7. Landscape Volume One Some landscapes, especially south of the Wairau River, are a product of past and present extensive pastoral farming. In this situation, the continuation of such pastoral farming is not anticipated to threaten the biophysical, sensory or associative values that contribute to landscape significance. This will be reflected in the status of regional and district rules that apply in identified outstanding natural features and landscapes and landscapes with high amenity value in rural areas. Existing land uses within these areas will also have existing use rights under Section 10 of the RMA. Primary production activities currently also occur in the Marlborough Sounds in locations identified within the MEP as having landscape significance. Rules applying to land uses do require consent for new commercial forestry activity and land disturbance over certain limits. However given the existing use rights under Section 10 of the RMA, existing land-based primary production activity, even within an area of landscape significance, can continue to take place. [R, C, D] Policy 7.2.9 – When considering resource consent applications for activities in close proximity to outstanding natural features and landscapes, regard may be had to the matters in Policy 7.2.7. The extent of outstanding natural features and landscapes are identified in the MEP. Establishing a boundary beyond which values no longer contribute to landscape significance is difficult. For this reason it may be appropriate to assess the impacts on landscape values for activities outside of, but in close proximity to, an identified outstanding natural feature or landscape. Application of this policy will be determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the proposal and its proximity to the outstanding natural feature or landscape. [D] Policy 7.2.10 – Reduce the impact of wilding pines on the landscape by: (a) supporting initiatives to control existing wilding pines and limit their further spread; and (b) controlling the planting of commercial wood species that are prone to wilding pine spread. The ability of pine trees to spread from commercial plantations, soil conservation plantings, rural shelterbelts and isolated plantings is well documented in Marlborough. As pines spread, they alter the landscape due to their visual dominance and colour contrast. In addition, where forests have been harvested but not replanted there is the potential for rapid growth of wilding seedlings, creating more unmanaged sources of wilding pine spread. Many in the community believe that these landscape changes are unacceptable and some locals have initiated control programmes in an effort to reduce the presence of wilding pines in the landscape and limit their spread to other areas. These efforts are to be supported as a means of effective landscape protection. Additionally, there are certain species of tree grown for commercial wood production that are more prone to wilding pine spread. Controls on planting certain species will assist to reduce the risk of wilding pine spread and therefore reduce impacts on landscape values. [D] Policy 7.2.11 – Liaise with the Department of Conservation regarding any landscape issues on land administered by the Department and identified as having outstanding natural features and landscapes (including within the Marlborough Sounds Coastal Landscape). A significant proportion of outstanding natural features and landscapes occur on Crown land administered by the Department of Conservation. Because this land is managed for conservation purposes and is not likely to attract development, there are fewer threats to the biophysical, sensory and associative values in these landscapes compared to those areas with outstanding natural features and landscapes on privately owned land. However, that is not to say that potential threats do not exist. For example, applications can be made to operate concessions within areas administered by the Department and vegetation change can occur as a result of pest plant incursions (including wilding pines, broom and gorse). The Council will liaise with the 7 – 10