1.4.16 Activities involving Items in Schedules 1, 2 and 3

1. General
   
   
   1. Whether the proposal has adverse effects on the scheduled resource and the measures taken to avoid, remedy, or mitigate potential adverse effects;
   2. The necessity for the proposed works or activity and any alternative methods and locations available to the applicant for carrying out the work or activities;
   3. Whether the proposed activity detracts from the intrinsic value of the resource;
   4. Whether the works or activity would wholly or partially nullify the effect of scheduling the resource;
   5. Whether there is any change in circumstance that has resulted in a reduction of the value of the resource since it was scheduled in the plan;
   6. Any proposal for use and development shall as far as practicable, be located, designed, constructed or placed to complement the character of the environment in which it is located;
   7. Use and development shall be considered inappropriate where it would modify, damage or destroy any regionally or nationally or internationally rare, threatened or endangered indigenous fauna or habitat or such fauna, plant or plant community, or any significant indigenous vegetation which contributes to the recognised values of the area;
   8. The likely impact of the proposal on natural landforms in terms of visual appearance, and the potential for subsidence or erosion (including stream banks);
   9. Development proposals shall ensure that any run-off or stormwater resulting from the establishment of the activity does not lead to siltation, sedimentation, or a reduction of water quality in natural watercourses and groundwater that leads to adverse effects on scheduled natural habitats and ecosystems or detracts from the natural character of the environment;
2. Trimming, maintenance, removal and the undertaking of any activity or works within the dripline of any scheduled or generally protected tree:
   
   
   1. The necessity for carrying out the works including whether the tree is;
      
      
      • dead, dying, diseased, or has lost the original qualities for which it was originally scheduled,
      • required to be removed from drainage systems, rivers or watercourses,
      • interfering with network utilities or other public works,
      • causing significant or unusual hardship.
   2. The extent of trimming, maintenance and the methods to be employed and whether this is in accordance with accepted arboricultural practice.
   3. Any alternative methods which may be available to protect the tree, including modification of development controls where this would encourage retention and enhancement of existing large trees on the site.
   4. Whether the tree can be relocated.
   5. Whether or not the proposed activities in the dripline of the tree are in the opinion of the Council likely to damage the tree or endanger its health.
   6. Extent to which the tree or areas of bush contributes to the amenity of the neighbourhood, both visually and physically, including as a habitat for birds and animals.
   7. Whether the proposed landscaping or revegetation can compensate for any loss envisaged.
3. Any works or activities which will have an effect on any scheduled waahi tapu.
   
   
   1. Whether any consultation has occurred with tangata whenua and there is written confirmation from any affected parties that the activity avoids, remedies or mitigates adverse effects on tangata whenua taonga.
4. In addition to the general matter in (i), the following matters shall apply for alteration, modification or demolition of a Scheduled building or object.
   
   
   1. Whether the building or object is classified in Group 1 or 2 and the reasons why it was scheduled.
   2. Whether the proposed alterations or modifications respect the original building and are not visually dominant.
   3. Whether the relationship of the building or object with the setting is maintained.
   4. Where a change of use is proposed, which is not a permitted activity within the zone, the economic viability of the project will be taken into account and whether the proposed activity encourages the protection and maintenance of the scheduled building or property.
   5. When considering the application Council may invite an opinion from an architect specialising in building conservation and/or the New Zealand Historic Places Trust, except where that person or organisation has lodged a submission to the application. Where a building object or place is registered by the Historic Places Trust or subject to a heritage order or requirement or otherwise identified in the plan as having heritage value, the Trust is recognised as an affected party.
   6. Whether the consent sought avoids the least loss of material of heritage significance from the scheduled building or place.
5. Te Aroha Area
   
   
   1. Nature, form and extent of the development, alteration or change and its effect on the particular character of the character area.
   2. The use made of similar building materials and design in alterations or additions.
   3. Reasons why the work is necessary.
   4. Where demolition or removal of a building is proposed, demonstration that such action will not significantly affect the streetscape appearance of the character area and will not destroy its unified entity.
   5. The proposed activity will positively enhance the protection and maintenance of the building, in a manner in keeping with the particular character of the character area.
   6. The proposal will not have an adverse effect on the particular character or environment of the character area.

1.4.17 Surface of Water

In addition to the general assessment criteria for discretionary or non-complying resource consent applications the following shall apply to resource consent applications relating to the Surface of Water :

1. The functional need for the activity or structure to locate on or over the surface of the river.
2. Whether the activity or use can be accommodated by existing facilities or services.
3. The impact of the activity or structure on the natural character, landscape quality and amenity of the river.
4. Any disturbance that may be caused to residents in adjoining residential or rural zones, particularly noise impacts.
5. The impact of the structure on the ecology and hydrology of the river.
6. The speed and size of any vessels to be used shall comply with the Water Recreation Regulations on the surface of waterways and any likelihood of bank erosion.
7. The impact on public access over the surface of water.
8. Any visual effects of buildings, within the waterway or from adjoining rural or residential zones, particularly in respect of their size and scale.
9. Any adverse effects the buildings may cause on waterway and floodplain management and functions, including erosion.
10. Where appropriate the Evaluation Criteria for Significant Natural Features (Appendix 1) shall be considered.

1.4.18 Hazardous Substances

The Hazardous Facility Screening Procedures (HFSP), shall be used to identify the appropriate level of scrutiny to process an application for a proposed hazardous facility.

The Hazardous Facility Screening Procedure (HFSP) shall be applied to all proposed new facilities using or storing hazardous substances.

In addition to the general assessment criteria for discretionary and non-complying activity resource consent applications the following shall apply for resource consent applications for hazardous facilities:

Where the HFSP has determined that a hazardous facility is a discretionary activity and will therefore require a resource consent, the consent application shall be accompanied by an assessment of environmental effects. This shall be provided in such detail as corresponds with the scale and significance of the actual or potential effects and risks of the proposed development.

An application will be assessed having regard to the following matters:

1. Consistency with the objectives, policies and controls for the relevant zone.
2. Risk assessment.
   
   A qualitative or quantitative risk assessment may be required, depending on the scale or potential effects of the proposed development. As well as addressing more analytically the issues addressed in the HFSP, this assessment should place particular emphasis on those issues not addressed in detail by the HFSP, including:
   
   
   1. Identification of potential hazards, failure modes and exposure pathways;
   2. The separation distance to neighbouring activities, with emphasis on people-sensitive activities such as childcare facilities, schools, rest homes, hospitals, shopping centres and residential areas;
   3. The location of the facility in relation to the nearest aquifer, waterway, coast or other sensitive environments;
   4. The nature of the sub-soil and the site geology and possible exacerbated natural leaching;
   5. The distance to environmental sensitive areas such as wildlife habitats or water catchments;
   6. Assessment of the probability and potential consequences of an accident leading to a release of a hazardous substance or loss of control;
   7. Identification of cumulative and/or synergistic effects;
   8. Fire safety and fire water management;
   9. Adherence to health and safety and/or environmental management systems;
   10. Spill contingency and emergency planning, monitoring and maintenance schedules;
   11. Site drainage and offsite infrastructure, e.g. stormwater drainage system, sewer type and capacity;
   12. The transport of hazardous substances; and
   13. The disposal of wastes containing hazardous substances.
3. Risk Mitigation and Management
   
   Consideration will be given to the adoption of specific spill contingency plans, emergency procedures, stormwater management and treatment, treatment and disposal procedures for wastes containing hazardous substances, fire safety, monitoring and maintenance procedures, and appropriate site management systems.
4. Alternatives
   
   Where it is likely that an activity may result in significant adverse effects on the environment, a description of alternative locations or methods for undertaking the activity shall be submitted.
5. Traffic Safety
   
   It should be demonstrated that the proposal will generate no significant adverse effects on the safety of the operation of the adjoining road network and that vehicles transporting hazardous substances will not utilise local roads in residential areas as a regular means of transport. Conditions may be imposed that require access along specified routes.