Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan 20 February 2007 Policy 1.3 To consider the effects on those qualities, elements and features which contribute to natural character, including: a) Coastal and freshwater landforms; b) Indigenous flora and fauna, and their habitats; c) Water and water quality; d) Scenic or landscape values; e) Cultural heritage values, including historic places, sites of early settlement and sites of significance to iwi; and f) Habitat of trout. Policy 1.4 In assessing the actual or potential effects of subdivision, use or development on natural character of the coastal and freshwater environments, particular regard shall be had to the policies in Chapters 3, 4, 5, 6, 12,13 and Sections 9.2.1, 9.3.2 and 9.4.1 in recognition of the components of natural character. Policy 1.5 Promote an integrated approach to the preservation of the natural character of the coastal and freshwater environments of the Marlborough Sounds. Policy 1.6 In assessing the appropriateness of subdivision, use or development in coastal and freshwater environments regard shall be had to the ability to restore or rehabilitate natural character in the area subject to the proposal. Policy 1.7 To adopt a precautionary approach in making decisions where the effects on the natural character of the coastal environment, wetlands, lakes and rivers (and their margins) are unknown. Policy 1.8 To recognise that preservation of the intactness of the individual land and marine natural character management areas and the overall natural character of the freshwater, marine and terrestrial environments identified in Appendix Two is necessary to preserve the natural character of the Marlborough Sounds as a whole. The above objective and policies seek to support other sections of the Plan in terms of their contribution to natural character and provide an integration mechanism for the management of natural character. The preservation of the natural character of the coastal environment, wetlands, lakes and rivers (and their margins) and the protection of them from inappropriate subdivision, use and development is a matter of national importance which must be recognised and provided for in the Plan. The natural character of the Marlborough Sounds comprises those features and qualities which have been brought into being by nature. While it is seen as nationally important to preserve the qualities of natural character, it is not intended that this principle should preclude appropriate subdivision, use and development. 2 - 4