Chapter 23 - Subdivision and Development 23.0 Subdivision and Development 23.1 Introduction The Act places a responsibility upon the Council to ensure that subdivision and development occurs in a manner which avoids, remedies or mitigates the adverse effects on the environment. The Plan recognises that the subdivision of land, by itself, is not a land use but is, in effect, a procedural and legal process which produces a land tenure pattern to facilitate the subsequent development of land for various activities. The technical act of subdividing is therefore a critical first step for subsequent actions of preparing the land for use and the actual use of the land, both of which may substantially affect the environment and the community. Subdivision is one mechanism for the provision of esplanade reserves, esplanade strips and public access strips. Thus, it performs a significant role by enhancing public access to waterways and the coastal marine area. The Council is also required to define its policies in relation to financial contributions on subdivisions. The Plan must state the circumstances where such contributions will be imposed, the maximum amount or means for their determination, and the general purpose for such contributions. 23.2 Issues The development of land has environmental implications. Within the Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan area there are a number of issues which have been identified and which assist in identifying constraints and opportunities to resource use and development. These issues are: • Recognising the inherent constraints of the natural environment, eg; wetlands, bush, slope, natural hazards, amenity, drainage and access, and managing the effects of subdivision accordingly; • Recognising the potentially significant effects arising from stormwater and waste disposal, on coastal and fresh water quality in the Sounds, and managing subdivision accordingly; • Identifying and understanding infrastructural constraints (effluent disposal in particular) and how land use activities and subdivision inter-relate with them. • Allowing the market to decide on appropriate activities which follow on from subdivision whilst avoiding environmental effects; • Understanding the effects of the cultural and strategic constraints imposed by existing settlement patterns; • Recognising the nature and extent of existing roading and how it provides for future subdivision opportunities; • Recognising that a high proportion of all lands in the Plan area are part of the coastal environment; • Ensuring land use opportunities are preserved by an appropriate subdivision pattern; 23 - 1