- All rules in the District Plan have the force and effect of regulations. The Council is empowered to include rules in the District Plan to enable it to carry out its functions under the Act, and to enable it to achieve the objectives and policies of this District Plan. Accordingly, rules have been included for the following purposes:
- Generally to achieve the integrated management of land use and development, and in particular, to implement the objectives and policies of the Plan.
- To control and mitigate the effects of land use and development (i.e. development standards).
- To protect land use and the associated natural and physical resources of the District.
- To avoid or mitigate natural hazards.
- To prevent and mitigate adverse effects associated with hazardous substances.
- To control the subdivision of land.
- To control the emission of noise and the mitigation of the effects of noise.
- Activities will be regulated, prohibited or allowed, as appropriate, to ensure that any actual or potential adverse effects on the environment are avoided, remedied or mitigated. In considering the effects of any activity, the Council will take into account positive and adverse effects, temporary and permanent effects, any past, present or future effects of high probability and any potential effect of low probability which has a high potential impact will also be considered.