Volume One 13. Use of the Coastal Environment [RPS] Objective 13.1 – Areas of the coastal environment where the adverse effects from particular activities and/or forms of subdivision, use or development are to be avoided are clearly identified. The Council is directly responsible in determining what is inappropriate subdivision, use and development in the coastal environment in terms of the preservation of natural character (Section 6(a)), as well as in the protection of outstanding natural features and landscapes (Section 6(b)) and historic heritage (Section 6(f)). This is further reinforced through the provisions of the NZCPS, particularly Policy 7: Strategic Planning. If clear direction is provided through the MEP of the significant values and locations in Marlborough’s coastal environment, resource users will have a better appreciation of what may be appropriate subdivision, use or development in particular locations. [RPS] Policy 13.1.1 – Avoid adverse effects from subdivision, use and development activities on areas identified as having: (a) outstanding natural character; (b) outstanding natural features and/or outstanding natural landscapes; (c) significant marine biodiversity value and/or are a significant wetland; or (d) significant historic heritage value. Policy 13.1.1 identifies four significant matters upon which the adverse effects of activities are to be avoided. These matters are given particular direction through the principles of the RMA (Sections 6(a), (b), (c) and (f)) and through direction provided by Policies 11, 13, 15 and 17 of the NZCPS. However, it is important to acknowledge that implementing the policy does not mean that all activities are prohibited from occurring in the areas with the identified values; it simply makes clear that any adverse effects of activities must be avoided in those areas, rather than being mitigated or remedied. [RPS, R, C, D] Policy 13.1.2 – Areas identified in Policy 13.1.1 as having significant values will be mapped to provide certainty for resource users, Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi, the wider community and decision makers. Mapping areas identified in Policy 13.1.1 as having significant values will provide decision makers and the community with a greater level of certainty regarding where the adverse effects of subdivision, use and development activities are to avoided. Mapping also assists applicants in considering either different locations for their activity or ways in which adverse effects of their activity can be avoided. In addition to mapping the significant areas, Appendices 1 and 2 describe the specific values for landscape and natural character (respectively) that contribute to making the mapped areas significant. While the Council has undertaken various assessments and studies to inform which areas have been mapped in Policy 13.1.1, not all areas within the coastal environment have been assessed. This is because for certain values, such as significant marine biodiversity, the only information available is on known sites recorded through processes such as resource consent applications. Given the resources required for more extensive assessment, it is not possible for all areas of the coastal marine area to be surveyed. As more information becomes available new areas can be added through a notified plan change under the First Schedule process of the RMA. 13 – 3