Chapter 5 - Landscape Objective 2 To provide for appropriate development practices within areas not identified as outstanding natural landscapes. Policy 2.1 Encourage the development of landscape identity areas such as the Wairau Plains, the rurality of small towns. Policy 2.2 In areas where rural subdivision occurs retain rural features and characteristics (eg. meandering streams, indigenous vegetation patterns, trees). Policy 2.3 Maintain an open character to the rural zones and in particular the more intensively developed Rural 3 Zone. Policy 2.4 Encourage rural residential settlement in areas outside of the Rural 3 Zone provided they are contained, retain rural character and do not lead to “suburbanisation” of the rural environment, and do not adversely affect physical resources. Policy 2.5 Encourage forestry development to reflect natural landforms. Policy 2.6 Recognise the value of rivers as significant landscape features providing opportunities for access into the landscape as well as providing opportunities to maximise aesthetic and intrinsic values. Policy 2.7 Ensure consideration of landscape and amenity values in relation to coastal development. Several major landscape divisions in the Wairau/Awatere landscape can be identified. The bush clad mountains and forested hills north of the Wairau Valley, the glaciated mountain ranges and valleys in the west, the rugged Inland Kaikouras, Molesworth, the high inland hills, the lower dry coastal hills, the Wairau and Awatere valleys and the coast, all have their own characteristics and qualities. Within these landscapes many special ‘places’, or landscape character areas exist. These areas are sensitive to development but do not have the same values as the outstanding landscapes. In these landscapes change may be appropriate, but landscape issues will need to be carefully considered. The way that the change is handled will be critical. Special places are the Richmond Hills, Tuamarina River, Rainbow Valley and the Upper Wairau, the Tophouse area, Wither Hills, Dashwood, Redwood and Taylor Passes, Wairau Mouth, White Bluffs, Muritai Reserve, Marfells Beach and Waima Mouth. Elsewhere in the Wairau/Awatere the landscape is less sensitive to change. For both residents and visitors these modified landscapes contribute significantly to the identity of Marlborough. The best known examples are the vineyard landscapes of the Wairau and Awatere Valleys. The Plan assists in the protection of outstanding and special landscapes - usually those retaining a high level of natural character - and reinforces and enhances the characteristics and qualities of the diverse working and built landscapes of the district. 5.6 Methods of Implementation Area Landscape and features of outstanding landscape value are Identification identified on the planning maps. 5 - 9