1. Introduction Volume One Align regional and district rules with those of adjoining regional and territorial authorities where practical Aligning the Council’s rules with those of adjoining local authorities (and vice versa) will reduce resource user frustration with real or perceived inconsistent approaches. This principle applies to both permitted activity standards and the triggers for resource consent. This simplifies matters for resource users transacting business where that business occurs across district boundaries or in more than one district. The Council will only intervene in the exercise of private property rights to protect the environment and wider public interests in the environment Allowing people to make their own decisions about land use enables changes to land use and management practices to be made quickly in response to changing environmental and/or market conditions. Such adaptability is important for overcoming the vulnerabilities created by a small economy reliant on the primary sector and the processing of outputs from that sector. It is important that people live and work in locations and in situations that have a minimal risk of being adversely affected by a hazard event Marlborough is subject to a range of natural hazards. The risks to people, communities and community infrastructure from hazard events must be reduced to acceptable levels as much as is practicable. Being aware of the potential for reverse sensitivity effects between different resource uses, whether on land, or water or between the two Reverse sensitivity effects occur when people establish new activities sensitive to the effects of existing activities in the vicinity. This can lead to restraints or demands against the existing activities and can cause tension and conflict in the community. Making sure activities are appropriately located and carried out within appropriate limits is therefore very important. Recognise that the Marlborough Sounds is the District’s “jewel in the crown” The Marlborough Sounds is a unique coastal environment, highly valued by residents and tourists alike. A range of physical characteristics contribute to people’s appreciation of the Marlborough Sounds, including biodiversity, landscape, natural character and open space. The significance of the Sounds and the role they play in our coastal environment creates a unique and quality living environment. Structure of the MEP Four volumes form the MEP: Volume 1 Volume 1 sets out the regionally significant issues facing Marlborough and the objectives and policies to achieve integrated management of Marlborough’s natural and physical resources. It is structured according to the different natural and physical resources and values that exist in the Marlborough environment and provides a comprehensive policy framework within which decisions can be made. It is also a guide to the development of courses of action to achieve the objectives. Immediately after each of the objectives, policies and methods, the principal reasons for adopting them are given. In many cases the provisions of each chapter of Volume 1 are to be read in conjunction with provisions from other chapters in Volume 1 to help inform the sustainable management purpose of the RMA. This reflects both the interconnected nature of resources and in particular the Council’s role as both a regional and district council. Volume 1 also includes methods to achieve the policies using both regulatory and non- regulatory means. In some cases these methods outline who is to carry out the action. 1 – 4