Federated Farmers Submission on the Thames Coromandel District Council Variation 1 - Natural Character
We are supportive of many aspects of this Variation, but there are some areas where we continue to have concerns. What worries our members in particular is the amount of farmland mapped as having ‘High Natural Character’ (HNC) and the effect that some proposed rules will have on farmers in those areas.
We have taken a three tiered approach in this submission. It can be summarised as follows;
1. No modified productive land should be included in natural character overlays.
2. If productive land is included in natural character overlays, its associated activities should remain those of the underlying rural zone.
3. Notwithstanding the above, we have provided feedback on proposed rules to minimise their impact on farming while maintaining the relevant natural character values.
For more information, please see the full submission