Part 1 - Palmerston North City Council

gemconsulting
overall the natural character is eroded by the presence of exotic vegetation, dwellings and other human
modification above the cliff and a lack of significant habitats in the area.
Nonetheless, there will be a change in what natural character exists in the area with the introduction of the
rock lining directing the river flow as well as the introduction of walkways and vehicle access (for
maintenance and repairs only) along the left bank. The rock lining and the snub groyne structures will be
visible for much of the year and will be obvious built structures.
The question becomes one of whether the proposed works are an inappropriate use or development of the
site. Policy 15.2 outlines the following matters that are to be considered when determining whether a use
or development of a site is appropriate or inappropriate:
a. actual or potential effects on:
i. natural character; and
ii.
iii.
iv.
areas of significant indigenous vegetation or habitat of indigenous fauna; and
amenity or intrinsic values; and
cultural values; and
v. the life supporting capacity of ecosystems; and
vi.
vii.
the habitats of trout; and
frequency and magnitude of occurrence of natural hazards such as flooding and erosion;
and, where the activity may result in adverse effects, the degree to which it is required to:
b. mitigate the effects of natural hazards; or
c. provide for the development or maintenance of utilities and services to the public; or
d. provide for the social and economic well‐being of communities;
provided that, in all cases, adverse effects of any activity on these features and attributes can be
avoided, remedied or mitigated.
It is considered that the proposal is not an inappropriate use or development of the site as the proposal will
see improvements in many of these factors. The actual or potential effects on those matters defined under
(a) have been assessed in Sections 6.1 and 6.2 above where it is concluded that the short term effects
(during construction) are likely to be more than minor in the immediate area but less than minor overall
and in the long term. Additionally, the works will mitigate the effects of natural hazards by preventing the
river from undermining the cliff face and reducing the frequency of slips and rates of erosion. The works
proposed by PMB Landco Ltd will stabilise the western cliff face preventing further slips and erosion from
this area. The proposed works provide for the maintenance of services (flood protection) to the public and
provide for the social and economic well‐being of the Palmerston North community through the protection
of existing flood protection works and allowing residentially zoned land to be developed.
Objective 16 and Policies
This objective seeks to avoid, remedy or mitigate the adverse effects of structures or activities in the beds
of rivers. Policy 16.1 aims to avoid, remedy or mitigate the effects of structures on the following matters
once those structures are in place.
a. habitats of indigenous fauna; or
b. Maori cultural and spiritual values; or
c. amenity values; or
d. intrinsic values of ecosystems; or
e. habitats of trout
24