Rural-Residential Land Use Strategy Discussion Document - May

Environmental Design
1. Rural-residential subdivision can affect the amenity values commonly associated with rural areas.
What would better subdivision design mean in terms of rural-residential development?
2. Are the current rural-residential subdivision and density standards still appropriate?
3. Should the Council amend the District Plan to include urban design guidelines on any of the
following matters? Why?
• boundary fencing
• accessory buildings and tanks
• building colours and material
• site landscaping and planting, accessways
• exterior lighting
Reverse sensitivity issues
4. Reverse sensitivity is where new activities such as rural-residential dwellings are established close
to traditional rural activities or an intensive farming activity such as a piggery or poultry farm.
Reverse sensitivity effects are a legitimate reason for restricting new land uses. Is rural-residential
subdivision causing any reverse sensitivity effects? How should these effects be managed?
Landscape values
5. Palmerston North City is surrounded by an expansive landscape. How important are the open views
you enjoy, for example, over to the plains with the backdrop of the Tararua Ranges?
6. Currently the plains and much of the foothills are farmed. How essential is their pastoral character
to your enjoyment of the City’s landscape?
7. Does ‘native’ vegetation contribute to natural character?
8. The plains and raised terraces are a feature of the Palmerston North landscape. People seem to want
to build on the edge of the terraces where they are elevated and get good views. How important
are these raised edges?
9. Are there other features of the Palmerston North landscape that are important to you? If so, should
development here have special controls?
20