Part I: Urban Design Guidelines for All Subdivision and Development in the District

4 Identification of Opportunities and Constraints

4.2 Site Analysis

A detailed analysis of the site and its surroundings will help in the design of a subdivision that is appropriate to the area. Developers should consider the following features:

• Topography and landforms
• Flora and fauna
• Natural features, wetlands and streams
• Soils and groundwater
• Views and orientation, solar access, wind and climatic considerations
• Existing buildings and structures
• Heritage and cultural sites and features
• All possible vehicle access points
• Opportunities for street connections to neighbouring sites
• Any existing or proposed opportunities for cycleway, footpath and bridleway linkages
• Overland flow paths and stormwater catchments
• Historic or existing contamination
• Local sources of noise, dust, odour, vibration, light glare
• Natural hazards
• Character and land uses of surrounding areas

The site analysis should be discussed with Council staff to identify relevant issues, and, if required, should also be discussed with Tangata Whenua, neighbours and interested groups. Figure 2, below, shows an example of what features might be identified through site analysis.

Figure 2: An example of site analysis