Wairau/Awatere Resource Management Plan 30 September 2010 Plan rules set performance conditions controlling building height, potential shading of adjoining properties, and maximum building coverage. It is considered that rules are necessary because they provide maximum certainty for residents and developers of sites in residential areas where maintenance of amenities is important to people’s wellbeing and to the security of property investment. Plan rules are considered to be the minimum necessary to ensure that the installation and operation of water supply and wastes treatment and disposal systems meet desired community health and environmental standards. The further methods outlined above are matters which the Council is either required to address or is intending to address for various reasons. They all offer progress in terms of the objectives identified for the residential environment. 11.3 Business Areas The principal business and retail area within the Wairau/ Awatere area and Marlborough at large is the Central Business Zone of Blenheim, and more specifically within the Primary Shopping Area of the Central Business Zone. Within Blenheim there are several suburban business areas as well. A mixture of retail service and light industrial activity extends along Grove Road and Main Street in Blenheim. In addition, identifiable areas containing a range of commercial, administrative, service and industrial activities occur within the Renwick and Seddon townships. It is important for the identity of Blenheim that the Central Business Zone, and the Primary Shopping Area, remain the regional focal point for retail, commercial, cultural and social activity, and the town centre continues to thrive as the principal shopping location. It is acknowledged that the increasing demand for and choice of goods will result in pressure for retail developments to occur in other locations, but these should always remain in a secondary position to the primary function of the Blenheim town centre. 11.3.1 Central Business Area The Central Business Zone has been applied to the central commercial area of Blenheim. This zone incorporates the inner shopping areas of Market and Queen Streets and stretches to include the surrounding business areas as well. Refer to Maps 161 and 162 (Volume 3) for zone boundary. The Central Business Zone in Blenheim concentrates a wide range of important activities. These include retail shops, professional and administrative offices, civic and community facilities, emergency service activities, personal and household services, entertainment, restaurants and bars. The Blenheim commercial areas, in addition to serving a significant resident population, serves an extensive rural area, being the largest town of Marlborough. Increasingly too, the business area of Blenheim is providing for the needs of travellers and tourists. Blenheim’s business area represents the District’s largest investment in terms of building and development. There is considerable public and private investment in the Central Business Zone in the form of roading, car parking, street lighting and other infrastructure which is important in providing commercial services and shopping facilities for the community. 11 - 14