Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan 10 March 2006 28.1.25.3 If a developer can provide documentary evidence that a Development Levy has been paid for a particular property under the Local Government Act 1974, or other provisions contained in the Plan then the levy paid will be credited against any reserve fund contribution for subdivision of that property. 28.1.26 Esplanade Reserves and Esplanade Strips 28.1.26.1 Subdivision of Allotments of 4 hectares or more In respect of any subdivision of land in which any allotment of four or more hectares is created (exclusive of balance land), the following provisions shall apply. 28.1.26.1.1 Circumstances In Which Esplanade Reserves or Esplanade Strips may be Created An esplanade reserve or esplanade strip may be required in regard to any subdivision of land which includes or adjoins any part of a river, lake or the coast, (river and lake are defined as for sections 2 and 230 (4) of the Act) or at the time of road stopping. Esplanade reserves or strips may be taken as part of other contributions, as a condition of consent. Matters that will be taken into account in assessing the need for esplanade reserves or strips for rivers and lakes will be: a) Connections to other public land; b) Access to rivers, lakes, wetlands and the coast; c) Recreation potential of the site; d) Visual and scenic characteristics of the waterway or coast; e) Spiritual or traditional use values important to local Maori; f) Existence of any historic sites; g) Important habitats for flora and fauna; h) The need for a buffer for protection of water quality, erosion control and also to reduce flood hazard; i) Effects on downstream or adjacent areas; j) Instream values; k) Riparian strip management; and l) Values listed in Appendix I - Schedule of Water Bodies for Riparian Management purposes. 28.1.26.1.2 Circumstances Where Council Will Impose a Condition of Consent for an Esp lanade Reserve or Esplanade Strip Include: a) Where public access to/ along the river, lake or area of coast is unlikely to be facilitated or promoted by the creation of an esplanade strip; b) Where there is public recreational use of the area in question; c) Where the conservation values of the area would be better maintained or enhanced by the creation of an esplanade reserve; d) Where it is not desirable for the landowner to own the land to maintain or promote that landowner’s access to the river or lake as part of the landowner’s operations or livelihood; and 28 - 20