Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan Within the coastal marine area, some structures compromise the right of access, while others may change its nature. For example, structures ranging in scale from private jetties to public marinas and port facilities essentially alienate part of the foreshore and adjoining waters from public use, although they do provide access to both private and public property. Other activities such as marine farming, while having the potential to bring economic benefits to the district, not only physically impede access over water, but may also have a psychological effect in limiting people’s interest in accessing an area for recreational purposes. The Marlborough Regional Policy Statement advocates that the continued recreational use of marine resources is essential to the continued social wellbeing of the community. It is appropriate that the Council places a high priority on maintaining public access for recreational purposes. It is important therefore to identify those areas where public usage of the foreshore is high and protect them from development which restricts public access. Dependent on site characteristics, some structures (particularly jetties) are able to be shared between landowners. It is appropriate therefore to encourage the joint use of structures where circumstances permit. In addition, foreshore structures should be located so that their effect on public access is minimised. 8.2 Issue Managing activities so that access to and along the coast, lakes and rivers is maintained at current levels and wherever practicable enhanced. 8.3 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 That public access to and along the coastal marine area, lakes and rivers be maintained and enhanced. Policy 1.1 Avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects on public access caused by the erection of structures, works or activities in or alongside lakes and rivers. Policy 1.2 Adverse effects on public access caused by the erection of structures, marine farms, works or activities in or along the coastal marine area should as far as practicable be avoided. Where complete avoidance is not practicable, the adverse effects should be mitigated and provision made for remedying those effects, to the extent practicable. Policy 1.3 To prevent the erection of structures and marine farms that restrict public access in the coastal marine area where it is subjected to high public usage. Policy 1.4 Provide for reasonable public access across jetties erected to serve private properties. Policy 1.5 Continue to assess the need for enhancing public access to and along the coastal marine area, lakes and rivers. 8 - 2