B-2 – Area 2 - Assessment of Environmental Effects 107 7.5.1.6 Landscape, natural character and amenity Objectives 3.21 and 3.22 of the RPS relate to the management outcomes expected for landscapes, natural character and amenity. They seek: the maintenance or enhancement of the qualities and characteristics of areas and features valued for their contribution to amenity:53 and the protection of the natural character of wetlands, lakes and rivers and their margins from the adverse effects of inappropriate use and development.54 The associated policies direct that activities within wetlands, rivers and their margin55 are appropriate in relation to their level of natural characters and that amenity values are identified, maintained and enhanced.56 In accordance with these key themes: Area 2 is not located near any identified landscapes, features or amenity areas in the RPS, Waikato Regional Plan or the Hauraki District Plan. Furthermore, Boffa Miskell (2022) does not identify any outstanding natural features / landscapes or amenity landscapes within the project area as part of their landscape and visual assessment;57 Area 2 is located within the context of an existing modified working rural environment with natural elements and influences remaining. In this context, the effects of the WRS being located within Unnamed Tributary 2, alongside the additional riparian planting across the broader Area 2, will provide beneficial natural character outcomes which ensure the resultant adverse natural character effects are not inappropriate or significant; 58 Unnamed Tributary 2 will be reinstated on the completion of works associated with the WRS. The potential adverse effects on natural character will therefore be remedied or mitigated over the longer term;59 The functional necessity of the WRS being located within Unnamed Tributary 2 is described with respect to Policy 7 of the NPSFM, Policy 8.3(d)(i) of the RPS and Policy 3.A.3 of the WRP;60 53 Objective 3.21, of the Waikato Regional Policy Statement 54 Objective 3.22, of the Waikato Regional Policy Statement 55 Policy 12.2, Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 56 Policy 12.3, Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 57 Policy 12.2(a), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 58 Policy 12.2(b) and (c), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 59 Policy 12.2(d), Waikato Regional Policy Statement. 60 Policy 12.2(e), Waikato Regional Policy Statement.
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