Chapter 11 Urban Environments residential use. The residential component of all rural or small townships is discussed under 11.2 (Residential Environments). The Wairau/ Awatere rural townships make an important contribution to social and economic wellbeing of the local population. The mixed use centres in these townships are all located on major arterial routes within the District, providing services and facilities serving not only the local but also the wider rural population and visitors. In the case of Ward and Seddon there is an expectation of benefit from any spinoff that may result from the development, if it occurs, of a ferry terminal at Clifford Bay. Each of these centres have both ‘rural’ and ‘urban’ elements as well as low intensity of development, informal appearance and large section sizes. This is typical of the amenity of a small rural township. The amenity of a township may also be influenced by local resources or specific activities. For residents of the township and surrounding rural areas, sources of employment are crucial to their economic wellbeing, and minor adverse environmental effects arising from commercial and industrial activities are therefore generally accepted or tolerated in these areas. Commercial and industrial activities in townships may however impinge upon environmental qualities by: • The visual intrusion of large buildings; • Air and water borne effluent and noise pollution; • Increased traffic on local roads; • Increased pressure on services; and • Incompatibility with areas of cultural significance to iwi. To maintain a pleasant environment in townships and to ensure nuisances or health risks do not arise, there is a need to control adverse effects arising from commercial/ industrial use. Residential use in Renwick, Seddon and Ward is described further in the Residential Environments section (11.2). 11.5.1 Issue Managing the effects of mixing commercial and industrial activity in small rural townships. 11.5.2 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 Managing the effects of mixed use rural township centres in a way that maintains the amenity and low intensity characteristics of the towns. Policy 1.1 Ensure the sustainable management of rural township resources in order to allow for mixed use (commercial and industrial) activity. Policy 1.2 Enable the establishment of a wide range of activities within rural townships, subject to standards and conditions to avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse effects on the environment. 11 - 27