1.4 Assessment Criteria for Restricted Discretionary, Discretionary and Non-Complying Activity Resource Consent Applications

In considering restricted, discretionary and non-complying activities, Council shall have regard to any or all of the following matters, as appropriate, as well as the Performance Standards (Section 5),  Development Contributions (Section 7), the Other Methods in Section 13 and the MPDC Development Manual 2010. These matters do not restrict Council’s discretionary power.

1.4.1 Visual

1. The visual effects of an activity or work will be assessed in terms of the likely effect on:
   
   
   1. The surrounding environment and general landscape character (including ridgelines and view planes) with particular consideration of public roads, public reserves, identified significant features, residential zones, dwellings in rural zones, or marae in the vicinity of the proposed facility.
   2. Design elements in relation to the locality, with reference to the existing landscape character of the locality and amenity values.
   3. The mitigating effects of any proposed Landscaping.
2. With regard to Activities in the Kaitiaki (Conservation) Zone:
   
   
   1. Whether the siting, design and external appearance of any building dominates the skyline when viewed from any formed public road, accessway or public open space;
   2. Where the application involves a building on or near a ridgeline the Council will consider whether:
      
      
      • The highest point of any building is below that of the natural landform at the watershed of the ridge line immediately adjacent to it; or
      • The highest point of any building is below that of any existing vegetation, or proposed planting, which provides a vegetative screen between the site of the proposed building and the watershed of the ridge immediately adjacent to that site.
   3. Whether existing bush and vegetation will be retained where practicable, and sufficient landscape planting is provided for screening and as a backdrop where necessary, to ensure that buildings blend with the natural character of the landscape.
   4. Whether any earthworks necessary for the creation of a building platform, and access, will cause minimal disturbance to the landform and character of the site, and whether any such areas will be appropriately landscaped as soon as practicable having regard to the season.
   5. Whether driveways, private ways and turning areas will be constructed in such a manner as to require minimal disturbance to existing landform or vegetation.
   6. In addition to (a) – (e) above consideration shall be given to the activities provided for on the Development Concept Plan for Part Okauia 1 Block being Part DP7148, Okauia 4B Block, Lot 1 DPS 24315 Blocks IV and VIII Tapapa SD as identified in Schedule 5 whilst ensuring adverse effects of such activities are avoided, remedied or mitigated.
   7. In addition to (a) – (e) above consideration shall be given to the activities provided for on the Development Concept Plan for Part Section 126, Block II Tapapa East Survey District (CT SA5B/22) as identified in Schedule 5 whilst ensuring adverse effects of such activities are avoided, remedied or mitigated.
3. In making an assessment of visual impact regard shall be had to:
   
   
   1. The scale of the facility or building;
   2. Height, cross sectional area, colour and texture of structures and buildings;
   3. Distance of structures to site boundaries, the degree of compatibility with surrounding properties;
   4. Site location in terms of the general locality, topography, geographical features, adjoining land use, ie landscape character, rural houses;
   5. Proposed planting, fencing and other landscaping treatments;
   6. Proposed signs;
   7. Civil aviation height, colour and design requirements;
   8. The intensity of lighting when viewed from a distance should not be out of character with the environment in which the installation is situated;
   9. Lights should be directed and positioned as far as practicable so as to prevent spill or light adversely affecting the use and enjoyment of adjoining properties;
   10. The opportunity for co-siting the facilities;
   11. Increased movement resulting from the activity.
4. In assessing any proposed landscaping regard shall be had to:
   
   
   1. Whether existing landscape features are integrated into the new development;
   2. Whether the layout and design are of a high standard, and provide a visual environment that is interesting and in scale with the proposed development;
   3. Size and type of trees to be planted at the time of planting and at maturity having considered:
      
      • The character of the building or activity on-site;
      • The character of adjacent properties;
      • The scale of any parking areas to be screened;
      • Potential shadowing in winter of adjacent residential or rural properties orpublic reserves ;
      • Underground and overground services;
      • Suitability of the species to the location;
      • Suitability of the maintenance plan and watering programme to the species.
   4. The timing of implementation of the landscape plan and the maintenance of approved planting;
   5. Whether the type and the location of planting promotes public safety.
   6. Whether the Landscape Plan is certified by an appropriately qualified person as consisting of hardy plants suited to the location and capable of achieving the appropriate screening or enhancement purposes desired in the circumstances.
   7. The Preliminary Visual and Landscape Study, October 1992 (Volume I).

1.4.2 Noise Effects

1. The Council shall ensure that existing activities are not adversely affected by the proposal. In determining appropriate noise levels, Council shall have regard to the noise environment of the locality in which it is proposed to site the facility and the practicality of reducing noise from the utility components.
2. With regard to airports, Council shall have regard to New Zealand Standard 6805:1992 and New Zealand Standard 6807 with regard to Helicopter noise.
3. Council shall also have regard to the "Guidelines for the Management of Road Traffic Noise - State Highway Improvements" by Transit New Zealand.
4. With regard to dwellings located within 50 metres of a State Highway and 25 metres of any other road within the rural zone, Council shall have regard to the environmental outcome prescribed for dwellings in Rule 5.2.1. Applicants should note that in some circumstances an acoustic design report may be required to enable the impact of noise on the dwelling to be fully assessed.

1.4.3 Stormwater and Effluent Effects

The proposal shall be designed and maintained in a manner which prevents as far as practicable, pollution or contamination of ground or water or Council's stormwater system. Techniques such as bunding, impermeable layers under bunds and interceptors may be required. The extent of measures required will be determined after consideration of the Building Code and the sensitivity of the receiving environment to discharges.

The matters identified in Section 5.9.2 and Section 6.2.1 shall also be considered.