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:
