12D.1  Objectives and Policies for Rural Zone Subdivision

Updated 11 September 2018

12D.1.1 Objective – Subdivision in Rural Zones

Subdivision of rural land protects the productive potential of this finite land resource whilst recognising the existing rural landscape character and stormwater management function of this land. 

12D.1.1.1 Policy – Subdivision in Rural Zones

Ensuring that subdivision design and allotment sizes:

1. Are consistent with the open rural landscape character of these zones;
2. Avoids the fragmentation of productive rural land in a way that could restrict the operation of primary production activities;
3. Provide for the stormwater management function of catchments within these zones.

12D.1.1.2 Policy – Greenbelt Subdivision

By ensuring the subdivision of Greenbelt zoned areas (or the creation of new Greenbelt Zones) has particular regard to: 

1. Providing for green corridor areas along the major gully systems leading to Tauranga Harbour;
2. Maintenance of visual separation between developed areas;
3. The retention, maintenance or enhancement of the general elements of rural character and amenity, such as separation distances between buildings, low density and low height of building, large-scale vegetation, presence of wildlife habitats (including aquatic habitats), open spaces and a predominance of natural edges;
4. Maintenance or enhancement of natural character, ecological and heritage values;
5. Where possible, allowing for walkway and cycleway links.

12D.1.1.3 Policy –Subdivision of Secondary Independent Dwelling Units

Avoiding the subdivision of secondary independent dwelling units to ensure that these units are not able to be legally separated from the principal dwelling in way that could:

1. Lead to the fragmentation of the rural zone in a way that compromises its productive capability;
2. Introduce a density of built form that is inconsistent with the rural landscape character.

12D.1.2 Objective – Interim Subdivision of Land in Identified Growth Areas

Subdivision of land identified in the Regional Policy Statement as being required for future growth preserves all practicable options relating to its efficient and orderly development for future urban purposes. 

12D.1.2.1 Policy – Interim Subdivision of Land in Identified Growth Areas

By ensuring that subdivision of land identified in the Regional Policy Statement as a future growth area supports the productive potential of the rural land resource and does not fragment existing titles which could compromise future urban development.

12D.1.2.2 Policy – Interim Subdivision in Future Urban Zone –Te Tumu

By managing subdivision within the Te Tumu Future Urban Zone to ensure that: 

1. The continued productive potential of the rural land resource is not unduly compromised;
2. The values and attributes of outstanding natural features and landscapes, important amenity landscapes, special ecological areas, significant maori areas and significant archaeological areas are recognised as provided for in the Plan; 
3. Areas at risk from natural hazards are provided for in accordance with the requirements of the Plan;
4. The ability of that land to effectively and efficiently accommodate future urban development is not compromised; and
5. Any adverse effects, including cumulative effects of interim subdivision on existing or planned infrastructure, including the ability to sustainably provide and fund any relevant infrastructure, are avoided, remedied or mitigated.