Chapter 20 - Utilities Policy 2.3 Enable the provision of individual water supplies and electricity generation where appropriate to supplement services to rural households. Policy 2.4 Maintain visual amenity by avoiding or mitigating the potential adverse visual effects of utility network structures. Policy 2.5 Where appropriate, require utility networks to be placed underground in urban areas and areas of identified landscape significance. Policy 2.6 Promote the establishment of utilities in locations in such a way as to not adversely affect any known natural hazard; and to minimise the risk of damage to the utility network from any natural hazard. Policy 2.7 Co-locate structures and ancillary equipment where practicable. As settlement continues to develop in the Sounds there is continued demand for utilities. The provision of utilities as networks avoids cumulative effects of individual settlements providing their own services. To enable the sustainable management of utility networks as a resource, operators of those networks require consideration of the demands for and provision of services at the earliest possible time. These policies seek to ensure early consideration and provision of utilities and thereby avoid cumulative effects of provision of similar services by individual communities. The establishment of utility networks can have adverse effects on resources and amenities, and defined areas of special interest. Policies seek to ensure that the construction and maintenance of utility networks will not have adverse effects on identified areas prone to natural hazards, or areas with ecological or landscape value. 20.4 Methods of Implementation Rules Rules provide for utility networks as Permitted Activities, subject to standards and terms where there are minor adverse environmental effects. The placement of equipment underground and in or alongside road carriageways reduces likely disruption from natural hazards and long-term visual effects, and minimises land disturbance. Plan rules require special consideration for the location and construction of utilities in areas of identified special interest including natural hazard prone, and ecological and landscape value areas. Other Statutory The Annual Plan provides a vehicle for setting priorities for Documents provision of Council operated utility networks. Information/ Most Utility Operators conduct their operations according Codes of to industry-based codes of practice. Landscape and Practice screening guidelines are often included in these codes. 20 - 3