6: Natural Character Volume One [RPS, R, C, D] Policy 6.2.6 – In assessing the appropriateness of subdivision, use or development in coastal or freshwater environments, regard shall be given to the potential to enhance natural character in the area subject to the proposal. It may be possible to improve the natural character of coastal environments and freshwater bodies through appropriate subdivision, use and development of natural resources. Any improvement to the landscape, natural processes, biodiversity, water flows or quality incorporated into the proposal will be considered in this regard. Enhancement of natural character is particularly desirable where the coastal environment and freshwater bodies have been substantially modified by past resource use activities. Enhancement in this context is to be used in its broadest term and can include restoration and rehabilitation. However, for the purposes of this policy it does not include addressing the effects of a proposal. Any actions proposed by an applicant or imposed by the consent authority (through consent conditions) begin the process of remedying past resource use impacts on natural character. The policy also implements Policy 14 of the NZCPS. [RPS, R, C, D] Policy 6.2.7 – In assessing the cumulative effects of activities on the natural character of the coastal environment, or in or near lakes or rivers, consideration shall be given to: (a) the effect of allowing more of the same or similar activity; (b) the result of allowing more of a particular effect, whether from the same activity or from other activities causing the same or similar effect; and (c) the combined effects from all activities in the coastal or freshwater environment in the locality. Although individual activities may not adversely affect the natural character of the coastal environment or freshwater bodies, when combined with the effects of similar activities or other activities with similar effects, the activities may collectively have cumulative effects on natural character. This policy describes how the cumulative effects of activities on the natural character of the coastal environment or freshwater bodies will be considered. For the coastal environment specifically, any consideration of cumulative effects should take into account scale and may need to include consideration of the intactness of the coastal terrestrial and coastal marine natural character areas. [RPS, R, C, D] Policy 6.2.8 – Require land use activities to be set back from rivers, lakes and the coastal marine area in order to preserve natural character. The proximity of land use activity to rivers, lakes and the coastal marine area has a significant influence on the potential for adverse effects on natural character. The closer the activity, the greater the potential for modification to the elements, patterns, processes and experiential qualities that contribute to natural character. For this reason, land use activities will be required to be set back from rivers, lakes and the coastal marine area. The setback will be implemented through permitted activity standards and application can be made for resource consent to undertake an activity within the setback. The adverse effects of any such proposal will be assessed against the provisions of this chapter. [RPS, R, C, D] Policy 6.2.9 – Encourage and support private landowners, community groups and others in their efforts to restore the natural character of the coastal environment, wetlands, lakes and rivers. Not all of the responses to preserving natural character need to be achieved through regulatory methods, particularly when restoring natural character in parts of the coastal environment and in wetlands, lakes and rivers already significantly modified by historic human activity. This policy acknowledges the significant efforts of private landowners, community groups and others to restore natural character in modified coastal and aquatic environments. The Council will seek to support existing restoration initiatives and will encourage new restoration initiatives to be 6 – 8