9. Public Access and Open Space Volume One coastal marine area, lakes or rivers. In some circumstances it may not be appropriate to enhance access in terms of (d) and the exclusion provided for in Policy 9.2.1 will be more applicable. [D] Policy 9.1.3 – Where public access is enhanced in priority locations, steps shall be taken to ensure this does not result in: (a) adverse effects on the wider environment of that location from littering, unsanitary disposal of human waste or damage to vegetation; or (b) conflicts between users that would detract from public enjoyment of the area. The cumulative effects of enhancing public access and resulting recreational use are potentially major. These effects arise from cumulative minor adverse effects of individual actions. It is considered that the most effective way to avoid, remedy or mitigate these cumulative effects is to influence the choices made by individuals through bylaws, public awareness programmes, provision of supporting facilities, use of signs, working with local communities and community groups etc. [RPS] Policy 9.1.4 – Acknowledge that public access to land held in private ownership can only be granted by the landowner. Access to beaches, rivers and the high country frequently relies on landowner goodwill in allowing people to cross private land. This policy acknowledges that the Council respects the private property rights of the landowner and understands it is their prerogative to grant or refuse permission for people to cross their land. [RPS, C, D] Policy 9.1.5 – Acknowledge the importance New Zealander’s place on the ability to have free and generally unrestrict ed acess tothe c c oast. The public has an expectation that access to coastal areas and use and enjoyment of our beaches, foreshore and the sea be free and in most cases, generally unrestricted. This policy recognises that expectation and in most circumstances, public access to Marlborough’s coastline will be unrestricted, particularly as a significant part of the District is within a coastal environment. However, it is important to acknowledge that there is no right of public access over private land to reach the coast and there are some circumstances where walking access is able to be restricted (see Policy 9.2.1). This policy also assists in giving effect to the NZCPS objectives and policies to maintain and enhance public walking access to, along and adjacent to the coastal marine area. Providing/enhancing public access [RPS, C, D] Policy 9.1.6 – Continue to assess the need to enhance public access to and along the coastal marine area, lakes a ndrivers. In some areas of Marlborough (such as in the Marlborough Sounds), good information is provided about where public access is available. In other parts of the District however, the same level of information is not apparent. Having records about where there is public access is important in terms of providing the public with information, but is also essential to establish which areas are in need of enhanced public access. Therefore, the Council needs to establish a comprehensive overview of the nature and location of existing means of public access. Having established this, the Council will undertake a gaps analysis to determine where there is a demand for further public access. From time to time the Council may also wish to review the conditions of an esplanade or access strip negotiated for public access to determine whether public access needs have changed. 9 – 4