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Rural Chapter

The following provides an overview of what this chapter is about and key outcomes sought. To view the chapter in its entirety please download the chapter from the attached pdf.

Please note this chapter should be read in conjunction with the Kaipara District Council Engineering Standards 2009. You can view the Engineering Standards 2009 in the More Info section of the website. A copy of the Kaipara District Council Engineering Standards 2009 is also available to view at council offices or on CD by request.

Introduction

The majority of the land in the District falls within the ‘Rural’ zone. Kaipara’s economy has historically been driven by pastoral farming and to a lesser extent horticulture and forestry. However, developments in tourism are growing in importance and there is a trend toward small mixed-use farm holdings. As identified in Kaipara’s Future, the District’s rural nature, especially in the inland parts, is one of the charms rural residents are keen to preserve.

In rural communities changes related to climate, product demand trends, industry and access to markets will ensure opportunities for diversification will continue to be explored. Assessing the impact on the environment of changing land use will increase in importance. There has been a trend of decline in rural population from the merging of agricultural units. Over time these trends will need to be monitored to determine the impact on population size and industry production levels and hence demand on infrastructure.

 

How to Use This Chapter of the District Plan

This Chapter does not specify what land uses can or cannot be done in this Zone. Instead it sets ‘standards’ to make sure that the effects of activities are within an acceptable level for the Rural Zone (and where appropriate for the Overlay environments).

As long as the standards are met, landowners have flexibility on what activities they undertake on their property. However, if someone wants to exceed the standards, they will need to apply to do the work (lodge a resource consent). Council has an opportunity to approve or decline the consent and to set some conditions on how the activity is done.  This Chapter also seeks to make sure that subdivision has adequate servicing, including roading to avoid, remedy or mitigate effects on the rural environment.

Before you use this Chapter of the District Plan, check:

 

    That the property for development / subdivision is located in this zone (Map Series 1);
    If the property has an environmental overlay on it (Map Series 1); and
    If the property has a special site, area, feature or management unit on it (Map Series 2) (if it does, you need to look at the relevant Chapter for that site, area, feature or unit first).

 

 

Providing for Growth in the Rural Zone

Chapter 3 Land Use and Development Strategy provides a mechanism to allow for additional residential and business development opportunities outside of the current Residential and Business Zones (e.g. areas currently in the Rural Zone). Twelve growth areas or communities have been identified across the District as suitable for further growth opportunities.

Rural Outcomes

  • The character (including social, environmental and natural values) of the rural environment will be retained.
  • Significant indigenous vegetation, significant habitats of indigenous fauna and ecological corridors do not suffer further degradation and where possible are enhanced and expanded.
  • Rural production activities will continue to be provided for in all existing rural areas.
  • ‘Traditional’ rural production activities will occur in the ‘Rural Heartland’.
  • The maintenance and enhancement of those values that contribute to amenity landscapes.
  • Retained ability to develop lifestyle residential development on varying lot sizes, providing that the character (including social and natural environments) is preserved.
  • Growth in low density residential development in the rural areas around the Harbours, while maintaining the open space and discrete character of the environ, particularly as viewed from the water and from the Harbour environs.
  • The provision and maintenance of required levels of capacity, efficiency and safety of services and infrastructure.
  • The creation of a rural environment which provides for the social and economic needs of the District’s communities through the sustainable management of natural and physical resources.
  • The avoidance of adverse environmental effects (including visual amenity) associated with site development works. 

 

 

Downloadable Document

Download pdf version Rural

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