Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan 10.2.5.1 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 Energy efficiency in the design and construction of residential subdivisions and residential dwellings. Policy 1.1 Encourage incorporation of principles of energy efficiency in the design and construction of residential subdivisions. Policy 1.2 Enable the siting of buildings on residential lots so as to maximise opportunities for the incorporation of principles of energy efficiency in the design and construction of individual residential dwellings. The objective and policies above follow on from Policy 7.5.3(a) of the Marlborough Regional Policy Statement which is an overall policy for energy efficiency in Marlborough. 10.2.5.2 Methods of Implementation Rules Zoning is utilised as a land management tool which recognises infrastructural resources and the associated capacities to accommodate sustainable urban resource management. Guidelines The Council has developed a set of guidelines to assist the design of residential subdivisions (in Urban Residential areas) and residential buildings (in all residential areas) to maximise energy efficiency. The Council will promote the use of energy efficiency and solar energy use by providing a brochure summarising the guidelines. The Plan establishes an ‘urban fence’ around existing settlements and Sounds Residential areas and will enable infill developments within that ‘fence’. Guidelines will assist in the community’s understanding of and support for energy efficiency in relation to urban form and residential development. 10.3 Town Centres Picton’s commercial centre is closely related to the foreshore and marina areas nearby. Integration of the areas is important in terms of enhancing landscape values and providing an attractive gateway to the town. Integration is also important to the safety and attractiveness of the centre for pedestrians. The range of activities within the commercial centre reflects the function of the town in serving the resident communities of Picton, the Sounds and a considerable visitor population. Activities related to tourism and visitor accommodation are a feature of the town centre. Havelock’s town centre is located on either side of State Highway 6 and provides commercial goods and services for the local community as well as the communities of the Sounds and outer islands and to travellers on the highway. Tourist-related activities are a feature of Havelock’s town centre. There is considerable public and private investment in the town centres in the form of roading, carparking, street lighting and other infrastructure which is 10 - 16