Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan Subdivision/development can give rise to a reduction in open space and, ultimately, as population increases, there is a greater demand for open space, recreational and community facilities. Council administers a “Reserves and Recreation Policy”. The Annual Plan process, sets out objectives and policies to mitigate the adverse effects of subdivision/development by acquiring land and maintaining and developing existing reserves and facilities. Fundamental to these objectives is the acquisition and development of community facilities and reserves from reserve fund contributions and development levies. The Council has elected to continue with a percentage of land value approach, previously available under the Local Government Act 1974. The percentages to be applied have been reviewed against the Council’s “Reserves and Recreation Policy”. It is the Council’s view that the use of percentages is the fairest and most cost-effective means of avoiding, remedying or mitigating adverse effects on the community’s cultural and amenity resources. This approach is based upon the standard of open space and community facilities (both at the local and district level) put in place under the Local Government Act provisions. This standard has set a level of amenity expectation for the Marlborough community. Consequently, the Marlborough community anticipates that the cultural and amenity resource aspects of the district will be sustained to present standards. Further, the Council’s long term planning strategy in this area (which is in place and is being implemented) is based upon sustainably providing for/managing these resources to this historic and expected level. The alternative of a lesser standard is not acceptable to the community. Reserves and/or reserve fund contributions are therefore required at the time of subdivision. These will be determined and calculated in accordance with the criteria set out in Volume Two: Chapter 28 Standard Requirements for Subdivision and Development. Refer also to Chapter 12: Open Space, which further explains the importance of providing reserves. With roading, the financial contributions will reflect the demand created by the subdivision or development and will include: the need for kerb and channel for amenity value as well as stormwater drainage; the need for footpaths for pedestrian traffic generated by the subdivision; road widening to cater for traffic movement as well as off carriageway parking; the provision of grass berms for amenity value for the adjoining properties; and, the sealing of the carriageway for amenity value for the adjoining properties. Work beyond the frontage of the subdivision or development may also be included. Where subdivision creates additional stormwater disposal demand the financial contribution will reflect the costs involved in providing for the disposal of stormwater or the upgrading of existing systems to adequately cater for the additional discharge created by the subdivision. Where water supply and sewerage systems are already in place, and where a subdivision will require connections to that existing system there will be a recoupment of costs. This will provide for future users to buy into the existing facility, and extension of those facilities. The contributions will be based on the depreciated value of the facility taking into account any debt outstanding so that the net value is shared across all users who benefit from the system. There may also be a contribution required for the upgrading of existing systems to adequately cater for the additional demands created by the subdivision. 23 - 6