13. Use of the Coastal Environment Volume One [RPS] Objective 13.2 – Subdivision, use or development activities take place in appropriate locations and forms and within appropriate limits. As important as it is to identify areas where adverse effects of activities are to be avoided, it is also important that regard is given to identifying appropriate areas, limits and forms in which subdivision, use and development activities can take place. This must be done within a context of recognising and providing for particular values in terms of the principles of the RMA, as well as within the enabling direction provided through Policy 6 of the NZCPS. [RPS, R, C, D] Policy 13.2.1 – The appropriate locations, forms and limits of subdivision, use and development activities in Marlborough’s coastal environment are those that recognise and provide for, and otherwise avoid, remedy or mitigate adverse effects on the following values: (a) the characteristics and qualities that contribute to natural character, natural features and landscape of an area; (b) the relationship of Māori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands, water, sites, waahi tapu and other taonga; (c) the extensive area of open space within the coastal marine area available for the public to use and enjoy, including for recreational activities; (d) the importance of public access to and along the coastal marine area, including opportunities for enhancing public access; (e) the dynamic, complex and interdependent nature of coastal ecosystems; (f) the high level of water quality generally experienced in Marlborough’s coastal waters; and (g) those attributes that collectively contribute to individual and community expectations about coastal amenity values. While the values identified in the policy may not have the same level of significance as those set out in Policy 13.1.1, they are nonetheless important considerations in determining whether an activity is appropriate at a particular location or of an appropriate form or scale. Some of these matters have direction through the principles of the RMA; for example, those related to public access and amenity values. Others have come about in response to a community expression of what is important to recognise and provide for in the coastal environment. An example of this is subclause (f) in relation to the generally high levels of water quality found in Marlborough’s coastal waters. Collectively, these values also give effect to a number of policies within the NZCPS. These values are to be considered in any application for resource consent or plan change, in addition to the management framework that may apply to specific activities as set out in the remainder of this chapter. [RPS, R, C, D] Policy 13.2.2 – In addition to the values in Policy 13.2.1, the following matters shall be considered by decision makers in determining whether subdivision, use and development activities in Marlborough’s coastal environment are appropriate at the location proposed and of an appropriate scale, form and design: (a) the contribution the proposed subdivision, use or development activity makes to the social and economic wellbeing of people and communities; (b) the efficient use of the natural and physical resources of the coastal environment; 13 – 4