District Plans

District plans focus on the management of the environmental effects of land use including the impacts of land subdivision, development and use on freshwater bodies. They could be expected to identify sensitive freshwater areas that are not suitable for urban development or subdivision such as wetlands, sites with significant indigenous vegetation and areas near important water bodies. They could also be expected to provide for the enhancement or restoration of freshwater bodies nearby subdivision or development that is appropriate to occur.

In order to protect waterways a district plan needs to contain provisions which effectively manage storm water, control the amount of impervious surfaces, regulate earthworks and manage traffic generation. There should also be limitations on the degree and extent to which water courses can be modified as this can result in the destruction of habitat and adversely affect flora and fauna. 

Last updated at 1:51PM on February 25, 2015