Chapter 2 - Natural Character This level of direction is consistent with the policies contained within the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement, including Policy 1.1.5. It provides a guide for decisions on plan changes, assessment of effects, consent decisions, and direction in determining appropriate measures to avoid, remedy and mitigate adverse effects of activities on natural character. 2.3 Methods of Implementation Rules Rules have been constructed to ensure that the elements which contribute to natural character in the Marlborough Sounds are protected from inappropriate subdivision, use and development. Refer to General Rules and Zone Rules, Volume Two. The establishment of a Conservation Zone and related rules, also contributes to the preservation of natural character in the Sounds. Assessment The provision of assessment criteria on discretionary activities Criteria to facilitate the consideration of natural character impact. Information The Council, in liaison with the Department of Conservation, will prepare and maintain a bibliography of published material on the natural and physical resources of the Marlborough Sounds. Methods of Natural character areas - The natural character of the Implementation Marlborough Sounds overall, and the constituent land and marine natural character management areas are described in Appendix Two. These descriptions must be considered in the preparation of resource consent and plan changes and in making consent and plan change decisions. These area descriptions also provide direction in determining appropriate measures to avoid, remedy and mitigate adverse effects. The methods to achieve preservation of natural character in those areas where this is required by the Act, is the general outcome of a number of the rules provided by the Plan. The zoning mechanism identifies the most appropriate locations for more intensive development. For example, the Sounds Residential Zone indicates appropriate locations for residential development in the Sounds. Subdivision is a precursor to major changes to natural character. Controls on subdivision ensure that these changes are not adverse. Rules will ensure, as far as is practicable, that subdivision, use and development harmonise with the natural character of the coastal environment and wetlands, lakes and rivers. The natural character area framework is based on biophysical and ecological components listed in Appendix Two. This framework is in addition and complementary to the outstanding landscape areas identified in the Plan maps. (The outstanding landscape areas are based on the VAMPLAN method of identification and therefore represent an assessment of the visual values within the Marlborough Sounds.) Plan users should also note that the natural character descriptions are a summary of the current knowledge of the plan area and constituent management 2 - 5