2.1 INTRODUCTION
2.1.1 This section of the report briefly sets out the final landscape classification and evaluation methodologies used during Pilot and Field Survey. The basic methodologies and conceptual underpinnings are more fully set out in TR1 and TR2.
2.1.2 Para 6.10(3) of the Study Brief requires the Consultants to "refine and revise the landscape evaluative criteria....".
2.1.3 In accordance with this requirement, as the Pilot Survey and the Field Survey progressed, a comprehensive review of the appropriateness of the classification system developed in TR1 was carried out as part of the Pilot Survey and Field Survey. This Chapter describes the final landscape classification and evaluation framework used during the Field Survey.
2.2 FINAL CLASSIFICATION METHODOLOGY
INTRODUCTION
2.2.1 Classification, or the division of landscape into units of consistent character can in theory be carried out at almost any scale. The objective in developing the classification methodology has been to define LCAs/LCTs at a scale which would produce approximately 900 LCAs across the whole of Hong Kong, in line with the general requirements of the Study Brief.
2.2.2 In defining the final list of LCTs, the key factors influencing classification were as shown in Table 2.1
Table 2.1 Primary Factor Influencing Landscape Classification at District Level
Type of LCT Primary
Primary Factor Influencing Classification
Urban LCTs Urban Morphological /Land Use Characteristics Urban Fringe LCTs Land Use Characteristics Rural Fringe LCTs Land Use Characteristics and Topographic Characteristics Countryside LCTs Topographic Characteristics Coastal LCTs Topographic Characteristics and Congruity with Sea Marine LCTs Presence of Sea and Typical Features FINAL LIST OF LCTs USED DURING FIELD SURVEY
2.2.3 The final list of 41 District-level LCTs is presented below with a brief description of their characteristics.
Upland Countryside Types
2.2.4 Peak Landscape (LCT#1) - these landscapes comprise the highest upland and peaks in Hong Kong. They are remote, rugged and exposed upland landscapes, above circa 300mPD, characterised by rocky precipitous crags, peaks and ridges. Predominantly grass or scrub-covered, they contain small areas of scrub and woodland developing in sheltered ravines and valleys and elsewhere, boulder fields or badlands, e.g. Lantau Peak.
2.2.5 Upland and Hillside Landscape (LCT#2) - These are upland and hillside landscapes occurring below 300mPD. They are generally covered in scrub or woodland and because of their elevated locations, they still have a rugged character, with rocky outcrops and boulder fields and may be fissured by gullies and ravines (where woodland is concentrated). These landscapes are generally large in scale and often remote, e.g. foothills of Tai Mo Shan.
2.2.6 Coastal Upland and Hillside Landscape (LCT#24) - These are upland and hillside landscapes occurring below 300mPD which abut (wholly or in part) the sea. They are generally covered in grass or scrub with woodland on the lowest slopes or in gullies and ravines where more shelter is available. These landscapes are generally large in scale and often remote. At the base of such hills, hillsides become more rocky and give way to rocky coasts (often interspersed with sandy bays) or cliffs. Because of their elevated coastal location, they still have a particularly exposed character, e.g. hills of the west Lantau coast.
2.2.7 Upland Plateau Landscape (LCT#26) - These are upland landscapes above 300mPD characterised by limited relief, which form elevated plateaux. Such landscapes are usually characterised by undulations and hillocks within the overall flatter areas and are often more sheltered locations where woodland can establish. Because such areas are more easily cultivated, they have often been settled in the past. Such landscapes are usually characterised by a high sense of enclosure and a certain remoteness, e.g. Ngong Ping (Lantau Island), Sha Lo Tung (Tai Po).
2.2.8 Unsettled Valley Landscape (LCT#3) – These landscapes are defined by their topography and are generally small-scale, intimate landscapes. They are characterised by their generally steep hillsides, strong sense of enclosure, remoteness, coherent natural qualities, the rocky streams which tumble down them, but particularly by their woodland vegetation. So steep are landforms and so dense is the coverage of vegetation that there is generally little discernible valley floor, e.g. Sze Pak Wan Valley (Lantau Island).
2.2.9 Settled Valley Landscape (LCT#4) - These are the landscapes of lower parts of valleys which have been settled at some stage in the past and are defined generally by a system of active or abandoned agricultural fields together with a village or by the presence of a road or major engineering structure. They have a strong sense of enclosure, and usually a sense of tranquility. Such landscapes have generally gone through a transition over time, from largely arable landscapes, characterised by enclosing hillsides with villages, ponds, fung shui woods and fields on the valley floor. In the sixties and seventies, fields were typically abandoned and other uses tended to take over, such as the spread of village housing, open storage, nurseries, etc. Such landscapes can still be found in all stages of this progression and their condition and characteristics depend much upon which stage they are at, e.g. Tung Chung Valley.
Lowland Countryside Types
2.2.10 Rural Inland Plain Landscape (LCT#5) - These are flat and expansive lowland landscapes, lying below 40mPD. Plains are often studded with low hills and wooded knolls and contain fields and scattered groups of trees and villages (at the bases of hills). Farmland is increasingly degraded with the influence of incoherent uses such as storage yards, breaking yards, etc, e.g. Lok Ma Chau.
2.2.11 Rural Coastal Plain Landscape (LCT#6) - These are flat lowland and expansive landscapes, lying below 40mPD. Their character is defined to a large extent by their proximity to the sea. Villages, knolls and blocks of woodland are scattered across the coastal plain, often with active or disused fishponds. Former agricultural use has often given way to an incoherent mixture of uses such as storage yards, parking, golf driving ranges, and housing development, resulting in an increasingly diverse and incoherent landscape, e.g. North West New Territories.
Urban Landscape Types
2.2.12 Medium/high-rise Commercial Urban Landscape (LCT#7) - Located on low-lying and reclaimed urban land, these are prestige commercial and retail landscapes. Characterised by narrow and medium-width streets, medium and high-rise commercial and retail uses, malls with offices above, modern, prestige architecture and limited street tree planting, these are large scale, active and tightly enclosed landscapes, e.g. Central, Tsim Sha Tsui.
2.2.13 Mixed Modern Comprehensive Urban Development Landscape (LCT#8) - these are areas of urban landscape characterised by their mixture of land uses, relatively low density, mixed scales of development, intermittent open spaces and often incoherent urban structure. Very common throughout Hong Kong, these landscapes typically include schools, G/IC facilities, highways infrastructure, retails outlets and scattered housing. Vegetation includes street trees, natural hillsides and occasional parks, e.g. central parts of Ma On Shan and Tin Shui Wai new town.
2.2.14 Residential Urban Landscape (LCT#9) - these are urban landscapes which are wholly or overwhelmingly given over to residential land use. They include medium and high-rise housing estates, on flat or terraced land, forming a single landscape, set amongst a limited amount of open space, together with associated school or community facilities, e.g. Sau Mau Ping (Kwun Tong).
2.2.15 Organic Mixed Urban Landscape (LCT#10) - These are high-density tightly enclosed landscapes of the older areas of Hong Kong and Kowloon. Found on original reclamations or on lower hillsides, they are characterised by their diverse mixture of uses (residential/retail/commercial) by their high buildings densities, older building stock, organic (non-orthogonal) street blocks, often winding streets, occasional historic buildings and limited street tree planting and pocket parks, e.g. SOHO area, Queens Road East.
2.2.16 City Grid Mixed Urban Development Landscape (LCT#11) - These are some of the most common urban landscapes in Hong Kong and Kowloon and consist of a mixture of uses (usually retail at ground floor) with high/medium rise commercial or residential development above. What characterises these landscapes is their mixture of uses, high densities, mixed building style and age, wide streets, orthogonal street block, moderate street tree planting and occasional open spaces, e.g. Wanchai, Sham Shui Po.
2.2.17 Late 20C/Early 21C Commercial/Residential Complex Landscape (LCT#12) - These are some of the most recent urban landscapes in Hong Kong and consist of developments with a large podium often containing retail uses, parking or PTI, with commercial or residential towers above. They are characterised by their new building stock, massive and somewhat homogenous podium structures, wide streets, and footbridges connecting developments, e.g. Taikoo Shing, Whampoa Garden.
2.2.18 Park Urban Landscape (LCT#13) - These landscapes comprise major parks, which are large enough to form their own landscape units. Often former military sites, these are extensive areas of recently constructed green space found in the centres of the urban areas or in New Towns. Although they may have active sports facilities within them, they also include a substantial amount of passive public open space. Generally, vegetation ranges from young to mature, e.g. Hong Kong Park.
2.2.19 Industrial Urban Landscape (LCT#14) - These are landscapes defined by their industrial uses. They include areas of tall industrial buildings constructed side by side in very dense arrangements with any occasional open areas often used for vehicle parking or as garages. Streets are almost residual spaces, with little or no vegetation. On the peripheries, there are often areas of vacant land. They also include industrial estates: extensive areas of large low-rise scattered buildings with wide roads, which are often tree lined, usually found on the edges of New Towns. They also include docklands and dockside container storage and handling areas, e.g. Kwun Tong, Kwai Chung.
2.2.20 Civic Urban Waterfront Landscape (LCT#15) - These are waterfront public and civic, commercial and residential landscapes characterised principally by their proximity to the sea, but also by flat topography, large low-rise civic buildings or ferry terminals, commercial buildings with extensive, predominantly hard landscaped areas between them. The presence of a public or semi-public waterfront is the defining characteristic of these landscapes. Marinas and typhoon shelters are also typical of this landscape type, e.g. Central Waterfront.
2.2.21 'Hui' Urban Landscape (LCT#31) - These are urban landscapes found in New Towns which formed the centre of small towns before the new towns were developed around them ('known as 'hui'). They typically comprise a limited area of narrow streets on a more or less orthogonal grid. Buildings are generally medium rise and comprise slightly older building stock. They consist of a mixture of uses at ground floor level often with residential properties above. Such landscapes have a functional and unadorned character with a mixture of uses, intimate scale, narrow streets, orthogonal street block, and older building stock, e.g. original cores of Fanling, Sheung Shui, Tai Po.
2.2.22 Rural Township Landscape (LCT#32) - These are small scale townscapes, more developed than villages but less so than urban areas. Found within rural areas remote from the urban areas of Hong Kong, they are typically former coastal villages which have developed a small central core of low or medium-rise buildings, often on a fairly orthogonal grid. These buildings are often a mixture of uses, including market, residential and retail. Buildings from the former village are typically scattered within or around this more intensively developed core. Associated with this central core are often social facilities and spaces such as sports centre, park, or waterfront promenade. In character, such townships are small-scale, intimate with a vibrant street-life. Partly because of their rural locations and small scale charm, such townships are often significant tourist centres, e.g. Mui Wo, Stanley, Sai Kung Town, Peng Chau.
2.2.23 Low-rise Residential Urban Landscape (LCT#37) - This landscape comprises an area of flat and undulating land. The area was laid out in the early part of the 20th Century for what is predominantly low-rise housing with some institutional uses. The landscape is characterised by low-moderate building densities, an older building stock, and a reasonably regular street block layout set within medium-width streets. This results in a reasonably high spatial diversity throughout the LCA. Some older properties are detached and are situated in their own grounds, surrounded by perimeter walls, while others are grouped as separate developments. Vegetation consists of limited amounts of street-tree planting and amenity planting within roadside amenity areas and public open spaces. Generally, the character of the landscape is suburban, reasonably tranquil, varied and relatively coherent, e.g. Kowloon Tong.
Urban Fringe Landscape Types
2.2.24 Residential Urban Fringe Landscape (LCT#16) - These are low-density residential landscapes located on the periphery of urban areas in vegetated or wooded settings. Often in prestigious areas, these landscapes may comprise small-scale houses, mature street tree planting, set in extensive areas of mature woodland vegetation - e.g. Shouson Hill, outskirts of Stanley, Jardine’s Lookout, Chung Hom Kok, Mount Kellett. Alternatively, they may include residential landscapes characterised by intermittent tall residential towers on steep hillsides, with winding roads, interspersed by wooded hillsides, e.g. Robinson Road, Conduit Road, Pokfulam.
2.2.25 Comprehensive Residential Development Landscape (LCT#35) - These are generally low-rise residential landscapes located in predominantly rural areas. They are characterised by their comprehensive planning, high sense of self-containment and highly structured landscape character. Such landscapes contain often prestigious residential development set amidst landscape areas and centralised community facilities. They are characterised by a high degree of coherence and are often developed by a single developer (sometimes in phases), e.g. Discovery Bay (Lantau Island), Fairview Park (Yuen Long), Redhill Peninsula (Tai Tam), etc.
2.2.26 Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscapes (LCT#17) - These are landscapes found on the periphery of the major urban areas. They are a residual landscape type comprising roads, highways structures, slope works, vegetated hillsides (often stabilised), scattered residential development, open space, GIC, construction work, cemeteries, prisons, barracks, etc. These are low-density landscapes which are characterised by their low density, relatively significant amounts of vegetation, and relatively incoherent structure, e.g. Lei Yue Mun Road in Kowloon.
2.2.27 Transportation Corridor Landscape (LCT#25) - These are linear landscapes associated with major highways, which attain a certain critical width, often through being associated with other transportation routes, such as railways. They comprise roads, railways, elevated structures, noise barriers signage, gantries, clover leafs, traffic islands, toll plazas, intermediate strips of landscape as well as associated miscellaneous roadside land uses, resulting in linear diverse and somewhat incoherent landscapes, e.g. Tolo Highway, North Lantau Expressway.
2.2.28 Reclamation/Ongoing Major Development Landscape (LCT#21) - These are landscapes which are currently awaiting or are undergoing large scale re-construction or development. They are characterised by major earthworks, partially completed structures, lack of vegetation and dominance of human features such as cranes and earth moving machinery. In Hong Kong, landscapes on this scale are generally reclaimed from the sea and so are often characterised by their proximity to the coast. Such landscapes usually have an incoherent desolate and transient character, e.g. West Kowloon, Pak Shek Kok (Shatin).
2.2.29 Quarry / Landfill Landscape (LCT#28) - These are large scale, highly disturbed landscapes, generally located just beyond the periphery of the urban area. Although serving different purposes, both landfills and quarries in Hong Kong are largely similar in terms of their impact on the landscape, components and overall character. Frequently located in upland areas, these landscapes are characterised by their significant excavation and extensive earthworks, highly disturbed landscape features and presence of plant and numerous vehicle movements. The may also include areas which are undergoing restoration, but which have not yet fully re-integrated into the surrounding landscape. In character, these landscapes are highly disturbed and degraded, e.g. Anderson Road Quarry (Kowloon East), NENT Landfill.
2.2.30 Institutional Landscape (LCT#29) - These are landscapes consisting of institutional complexes such universities, youth camps, prisons, or military camps. Though covering a variety of land uses, the combinations of components and their distribution is very similar. They are generally found at the urban fringe or beyond and comprise extensive complexes of buildings (usually low or medium rise) or structures separated by areas used for circulation or landscape purposes. There is usually a high cover of semi-formal landscape and vegetation. In character, they are extensive, reasonably open and semi-formal, e.g. the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Stanley Prison.
2.2.31 Airport Landscape (LCT#33) - These are flat, open and expansive landscapes comprising extensive areas of runway, taxiways and grass verge with significant terminal complexes and outbuildings. Other than grass, vegetation is limited to access roads and areas around buildings. As they require extensive areas of land, they are located at the urban fringe, e.g. Chek Lap Kok, Shek Kong.
2.2.32 Theme Park Landscape (LCT#34) - These are extensive recreational landscapes located generally on the urban fringe. They comprise an often wide variety of features, usually in a landscaped setting. They are generally large scale, complex landscapes consisting of a variety of structures and forms. Often associated with them are extensive circulation routes, transport interchanges and extensive areas of car parking, e.g. Ocean Park.
2.2.33 Cemetery Landscape (LCT#36) - Extensive landscapes in their own right, these landscapes generally lie on the edge of conurbations and are defined by their hillside locations overlooking the sea. These hillsides have generally been significantly terraced and these terraces are lined with graves / columbaria. Associated with these landscapes are ancillary features such as roads, funerary buildings and car parking, e.g. Pokfulam, Chai Wan.
Rural Fringe Landscape Types
2.2.34 Urban Peripheral Village Landscape (LCT#18) - These are the relic landscapes of former villages which are now located at the edges of new towns or new urban areas. They consists of grouped village houses, which may include historic buildings as well as newer village house dwellings and other buildings such as temples, separated by narrow footpaths or lanes. Villages typically include open spaces, sitting areas, car parks and scattered (fruit) trees and occasionally agricultural fields and are generally located at the foot of hills which form a vegetated backdrop to the village. Although located at the edges of urban areas, these form distinctive landscapes in their own right, e.g. Tai Po Tau (Tai Po); Pak Tin (Kwai Chung); Ha Wo Che (Shatin) and Wong Lung Hang Tsuen (Aberdeen).
2.2.35 Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape (LCT#19) - These are areas of landscape just beyond the urban fringe. These would previously have been natural or agrarian landscapes, with woodland and scattered villages, but have increasingly given way to sporadic incoherent development, including village housing, container storage, quarries, golf course, landfill, and reservoirs. In character, they are generally somewhat fragmented and incoherent, e.g. areas along the Sha Tau Kok Road.
2.2.36 Golf Course Landscape (LCT#27) - These are landscapes found on the urban or rural fringe which comprise extensive areas of managed grassland for the purposes of golf. Generally found in undulating areas, these landscapes vary between open almost treeless landscapes with extensive views, to mature woodland settings where views are contained. Their character is generally tranquil, informal but ordered. (Since driving ranges are much smaller and have a much more artificial and formal character than golf courses, they are not included in this LCT), e.g. Shek O Golf Course, Fanling Golf Course.
2.2.37 Reservoir Landscape (LCT#30) - These are large scale valley landscapes which have been flooded to form reservoirs. Usually in otherwise natural valleys these landscapes are associated with dams (often huge structures), pumping station buildings and access roads. Such landscapes may comprise two or more smaller reservoirs which form the dominant characteristic of a valley. Such landscapes are generally large scale but enclosed and tranquil, e.g. High Island Reservoir, Aberdeen Reservoirs, Shing Mun Reservoir.
Coastal WaterLandscape Types
2.2.38 Island Landscape (LCT#20) - These are island landscapes (at least, too small to be broken down into other component parts, which comprise both small rocky islands and surrounding areas of sea. Such islands are generally steep-sided rocky outcrops with grass and limited scrub vegetation. In these maritime landscapes the sea is as important as the land and in combination, they often produce a visually dramatic and isolated landscape character, e.g. Green Island.
2.2.39 Inter-tidal Coast Landscape (LCT#22) - These are low-lying and expansive coastal landscapes, occurring between low and high tide. They consist of a mosaic of salt marsh, mangrove, mud flat and gei wei. Generally, these are rather simple, remote, tranquil and expansive landscapes, characterised by the interlock of sea, land and sky, e.g. Deep Bay coast (NWNT).
2.2.40 Offshore Water Landscape (LCT#23) - These are areas of offshore water which are defined by land on one side but with open sea on the other side, creating a distinct sense of expansiveness and exposure. These landscapes consist predominantly of water, but may also include small, isolated islands (less than 500m wide), vessels, fish farms and marine activities of all kinds, including anchorages, commercial shipping lanes, ferry traffic and waterborne recreational activity. It is the combination of their exposure, marine activities and any small islands which give these landscapes their character, e.g. East Hong Kong Offshore Waters, South Hong Kong Offshore Waters, etc
2.2.41 Bay Landscape (LCT 38) – These are areas of inshore water enclosed by landform on three sides creating a distinct sense of enclosure on three sides and interlock of land and sea. They are characterised by shorelines that are parallel at at least one point, a minimum length of 1500m and a minimum width of 500m. These landscapes consist predominantly of water, but may also include small, isolated islands (less than 500m wide), vessels, fish farms and marine activities of all kinds, including anchorages, commercial shipping lanes, ferry traffic and waterborne recreational activity. It is the combination of their enclosure, the character of the shoreline, marine activities and any small islands which give these landscapes their character, e.g. Cheung Sha (Lantau Island), Tai Long Wan (Sai Kung), etc
2.2.42 Strait Landscape (LCT 39) – These are areas of inshore water enclosed by landform on two sides creating a sense of enclosure on two sides. They are characterised by shorelines that are more or less parallel with a distinct sense of enclosure on two sides. These landscapes consist predominantly of water, but may also include small, isolated islands (less than 500m wide), vessels, fish farms and marine activities of all kinds, including anchorages, commercial shipping lanes, ferry traffic and waterborne recreational activity. It is the combination of their enclosure, the character of the shoreline, and marine activities which give these landscapes their character, e.g. Inner Victoria Harbour, Tolo Channel, etc
2.2.43 Inshore Water Landscape (LCT 40) - These are areas of water enclosed to a certain degree by land (landmass or islands) creating a limited sense of enclosure. These landscapes consist predominantly of water, but may also include small, isolated islands (less than 500m wide), vessels, fish farms and marine activities of all kinds, including anchorages, commercial shipping lanes, ferry traffic and waterborne recreational activity. It is the combination of their enclosure, adjoining landforms, marine activities and any small islands which give these landscapes their character, e.g. Port Shelter and Ninepin Islands Inshore Waters, etc.
2.2.44 Typhoon Shelter Landscape (LCT41) – These are inshore aquatic landscapes defined by the presence of a breakwater used to protect moored vessels. They are given a significant sense of enclosure by their surrounding armourstone breakwaters. Though they consist primarily of water, they also contain other significant features such as breakwaters, jetties and pontoons as well as moored boats (sampans, fishing vessels, leisure vessels, etc.) giving them a feeling of being a transitional landscape between land and sea (e.g. Yau Ma Tei Typhoon Shelter, Causeway Bay Typhoon Shelter).
2.3 THE CLASSIFICATION PROCESS - GENERAL CLASSIFICATION GUIDELINES
INTRODUCTION
2.3.1 This section of the report identifies broadly how different areas of landscape were classified into LCTs and LCAs.
Boundary Definition Generally
2.3.2 The requirement to divide the landscape of Hong Kong into coherent character units presents the difficulty that landscape character generally changes gradually between two areas in a way to which a line drawn on a map cannot do justice. The UK Countryside Agency (1999, pp. 56-57) states that:
2.3.3 "In reality of course, the landscape is a continuum and character does not, in general, change abruptly…While landscape character may be clearly defined and distinctive in the centre of a landscape type or area, there may be transitions at the edges…and in these cases, drawing a firm line on the ground may suggest a much more obvious change than is really apparent on the ground…[In] more detailed assessments, it is usually better to incorporate a statement in maps and reports to indicate the status and meaning of boundary lines and their limitations."
2.3.4 Just how to represent adequately change in landscape character on the ground and how to define boundaries has been addressed by The UK Countryside Commission (1993, p.23). They state that:
2.3.5 "In areas of high relief, divisions are most easily based on landform units such as edges, plateaux and valleys, with marked changes in slope such as ridge-lines forming the boundaries between character areas…However in more gentle lowland landscapes other characteristics such as land-cover and field patterns may come into play. Ideally elements of both approaches should be included".
2.3.6 The Countryside Commission (1993) also recommends that when defining areas of landscape (for designation) that one should identify "boundaries that follow clearly definable features on the ground".
2.3.7 This is the approach adopted in identifying boundaries in the current Study. In principle, all boundaries follow visible fixed features on the ground. These include, roads, footpaths, tracks, rivers, streams, fences, building lines, cut slopes. In defining boundaries, it was deemed more important to find an appropriate boundary feature than to define too rigidly the point at which landscape character changes. Therefore, in order to follow these features, the precise extent of relevant landscape character was sometimes compromised to a small extent. However, if one bears in mind that as stated above, changes in landscape character are best seen as a continuum of change, rather than an abrupt transition, this is not in reality a problem.
Minimum Size of LCAs
2.3.8 It was recognised that the term 'landscape' as commonly used is different from and wider-encompassing than 'land use' and that it has a certain critical size which distinguishes it from simply a landscape feature or resource. For the purposes of the Study, two general principles were adopted with regard to the size of the LCAs, namely:
if an LCA is not greater than 500m in width at any point, it is probably not large enough to constitute a separate LCA;
if an LCA is less than 500m in width at any point, it may not be large enough to constitute a separate LCA.
2.3.9 The 500m rule was adopted in order to reflect two aspects of the Hong Kong landscape, namely:
2.3.10 The Diversity of Hong Kong's Landscape: It is important that the scale of LCAs adequately reflects the range of different landscapes found in Hong Kong and that significant landscape types are not ‘lost’ or ‘lumped in’ with larger landscape character types. Hong Kong’s landscape is an extremely diverse one, changing character quickly over any geographical area and its is therefore important the LCAs are sufficiently small to reflect this diversity.
2.3.11 The Critical Dimension of the term 'Landscape' - At the same time, it must be recognised that the term landscape normally has a critical lower size, being the area of land which can be taken in by a single view. The point being that it is erroneous to define landscape character types that are so small that the term 'landscape' becomes confused with the term 'land-use'.
2.3.12 It must be born in mind that these are only general principles for guidance only and that they must be applied on a case-by-case basis. A key exception to this rule is the case of 'Island Landscapes' (see below).
'Pinched' LCAs
2.3.13 A working rule was therefore adopted, that where an extensive LCA reached a width of less than 500m, the surveyor might choose to split the LCA into two LCAs (using the pinch-point as the boundary) or combine the area with an adjacent LCA. In almost all cases this was done (although with a small number of exceptions).
Adjacent LCAs
2.3.14 In principle, it is unlikely that adjacent LCAs will be of the same LCT, as if they are, it is likely that there will be a continuation in landscape character across the perceived boundary. However, in a small number of cases, a significant landscape feature may act as a break to character between two landscapes of similar landscape character, creating two distinct 'places' but with a similar set of landscape features, but a subtly different character or sense of place. The most significant example of this is at the conjunction valleys, which although very similar landscapes, feel like distinct and separate places or LCAs by virtue of their enclosure and isolation one from the other. Similarly, adjacent Coastal Waters LCTs are defined by subtle changes in character, articulated by the presence of land masses, islands straits etc.
Island and Marine Landscapes
2.3.15 In order to identify whether a small island forms its own LCT or is part of another wider LCT, the following rules were used in the Pilot Survey:
If the island is >500m in all directions, it is a separate LCT;
If the island is <500m in all directions, but lies within 1000m of another island (of any size), it forms an LCA with that other island(s);
If the island is <500m in any direction, but lies within1000m of the mainland, it forms an LCA with the nearest mainland LCA;
If the island is <500m in all directions and lies >1000m of another island (of any size) or mainland, it forms part of an LCA with the surrounding Coastal Waters LCA.
Naming LCAs
2.3.16 LCA names should combine two elements:
A specific place name:
A broad reference to the type of landscape involved.
2.3.17 For guidance therefore, typical appropriate components of names for each LCT are suggested below.
2.4 THE CLASSIFICATION PROCESS - GUIDELINES FOR THE DELINEATION OF LCTS
INTRODUCTION
2.4.1 This section of the report provides basic rules for the definition and naming of LCTs.
2.4.2 When deciding which LCT an LCA falls into, one should not get side-tracked by existing place names. One should instead concentrate on identifying the key features and the relationship between them that provides the character of the LCT. Therefore, just because an area is called an 'institution' or is an 'institutional' land use does not mean that it is an Institutional Landscape LCT - that depends on whether it has the necessary extent and key features as well as the relationship between those features. Similarly, not every reservoir is necessarily a 'Reservoir' LCT.
2.4.3 The general principles and guidelines used in the classification of areas of landscape into different LCTs are presented below. Under the headings 'Topography', 'Land Use', 'Built Form' and ''Other Relevant Characteristics', these guidelines describe both essential characteristics as well as those that are generally the norm (qualified by "generally....").
2.4.4 Under the heading 'Boundary Definition', they also describe how the boundaries of each LCA/LCT are identified.
2.4.5 Under the heading 'Precedence', general rules governing the priority one LCT should take in the classification in relation to other potentially relevant LCTs, are provided.
2.4.6 Under the heading 'Typical Appellation', typical appropriate names for LCAs of each LCT are suggested.
Urban Landscape Types
Medium / High-rise Commercial Urban Landscape (LCT#7)
2.4.7 Topography: any (but generally reclamation)
2.4.8 Land Use: predominantly commercial and retail land uses.
2.4.9 Built Form: medium and high-rise.
2.4.10 Other Relevant Characteristics: none.
2.4.11 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-use and built form (usually road or lot boundary)
2.4.12 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.13 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Commercial Area'.
Mixed Modern Comprehensive Urban Landscape (LCT#8)
2.4.14 Topography: any (but generally reclamation)
2.4.15 Land Use: predominantly commercial and retail land uses with highways and community uses
2.4.16 Built Form: mixed height
2.4.17 Other Relevant Characteristics: comprehensive urban development within last 40 years
2.4.18 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses (usually road or lot boundary)
2.4.19 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.20 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX New Town Area'
Residential Urban Landscape (LCT#9)
2.4.21 Topography: any
2.4.22 Land Use: residential (and limited retail and community)
2.4.23 Built Form: medium and high-rise grouped in estates
2.4.24 Other Relevant Characteristics: generally not on podiums
2.4.25 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road or lot boundary)
2.4.26 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.27 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Estate' or 'XXXX Residential Area'
Organic Mixed Development Urban Landscape (LCT#10)
2.4.28 Topography: any (but generally hillsides)
2.4.29 Land Use: predominantly residential, commercial and retail land uses
2.4.30 Built Form: mixed height development and organic (i.e. non-orthogonal) street layout
2.4.31 Other Relevant Characteristics: none
2.4.32 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road or lot boundary)
2.4.33 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.34 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Urban Area'
City Grid Mixed Urban Landscape (LCT#11)
2.4.35 Topography: any (but generally reclamation)
2.4.36 Land Use: predominantly residential, commercial and retail land uses
2.4.37 Built Form: mixed height development and orthogonal street layout
2.4.38 Other Relevant Characteristics: none
2.4.39 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road or lot boundary)
2.4.40 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.41 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Urban Area'
Late 20C/Early 21C Commercial/Residential Complex Landscape (LCT#12)
2.4.42 Topography: any (but generally reclamation)
2.4.43 Land Use: predominantly residential, commercial and retail land uses
2.4.44 Built Form: medium and high-rise towers on podiums
2.4.45 Other Relevant Characteristics: none
2.4.46 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road or lot boundary)
2.4.47 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.48 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Urban Area'
Park Urban Landscape (LCT#13)
2.4.49 Topography: any
2.4.50 Land Use: passive public open space (sometimes with active)
2.4.51 Built Form: low-rise
2.4.52 Other Relevant Characteristics: some vegetation
2.4.53 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses (usually road or lot boundary)
2.4.54 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.55 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Park'
Industrial Urban Landscape (LCT#14)
2.4.56 Topography: any (but generally reclamation)
2.4.57 Land Use: industrial, storage, warehousing or port-related
2.4.58 Built Form: low or medium rise
2.4.59 Other Relevant Characteristics: none
2.4.60 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road or lot boundary)
2.4.61 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural
2.4.62 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Industrial Estate'; or 'XXXX Industrial Area'
2.4.63 Civic Urban Waterfront Landscape (LCT#15)
2.4.64 Topography: any (but generally reclamation)
2.4.65 Land Use: commercial or community with public open space
2.4.66 Built Form: any
2.4.67 Other Relevant Characteristics: waterfront location with formal coastal edge
2.4.68 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road or lot boundary)and coastal edge
2.4.69 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.70 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Waterfront' or 'XXX Promenade'
'Hui' Urban Landscape (LCT#31)
2.4.71 Topography: any (but generally inland plain)
2.4.72 Land Use: predominantly retail, residential and community uses
2.4.73 Built Form: low or medium rise on narrow orthogonal streets
2.4.74 Other Relevant Characteristics: surrounded by more recent modern comprehensive development
2.4.75 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road or lot boundary)
2.4.76 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.77 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Hui' or 'XXXX Original Core'
Rural Township Landscape (LCT#32)
2.4.78 Topography: any (but generally coastal plain)
2.4.79 Land Use: predominantly retail, residential
2.4.80 Built Form: low or medium rise on narrow streets
2.4.81 Other Relevant Characteristics: generally in coastal location outside urban areas
2.4.82 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road or lot boundary)
2.4.83 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.84 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Township'
Low-rise Residential Urban Landscape (LCT#37)
2.4.85 Topography: (any but plain in the case of Kowloon Tong)
2.4.86 Land Use: predominantly residential with some community and open space uses
2.4.87 Built Form: low or medium rise on wide streets
2.4.88 Other Relevant Characteristics: none
2.4.89 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road or lot boundary)
2.4.90 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.91 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Residential Area'
Urban Fringe Landscape Types
Residential Urban Fringe Landscape (LCT#16)
2.4.92 Topography: any (but generally hillsides)
2.4.93 Land Use: residential interspersed with undeveloped land
2.4.94 Built Form: any height, scattered
2.4.95 Other Relevant Characteristics: on edge of urban area
2.4.96 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road, footpath, stream or lot boundary)
2.4.97 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.98 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Residential Urban Fringe'
Comprehensive Residential Development Landscape (LCT#35)
2.4.99 Topography: any
2.4.100 Land Use: predominantly residential with limited community and retail
2.4.101 Built Form: generally low rise (but sometimes mixed with towers) any height, on structured layout
2.4.102 Other Relevant Characteristics: outside urban areas
2.4.103 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road or lot boundary)
2.4.104 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural
2.4.105 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Development' or 'XXXX Estate'
Miscellaneous Urban Fringe Landscape (LCT#17)
2.4.106 Topography: any
2.4.107 Land Use: mixed (typically highways, community, transportation, storage residential, undeveloped land)
2.4.108 Built Form: generally low rise (but sometimes mixed with towers) any height, on structured layout
2.4.109 Other Relevant Characteristics: location edge of urban area
2.4.110 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road, footpath, stream or lot boundary)
2.4.111 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.112 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Urban Fringe'
Transportation Corridor Landscape (LCT#25)
2.4.113 Topography: any (but generally reclamation or plain)
2.4.114 Land Use: major highway plus railway (often with scattered associated buildings)
2.4.115 Built Form: generally low-rise
2.4.116 Other Relevant Characteristics: noneBuilt Form: mixed height
2.4.117 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses (usually slope or lot boundary)
2.4.118 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.119 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Expressway' or 'XXXXX Transportation Corridor'
Reclamation/Ongoing Major Development Landscape (LCT#21)
2.4.120 Topography: any (but generally reclamation)
2.4.121 Land Use: undeveloped or ongoing development
2.4.122 Built Form: none or partially complete structures
2.4.123 Other Relevant Characteristics: none
2.4.124 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road, footpath, stream or lot boundary)
2.4.125 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.126 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Ongoing Development' or 'XXXXX Reclamation'
Quarry / Landfill Landscape (LCT#28)
2.4.127 Topography: any (but generally upland)
2.4.128 Land Use: quarry or landfill
2.4.129 Built Form: scattered low-rise buildings
2.4.130 Other Relevant Characteristics: none
2.4.131 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road, footpath, stream or lot boundary)
2.4.132 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.133 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Quarry' or 'XXXX Landfill'
Institutional Landscape (LCT#29)
2.4.134 Topography: any (but generally plains)
2.4.135 Land Use: institutional or community
2.4.136 Built Form: scattered low or medium rise buildings
2.4.137 Other Relevant Characteristics: generally significant vegetation coverage
2.4.138 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road, footpath, stream or lot boundary)
2.4.139 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.140 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Prison'; 'XXXX Camp' or 'XXXX Institutional Area'.
Airport Landscape (LCT#33)
2.4.141 Topography: any (but generally reclamation)
2.4.142 Land Use: airport
2.4.143 Built Form: scattered low or medium rise buildings
2.4.144 Other Relevant Characteristics: none
2.4.145 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (coastal edge in the case of Chek Lap Kok)
2.4.146 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.147 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Airport'
Theme Park Landscape (LCT#34)
2.4.148 Topography: any
2.4.149 Land Use: theme park
2.4.150 Built Form: scattered low or medium rise buildings
2.4.151 Other Relevant Characteristics: none
2.4.152 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road, footpath, stream or lot boundary)
2.4.153 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.154 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Park' or 'XXXX Theme Park'
Cemetery Landscape (LCT#36)
2.4.155 Topography: any (but generally hillsides)
2.4.156 Land Use: cemetery
2.4.157 Built Form: scattered low rise buildings
2.4.158 Other Relevant Characteristics: none
2.4.159 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road, footpath, stream or lot boundary)
2.4.160 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.161 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Cemetery'
Rural Fringe Landscape Types
Urban Peripheral Village Landscape (LCT#18)
2.4.162 Topography: any (but generally plain or hillside)
2.4.163 Land Use: predominantly residential with some undeveloped land, public open space
2.4.164 Built Form: low rise village development
2.4.165 Other Relevant Characteristics: location edge of new town area
2.4.166 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road, footpath, stream or lot boundary)
2.4.167 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.168 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Village Area'
Miscellaneous Rural Fringe Landscape (LCT#19)
2.4.169 Topography: any (but generally plains)
2.4.170 Land Use: predominantly undeveloped but with high proportions of vacant land and some non-rural land-uses
2.4.171 Built Form: villages and scattered low rise buildings
2.4.172 Other Relevant Characteristics: none
2.4.173 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road, footpath, stream or lot boundary)
2.4.174 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.175 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Rural Fringe'
Golf Course Landscape (LCT#27)
2.4.176 Topography: any
2.4.177 Land Use: golf course
2.4.178 Built Form: scattered low rise buildings
2.4.179 Other Relevant Characteristics: none
2.4.180 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of relevant land-uses and built form (usually road, footpath, stream or lot boundary)
2.4.181 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.182 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Golf Course'
Reservoir Landscape (LCT#30)
2.4.183 Topography: any (but generally valley)
2.4.184 Land Use: reservoir
2.4.185 Built Form: scattered low rise buildings
2.4.186 Other Relevant Characteristics: none
2.4.187 Boundary Definition: includes adjoining natural slopes up to 40m above the height of the reservoir. Otherwise by reference to extent of dam and associated facilities.
2.4.188 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.189 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Reservoir'
Coastal Waters Landscape Types
Island Landscape (LCT#20)
2.4.190 Topography: any
2.4.191 Land Use: predominantly undeveloped
2.4.192 Built Form: very few buildings
2.4.193 Other Relevant Characteristics: island >500m in one direction that cannot be subdivided into any other LCAs
2.4.194 Boundary Definition: by reference to mean high tide level
2.4.195 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.196 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Island' or 'XXX Chau' etc.
Inter-tidal Coast Landscape (LCT#22)
2.4.197 Topography: predominantly inter-tidal
2.4.198 Land Use: predominantly undeveloped
2.4.199 Built Form: very few buildings
2.4.200 Other Relevant Characteristics: none
2.4.201 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of adjacent land-uses and built form (usually road, footpath, stream or lot boundary). On the seaward side, by reference to AFCD Habitat Map
2.4.202 Precedence: takes precedence over all Rural LCTs.
2.4.203 Typical Appellation: 'XXX Mudflat'; 'XXX Mangroves' or 'XXXX Intertidal Coast'
Offshore Waters Landscape (LCT#23)
2.4.204 Topography: none (except for small islands <500m in any direction)
2.4.205 Land Use: predominantly undeveloped
2.4.206 Built Form: none (occasional small buildings on islands)
2.4.207 Other Relevant Characteristics: area of coastal water with two or more sides uncontained by landmasses and open to the open sea.
2.4.208 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of coastal water at mean high tide level. Separate LCAs are identified by reference to landforms and islands which serve to divide waters off into appropriate areas of distinct character. One edge will usually adjoin the maritime boundary of the HKSAR.
2.4.209 Precedence – no conflict with other LCTs.
2.4.210 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Offshore Waters'.
Bay Landscape (LCT#38)
2.4.211 Topography: none (except for small islands <500m in any direction)
2.4.212 Land Use: predominantly undeveloped
2.4.213 Built Form: none (occasional small buildings on islands)
2.4.214 Other Relevant Characteristics: area coastal water enclosed by a continual coastline on 3 sides. The enclosing sides of the bay must be parallel at at least one point. The mouth of the bay must be at least 500m wide and the ay must be at least 500m long from the mouth to the rear shoreline.
2.4.215 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of coastal water at mean high tide level. The mouth of the bay is defined approximately by a line linking the two furthermost points on the sides of the bay at which they face a direction parallel to the general orientation of the bay.
2.4.216 Precedence: takes precedence over Inshore Waters and Offshore Waters LCTs.
2.4.217 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Bay'; or 'XXXX Wan'.
Strait Landscape (LCT#39)
2.4.218 Topography: none (except for small islands <500m in any direction)
2.4.219 Land Use: predominantly undeveloped
2.4.220 Built Form: none (occasional small buildings on islands)
2.4.221 Other Relevant Characteristics: area of coastal water contained on two sides by roughly parallel coastlines and open on two other sides, creating a significant sense of containment. 1500m was deemed to be the point at which there was no sense of significant enclosure, given the typical height of uplands in Hong Kong.
2.4.222 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of coastal water at mean high tide level. Straits must be at lease 500m long. The mouth of each end of the strait is defined approximately by a line linking the two furthermost points on the sides of the strait at which they face a direction parallel to the general orientation of the bay.
2.4.223 Precedence – takes precedence over Inshore Waters LCT.
2.4.224 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Channel', 'XXXX Harbour'
Inshore Waters Landscape (LCT#40) (LCT#40)
2.4.225 Topography: none (except for small islands <500m in any direction)
2.4.226 Land Use: predominantly undeveloped
2.4.227 Built Form: none (occasional small buildings on islands)
2.4.228 Other Relevant Characteristics: area of coastal water contained on at least two sides by landmass or significant islands. Open sides are contained by other Coastal Waters LCTs (and not by the maritime boundary of the HKSR).
2.4.229 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of coastal water at mean high tide level. Separate LCAs are identified by reference to landforms and islands which serve to divide waters off into appropriate areas of distinct character.
2.4.230 Precedence: no conflict with other LCTs.
2.4.231 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Inshore Waters', etc.
Typhoon Shelter Landscape (LCT#41)
2.4.232 Topography: none (except for small islands <500m in any direction)
2.4.233 Land Use: predominantly undeveloped
2.4.234 Built Form: breakwaters, jetties, piers;
2.4.235 Other Relevant Characteristics: coastal water where vessels are moored. substantially enclosed by coast and offshore breakwater.
2.4.236 Boundary Definition: by reference to the extent of coastal water at mean high tide level. The mouth of the typhoon shelter is drawn from the end of one breakwater to the next or as a continuation of the breakwater to the coast.
2.4.237 Precedence: takes precedence over Inshore Waters, Offshore Waters and Typhoon Shelter Landscapes LCTs.
2.4.238 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Typhoon Shelter'.
Upland Countryside Types
Upland Plateau Landscape (LCT#26)
2.4.239 Topography: Plateau - significant flat (or undulating) areas in uplands above 40mPD.
2.4.240 Land Use: predominantly undeveloped
2.4.241 Built Form: none (occasional small buildings on islands)
2.4.242 Other Relevant Characteristics: island that cannot be subdivided into any other LCAs
2.4.243 Boundary Definition: by reference to the contour defining the edge of the flat/undulating area.
2.4.244 Precedence: take precedence over all other Rural LCTs but are subordinate to all other LCTs (i.e. Urban Fringe, Rural Fringe and Urban LCTs).
2.4.245 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Plateau'
Peak Landscape (LCT#1)
2.4.246 Topography: areas lying at a higher altitude than 300mPD
2.4.247 Land Use: predominantly undeveloped
2.4.248 Built Form: none (occasional small buildings)
2.4.249 Other Relevant Characteristics: none
2.4.250 Boundary Definition: 300mPD contour
2.4.251 Precedence: Peaks are subordinate to any LCT with significant development in it or by any Valley LCT.
2.4.252 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Peaks' or 'XXXX Shan' or 'XXXX' Ridge, etc.
Unsettled Valley Landscape (LCT#3)
2.4.253 Topography: elongated concave landform
2.4.254 Land Use: undeveloped
2.4.255 Built Form: none (occasional small buildings)
2.4.256 Other Relevant Characteristics: no obvious significant evidence of human settlement, cultivation or any significant engineering structure such as a metalled road or service reservoir. In principle a single valley should not be spit into Settled Valley and Unsettled Valley LCTs.
2.4.257 Boundary Definition: Areas of concave and convex landform were identified by running a XXXX computer model at 50m contour intervals for the whole of Hong Kong. For the purposes of the study, any concave area more than 1500mm wide was treated as a flood plain ('Rural Inland Plain') rather than a valley. 1500m was deemed to e the point at which there was no sense of significant enclosure, given the typical height of uplands in Hong Kong. The mouth of the valley is defined at the mount where a discernible sense of enclosure ceases, at the nearest definable feature on the ground, such as a road, footpath or stream.
2.4.258 Precedence: Unsettled valleys are subordinate to any LCT with development in it, but take precedence over all other LCTs (notably Peaks and Uplands and Hillsides).
2.4.259 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Valley'
Settled Valley Landscape (LCT#4)
2.4.260 Topography: elongated concave landform.
2.4.261 Land Use: significant evidence of human settlement, cultivation or any significant engineering structure such as a metalled road or service reservoir.
2.4.262 Built Form: none (occasional small buildings)
2.4.263 Other Relevant Characteristics: In principle a single valley should not be split into Settled Valley and Unsettled Valley LCTs.
2.4.264 Boundary Definition: Areas of concave and convex landform were identified by running a XXXX computer model at 50m contour intervals for the whole of Hong Kong. For the purposes of the study, any concave area more than 1500mm wide was treated as a flood plain ('Rural Inland Plain') rather than a valley. 1500m was deemed to be the point at which there was no sense of significant enclosure, given the typical height of uplands in Hong Kong. The mouth of the valley is defined at the mount where a discernible sense of enclosure ceases, at the nearest definable feature on the ground, such as a road, footpath or stream.
2.4.265 Precedence: Settled valleys are subordinate to any Urban or Urban Fringe or Rural Fringe LCTs, but take precedence over all other Rural LCTs (notably Peaks and Uplands and Hillsides).
2.4.266 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Valley'
Upland and Hillside Landscape (LCT#2)
2.4.267 Topography: Uplands and Hillsides lie above 40mPD and below 300mPD
2.4.268 Land Use: predominantly undeveloped
2.4.269 Built Form: none (occasional small buildings)
2.4.270 Other Relevant Characteristics: none
2.4.271 Boundary Definition: these are residual areas not otherwise defined as Valleys LCTs, Upland Plateaux, Peaks LCTs. Adjacent to urban, urban fringe or rural fringe areas, boundaries are defined by reference to the extent of those LCAs.
2.4.272 Precedence: Uplands and Hillsides are subordinate to all other LCTs. In a case where an area of what would otherwise be Uplands and Hillsides lies between an area of Peaks and another LCT, but is too small to form its own LCA (according to the guidelines above), that area will generally become part of that other LCA, i.e. not part of the Peaks LCA.
2.4.273 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Uplands' or 'XXXX Hillsides' or 'XXXX' Knoll, etc.
Coastal Upland and Hillside Landscape (LCT#24)
2.4.274 Topography: Coastal Uplands and Hillsides lie below 300mPD
2.4.275 Land Use: predominantly undeveloped
2.4.276 Built Form: none (occasional small buildings)
2.4.277 Other Relevant Characteristics: adjacent to Coastal Water or Inter-tidal Coast LCA.
2.4.278 Boundary Definition: these are residual areas not otherwise defined as Valleys LCTs, Upland Plateaux, Peaks LCTs. Adjacent to urban, urban fringe or rural fringe areas, boundaries are defined by reference to the extent of those LCAs. At the coast, the boundary is defined by mean high-tide level. In the case of a peninsula or headland, it should in general be at least 1000m wide in order to split it into more that one LCA - if less than this, it should be a single LCA;
2.4.279 Precedence: Coastal Uplands and Hillsides are subordinate to all other LCTs, except for Uplands and Hillsides. In a case where an area of what would otherwise be Coastal Uplands and Hillsides lies between an area of Peaks and another LCT, but is too small to form its own LCA (according to the guidelines above), that area will generally become part of that other LCA, i.e. not part of the Peaks LCA.
2.4.280 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Coastal Uplands' or 'XXXX Peninsula' or 'XXXX Headland'
Lowland Countryside Types
Rural Coastal Plain Landscape (LCT#6)
2.4.281 Topography: areas below 40mPD
2.4.282 Land Use: predominantly agricultural
2.4.283 Built Form: generally villages or scattered low-rise buildings
2.4.284 Other Relevant Characteristics: adjacent to Coastal Water or Inter-tidal Coast LCA.
2.4.285 Boundary Definition: This is a residual category and boundaries are defined by reference to adjacent LCAs. Generally the mouths of Valleys which run down to the coast will not be Rural Coastal Plain unless the plain takes on a significant size (wider than 500m) and has little sense of containment from surrounding valley sides.
2.4.286 Precedence: Coastal Rural Plains are subordinate to all other Urban, Urban Fringe and Rural Fringe LCTs.
2.4.287 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Coastal Plain'
Rural Inland Plain Landscape (LCT#6)
2.4.288 Topography: areas below 40mPD
2.4.289 Land Use: predominantly agricultural
2.4.290 Built Form: generally villages or scattered low-rise buildings
2.4.291 Other Relevant Characteristics: not adjacent to Coastal Water or Inter-tidal Coast LCA.
2.4.292 Boundary Definition: This is a residual category and boundaries are defined by reference to adjacent LCAs. Generally the mouths of Valleys which run down to the coast will not be Rural Coastal Plain unless the plain takes on a significant size (wider than 500m) and has little sense of containment from surrounding valley sides.
2.4.293 Precedence: Rural Inland Plains are subordinate to all other Urban, Urban Fringe and Rural Fringe LCTs.
2.4.294 Typical Appellation: 'XXXX Plain'
2.5 THE EVALUATION PROCESS - GUIDELINES
INTRODUCTION
2.5.1 The proposed methodology for landscape evaluation and appraisal is described below and assumes that areas of homogenous landscape character have been classified according to the methodology set out above. The following aspects of each LCA were evaluated:
Appraisal of Character
Appraisal of Condition
Appraisal of Sensitivity
Appraisal of Value
2.5.2 This appraisal methodology is described in further detail below:
Appraisal of Landscape Character
Objective
2.5.3 The objective of this stage is to identify,
2.5.4 The objective of this stage is to provide three products;
written description of the landscape character;
structured record of the components of the landscape;
list of Key Landscape Features which make up the essence of landscape character.
Method and Appraisal Criteria
2.5.5 Written Description of Landscape Character - A written description of landscape character is provided. Guidance set out by the UK Countryside Agency is followed in this regard. The Agency states 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 taken in selecting descriptive words. Subjective value judgments should be avoided. So, words like bland, beautiful, attractive, degraded and ordinary, should be avoided…" (Countryside Agency, 1999, p.60).
2.5.6 Structured Record of the Components of the Landscape - The following characteristics of the landscape are also recorded using a structured proforma (as shown in Appendix 1);
Location, Topography, Relief, Geological Features;
Dominant Landcover and Landscape Elements;
Aesthetic and Perceptual Factors.
2.5.7 List of Key Landscape Features - This stage of the appraisal uses the descriptions of the key landscape patterns and character, to define a list of Key Landscape Features for each LCA, i.e. the key features which go to make up positive aspects of that character. Their number is the fewest necessary to define the essential characteristics of the LCA. The UK Countryside Agency elaborates on the method for identifying lists of key landscape features:
2.5.8 "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 landscape…Key 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).
Level of Appraisal
2.5.9 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.
APPRAISAL OF LANDSCAPE CONDITION
Objective
2.5.10 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 outside this Study.
Method and Appraisal Criteria
2.5.11 This part of the appraisal is an extension of the Appraisal of Character and involves a description of the intactness or completeness of the natural resources of the landscape.
2.5.12 As the UK Countryside Agency states, landscape condition “is based upon judgments 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.
2.5.13 The landscape is in good condition when the pattern of natural resources is coherent, largely intact and un-interrupted. This means that there is limited disturbance to natural terrain, natural features and watercourses and a significant presence of vegetation (either natural vegetation in rural locations or street trees and ornamental vegetation in an urban context).
2.5.14 The landscape is in moderate condition when the pattern of natural resources is to a significant extent altered or diminished. In the case of a rural landscape, this means that there is may be some disturbance to natural terrain, watercourses or patterns of vegetation. In an urban context, it means that there will be considerable adaptation of terrain and slopes and/or very limited vegetation cover.
2.5.15 The landscape is in poor condition when the pattern of natural resources which make up the landscapes is highly degraded. This means that there will be almost total disturbance to natural terrain, natural features and watercourses with little or no vegetation.
Level of Appraisal
2.5.16 The appraisal of condition is carried out for each Landscape Character Unit (LCA).
APPRAISAL OF SENSITIVITY
Objective
2.5.17 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.
Method and Appraisal Criteria
2.5.18 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.
2.5.19 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.
2.5.20 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 increasing ability to visually absorb 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. However, sensitivity is also dependent on the nature of the proposed development. A landscape may be more sensitive to some types of development than to others.
2.5.21 For each LCT, its sensitivity against typical development types is defined (shown in Appendix 3). This is a broad statement of principal whether development of different kinds can be incorporated into the LCT without changing its essential landscape character. The sensitivity of an LCT to a certain type of development is defined 'More Sensitive' or 'Less Sensitive'.
2.5.22 More Sensitive - A limited amount of a proposed development type is likely to have a significant prejudicial effect on the character of a landscape. Such development may not be in keeping with existing patterns of land use and built form in the landscape, such that a small amount of this development is likely to significantly change landscape character. Alternatively, the physical characteristics of the landscape (landform, vegetation cover, etc) mean that the proposed development is unlikely to be accommodated within the landscape without negatively affecting existing qualities.
2.5.23 Less Sensitive - A limited amount of a proposed development type is unlikely to have a significant prejudicial effect on the character of a landscape. Such development may be in keeping with existing patterns of land use and built form in the landscape, such that a small amount of further such development is unlikely to significantly change landscape character. Alternatively, the physical characteristics of the landscape (landform, vegetation cover, etc) mean that the proposed development is likely to be accommodated with the landscape without significantly compromising existing qualities.
2.5.24 In addition to this LCT level appraisal, a number of features specific to each LCA are considered, which may further increase its sensitivity to any form of development. These factors are the extent to which the LCA possesses:
significant relief;
significant tree cover;
diversity of land use;
exposure to other LCAs.
Level of Appraisal
2.5.25 The appraisal of sensitivity to development is carried out at the level of the generic LCT, qualified by an assessment of key characteristics of each LCA.
APPRAISAL OF VALUE
2.5.26 The appraisal of landscape value consists of a series of subordinate appraisals as follows:
value as natural resource
local distinctiveness
value as heritage
scenic value
2.5.27 These separate appraisals are synthesised into a single appraisal of landscape value using a series of guidelines.
Value as Natural Resource
Objective
2.5.28 The objective 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'.
Method and Appraisal Criteria
2.5.29 Such associations should fulfill two key criteria, namely:
they should have a visual manifestation; and
they should be of recognised natural resource or ecological value or interest:
2.5.30 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.
2.5.31 Appraisal takes the form of a record of the feature concerned and supporting evidence of its value.
Level of Appraisal
2.5.32 The appraisal of natural resource / ecological associations is carried out for each LCA.
Local Distinctiveness
Objective
2.5.33 The objective is to appraise the strength of sense of place of any LCA.
Method and Appraisal Criteria
2.5.34 For the purposes of appraisal, three sets of attributes are recorded:
the integrity or intactness of landscape resources which characterise an LCA, 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. These are recorded as text;
The rarity of the LCT (identified according to Appendix 4). Note that rarity is a feature that adds to landscape value only where the landscape has a certain level of landscape value already and meets certain minimum criteria. Therefore, a landscape of very low value in all other regards, cannot achieve a high value just because it is unique.
Level of Appraisal
2.5.35 The appraisal of value as locale is carried out for each LCA.
Value As Heritage
Objective
2.5.36 The objective 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.
Method and Appraisal Criteria
2.5.37 Such associations should fulfill two key criteria, namely:
They should have a visual manifestation (in the case of folklore, mythic, literary, associations they should attach to a visible feature);
They should be of existing recognised value or interest.
2.5.38 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
are designated by the HKSAR Government as Grade 1 Historical Buildings.
2.5.39 Appraisal takes the form of a record of the feature concerned and supporting evidence of its value.
Level of Appraisal
2.5.40 The appraisal of natural resource / ecological associations is carried out for each LCA.
Scenic Value
Objective
2.5.41 The objective of this stage of the appraisal is to describe the formal aesthetic or scenic characteristics of the landscape.
Method and Appraisal Criteria
2.5.42 The following scenic criteria are assessed:
Relief (High/Low);
Visual Complexity (High/Medium/Low);
Visual Coherence (High/Medium/Low);
Effects of Adjoining LCAs (Positive/Negative/Neutral);
Visual Attractors (Record);
Visual Detractors (Record);
Presence of Water (High/Medium/Low) and
Night Time Effects (Positive/Negative/Neutral)
Level of Appraisal
2.5.43 The appraisal of value as visual resource is carried out for each LCA.
Synthesising Appraisals for Landscape Value
2.5.44 The appraisals for the different components of Landscape Value above are synthesised into a single Landscape Value rating. This rating is either 'High', 'High (Qualified)'; 'Moderate' or 'Low'.
2.5.45 The process of landscape evaluation is not a simple or a mechanical one. Nor is it one which can be meaningfully carried out by a system of simple scoring (as world-wide experience has shown). Rather it is a sophisticated process by which considerable amounts of data are synthesised by trained professional Landscape Architects, to produce a reasoned judgments which adheres to certain broad criteria.
2.5.46 The process of assigning a value to a landscape is essentially a 'top-down' one whereby desk-top data as well as experiential information (as perceived by Site Surveyors) is synthesised using professional judgment and training. This judgment is then justified and rationalised by assigning values to the criteria set out on the Field Data Record proforma. This in turn may lead to a review of the initial judgment and the evaluation.
2.5.47 To guide surveyors in making these judgments, a number of criteria were defined to ensure that a reasonably consistent approach to evaluation was adopted. This process of synthesis follows a set of guidelines which are set out below. This involves the relationships between certain key landscape value appraisals noted above. The criteria are applicable in the vast majority of cases. However, it is recognised that there will always be exceptional landscapes that do not conform to these criteria and yet warrant a particular value (Tai O is a good example of such a landscape which does not conform to the requirements of a 'high' value landscape - especially in terms of its visual characteristics and its condition - but which is so exceptional by virtue of other characteristics that it justifies this value). A field is therefore available on the Field Survey Data Record to record any such exceptional characteristics.
High Value Landscapes
2.5.48 High value landscapes are those which possess high levels of scenic amenity and visual coherence, with no significantly unsightly features. They are also landscapes which possess a largely intact set of features which make up their fundamental landscape pattern and which have no significant management or maintenance problems and which could therefore be said to be in good condition.
2.5.49 They will also possess other virtues such as particular relief or visual complexity (features which studies reveal, most people find attractive in landscapes); or alternatively, such landscapes will contain natural or heritage features which are manifest in the landscape and enrich its value.
2.5.50 Finally landscapes of high value will often possess features which create a distinct identity for them or may be landscapes which possess a certain rarity.
2.5.51 In terms of the completion of the Field Data Record Proformas, the vast majority of landscapes of high value will as a minimum:
have a 'high' score for Visual Coherence;
possess no significant Visual Detractors;
be in 'good' Condition.
2.5.52 Their value will be augmented by one or more of the following:
Particular Natural Resources with a Visual Landscape Manifestation;
Particular Heritage Features with a Visual Landscape Manifestation;
Unique features which contribute to its distinctiveness;
one or more Visual Attractors;
a 'high' level of Relief;
a 'high' level of Visual Complexity;
Contain or be adjacent to a significant body of water;
possess a Rarity score of at least 'infrequent' or 'unique'.
High (Qualified) Value Landscapes
2.5.53 'High (Qualified) landscapes are those which have consistently high levels of landscape value. However, their value is typically detracted slightly from by one or more aspects of their character such that they do not quite fall into the 'High' value category. Examples of this are the substantial abandoning of agricultural land, resulting in a slight reduction coherence and condition or the intrusion of development types that are not sympathetic to existing landscape character. Such landscapes otherwise typically possess high scenic and landscape values.
2.5.54 In terms of values recorded on survey data records, such High (Qualified) landscapes must:
achieve a score of High under the assessment of 'Coherence';
achieve a score of High under the assessment of 'Condition'; and
possess no Visual Detractors.
2.5.55 Alternatively, these landscape may:
achieve a score of at Least Moderate under the assessment of 'Coherence' (and if the score for 'Condition' is Moderate, then this score must be High);
achieve a score of at Least Moderate under the assessment of 'Condition' (and if the score for Coherence is Moderate, then this score must be Good);
possess no Visual Detractors.
2.5.56 In addition to the above, their value will be augmented by one or more of the following:
particular Natural Resources with a Visual Landscape Manifestation;
particular Heritage Features with a Visual Landscape Manifestation;
unique features which contribute to its distinctiveness;
one or more Visual Attractors;
a 'high' level of Relief;
possess a Rarity score of at least 'infrequent' or 'unique'.
Moderate Value Landscapes
2.5.57 Falling between landscapes of High (Qualified) and landscapes of Low value, are a large range of landscapes which are degraded to some degree. Moderate remains the residual category for all landscapes not falling under High, Low or High/Moderate.
2.5.58 Such landscapes typically contain a variety of features which affect the value of the landscape in both negative and positive ways. This usually leads to a significant or appreciable diminution in the value of the landscape. This accounts for the majority of landscapes which fall within this category. This category also include landscapes which although visually incoherent and in poor condition, do not possess any specific features or visual detractors which actually despoil or render the landscape unsightly, and therefore of low value.
2.5.59 In terms of values recorded on survey data records, such Moderate value landscapes are a residual class, containing all those landscape which do not fall into the High(Qualified) or the Low categories.
Low Value Landscapes
2.5.60 Low value landscapes are those which possess low levels of visual amenity generally and which possess one or more significant unsightly features which actually detract from the visual amenity of the landscape.
2.5.61 They are also landscapes where the basic pattern of features which make up the landscape has become so fragmented (in the case of natural features) or degraded through poor maintenance (as in the case of built features), that their condition can be said to be poor. Typically, such degradation to the landscape is caused by activities which disrupt the landscape on a large scale, such as landfills, quarrying or open storage.
2.5.62 In addition, such landscapes will not have the distinction of possessing any natural or heritage features which are manifest in the landscape and which enrich its value.
2.5.63 In terms of the completion of the Field Data Record Proformas, landscapes of Low value will:
have a 'moderate' score for Visual Coherence;
be in 'poor' Condition;
possess no Natural Resources with a Visual Landscape Manifestation;
possess no Heritage Features with a Visual Landscape Manifestation; and
possess one or more significant Visual Detractor;
2.5.64 or alternatively, they will possess the following:
have a 'low' score for Visual Coherence;
be in 'poor' Condition;
possess no Natural Resources with a Visual Landscape Manifestation;
possess no Heritage Features with a Visual Landscape Manifestation.
GUIDELINES FOR THE COMPLETION OF FIELD DATA RECORD SHEETS
2.5.65 Field survey data was collected using a structured proforma, known as a Field Data Record. A typical Field Data Record is presented in Appendix 1 and ensured that the different field surveyors carried out the appraisals in a co-ordinated manner. Guidance was prepared for the surveyors to clarify different sections of the Field Data Record assist them in filling them out. This guidance is presented in Appendix 5 of the Report.
