This part of the plan gives information on the provisions and procedures that apply to the implementation of the Plan. It includes information on applications for resource consents, designations, heritage orders and plan changes. The procedure for review of the District Plan is also outlined.
The objectives in this Part establish the overall framework for resource management in Westland. They are derived from key or significant issues in Westland relating to the use, development and/or protection of natural and physical resources.
Policies set out a specific course of action to be taken by the Council in order to achieve objectives stated in Part 3. The division of objectives and policies into separate parts of the Plan results in less repetition of policies and integration of policies with more than one objective. Anticipated environmental outcomes are stated at the end of each policy section. Outcomes are based on community desires and aspirations with regard to the natural, physical, social, cultural and economic environments.
Each management area is separated into smaller units for the purposes of rule development. Four policy units have been identified in the urban management area and one in the rural management area. Part 5 includes the rules and standards which apply to each policy unit which should be read in conjunction with the accompanying explanations.
The subdivision standards and rules for Westland are set out in this part of the Plan. In addition the financial contributions which may be imposed on subdivision or land use consents are stated here.
The appendices contain schedules of protected items, and designations, the roading hierarchy, recession plane controls, assessment of discretionary activities, signs in Hokitika and the list of odorous activities.
The planning maps identify the extent of the policy units and constituent zones. Historic places, waahi tapu, and designations are also identified.
The structure of the Plan reflects the management approach taken by the District Council. Figure 2 illustrates the approach and identifies the process for developing objectives, policies and rules (contained within the policy units).
The "Vision for Westland District" is set out as a foreword to the Plan. The vision, in broad terms, states the desired future state of the District's environment and may include social, cultural, economic and ecological goals. The vision is a non-statutory statement by the Council as to where it sees the District heading in the long term.
