Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan 20 February 2007 Policy 3.3 Restrict the range of activities and associated development to a type and nature which allows recreational and community use of the open space, while retaining its visual amenity and compatibility with adjacent residential activity. The Open Space Zones recognise and provide for the three levels of open space requirements made by the community (including visitors to the Sounds). The first zone, Conservation, applies to open space which is intended to be retained largely in its natural state. Included in this zone are areas of native vegetation, natural ecosystems and important habitats, water margins and areas of outstanding landscape value. An important aim for this zone is the promotion of public access to and along the coast, lakes and rivers. Public access within this zone will only be restricted in accordance with Policy 8.3.1.7 (Public Access). The zone largely follows the extensive Conservation Estate in the Sounds which is administered by the Department of Conservation. The policies are in accord with the overall intent of the Conservation Management Strategy which applies to the Sounds Plan area (and which the rules for this zone are based on). The District Recreation Zone applies to those areas of open space which cater for active recreation including sports fields, tennis courts, indoor recreation/ leisure pursuits and a number of other recreation and community activities. Such activities have the potential to attract large numbers of people resulting in high levels of traffic, noise and other adverse effects. Policies 12.3.2.4 and 12.3.2.5 control any adverse effects of district recreation, and any buildings or structures used for this, on the surrounding areas. The Local Recreation Zone applies to open space which provides for the amenity of residential and town centre areas. Such areas provide for amenity because of their natural, open character and the local recreation and community activity which they accommodate. Provision is made for informal children’s play areas and the like. 12.4 Methods of Implementation Zoning The Plan identifies on the planning maps the following open space zones: • Conservation; • District Recreation; and • Local Recreation. Rules Plan rules permit appropriate activities based on the conservation, amenity, recreation, or landscape value associated with the particular reserve or type of reserve, subject to performance standards where these are necessary. Performance Performance standards address matters which ensure that Standards open space is used and developed in a manner which is compatible with the amenities of adjoining residential areas. Matters include noise, car parking, building setback and discharge standards. 12 - 4