Wairau/ Awatere Resource Management Plan an area but also individually as places that have meaning to those that live, work and visit them. In areas where rural subdivision occurs care should be taken to develop in a way that retains the essential rural characteristics. The location of dwellings should reflect the landform and this may require retention of any natural features such as meandering streams or trees. Where feasible these characteristics should be maintained and enhanced. The planting of trees in the valleys and out on the alluvial plains is very important. Inappropriate ‘urban’ development will be resisted vigorously. Land use activities involving vegetation clearance, excavation, filling and changes in land use from, for example pasture to forestry or vice versa, result in inevitable alteration to the landscape. If an area is considered to be suitable for such activities on landscape criteria (ie; land outside the outstanding and special places or where the activity would not compromise the outstanding qualities of these special places) and would not compromise physical or biological values, then these activities are likely to be acceptable. Such development should follow industry guidelines and other studies. Where possible, earthworks, subdivision boundaries, fencelines and land use changes, should reflect natural land form. Excavation and vegetation clearance, or changes in land use that may result in these activities in the future, are of particular significance as these may result in accelerated erosion and visual scarring. Property boundaries often follow ridges and in these circumstances, visually prominent features such as trees and buildings, should be kept down from the ridge top if breaking the skyline would mean that these features would be visible from settlements or public roads beyond. In tussock country, changes in land use, such as forestry, can have significant effect on the spacious, open vistas. However, it is possible to minimise impact if care is taken over siting and layout. Care should be taken to provide a visual as well as biological buffer between various land use activities and wetlands or other sensitive habitats. The townships in the Wairau/ Awatere District retain their rural nature. They are spacious, with wide roads, predominantly single storey buildings, frequent open spaces, numerous trees and strong visual connections to their surroundings. Each settlement also has its own particular ‘sense of place’ - its own history, its own unique landform and microclimates, and its own use patterns. Local communities can be encouraged to reinforce the special aspects of their settlement through an understanding of both the underlying natural landscape and the settlement’s unique historical and cultural features. The East Marlborough Coast has a relatively low profile compared with the Marlborough Sounds. Nonetheless, it is largely natural, enjoys considerable diversity and there are a number of very special locations, including headlands, lengths of unspoilt coast, and areas of dramatic rock outcrops. In relation to coastal development, siting should be considered in terms of the character and use of adjacent areas and landscape values. Landscape and amenity values should be a major consideration in any decision to develop the coastal foreshore. The rivers of the Wairau/ Awatere District are other very significant features. The presence of natural water and vegetation is an attraction and the rivers are a focus for recreation. The scenic qualities of these areas are very important and provide opportunities for combining flood management practices with recreational, ecological, heritage and landscape objectives. This is the case in both rural and urban locations. 5 - 8