Chapter 12 - Rural Environments generation (engine testing in particular). It is essential for the continued development of industry, commerce and tourism activity in the District that a high level of air transport access is maintained. Performance standards will be applied to all activities within airport areas to avoid, remedy, or mitigate adverse effects. Likewise the sustainability of the airport is also dependent on not being penalised by the encroachment of activities which are by their very nature sensitive to noise for normal airport operations. 12.7.2 Objectives and Policies Objective 1 The effective, efficient and safe operation of the District’s airport facilities. Policy 1.1 To provide protection of air corridors for aircraft using Marlborough, Omaka, and Picton Airports through height and use restrictions. Policy 1.2 To establish maximum acceptable levels of aircraft noise exposure around Marlborough Airport and Omaka Aerodrome for the protection of community health and amenity values whilst recognising the need to operate the airport efficiently and provide for its reasonable growth. Policy 1.3 To protect airport operations from the effects of noise sensitive activities. It is critical in safety terms to provide for protection of the air corridors used to approach and leave the airports. Certain air spaces have been defined around Blenheim for flight paths for planes approaching and leaving airfields. Height restrictions and land use controls are required to ensure these flight paths remain clear from such obstructions as trees, aerials, or concentrations of birds as may be associated with landfill sites, or bodies of open water. It is necessary to protect the operation of the airports from outside uses in order that they can function effectively and safely whilst protecting outside uses from the noise and related activity associated with the airport. Residential and similar developments in the vicinity of the airports potentially subjects residents to adverse noise impacts. Noise “buffers” surrounding the airport are considered the most effective means of protecting their operation. 12.7.3 Methods of Implementation Zoning Represent the airports as Airport Zones. Rules Plan rules provide for the continued development, improvement and operation of the airports subject to measures to avoid remedy or mitigate any adverse effects. Rules define the extent of the airport protection corridors through height and surrounding land use restrictions. Plan rules will, within an area determined with reference to the 55 Ldn noise contour (surveyed in accordance with NZS 6805 "Airport Noise Management and Land Use Planning"), require activities to be screened through the resource consent process and where permitted to establish noise attenuation will be required. 12 - 23