4.1 INTRODUCTION
4.1.1 The requirements that the appraisal methodology should meet, can be identified from four key sources:
4.1.2 More fully stated, these requirements are:
As defined by the Study Brief, the appraisal method should be orientated towards the objectives of the Study, namely the production of a SUSDEV21 Indicator;
As discussed in Section 2 above, the appraisal method should allow for a limited degree of quantification, consistent with the production of a SUSDEV21 indicator;
As discussed in Section 2 above, the appraisal method should assess the intrinsic value of landscape only;
As discussed in Section 2 above, the appraisal method should offer a broad based set of evaluation criteria based on both landscape character and on landscape features;
As discussed in Section 2 above, the appraisal method should tackle both visual and non-visual values of the landscape;
As discussed in Section 2 above, the appraisal method should be based upon a consensual approach to what is considered to be value, adapted by local judgements and public opinion where appropriate;
As discussed in Section 2 above, the appraisal method should tackle both visual and non-visual values of the landscape;
As discussed in Section 2 above, the appraisal method should be based upon a consensual approach to what is considered to be value, adapted by local judgements and public opinion where appropriate;
As suggested by the VMW, the appraisal method should be centred on a descriptive approach capable of identifying landscape change (in terms of character);
As suggested by the VMW, the appraisal method should also include a means of assessing comparative value between different landscape types;
As suggested by the VMW, the appraisal method should also include sensitivity as an useful extra dimension of evaluation;
As suggested by the VMW, the different means of appraisal above should not be aggregated;
In achieving the above objectives, draw upon the best elements of good practice identified in the Overseas Case Studies in Section 3 above.
4.1.3 What is therefore proposed is a composite of the various approaches listed in Table 2.1 in Section 2. The proposed appraisal method is built upon core consensual values identified in Section 2 and appraises LCTs against four criteria:
Character
Condition
Value
Sensitivity
4.1.4 Each of these appraisals can be used in the production of a separate product, either as part of this Study, or at a future date: e.g. some for the Indicator, some for landscape designation, etc. as shown in Figure 4.1.(1)
4.1.5 The following section of the report sets out a proposed methodology, which meets all the objectives set out above.
(1) After comment from Government, the viability of reflecting 'landscape value' in the Landscape Indicator will be explored as the Study progresses.
4.2 PROPOSED METHODOLOGY FOR LANDSCAPE APPRAISAL
Introduction
4.2.1 The proposed methodology for landscape appraisal is described below and assumes that areas of homogenous landscape character at a local level have been classified according to the methodology set out in Technical Report No.1. The level at which the appraisals are carried out (whether upon generic LCTs or upon specific LCAs) depends on what is being appraised, as described below. The following landscape appraisals are proposed:
Appraisal of Character
4.2.2 Appraise Character and Identify Characteristic Landscape Features (CLF) - INPUT TO INDICATOR
Appraisal of Condition
4.2.3 Appraise Landscape Condition - INPUT TO INDICATOR. POTENTIAL FUTURE USE IN LANDSCAPE MANAGEMENT STRATEGY AND VALUE DESIGNATIONS.
Appraisal of Sensitivity
4.2.4 Appraise Sensitivity to Development - INPUT TO INDICATOR. POTENTIAL FUTURE USE IN DEVELOPMENT CAPACITY STUDIES.
Appraisal of Value
4.2.5 The following stages in the value appraisal process are based on those suggested by the UK Countryside Agency (1993) - POTENTIAL FUTURE USE IN VALUE DESIGNATIONS
Appraise Landscape Condition (strength of Sense of Place) (as above);
Appraise Scenic Characteristics;
Identify key Natural Resources with visual landscape manifestation / Ecological Associations;
Identify key Heritage Resources / Cultural Associations with visual landscape manifestation.
4.2.6 This appraisal methodology is described in further detail below:
Appraisal of Landscape Character
Stage 1 - Describe Landscape Character of LCT
4.2.7 Objective - The objective of this stage is to identify, in as objective a manner as possible the key pattern of features which provides the very essence of landscape character.
4.2.8 Method and Appraisal Criteria - Description of landscape character is in fact really a part of the Landscape Classification process. However, the way in which it is carried out will have a bearing on landscape appraisal. Guidance set out by the UK Countryside Agency should be followed in this regard. They state that "The aim should be to describe the overall character of the landscape with reference to geology, landform, land cover, land use, settlement and enclosure and to draw out the way that these factors interact together and are perceived...Care must be avoided in selecting descriptive words. Subjective value judgements should be avoided. So, words like bland, beautiful, attractive, degraded and ordinary, should be avoided..." (Countryside Agency, 1999, p.60).
4.2.9 Inputs - Description of landscape character is a process carried out by skilled professional Landscape Architectsstaff, ratified if required, by consultees.
4.2.10 Level of Appraisal - The description of landscape character is carried out at the level of the LCT, that is, one description will cover all areas of that generic LCT.
Stage 2 - Identify Characteristic Landscape Features (CLF)(1)
4.2.11 Objective - The objective of this stage of the appraisal is to produce a simple coherent list of Characteristic Landscape Features (CLF) for each LCT. These features are considered significant because they make up the very essence of the landscape character or contribute positively to landscape character. Note that a feature that is a CLF in one LCT (e.g. fishpond) may not be a CLF in another LCT if it is not typical or essential to the basic pattern of features which gives that LCT its character. CLFs will become part of the basis for SUSDEV21 Landscape Indicators.
4.2.12 Method and Appraisal Criteria - This stage of the appraisal uses the descriptions of the key landscape pattern and scenic character, to define a list of CLF for each LCT, i.e. the key features which go to make up that character. Their number should be defined to the fewest necessary to define the essential characteristics of the CLF. The UK Countryside Agency elaborates on the method for identifying lists of key landscape features:
4.2.13 "Landscape descriptions should be accompanied by a separate list which summarise the key characteristics of each landscape character type and/or area. Key characteristics are those combinations of elements which are particularly important in giving an area its distinctive sense of place. If they were to change or be lost there would be significant consequences for the current character of the landscapeˇKKey characteristics should therefore be the prime targets for monitoring change and for identifying landscape indicators...They must be identified and described carefully as they are likely to become a major reference point in making decisions about the future of the landscape. The smaller the scale and the greater the level of detail in the appraisal, the more detailed and specific the key characteristics are likely to be" (Countryside Agency, 1999, p.61-62).
4.2.14 Therefore key characteristics of the southern part of the Sha Tau Kok Valley, a relatively well-preserved lowland landscape, might be said to include:
flat, lowland landform with occasional undulations.
active agricultural fields;
occasional blocks of secondary woodland and fung shui woodland;
small, scattered, but strongly nucleated villages;
numerous historic buildings, esp ancestral hall and historic dwellings;
narrow, winding rural roads
narrow streams winding across the lowlands.
4.2.15 Inputs - This stage of the appraisal is essentially a task carried out by skilled landscape professional Landscape Architectss. It will be appropriate to seek validation from consultees on the appropriateness of the CLF defined and to seek validation or information on other elements that might constitute CLF.
4.2.16 Level of Appraisal - The description of CLFs is carried out at the level of the generic LCT, that is, one set of CLFs will cover all occurring examples of that particular LCT.
Appraisal of Landscape Condition
4.2.17 Objective - The aim of this stage of the appraisal is to identify in an objective manner the condition or strength of the sense of place of the landscape. This can be taken forward at a later date for use in landscape strategies as part of future work.
4.2.18 Method and Appraisal Criteria - This part of the appraisal is an extension of the Appraisal of Character and involves a description of the intactness or completeness of the pattern of CLFs. As the Countryside Agency states, landscape condition "is based upon judgements about the extent to which the distinctive character of a particular LCT is visible in a specific area and about the physical state of repair of the landscape or its ecological integrity" (Countryside Agency, 1999, p.80). Landscape Condition can be assessed as Poor, Moderate or Good, depending on the intactness of the fundamental landscape patterns.
4.2.19 As an example, the condition of the southern side of the Sha Tau Kok Valley might be said to be 'good' with an almost intact pattern of isolated villages, agricultural land and blocks of woodland. By contrast, the landscape of the area around Ping Che (a landscape of a similar kind) might be said to be 'moderate' or 'poor' , as the same pattern is interrupted by incongruous features such as storage yards, vehicle parks, abandoned agricultural fields and highways development.
4.2.20 Inputs - This stage of the appraisal is carried out by skilled professional sLandscape Architects, ratified if required, by consultees.
4.2.21 Level of Appraisal - The appraisal of condition is carried out for each Landscape Character Unit (LCA).
Appraisal of Landscape Sensitivity(2)
4.2.22 Objective - The objective of this stage of the appraisal is to identify for each LCT a list of development types to which that landscape is sensitive. These will become part of the basis of the SUSDEV21 Landscape Indicator.
4.2.23 Method and Appraisal Criteria - Landscape sensitivity might be defined as "the degree to which a particular landscape character type or area can accommodate change without detrimental effects on character". Sensitivity is not absolute but is likely to vary according to the type of change being considered.
4.2.24 Landscape sensitivity is related to landscape character and not necessarily to landscape value. As the Countryside Agency states, "Sensitivity...must be judged separately from quality and/or value because they are quite different." (Countryside Agency, 1999, p.82). Therefore a given landscape might be considered to be of high value, but be able to accommodate development or change of certain types without compromise to its character. Appraisals of landscape sensitivity and landscape value are therefore totally separate issues.
4.2.25 Landscapes which are less sensitive to change include landscapes with considerable landform diversity, significant areas of vegetation and variety of land use which have the effect of absorbing development. In contrast with this, - landscapes which are open, low-lying and which have limited visual pattern or texture might be said to be highly sensitive.
4.2.26 For each LCT, typical development types and heights should be defined. From this, an appraisal of sensitivity to future development should be made. This is a broad statement of principal whether development of different kinds can be incorporated into the LCT without changing its essential landscape character. Examples of typical development might be "Low-rise Residential Housing", "Medium-rise Residential Housing", "High-rise Residential Housing", "Container Storage", "Dual Carriageways", "Industrial Development", "Port Development", "Reclamation". The sensitivity to each type of development should be identified in matrix format as "Sensitive" or "Not Sensitive".
4.2.27 The test in applying sensitivity should be "Would inclusion of a feature of this kind in this landscape represent a feature of a totally new kind, scale or character?" In making this appraisal the basis on which the various landscape types are defined should be born in mind, so that it is possible to produce a list of types of development to which a given LCT will be sensitive. Those features to which a LCT would be sensitive would be termed "Uncharacteristic Development". A simple yes/no answer is suggested as being the most practicable way of dealing with this issues and also because it will allow the concept of "Uncharacteristic Development" to be integrated into the Landscape Indicator.
4.2.28 Inputs - This stage of the appraisal is a skilled task carried out by landscape professionals Landscape Architects, ratified if required, by consultees.
4.2.29 Level of Appraisal - The appraisal of sensitivity to development is carried out at the level of the generic LCT, that is, one description will cover all occurring examples (i.e. LCAs) of that LCT.
Appraisal of Value
Stage 1 - Appraise Value as Natural Resource
4.2.30 Objective - The objective of this stage of the appraisal is to identify any natural resources or ecological areas/features, which make a special contribution to landscape and by which the landscape may therefore gain value. In this sense, the word 'natural' does not refer to any pristine or un-altered quality, but rather to the fact that the feature is an example of a part of 'natural history'. Therefore, highly adapted natural features, such as agricultural fields or fish ponds would still qualify as 'natural resources'.
4.2.31 Method and Appraisal Criteria - Such associations should fulfil two key criteria, namely:
They should have a visual manifestation; and
They should be of recognised natural resource or ecological value or interest:
4.2.32 The visual manifestation of natural resource associations may be intermittent. For example, macaque monkeys are associated with the landscape around Shing Mun, although they are rarely seen. Equally the visual manifestation may be indirect. Therefore the habitat of a rare and rarely seen deer species which has a significant visual effect on predominant vegetation would have an indirect visual manifestation.
4.2.33 Such associations will be of sufficient value if they are recognised under the following criteria:
Are recognised by international convention, as in the case of RAMSAR sites; or
are designated SSSIs (in OZPs), Natural Areas or Marine Reserves; or
are recognised in local academic, technical or popular publications on the subject as being of value or interest.
4.2.34 Value will be assessed as "High, Medium or Low". Appraisal will take the form of a record of the feature concerned and supporting evidence of its value.
4.2.35 Inputs - This appraisal is predominantly a technical exercise of identifying areas already acknowledged as being of value and is carried out by skilled professional Landscape Architectsstaff.
4.2.36 Level of Appraisal - The appraisal of natural resource / ecological associations is carried out for each LCA.
Stage 2 - Appraise Value as Locale
4.2.37 Objective - The objective of this stage of the appraisal is to appraise the strength of sense of place of any LCA.
4.2.38 Method and Appraisal Criteria - For the purposes of appraisal, two sets of attributes are recorded:
the integrity or intactness of the basic pattern of landscape features which characterise an LCULCA, referred to above, as 'landscape condition' is taken as the index of strength of sense of place (measured as 'Poor, Moderate or Good').
Any features that are unique or distinctive and which add to the sense of place or distinctiveness of an area;
4.2.39 Value will be assessed as 'High, Medium or Low'.
4.2.40 Inputs - It is appropriate for these judgements to be made by landscape architects, ratified by public consultees.
4.2.41 Level of Appraisal - The appraisal of value as locale is carried out for each LCA.
Stage 3 - Appraise Value As Heritage
4.2.42 Objective - The objective of this stage of the appraisal is to identify any heritage resources or cultural areas/features which make a special contribution to landscape and by which the landscape may therefore gain value.(3)
4.2.43 Method and Appraisal Criteria - Such associations may include:
Physical features of historical value;
Physical features associated with a particular event or person;
Physical features of spiritual or religious interest (including fung shui association);
Association with a famous person or important event;
Folklore or myth associated with a particular place;
Music associated with a particular place;
Poetry or literature associated with a particular place.
4.2.44 Such associations should fulfil two key criteria, namely:
They should have a visual manifestation (except in the case of folklore, mythic, literary, associations they should attach to a visible feature);
They should be of existing recognised value or interest.
4.2.45 Such associations will be of sufficient value or interest if they are recognised under the following criteria:
are designated by the HKSAR Government as declared monuments or historical buildings (Grade 1);
are recognised as being of fung shui interest;
are recognised by published sources as being of cultural interest;
4.2.46 Value will be assessed as 'High, Medium or Low'. Appraisal will take the form of a record of the feature concerned and supporting evidence of its value.
4.2.47 Inputs - This appraisal is predominantly a technical exercise of identifying areas already acknowledged as being of value and is carried out by skilled professional Landscape Architects.
4.2.48 Level of Appraisal - The appraisal of natural resource / ecological associations is carried out for each LCA.
Stage 4 - Appraise Value as Scenic Resource
4.2.49 Objective - The objective of this stage of the appraisal is to describe the formal aesthetic or scenic characteristics of the landscape.
4.2.50 Method and Appraisal Criteria - The following scenic resource criteria are proposed to be assessed:
Visual relief (High/Medium/Low)
Presence of Water (High/Medium/Low)
Visual Complexity (High/Medium/Low)
Visual Coherence (High/Medium/Low)
Key view within LCULCA
Key views to other LCULCA
Key visual barriers
Key visual features (positive)
Visual detractors (negative)
4.2.51 Value will be assessed as 'High, Medium or Low'.
4.2.52 Inputs - It is appropriate for these judgements to be made by landscape architects, who are trained in aesthetics, ratified by public consultees.
4.2.53 Level of Appraisal - The appraisal of value as visual resource is carried out for each LCA.
4.2.54 An example of a landscape with high landscape value might be the landscape of the southern areas of Lamma Island, where the landscape has high levels of natural resource value in its flora (recognised as a SSSI); where there are features of landscape heritage importance (e.g. temples and standing stones); where the intact and coherent combination of indented island morphology, dramatic upland topography and undeveloped coastal uplands provides a distinct sense of place and where the landscape has high levels of visual coherence, complexity and where there are almost no visual detractors.
Products of Appraisal Stage
4.2.55 Table 4.1 summarises the methods of appraisal, criteria, level of appraisal and expression of measurement.
4.2.56 The products of the appraisals of CLFs, Condition and Sensitivity will go to produce the SUSDEV21 Landscape Indicator. This is described in greater detail in the next Section of the Report.
4.2.57 All appraisals will be set out as transparently as possible. No attempt will be made to aggregate these values in any way, as this is not an objective of the Study. Therefore, there will be no overall appraisal or evaluation of LCAs or LCTs. However, if at a later date, Planning Department wishes to designate areas of high landscape value, sufficient information will be available for this to be achieved.
4.2.58 Similarly, the appraisals of condition, sensitivity and character could be used in future studies to prepare landscape management strategies, development capacity statements and design guidelines respectively.
(1) After comment from Government,
the definition and orientation of CLFs and their role as a component of the Landscape
Indicator will be critically reviewed as the Study progresses.
(2) After comment from Government, the
method of appraising sensitivity and the use of Uncharacteristic Development as a
component of the Landscape Indicator will be citically reviewed as the Study progresses.
(3) Following comment from Government,
the method of assessing value in terms of landscape heritage will be subject to critical
review as the Study progresses.
