Part 7 – Street Landscaping

7.0    Introduction

This section applies to all proposed road reserve landscape design or works in any part of the Council road network, in respect to both existing and proposed roads, including any subdivision or where required as a condition of subdivision consent. 

Designers of proposed landscape works shall be familiar with the MPDC District Tree Strategy 2010 which has objectives to:

• Recognise the importance of high quality landscape.
• Recognise the role of tree planting in achieving a high quality landscape.
• Provide for appropriate planned tree planting in the Matamata-Piako District.
• Maintain and enhance the amenity, landscape, historical, cultural and botanical value of all trees on Council land, Parks, Reserves, Cemeteries, Esplanades, Street Trees, Corporate buildings.
• Avoid the adverse effects of trees for existing areas.
• Complement the reserve Management Plans where the plans have a specific policy for the management of trees on reserves

Street landscaping includes street trees and permanent planting on traffic islands and other sites within the road reserve.

Landscape Plans will be required by Council and are to be submitted for approval with the Engineering Plans.

The street landscape is the backbone of a high quality urban environment. The standard and appearance of street trees, plantings, paving, walls, fences, seats and other structures play an important role in establishing the identity, quality, safety, amenity, visual interest and ecological contribution of the subdivision. The core design principles, context and site analysis are integral to establishing an appropriate design response and rationale for the street landscapes within individual subdivisions and in the context of the surrounding area in which they are located.

As densities and development increases there is more reliance on the street to provide public open space and amenity, contributing to the natural environment. Therefore, the quality and design of the street is very important in the overall context of urban development. However it is important that consideration be given to road widths, utility assets above and underground, on-going maintenance, the life-cycle, and the effects on adjoining building sites and properties.

Street landscaping, and the nature of it, can play a role in Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED).

In a rural environment the landscape elements are primarily located in private space alongside the road, or the public space tends toward a more naturalised character and low key environment. The rural character should be reflected through the simplicity of the design and a less structured approach.