed Woodland near Needle Hill	High	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM2, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR-1.2	Woodland and Mixed Woodland near Sha Tin Road	High	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM1, OM2, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR-1.3	Tree and Shrub Planting in Village Areas near Lai Chi Yuen	High	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM2, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR-1.4	Tree and Shrub Planting in Village Areas Near Tsang Tai Uk	Medium	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR-1.5	Tree and Shrub Planting in Village Areas Near Fui Yiu Ha	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-2.1	Natural Watercourses	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-2.2	Waterbodies in Shing Mun River Channel	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM8	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-2.3	Modified Watercourse in Sha Tin Tau	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM8	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-3.1	Tung Lo Wan Playground	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-3.2	Pok Ngar Villa	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-3.3	Sha Tin Park	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-3.4	Tsang Tai Uk Recreation Ground	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-3.5	Sha Tin Tau Village Sitting-Out Area	Medium	Medium	Large	Intermediate	Substantial	Moderate	CM4, CM5, CM7, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM5	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR-3.6	Shing Mun River Promenade	High	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR-3.7	Tai Wai Soccer Pitch	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-4.1	Landscape Areas in Urban Development Area in Tai Wai	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-4.2	Landscape Areas in Urban Development Area near Lion Rock Tunnel Road	Medium	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR-4.3	Landscape Areas in Urban Development Area near Sha Tin Wai	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-5.1	Vegetated Areas near To Shek Fresh Water Pumping Station	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LR-5.2	Agricultural Land Near Sha Tin Tau Village	Medium	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR-5.3	Plantation on Engineered Slopes	High	High	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM2, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LR-5.4	Tree and Shrub Planting in Roadside Areas	High	High	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM2, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
Landscape Character Area
LCA-1.1	Tai Wai Upland and Hillside LCA	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-1.2	Sha Tin Upland and Hillside LCA	High	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM2, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA-2.1	Tai Wai Miscellaneous Urban Fringe LCA	Low	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA-2.2	Sha Tin Miscellaneous Urban Fringe LCA	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, CM8, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA-3.1	Tai Wai Residential Urban LCA	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2, CM4, CM5, CM7, CM8, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM7	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA-3.2	Sha Tin Tau Residential Urban LCA	Medium	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, CM8, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA-3.3	Shui Chuen O Residential Urban LCA	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-4.1	Tai Wai Residential Urban Fringe LCA	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA-5.1	Tai Wai Urban Peripheral Village LCA	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA-6.1	Sha Tin Mixed Modern Comprehensive Urban Development LCA	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-7.1	Sha Tin Park Urban LCA	High	High	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-8.1	Tai Wai Transportation Corridor LCA	Low	Low	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM2, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, CM8, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM7	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
LCA-8.2	Lion Rock Tunnel Road Transportation Corridor LCA	Low	Low	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
LCA-8.3	Sha Tin Road Transportation Corridor LCA	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial

Significance of Residual Visual Impacts

9.9.30 The potential significance of the visual impacts during the construction and operation phases, before and after mitigation, is provided in Table 9.13. The assessment followed the proposed methodology and assumed that the appropriate mitigation measures identified in Table 9.10 and Table 9.11 above would be implemented, and the full effect of the visual mitigation measures should be realised after ten years.

9.9.31 Photomontages illustrating the potential visual impact during operation with and without mitigation measures from representative VPs due to the Project are shown in Figure 9.10.1, Figure 9.10.2, Figure 9.10.3, Figure 9.10.4, Figure 9.10.5, Figure 9.10.6, Figure 9.10.7, Figure 9.10.8, Figure 9.10.9, Figure 9.10.10, and Figure 9.10.11. The potential visual impacts are assessed and summarised as below:

· Viewpoint VP01 near the cycle track adjoining Scenery Court which is an at-grade view approximately 100m from the proposed works. It demonstrates the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed elevated roads with noise barriers outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum; The layout and appearance of the noise barriers have been carefully planned and designed. The combination of tinted or transparent panels at top and solid panels in green tone at the bottom could allow the daylight to pass through and lighten the visual impact avoiding blockage of view and potential enclosure effects, and also helps to reduce the monotonous looking and merge with its surroundings. The form and color of highway structures and columns are also streamlined to reduce monotonous and bulkiness. Appropriate plant species are proposed underneath the elevated road to maximize greening effect. Due consideration shall be given to the selection of appropriate plant species on shade-tolerance, hardiness and headroom of the structure above.

With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Preservation of Existing Vegetation (OM1) and Visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers (OM6), it is considered that the proposed elevated road with noise barriers are visually compatible with the adjacent roadside landscape and visual setting of the area;

· Viewpoint VP02 near the entrance of Hong Kong Heritage Museum which is an at-grade view approximately 50m from the proposed works. It illustrates the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed elevated roads outside the Hong Kong Heritage Museum in a close distance. The level of elevated road is sensitively designed to avoid disturbance to the flight path of ardeids.

With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Preservation of Existing Vegetation (CM1) and Aesthetically pleasing design for highways structures (OM7) e.g. application of texture and finishes, it is considered that the proposed elevated road is visually compatible with the adjacent roadside landscape and visual setting of the area;

· Viewpoint VP03 on the footbridge near Sha Tin Government Secondary School which is an at-grade view approximately 230m from the proposed works. It illustrates the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed bridges with semi-noise enclosures near the Riverpark in a distant view from the West; The layout and appearance of the noise barriers have been carefully planned and designed. The combination of tinted or transparent panels at top and solid panels in green tone at the bottom could allow the daylight to pass through and lighten the visual impact avoiding blockage of view and potential enclosure effects, and also helps to reduce the monotonous looking and merge with its surroundings. The extent and height of the noise barrier across the Shing Mun River Channel are sensitively designed to minimize disturbance to the flight path of ardeids. In particular, the existing vegetation in the ardeid night roosting sites along Shing Mun River Channel identified in Ecological section of this EIA Report shall be preserved to minimize disturbance to the ardeids.

With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Preservation of Existing Vegetation (CM1), Visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise enclosures (OM6) and Aesthetically pleasing design for highways structures (OM7), it is considered that the visual impact from the noise barrier is unavoidable but already minimized to an acceptable level through practical mitigation measures on the noise barrier design to blend in with the adjacent riverside landscape and visual setting of the area;

· Viewpoint VP04 on the footbridge near Sha Tin Park which is an at-grade view approximately 160m from the proposed works illustrating the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed bridges with noise semi-enclosures and proposed noise barriers outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum viewing from the East; The layout and appearance of the noise barriers have been carefully planned and designed. The combination of tinted or transparent panels at top and solid panels in green tone at the bottom could allow the daylight to pass through and lighten the visual impact avoiding blockage of view and potential enclosure effects, and also helps to reduce the monotonous looking and merge with its surroundings. The extent and height of the noise barrier across the Shing Mun River Channel are sensitively designed to minimize disturbance to the flight path of ardeids.

With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Preservation of Existing Vegetation (CM1), Reinstatement of Affected Watercourses (CM8), Visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise enclosures (OM6) and Aesthetically pleasing design for highways structures (OM7), it is considered that the visual impact from the proposed bridges with noise semi-enclosures and proposed noise barriers outside Hong Kong Heritage Museum is unavoidable but already minimized to an acceptable level through practical mitigation measures on the noise barrier design to blend in with the adjacent riverside landscape and visual setting of the area;

· Viewpoint VP05 along Tai Chung Kiu Road near Tsang Tai Uk Recreation Ground which is an at-grade view approximately 60m from the proposed works illustrating the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed depressed roads with noise semi-enclosure and the new pedestrian-cum-cyclist bridge in a close distance. The layout and massing of the new pedestrian-cum-cyclist bridge and noise semi-enclosure have been carefully planned and designed. Application of texture and finishes to the pedestrian footbridge increase aesthetical impact. The green colours and transparent panels design of noise semi-enclosure avoid adverse effects and also helps to blend in with the proposed screen planting along the noise semi-enclosure upon the establishment of the proposed planting.

With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Compensatory Planting for Loss of Existing Trees (OM1), Maximization of Roadside Planting (OM4), Visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures (OM6) and Aesthetically pleasing design for footbridges (OM7), it is considered that the proposed depressed roads with noise semi-enclosure and the new pedestrian-cum-cyclist bridge are visually compatible with the adjacent riverside landscape and visual setting of the area;

· Viewpoint VP06 at Lion Rock Country Park near Sha Tin Road which is an elevated view approximately 100m from the proposed works. It illustrates the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed depressed roads and underpass in Sha Tin Tau overlooking at a level of about 70mPD. Extensive greenery buffer has been provided along the roadside and on the roof of the underpass road for compensate the loss of existing abandoned farmland. Native tree species will be proposed to create green fingers linking to the greenery hillside of the Lion Rock County Park nearby.

With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Preservation of Existing Vegetation (CM1), Reinstatement of Temporarily Disturbed Landscape Areas (CM7), Compensatory Planting for Loss of Existing Trees (OM1), Landscape Treatment on Slopes (OM2), Provision of Screen Planting (OM3) and Maximization of Roadside Planting (OM4), it is considered that the proposed elevated road with noise barriers are visually compatible with the adjacent roadside landscape and visual setting of the area;

· Viewpoint VP07 at Pok Hong Shopping Centre and Car Park which is an elevated view approximately 120m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of residents in residential developments along Sha Tin Road (R-05), occupants in schools in Sha Tin (I-05), occupants in SRACP Teen Guard Valley Crime Prevention Education Centre (I-06), occupants in schools along Sha Tin Road (I-07) and traveller along railway between Che Kung Temple Station and Sha Tin Wai Station (T-04) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed road widening with full noise enclosure along Sha Tin Road. Provision of buffer planting and/or landscape treatment on slope along the proposed green colours noise enclosures can provide screening and helps to merge with its surroundings.

With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Provision of Screen Planting (OM3) and Visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise enclosures (OM6), it is considered that the proposed road widening with full noise enclosure are visually compatible with the adjacent hillside landscape and visual setting of the area;

· Viewpoint VP08 at Lift Tower at Shui Chuen O Estate which is an elevated view approximately 30m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of residents in residential developments along Sha Tin Road (R-05) and traveller along Sha Tin Road (T-06) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed road widening with full noise enclosure along Sha Tin Road overlooking at a close distance. Noise mitigation structures are unavoidable in view of the close distance from residential VSR at Pok Hong Estate. The layout and appearance of the full noise enclosure have been carefully planned and designed. The combination of tinted or transparent panels at top and solid panels in green tone at the bottom could allow the daylight to pass through and lighten the visual impact avoiding blockage of view and potential enclosure effects, and also helps to reduce the monotonous looking and merge with its surroundings. Provision of buffer planting along the full noise enclosure can provide screening and helps to merge with its surroundings.

With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Preservation of Existing Vegetation (CM1), Reinstatement of Temporarily Disturbed Landscape Areas (CM7), Landscape Treatment on Slopes (OM2), Maximization of Roadside Planting (OM4) and Visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise enclosures (OM6), it is considered that the visual impact from the noise enclosure is unavoidable but already minimized to an acceptable level through practical mitigation measures on the full noise enclosure design and the screen planting along the road to blend in with the adjacent hillside landscape and visual setting of the area;

· Viewpoint VP09 near Mei Lam Estate which is an at-grade view approximately 110m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of residents in residents in residential developments in Tai Wai (R-01) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed works along Shing Mun Tunnel Road. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Aesthetically pleasing design for highways structures (OM7), it is considered that the proposed elevated road with noise barriers are visually compatible with the adjacent roadside landscape and visual setting of the area;

· Viewpoint VP10 near Shing Ho Road which is an at-grade view approximately 100m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of residents in residential developments along Tsing Sha Highway (R-02), occupants in schools in Tai Wai (I-02), traveller along railway between Sha Tin Station and Tai Wai Station (T-02) and workers in industrial developments in Tai Wai (W-01) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed elevated road at the periphery of Tai Wai Industrial Area. The form and color of highway structures and columns are also streamlined to reduce monotonous and bulkiness. With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Preservation of Existing Vegetation (CM1) and Aesthetically pleasing design for highways structures (OM7), it is considered that the proposed elevated road with noise barriers are visually compatible with the adjacent roadside landscape and visual setting of the area; and

· Viewpoint VP11 near Sha Tin Park which is an at-grade view approximately 200m from the proposed works. It is the representing VP of recreational Users in Sha Tin Park and Promenade (O-01) to illustrate the potential landscape and visual impact due to the proposed bridges with noise semi-enclosure near the Riverpark in a distant view from the East. The combination of tinted or transparent panels at top and solid panels in green tone at the bottom could allow the daylight to pass through and lighten the visual impact avoiding blockage of view and potential enclosure effects, and also helps to reduce the monotonous looking and merge with its surroundings. The extent and height of the noise semi-enclosure across the Shing Mun River Channel are sensitively designed to minimize disturbance to the flight path of ardeids. In particular, the existing vegetation in the ardeid night roosting sites along Shing Mun River Channel identified in Ecological section of this EIA Report shall be preserved to minimize disturbance to the ardeids.

With the implementation of proposed mitigation measures such as Preservation of Existing Vegetation (CM1) and Visually pleasing aesthetic treatment on noise barriers and noise enclosures (OM6), it is considered that the proposed bridges with noise semi-enclosure are visually compatible with the adjacent riverside landscape and visual setting of the area.

9.9.32 As a whole, the substantial visual impact on immediately adjacent VSRs (i.e. R-05, R-06 and I-07) who have a full overview of the above ground structures of the Project, after full implementation of the proposed mitigation measures, would be reduced to moderate residual impact during construction, and slight residual impact on day 1 of operation. Except R-05, the other VSRs (i.e. R-06 and I-07) would eventually diminished as insubstantial residual impact when the proposed landscape works become mature during year 10 of operation.

9.9.33 There would be moderate residual visual impact during construction on adjacent VSRs who are close to the Project (i.e. R-03, R-04, I-03, I-04, I-06, O-01, O-03, O-04) or overviewing at a higher level (i.e. O-05). It is predicted the residual impact on these VSRs would be reduced to slight on day 1 of operation. Except R-03, I-03, I-04 and O-01, the other VSRs (i.e. R-04, I-06, O-03 and O-04) would further diminished as insubstantial when the proposed landscape works become mature during year 10 of operation.

9.9.34 There would be slight residual impact during construction and day 1 of operation on VSRs further away (i.e. R-01 and I-05), VSR at low level who are close to the Project (i.e. I-01) and VSR with low sensitivity (i.e. W-01). It is predicted the residual impact on these VSRs (except T-06) would be reduced to insubstantial when the proposed landscape works become mature during year 10 of operation.

9.9.35 For the travelling VSRs, there would be slight residual impact during construction and day 1 of operation on VSRs along the roads with construction works (i.e. T-01, T-03 and T-06) and slight residual impact only during construction for VSRs further away from the construction works (i.e. T-02, T-04 and T-05). It is predicted the residual impact on these VSRs would be reduced to insubstantial when the proposed landscape works become mature during year 10 of operation.

9.9.36 For those VSRs (i.e. R-03, I-03, I-04 and O-01) viewing to the proposed bridge with noise semi- enclosure at Shing Mun River Channel of VP3, VP4 and VP11, and the two VSRs (i.e. R-05 and T-06) viewing to the full noise enclosure along Sha Tin Road of VP8, there are still slight residual visual impacts upon day 1 of operation and year 10 of operation.

9.9.37 It is predicted that there would be insubstantial residual visual impact during construction and operation on long distant VSRs (i.e. I-02 and I-08) or VSRs with only glimpse view to the above ground structures of the Project (i.e. R-02 and O-02).

Table 9.13 Significance of Visual Impacts during Construction and Operation Phases

ID. No.	Key VSRs	Represent -ting VPs	Receptor Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)		Magnitude of Change (Negligible, Small, Intermediate, Large)		Impact Significance Threshold BEFORE Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)		Recommended Mitigation Measures	Residual Impact Significance Threshold AFTER Mitigation (Insubstantial, Slight, Moderate, Substantial)
			Receptor Sensitivity (Low, Medium, High)							Construction	Operation
			Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation	Construction	Operation		Construction	DAY 1	YEAR 10
R-01	Residents in residential developments in Tai Wai	VP09	Medium	Medium	Small	Small	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM1, OM2, OM4, OM7	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
R-02	Residents in residential developments along Tsing Sha Highway	VP10	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
R-03	Residents in residential developments along Promenade	VP03	High	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, CM8, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Slight
R-04	Residents in residential developments along Tai Po Road	VP01	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
R-05	Residents in residential developments along Sha Tin Road	VP07 VP08	High	High	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Slight
R-06	Residents in residential developments along Lion Rock Tunnel Road	VP06	High	High	Large	Intermediate	Substantial	Moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, CM8, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
I-01	Occupants in GIC north of Tai Po Road	VP01	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
I-02	Occupants in schools in Tai Wai	VP10	Medium	Medium	Negligible	Negligible	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
I-03	Occupants in GIC south of Tai Po Road	VP02 VP03	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, CM8, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Slight
I-04	Occupants in Hong Kong Bible Research and Education Centre	VP04 VP05	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM7, CM8, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Slight
I-05	Occupants in schools in Sha Tin	VP07	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
I-06	Occupants in SRACP Teen Guard Valley Crime Prevention Education Centre	VP07	Low	Low	Large	Large	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
I-07	Occupants in schools along Sha Tin Road	VP07	Medium	Medium	Large	Large	Substantial	Substantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
I-08	Occupants in GIC near To Shek Street	Nil	Low	Low	Small	Small	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-01	Recreational Users in Sha Tin Park and Promenade	VP02 VP03 VP04 VP11	High	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, CM8, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Slight
O-02	Recreational Users in Tung Lo Wan Playground	Nil	Low	Low	Small	Small	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Not required	Insubstantial	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
O-03	Recreational Users in Hong Kong Heritage Museum	VP02	Medium	Medium	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
O-04	Recreational Users in Tsang Tai Uk Recreation Ground	VP05	High	High	Intermediate	Intermediate	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
O-05	Hikers in Lion Rock Country Park	VP06	High	High	Small	Small	Moderate	Moderate	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, CM8, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7	Moderate	Slight	Insubstantial
T-01	Traveller along Shing Mun Tunnel Road	VP01	Medium	Medium	Large	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
T-02	Traveller along railway between Sha Tin Station and Tai Wai Station	VP01 VP10	Low	Low	Large	Small	Moderate	Insubstantial	CM1, CM3, CM4, CM5, CM6, CM7, CM8, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T-03	Traveller along Lion Rock Tunnel Road	VP05	Medium	Medium	Large	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial
T-04	Traveller along railway between Che Kung Temple Station and Sha Tin Wai Station	VP05 VP07	Low	Low	Large	Small	Moderate	Insubstantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, CM8, OM1, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM5, OM6, OM7	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T-05	Traveller along Che Kung Miu Road and Tai Chung Kiu Road	VP05	Low	Low	Large	Small	Moderate	Insubstantial	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Slight	Insubstantial	Insubstantial
T-06	Traveller along Sha Tin Road	VP08	Medium	Medium	Large	Small	Moderate	Slight	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, OM2, OM3, OM4, OM6, OM7	Slight	Slight	Slight
W-01	Workers in industrial developments in Tai Wai	VP10	Low	Low	Intermediate	Intermediate	Slight	Slight	CM1, CM4, CM5, CM7, CM8, OM1, OM3, OM4, OM7	Slight	Slight	Insubstantial