12. Urban Environments Volume One Methods of implementation The methods listed below to address Issue 12A are to be implemented by the Council unless otherwise specified. [D] 12.M.1 Zoning Four residential-based zones have been established for the MEP to sustainably manage use, development and subdivision activities within Marlborough’s residential environments. These are the Urban Residential 1, Urban Residential 2, Urban Residential 2 Greenfields and Urban Residential 3 Zones. The Urban Residential 1 Zone is located in two areas within Blenheim. The main Urban Residential 1 Zone is located in close proximity to the central business area of Blenheim, while a smaller area is located at the Colonial Vineyards site (corner of New Renwick and Aerodrome Roads). Because of its higher density characteristics, the Urban Residential 1 Zone is not provided for in any other town in the District. The Urban Residential 2 Zone is located in the residential environments of all other towns within the District. In Blenheim, the Urban Residential 2 Zone extends outwards from the periphery of the Urban Residential 1 Zone to the urban limits. The Urban Residential 2 Greenfields Zone is located north and west of central Blenheim and was established through a plan change to the previous Wairau/Awatere Resource Management Plan. This area was rezoned for residential activity to accommodate predicted future growth. The Urban Residential 3 Zone located to the west area of Blenheim provides for lower density living and a buffer between the Urban Residential 2 and the Rural Environment Zone. An area at Rai Valley has also been zoned as Urban Residential 3. [D] 12.M.2 Regional and district rules A range of regional and district rules will apply to subdivision, use and development activities in residential environments. In general, residential activities are provided for as permitted activities subject to meeting standards. A limited range of other non-residential activities will also be provided for as permitted activities where these have only minor adverse effects on the environment. Residential activities with the potential to cause significant adverse effects, such as additional residential dwellings, education facilities, professional offices, health care centres, non-residential day care facilities, hospitals, retirement villages, rest homes and certain activities within the Sensitive Soil Areas and Ground Water Protection Areas are provided for as discretionary activities. Rules will be used to establish minimum allotment sizes, maximum sun exposure, noise limits, maximum height requirements, building arrangement and building orientation for the Urban Residential Zones. [D] 12.M.3 Specifically identified sites There are a number of activities existing at the time the MEP was notified that were located within residential areas but are not residential activities. These activities have been scheduled in the MEP with specific permissions and standards and are set out in Appendix 16. In addition, residential activities under previous resource management regimes have been established in some locations under larger allotment sizes and lower density provisions within the urban environment of Blenheim. This has resulted in a higher level of amenity, which is to be 12 – 12