Marlborough District Council Roading Assets - Activity Management Plan 2015 - 2018 SECTION 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.8.5.11 Water discharge quality The discharge of water from the road network arises as an issue during construction and as a result of road usage with heavy metals and particulates accumulating on the road, from sources such as tyres, surface wear, and fuel. During construction, sediment control into stormwater drains and nearby watercourses is required to be carried out to ensure that any water discharged during construction is of as high a quality as possible. 1.8.5.12 Buffer Zones Buffer zones are a feature predominantly with road design and location projects. With existing roads there is little that can be achieved to provide a buffer zone, other than consideration of where to locate widening should this occur and at the same time be located in an environment that provides options. Higher use roads would have a greater demand for consideration of buffer zones than would low use roads. 1.8.5.13 Landscaping Landscaping treatment can provide a visual corridor along the road that can reduce any visual or amenity effects arising following road construction or as a result of road usage. There are urban street trees within urban environments and these are managed by the Reserves Department at Council. In other areas there are often roadside trees that have established over time, rather than being specifically planted. These are managed as part of the road network. Further landscaping options arise when works are proposed. Any landscaping considered should be consistent with the existing species found in an area so as to complement the existing environment. 1.8.5.14 Historical Places Many of the historical places within the region are identified by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and/or the Marlborough District Council in their Resource Management Plans. Often historic places are more than just physical buildings and can include gardens or sites of significance. Ensuring that roading projects are undertaken with an awareness of any potential heritage restrictions, and that the appropriate authorities and/or consents are obtained, will ensure that heritage values are not adversely affected by roading projects. 1.8.5.15 Cultural Values Cultural values associated with certain activities or sites are often not in the best interest of road management, however recognition of them and the ability to continue with these practices is often allowed. Cultural values also include the publics expected use of assets such as paper roads. While these might not be formed, there is an expectation that these are able to be used for pedestrian access to rural areas, in particular the conservation estate or rivers and watercourses. Such access can cause conflict as adjoining landowners can perceive a paper road as private land and occupy it as part of their land. 1.8.5.16 Amenity Amenity is a subjective determination from each member of the community and can influence the overall appreciation or sense of satisfaction with an area. Roads can provide a sterile visual aspect, however aspects such as landscaping, signage or physical route location can alter the impact on amenity that a road can have. 1.8.5.17 Urban Design Urban design in this context is about the design and placement of roads, whereby the outcome is seeking to create a desirable place in which to live, work and play. Urban design is about the relationship between built form, land use, open space, natural features and human activity. 30 September 2014 Page 155of Section 1