12. Urban Environments Volume One amenity values as set out in Section 7(c) of the RMA. For the relationship between the Picton Business 1 Zone, this policy sits alongside Policy 13.18.9, which promotes visual and physical connections between the port area and the town centre. [D] Policy 12.6.5 – Noise limits have been established to provide for the protection of community health and welfare. These limits are consistent with the character and amenity of the business and industrial zones. The adverse effects of noise are an issue in urban environments where noise may impact on the health of people and their enjoyment of the surrounding environment. While there is always background noise, some noise can give be a nuisance and even create health problems through its character, duration or time of occurrence. Urban environments contain a range of activities that result in varying levels of noise effects, depending on their location or siting. Business and industrial areas are noisier than residential areas but limitations are still required on unreasonable noise, though the noise from some processes in industrial areas cannot be avoided. To ensure that the character and amenity of business and industrial environments are maintained, limits through permitted activity standards will be imposed. [D] Policy 12.6.6 – Limit the size and number of signs so that they convey information about the name, location and nature of a business to passing pedestrians and vehicles without being oversized or too numerous. Signs are both important and necessary to convey information to pedestrians and motorists about the nature of businesses and services contributing to the Marlborough community as well as businesses’ own social and economic wellbeing. For business and industrial activities there is an expectation that goods and services can be advertised in a way that \informs the public and attracts potential customers. However, where signs are large or numerous, they have the potential to adversely affect streetscape amenity and the amenity and character of different zones. Permitted activity standards will control the effects of signs within the respective business and industrial zones to maintain amenity and traffic safety. [D] Policy 12.6.7 – Where resource consent is required, ensure that development within the business or industrial zones is undertaken in a manner that: (a) provides for the maintenance of those attributes contributing to the business character of the locality, as expressed in Policies 12.5.1 to 12.5.4; (b) provides for the maintenance of those attributes contributing to the industrial character of the locality, as expressed in Policies 12.5.5 and 12.5.6; (c) maintains and/or enhances the business and industrial environments of the area for the wider community; (d) ensures the site can be adequately serviced (stormwater, sewer and water); and (e) ensures that the effects of any natural hazards can be avoided, remedied or mitigated. Where resource consent is required for subdivision or development within the business or industrial zones, the matters in this policy will help to determine whether the development is appropriate. In particular, the matters concerning the character of the locality and urban amenity values are important in having regard to Sections 7(c) and (f) of the RMA. Other matters concerning the discharge of domestic wastewater are equally important and regard is to be had to the policies of Chapter 16 - Waste to assist in giving effect to this policy. 12 – 20