17. Transportation Volume One Woodbourne and Omaka Airfield requires continual on-site maintenance and servicing of aircraft, often associated with significant noise generation (engine testing in particular). [RPS, D] Objective 17.2 – A balance is achieved between the operational needs of Marlborough’s airports and the amenities and wellbeing of the community. Although Marlborough’s airports/airfields are important for strategic transportation purposes, their operation does have the potential to have adverse effects on amenity values for the community, particularly noise effects. Additionally, there are a range of activities that can affect the safe operation and viability of airports/airfields. Therefore the objective seeks a balanced approach to allowing aircraft to operate effectively and efficiently while at the same time safeguarding the amenity values of local communities and individuals. [D] Policy 17.2.1 – Provide for the operational needs of airports by the protection of air corridors through restrictions on height and land use. For safety purposes it is critical to provide protection for air corridors used in approaches to and departures from the airports. Certain flight path air spaces (referred to as Obstacle Limitation Surfaces) have been defined around Blenheim Airport, Omaka Airfield and Picton Airport for planes approaching and departing airfields. Height restrictions and land use controls are used to ensure these flight paths remain clear from such obstructions as trees, aerials and buildings. In certain cases these Obstacle Limitation Surfaces extend beyond the Airport Zone. [D] Policy 17.2.2 – The potential incompatibility between airports and residential living in nearby rural environments should be managed through land use controls to: (a) avoid new noise-sensitive activities being located within the Inner Noise Control Boundary; and (b) mitigate the effects of noise from airport activity between the Outer Noise Control Boundary and the Inner Noise Control Boundary. People's reactions to levels of aircraft noise can vary. Although there have not been a high levels of complaints about the level of noise generated from airports in Marlborough, there is recognition that aircraft noise can cause a significant nuisance and detract from the amenity values and quality of the environment. Aircraft movements at the airports are also likely to increase over time. It is appropriate therefore to control land use development to ensure any adverse effects of aircraft noise on health and amenity are minimised. This can be achieved through permitted activity rules regulating residential activity and other noise-sensitive activities likely to suffer adverse effects from aircraft noise. Effects may also be mitigated by the installation of acoustic insulation and ventilation systems, but in some circumstances there may be a need for assessment by way of resource consent. [D] Policy 17.2.3 – Establish maximum acceptable levels of aircraft noise exposure around Marlborough’s airports for the protection of community health and amenity values. Although Policy 17.2.2 is aimed at avoiding reverse sensitivity conflicts arising through the establishment of noise sensitive activities close to airports, it is important that noise from airport activities such as engine-testing and ground running activity are appropriately managed. (Note that in terms of the provisions of the RMA, the Council has no ability to control aircraft noise once aircraft are airborne.) 17 – 4