Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan 10.5.1.1 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 Enable the mixed use of rural township centres while avoiding, remedying and mitigating adverse effects on the environment. Policy 1.1 Avoid, remedy and mitigate adverse effects of rural township activity on neighbouring areas. Policy 1.2 Enable the establishment of a wide range of activities within rural townships, subject to standards and conditions to avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse effects on the environment. The objective and policies recognise the mixed nature of activities occurring in small rural townships. Townships provide an important resource to people and communities. In recognition of their value, the Council considers it appropriate to make provision for their continued existence and development. 10.5.1.2 Methods of Implementation Zoning The Plan identifies on the planning maps a Rural Township Zone at Rai Valley. Rules Plan rules provide for commercial, industrial and other activities subject to performance standards. Plan rules control advertising signs with conditions to manage any potentially adverse landscape, amenity or traffic distraction effects. Standards Performance standards are incorporated to address such matters as local amenity values (ie; controlling design and siting of development with building height, coverage, noise standards, car parking requirements), discharges and traffic safety. Other Council will promote ongoing landscape improvements of the main transport corridors within rural township areas. Zoning and rules including performance standards are considered to be the most effective method of ensuring the provision and protection of rural township environments. All activities will be subject to performance standards to ensure people are not subject to adverse effects from neighbouring activities. Those activities unable to meet specified standards are required to go through the consent process so that any adverse effects on the township may be assessed. 10.6 Port and Harbour Activities With the nature and function, and their location within the Sounds, the urban areas of Picton and Havelock serve an important port role in addition to those roles normally found in an urban area. This role needs to be recognised and provided for in the Plan. By distinguishing this particular role, it can be examined, issues can be identified and objectives and policies can be offered to address these issues. 10 - 26