Appendix Three Section 1: Principles for the Mapara Valley Structure Plan
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APPENDIX THREE MAPARA VALLEY STRUCTURE PLAN Page APPENDIX THREE 1.1 SECTION 1: PRINCIPLES FOR THE MAPARA VALLEY STRUCTURE PLAN Page 1.2 1.1 FUTURE PROOFING DEVELOPMENT THE CORE CONCEPT OF SUSTAINABILITY IS The world continues to urbanise rapidly. MEETING THE SOCIAL, CULTURAL, ECONOMIC Approximately 50% of the world’s 6.5 AND ENVIRONMENTAL NEEDS OF TODAY WITH- billion people live in urban areas. By 2050, OUT COMPROMISING THOSE OF FUTURE 60% of the 8.3 billion people will live in GENERATIONS. urban areas. TD2050 p.30 Our current actions are increasingly having more impact on how future generations will be able to live and exist on our planet. The change in the way we think about sustainability has intensi- fi ed in recent years with growing pressure on infrastructure, land, resources and the effects of global warming. This has not only caused us all to think about our daily actions but also about how we establish and manage our settlements. This new develop- ment provides an opportunity to really consider our way of life and the infrastructure which we depend on to sustain this lifestyle. Signifi cant transformation is taking place in New Zealand and other countries. Increasing numbers of citizens, businesses and government are searching out new ways of thinking and acting about the future - ways that are genuinely sustainable. Motivations for involvement include a desire to improve the quality of community life, giving reality to our purported protection of the environment, concern about poverty, longing for a sense of satisfaction, and taking pride in the legacy left for our children. Major ecological imperatives face us. It is evident that the way we live today is unsustainable. These motivations need to be galvanised into actions by exemplary projects - projects that Major issues to be addressed by all communities demonstrate a high degree of ecological and include social integrity. Sustainable communities must • global warming through unsustainable energy demonstrate that they are not merely about production sustaining the quality of lives, but also about • protection and sustainable farming of good restoring and enhancing the natural capital. productive soils • restoration of natural watercourses and In 1998, the Parliamentary Commissioner ecological corridors for the Environment commented, ‘...with few • increasing biotic support notable exceptions the concept of sustainable • increasing living densities by applying good development is largely being ignored in New urban design solutions Zealand...’ • reducing our development footprints TD2050 p.31 • reversing the break down of communities and creating equity Page 1.3 1.2 ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE DESIGN Within this context new approaches are being This informs a general approach to the creation of sought. One such approach is that of Environ- a sustainable form of development, where mentally Sustainable Design. An Environmentally Sustainable Design (ESD) philosophy is tempered • resources are used effi ciently, waste is by three key issues: minimised and materials are recycled • pollution is limited to levels which do not cause 1. Important scientifi c evidence of the effect of damage to natural ecosystems human activity on natural resources. • the diversity of nature is valued and protected • local needs are met locally, where possible 2. The importance of local and regional identity in • everyone has access to food, water, shelter and developing distinctiveness in place-making, and fuel at a reasonable cost reinforcing community empowerment. • there are work opportunities in a diverse economy 3. Agenda 21, the Resource Management Act • health is protected by the creation of safe, 1991 and the Local Government Act 2000 set- clean and pleasant environments ting a political and developmental framework • access to facilities, services, goods and other for a move towards sustainable development. people is not achieved at the expense of the environment or limited to those with cars • people live in safety • opportunities to participate in culture, leisure and recreation are readily available to all • buildings, open spaces and artefacts combine meaning with beauty and vitality; settlements are human in scale, form and diversity and distinctive features are valued and protected. Page 1.4 1.3 GUIDANCE FROM TD2050: THE VISION THE VISION FOR TD2050 IS THE OVERARCHING GUIDE FOR DEVELOP- MENT WITHIN THE TAUPO DISTRICT Vision “The lakes, mountains and people.” The Taupo District has an outstand- ing natural environment, world renowned for its iconic lakes, mountains, forests and rivers. It is the heart of the North Island and is valued for its superb living and recreational opportunities. By 2050, Taupo will have matured into a district with • a vibrant community spirit • thriving economy • diverse range of community, social, health and education facilities and opportunities • an integrated approach to leading, managing and funding growth. All of these characteristics will be founded on Taupo District’s unique outstanding natural environment, central location, effi cient transport connections, and the sustainable development and management of its resources. Page 1.5 1.3.1 GUIDANCE FROM TD2050: STRUCTURE PLANNING When developing draft guiding Heritage sites • Impact on Council’s future objectives and principles for the • Sites, places, and values operating budgets once structure plan it is important to of importance to Tangata development assets are remember what is sought by a Whenua accepted structure plan process. These • Sites, places, and values of • In situations where budget are important guides to what the importance to the general implications are considerable, fi nal product must deliver. They community the role of targeted rating in should be seen as minimum Existing and desired land-use reducing fi nancial impacts standards that can be exceeded • The shape, form, and design on both Council and other where possible. of the area taking account of ratepayers. seperate land ownerships OVERALL OUTCOMES DESIRED • The relationships in the area between the area’s The overall outcomes desired functional characteristics, of the structure plan should be infrastructures, landscapes, in alignment with TD2050, and, and structures as applicable, national policy • Choice in urban form directions, regional policy state- (e.g. choice of densities, ments and plans, regional land development types, transport transport strategies, community options and land use outcome statements in Long activities) Term Council Community Plans, • Low impact design and/or Proposed District Plan, council quality urban design development guidelines and iwi management plans. Infrastructure • Matching infrastructure to MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED population/land use and vice IN STRUCTURE PLAN AREA versa ASSESSMENT • A network approach to sewerage, water supply At right are the guiding matters stormwater detention and to be considered in a structure treatment, and disposal, plan process within the Taupo energy supply, District are: • roading and transport, open space, community facilities Landscape and visual amenity • The existing capacity and • Identifi cation and availability of infrastructure management of areas with • The investment/funding high scenic value needed to service the area • Identifi cation and being structure planned to management of signifi cant the level of development natural areas anticipated • Providing for a choice of Hazards and land suitability transport routes and modes • Slope, geotechnical appropriate to the level and limitations, susceptibility to type of development fl ooding, erosion, • Location of earthquake Funding, timing / staging, and faults, geothermal hazards affordability • Timing/staging of Natural resources development • Catchment characteristics • Funding of infrastructure (upstream and downstream) (CAPEX programme works, • Vegetation coverage development contributions) • Biodiversity Page 1.6 1.3.2 GUIDANCE FROM TD2050: STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS AND POLICIES THE TWELVE STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS CONTAINED WITHIN TD2050 PROVIDE A HIGH LEVEL OF GUIDANCE FOR DEVELOPMENT THAT OCCURS IN THE TAUPO DISTRICT. The sections below are relevant directions from Strong Communities TD2050 and will be used to infl uence the draft • Encourage all major new development and guiding objectives and principles. redevelopment to incorporate an element of quality affordable housing, including District Character appropriate housing for the entry buyer and low-income housing markets • Develop a well planned district of connected • Identify and plan for social and community urban areas that reinforce the strengths, infrastructure needs in advance of individual character, and identity of each area development • Strengthen Taupo Town’s functions and its role • Increase access to arts, recreation and other as the primary business, retail, recreational, and cultural facilities with a focus on developing a entertainment hub for the District strong cultural environment that refl ects the • Protect the character of rural and undeveloped ethnic diversity of the District areas, and their capacity to function as a predominantly productive (i.e. farming), Tangata Whenua recreational and conservation (i.e. forest and • To recognise the historical and contemporary national parks) based environment contributions of Tangata Whenua to the development of the District Outstanding Landscapes & Natural Areas • The ongoing management of growth will refl ect the strong partnership between • Recognise the outstanding landscapes and Tangata