21 August 2008 Chapter 10 - Urban Environments Policy 1.9 Recognise the site -specific nature of construction constraints on sites within Sounds Residential areas. Policy 1.10 Recognise that residential activity adjoining existing port and rail facilities can be subject to higher noise levels than would normally be experienced, and that resulting effects may be justified in certain circumstances. Policy 1.11 At Picton, recognise that the residential settlement is built up around existing port and rail facilities, whose effective and efficient operations need to be provided for. The Act requires that, in relation to the use, development and protection of natural and physical resources, particular regard be given to the maintenance and enhancement of amenity values, [section 7(c)]. This issue is further clarified by Policy 7.1.7 of the Marlborough Regional Policy Statement, “promote the enhancement of the amenity values provided by the unique character of Marlborough settlements and locations”. The objective and policies above address amenity values for the residential environment. 10.2.3.2 Methods of Implementation Rules Plan rules permit activities within residential areas subject to performance standards to control the following effects on amenity values: • Sunlight and outlook for neighbours; • Noise; • Building coverage; and • Building height. Plan rules control the characteristics of new residential allotments in order to maintain the character of existing residential areas. For example, controls are included on lot size, residential site density, open space requirements and building platform requirements. Plan rules will be flexible enough to allow for the site- specific nature of construction constraints on sites within Sounds Residential areas. Proposals which fail to comply with the stated performance standards will be considered as discretionary activities. Where the extent of non-compliance (or variance from standard) is minor, applications will be considered as ‘limited discretionary’ activities with their assessment confined to a consideration of the effects of the non-compliance. Reserves Through the Reserves Management Strategy, the Council will manage the parks and reserves which are an important contribution to the amenity of the urban area. The taking of esplanade reserves and strips on subdivision, 10 - 13