Volume One 17. Transportation heritage, tourism and the provision of air access to the more remote areas of Marlborough, including to the Marlborough Sounds. It is essential for the continued development of industry, commerce and tourism activity in Marlborough that a high level of air transport access is maintained, which will continue contributing to Marlborough’s overall economic and social wellbeing. [RPS] Policy 17.1.1 – Recognise the importance of Blenheim Airport, Omaka Airfield and Picton Airport as transportation nodes for Marlborough’s residents, local businesses and visitors. A specific zoning has been used to recognise and provide for the ongoing use and development of Blenheim Airport, Omaka Airfield and Picton Airport. The zoning, which enables the application of specific rules for airport related activities, will effectively provide for the continued development, improvement and operation of the airports, subject to measures to avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse effects. [RPS, D] Policy 17.1.2 – To protect the commercial operational capability of Blenheim Airport through to 2040. Based on current projections, it is unlikely that the main runway at Blenheim Airport will reach capacity in the foreseeable future. The commercial airport operator, Marlborough Airport Limited, currently has no plans to extend the existing runway. However, to protect the ability of the runway to be extended in the future, the Airport Zone extends over land to the west of the current runway. Issue 17B – Operation of airports and associated aircraft activities can be affected by various land use activities and generate effects that impact upon surrounding environments. Urban encroachment is a significant threat to the future sustainability of airports. Increases in population in areas affected by aircraft noise can result in public pressure to modify airport operations, for example by altering flight tracks or introducing curfews. This may result in reverse sensitivity conflicts between peoples’ expectations of residential amenities and noise generated from airports. This type of conflict can have significant adverse effects on the operation and viability of airports. In addition, some land uses could affect the safe operation of airports, especially activities that involve structures (e.g. aerials) or attract birds (e.g. landfills or open ponds). Blenheim Airport is currently separated from the western boundary of Blenheim by approximately four kilometres of open land and from the eastern boundary of Renwick by approximately two kilometres. While there are currently no significant proposals to extend Blenheim or Renwick towards the airport, it must be recognised that there are no significant natural constraints on the expansion of these settlements in that direction either. Omaka Airfield is situated approximately 500 metres from the boundary of Blenheim and is reasonably constrained within its present boundaries. Rezoning of land to the south west of Blenheim from rural to residential use prior to notification of the MEP will result in residential development occurring close to Omaka Airfield. The area surrounding the Picton Airport is predominantly rural in nature and urban encroachment is unlikely to be a problem, although the airport is located in close proximity to several houses and a primary school. Complaints have been received by the Council in the past regarding noise arising from the operation of the aircraft. Each of Marlborough’s airports/airfields has the potential to cause significant environmental effects, including traffic generation, chemical/fuel hazards, landscape impacts and most significantly, noise pollution. The operational efficiency and functioning of Blenheim Airport, Base 17 – 3