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Policies
A. Urban development should be located in areas of low natural landscape value, low natural hazard risk and areas that do not have high public servicing costs.
B. The unnecessary intrusion of urban activities into the rural environment should be avoided.
C. Subdivision for houses in the rural zone should not result in the creation of an unplanned new settlement.
D. Any expansion of settlements beyond the current policy unit zone boundaries shall take into account the significant landscape and visual qualities of the area.
E. Any further subdivision or development within the coastal environment should be restricted to areas already significantly modified, or where located in relatively unmodified areas, where any adverse environmental impact can be satisfactorily mitigated.
F. Any future urban subdivision or development within the coastal environment should generally occur only in areas already modified, and any development in unmodified areas must avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse effects on the natural character of the Westland coastal environment.
a. Existing settlements and potential growth areas shall be recognised by their inclusion in the urban management area where an urban zoning is appropriate having regard to natural values, servicing and natural hazard risk.
b. The outer edges of settlements shall be clearly defined by zoning boundaries.
c. Where new settlements are proposed, other than small rural-residential settlements, the appropriate technique will be a Proposed Plan Change.
Explanation/Reasons
Demand for rural-residential living and subdivision is not significant at present. However, badly planned and/or sited development can have quite significant environmental effects. Visual and landscape considerations are important not only for reasons of overall environmental quality but also in maintaining and enhancing this important tourist resource. By concentrating future development in areas already modified and therefore less vulnerable to change, such as in and around existing settlements, the value and integrity of, for example, other more pristine stretches of the coastline will be protected.
Anticipated Environmental Outcomes
Implementation of the above policies and parent objectives is expected to achieve the following outcomes.
I Built development sited in harmony and not in conflict with the surrounding environment, especially the landscape and visual values of the site and surrounds.
II Consolidation of existing settlements and a general concentration of development in areas already modified by human activities.
III Maintenance and enhancement of natural values and character of the coastal environment.
IV Increased levels of community awareness of natural hazards and their potential impacts on communities and people.
V A reduction in the magnitude and scale of the impacts of natural hazards on community infrastructure and built resources.
