Marlborough Sounds Resource Management Plan 20 March 2014 c) The effects on natural hazard management, including stability of riparian management zones and river control matters; d) Protection of riparian habitat diversity; e) Protection of in-stream habitat; and f) Provision of physical public access where legal public access is provided for. 31.4 Discretionary Activities Application must be made for a Resource Consent for a Discretionary Activity for the following: • Activities listed as permitted activities which do not comply with conditions or with the provisions for minor non-compliance dealt with as limited discretionary activities; • Any activity listed as a Permitted Activity and either adversely affecting or being affected by any hazard area identified on the Planning Maps as a hazardous area; and • Any hazardous facility with an effects ratio greater than 0.2; • Building construction in riparian management zones as identified in Appendix I and the Ecology Maps in Volume Three. 31.4.1 General Assessment Criteria Any application for a Discretionary or Non-Complying Activity shall generally comply with the conditions for Permitted Activities. In addition they shall be considered in terms of the following assessment criteria. For some activities specific standards also apply. 31.4.1.1 Matters the Subject of Assessment a) The effect of the proposal on the town’s landscape context and the landscape and visual quality of the town when viewed from the sea approach; b) The effect of the proposal on important view shafts to surrounding hills and of the sea enjoyed from residential areas; c) The provision of continuous pedestrian shelter within the town centre; d) Integration of built form with foreshore development; e) Design and appearance; f) The privacy and residential amenities enjoyed on nearby residential properties and on the applicant’s own site; g) Daylight and shading of adjoining properties; h) The usual background noise characteristics of the locality and the likely extent and significance of any increase in noise; i) The safety and convenience of vehicle, cycle and pedestrian traffic on adjacent roads; and the need for safe on-site provision for vehicle access servicing, loading and parking; 31 - 14