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Plans, policies and reports
Plans, policies and reports

Hauraki Gulf Islands  review

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Issues and options papers

Roading


Issue
In comparison with more urban District Plans, there is little reference to issues of roading and access within the current Hauraki Gulf Islands District Plan. Transportation references are focused on ferry and air access to the Gulf Islands, rather than transport issues on the islands.

However, there are some statements in the Plan about the need to recognise local patterns and standards of roading on the islands. These are important in terms of the levels of development that can be achieved. The Plan also states that, while an appropriate level of roading access is desired, it is inappropriate to meet the same standards for roading as apply in the urban context of the Auckland Isthmus.

The roads in the District Plan are classified in the planning maps into principal and distributor roads. However, there are no rules that relate to the classification. Paper road are also scattered around the gulf islands. There is no section in the District Plan that deals specifically with transportation issues.

There are, however, specific rules in the District Plan that relate to roading issues. As an example, Rule 2.4.2 - Roads, states that for the purpose of the Plan, where existing formed or designated (and dedicated) roads are not included on the planning maps within the boundaries of any land unit, such roads shall be deemed to be included within the adjacent land unit(s). Where there are different land units on either side of the road, the stricter of the standards for those land units outlined in Parts 6B and 6C of the Plan shall apply. While there are some instances where this level of control assists in the mitigation of effects, it can also be seen as an unnecessary hurdle, especially where resource consents may be required. Should this rule be revised?

At a regional level, transport issues focus on such matters as how to support and promote an efficient public transport system and how to maintain accessible links between areas. Of primary concern in the Gulf Islands is how to sustain the existing roading and transportation infrastructure most efficiently and how to avoid, or reduce, the effects that roading has on the local environment.

Should greater emphasis be placed on roading and transportation issues in the District Plan? With the increasing popularity of some of the Gulf Islands as places to live and visit and the attendant increase in vehicle numbers this may be necessary. Cycling and walking are also means of transport in the Gulf Islands and consideration may need to be given to providing for cycleways and better pedestrian facilities.

Possible approaches

You may have a better or alternative approach to those outlined below. If so, we would like to hear from you.

  • Retain the status quo, with little reference to roading issues within the District Plan.
  • Review the existing transportation and roading references in the District Plan. Determine whether existing objectives, policies and rules are appropriate.
  • Introduce a transportation section to the District Plan to better address transport issues.
  • Review the classification of roads and build requirements around them.
  • Place greater emphasis on cycleways and pedestrian facilities.
  • Review the appropriateness and legality of Rule 2.4.2 - Roads, which states that where existing formed or designated (and dedicated) roads are not included on the planning maps within the boundaries of any land unit, such roads shall be deemed to be included within the adjacent land unit(s).
  • Review the appropriateness of reference to AUSTROADS standards.
  • Include references to the Hauraki Gulf Islands Development Code in the District Plan.
  • Include links to the Auckland Regional Land Transport Strategy (ARLTS).

Note:

While this issue paper can be read in isolation, it is best read in association with the issue papers relating to: