Volume One 17. Transportation [D] Objective 17.4 – Conflict in providing for subdivision, use or development activities and with use of the land transport network is minimised. As the land transport network has been identified as a significant resource, it is important that it is able to function without being adversely affected by subdivision, use or development activities. The objective aims to ensure that any conflict arising from these uses is minimised in terms of the impacts on the land transport network. This objective is also relevant in the context of Policy 4.2.2 (Chapter 4 - Use of Natural and Physical Resources), which seeks to protect regionally significant infrastructure such as the district roading network from the adverse effects of other activities. [D] Policy 17.4.1 – Manage the density, scale and location of subdivision and/or activities to maintain the planned function of the roading network. A major method in the MEP for managing the efficiency of the road network is through identification of a road's function, which is established by the road hierarchy. It is important that subdivision or activities that generate traffic (whether on land or in the coastal marine area) are managed so that their location, density and/or scale does not impair the function of a particular road. Management will occur through district rules that describe where there is a need to consider the impacts of activities on the function of a road through the resource consent process. [D] Policy 17.4.2 – Avoid the spread of residential, industrial or commercial development fronting national routes and arterial roads extending outwards from urban settlements or towns. Avoiding the outward spread of urban areas (for residential, commercial or industrial development) along national or arterial routes and limited access roads will help protect the safety and efficiency of roading networks. In addition, this policy, together with others set out in Chapter 12 - Urban Environments, seeks to provide for the efficient use of energy, services and infrastructure by containing the outward spread of urban areas. This is an important aspect of the development of settlements as it focusses development around the areas that generally have the employment, community and infrastructural services able to sustain a growing population. [D] Policy 17.4.3 – Avoid development or subdivision where there would be significant adverse effects on social, cultural, economic or environmental values from extending or upgrading the road network. If the resulting increases in vehicle use from subdivision or development are likely to be significant, it may be necessary in some locations to upgrade the road network away from the proposed site. The development or extension of a road could have significant environmental impacts and may also impact on existing development. This could be in situations where the development or subdivision is in a remote location and considerable investment is required in upgrading or extending the road network as well as ongoing maintenance. It may be appropriate in some circumstances to restrict or even prevent development or subdivision, particularly within the coastal environment where there is a statutory requirement to avoid adverse effects to preserve areas with outstanding natural character and to protect outstanding natural features and landscapes (Policies 13 and 15 of the NZCPS). (Where these outstanding values are not present, there may well be options to remedy or mitigate adverse effects and these would be appropriately considered through the resource consent process.) 17 – 9