3.1      LANDSCAPE ASSESSMENT

3.1.1   The Study recommends four ways of assessing landscapes, i.e. on the basis of:

• landscape character;

• condition;

• sensitivity to change; and 

• value. 

3.1.2   A more thorough explanation of the assessment framework and process is provided in Chapter 5. The following gives an overview of the study findings with regard to landscape value.

3.2      LANDSCAPE VALUE

3.2.1   Given the intention of the Study, considerable attention has been paid to the assessment of landscape value. Landscape value is appraised on the basis of a number of attributes, including a landscape's visual coherence, complexity, rarity, relief and condition, key heritage/natural features and visual attractors / detractors. The evaluation allows us to determine which are the best and most attractive landscapes and which are not so good, so that we can avoid actions which may adversely affect attractive landscapes. There are four rankings of landscape value:

• High Value

• High (Qualified) Value

• Moderate Value

• Low Value

3.2.2   A definition and explanation of these value rankings, together with assessment criteria are provided in Appendix 2. The Landscape Value Map in Figure 3.1 illustrates the general distribution of landscape value in Hong Kong. 

3.3     HIGH VALUE LANDSCAPES - THE OUTSTANDING LANDSCAPES

3.3.1  About 83% of the total study area is considered to be of 'High' landscape value. 

High Value Landscape (Long Ke Wan, Sai Kung)

3.3.2   These landscapes comprise for the most part, Upland Countryside Landscapes found in the South East New Territories, North East New Territories, central New Territories, Lantau Island and central Hong Kong Island. 

3.4      HIGH (QUALIFIED) VALUE LANDSCAPES - THE BEST OF THE REST 

3.4.1   About 8% of the total study area is regarded as being of 'High (Qualified)' landscape value. 

High (Qualified) Value Landscape (Discovery Bay, Lantau Island)

3.4.2   Generally these landscapes consist of Lowland Countryside as well as Rural Fringe and some Urban Fringe landscapes found in the North West New Territories, northern and central New Territories, South East New Territories and Hong Kong Island.

3.5     MODERATE VALUE LANDSCAPES – THE ORDINARY LANDSCAPES 

3.5.1  About 8% of the total study area is considered to be of 'Moderate' landscape value. 

Moderate Value Landscape (Wong Tai Sin, Kowloon)

3.5.2  These landscapes are mostly Urban Fringe and Urban Landscapes, typically found in Kowloon and Hong Kong Island, and in new towns in the New Territories and on Lantau Island.

3.6      LOW VALUE LANDSCAPES – LANDSCAPES IN DISREPAIR 

3.6.1   About 1% of the total study area is considered to be of 'Low' landscape value. 

3.6.2   These landscapes are generally found in Urban Fringe or Rural Fringe Landscapes across Hong Kong and are usually associated with existing industrial developments, ongoing reclamations or large scale construction works.

Low Value Landscape (Anderson Road Quarry, Kowloon)