29 May 2014 Chapter 12 - Rural Environments Therefore, current amenity levels in the rural areas of Marlborough are characterised by fluctuations in amenity because of both routine and seasonal land based primary production management practices. These fluctuations should be accepted as anticipated components of rural amenity values, particularly by those choosing to live in rural areas. This does not mean that the duty under Section 17 of the RMA to avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of activities is removed. The policies seek generally to enable established rural land uses and associated management practices to continue to operate sustainably in rural areas, so long as the effects from these uses do not constitute a general nuisance or health risk. The Plan sets out the expected amenity levels for rural areas to protect human health and safety. This should ensure that the potential for reverse sensitivity conflicts between the expectations of rural residents and those undertaking rural land uses are avoided, as far as possible. Control of subdivision is necessary to ensure that the rural zones can accommodate a full range of rural land-based activities. However, in providing for a full range of rural activities, the Council is mindful of the need to protect the rural amenity values. Most of the problems associated with factory farming and intensive livestock farming activities occur as a result of poorly-sited and designed buildings and enclosures, and poor farm management practices and waste disposal methods. Objective 3 To maintain or enhance the life supporting capacity of soils, and the quality of surface, ground and coastal water. Policy 3.1 To encourage the efficient use of water, thereby conserving both water quality and quantity. Policy 3.2 To avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of discharges on soil and water quality. The Deferred Township Residential Zone at Rarangi will only develop when a permanent potable water supply has been installed and service connection made to all properties in both the Deferred Township Residential Zone and the Township Residential Zone. Policy 3.3 To safeguard the natural character and nature conservation values of riparian margins, and associated ecosystems. Policy 3.4 To improve the control of run-off stormwater, including from roadways, to reduce the levels of sediment and contamination entering waterbodies. Policy 3.5 To ensure that regard is given to the effect of activities on water quality, water yields and the water requirements of ecosystems, when considering resource consents. Policy 3.6 Require land use consent for the establishment and operation of any new dairy farm. Policy 3.7 Approve land use consent applications for new dairy farms where the proposed farming would have no more than minor adverse effects on ground, surface, and coastal water quality or wetland. A land use consent application must identify the risks of new dairy farming and provide measures to address those risks, including as a minimum: 12 - 7