Background:
Privately owned boatsheds are located at the western end of the Inlet on the Camborne Walkway and on SH 58. They are licensed by the Wellington Regional Council using coastal permits issued under the Resource Management Act.
Residential Use:
The Guardians are opposed to the residential use of, or overnight stays in, boatsheds within Pauatahanui Inlet. Residential use is contrary to the relevant objectives and policies of the Wellington Regional Coastal Plan.
The Wellington Regional Coastal Plan refers only to residential use so we presume this would also include overnight stays. The issue is what, if any, level of residential use is appropriate. Overnight stays would seem to constitute residential use, as they will seldom be a necessary part of the activity of boat storage and servicing. However, the Guardians accept that some overnight stays are ancillary to the activity of boat storage and maintenance. A certain number of overnight stays per year may be an acceptable ancillary use that could be provided for explicitly in any consent granted (as has been done in the past with the temporary consents).
Construction of New Boatsheds:
The Guardians are opposed to there being any more boat sheds. If however consent is granted they should be of a size and design that blends in with existing structures.
The cumulative adverse effects of residential use and the building of new boatsheds on this Area of Significant Conservation Value are more than minor and are contrary to the sustainable management of Pauatahanui Inlet.
Granting of Consents:
If a consent is granted it should not be for a period greater than five years. The reasons for this position include:
The above activities marginally, if at all, meet the criteria for activities that are appropriately located in the coastal marine area. They warrant reassessment on a regular basis.
The Wellington Regional Coastal Plan contains no provisions for financial contributions (as required by New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement Policy 3.2.3) in order to fund works and research to mitigate and remedy the adverse effects of the activities on the natural character of the Pauatahanui Inlet. Wellington Regional Council will be asked by the Guardians to change the plan to incorporate provisions allowing financial contributions to be taken. Once the Wellington Regional Coastal Plan is so changed new consents can include conditions requiring a financial contribution.
References:
Pauatahanui Inlet Advisory Group. Towards Integrated Management. Pauatahanui Inlet Action Plan. August 2000.
Wellington Regional Council. The Regional Coastal Plan for the Wellington Region. 2000.
Guardians of Pautahanui Inlet
PO Box 57034, Mana, Porirua City
September 2000
