Week 4 - Land

1.5. Landscape Assessment

Matters to be considered in the RMA:

As a general guide, matters to be considered when deciding an application for resource consent or a NoR are set out in RMA s104 and s171 respectively, and those relevant to an LSA include:

• Landscape and Visual Effects of the proposal;
• Policy statement and plan provisions relating to landscape and visual issues;
• Alternative locations or methods ; and
• Other relevant matters (e.g. non-statutory documents such as existing district-wide landscape assessment reports)

The matters listed above are subject to Part 2 of the RMA which has the over-riding purpose of promoting sustainable management. 

• Section 5 Purpose and principles of the RMA
• Section 6 (a) Preservation of the natural character of the coastal environment … wetlands, lakes, rivers and their margins, and the protection of them from inappropriate subdivision, use and development
• Section 6(b) Protection of outstanding natural features and landscapes from inappropriate subdivision, use and development
• Section 7(c) Maintenance and enhancement of amenity values
• Section 7 (f) Maintenance and enhancement of the quality of the environment 

Factors that can help in identifying valued landscapes include:

• Presence/absence of statutory landscape designations;
• Presence/absence of local landscape designations and associated controls;
• Landscape quality/condition;
• Scenic quality (designated height sensitive areas help to prevent blocking of views such at the volcanic cones of Auckland)
• Rarity of particular elements/features;
• Representiveness;
• Conservation interest;
• Recreation value;
• Perceptual aspects; and
• Cultural / iwi.