Sustainable Subdivisions: How to Protect the Planet While Subdividing Land
The act of subdividing land does not have to be bad for the environment. From engineers to lawyers, land surveyors to councils, a lot of effort goes into making sure the planet is protected as you take on a land subdivision.
Here at Tararua Land Surveyors, we are passionate about sustainability and we wanted to show just a few of the many ways that we support safeguarding the environment while subdividing land in Wellington, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt or Porirua, Levin or Kapiti Coast.
Resource consents
Resource consents are required for a reason, and it’s not just to delay the start of your subdivision! Resource consents make us examine the effect a subdivision will have on the local environment including air, water and soil, prompting us to find ways to reduce negative impacts as much as possible. The consenting process is complicated because it’s important. It protects the environment by ensuring that all works are carried out in a responsible and sustainable way.
Carry out the work to code
Once the resource consents have been granted, it’s important for land surveyors and builders to do the work to code. We follow all regulatory requirements of your regional and local authorities and adhere to the Resource Management Act 1991, which promotes sustainable management of both natural and physical resources in NZ.
Input from experts
Engineers and ecologists help promote sustainability in land development by advising regulatory authorities like regional and district councils. They use their knowledge and expertise to help guide what is and isn’t allowed in a particular area, so that nearby waterways, vegetation, protected areas and communities aren’t harmed.
Mitigating any effects of subdivisions
When subdivision plans are found to have the potential to disrupt the environment, it is our job is to make sure we mitigate any negative effects. We are looking out for things like avoiding run-off entering nearby lakes and rivers; minimising clearance of vegetation; protecting ecological areas and ensuring we aren’t making communities more vulnerable to floods, erosion or noise pollution.
Encourage protection
On the flip side, subdivisions can actually improve water quality, offer protection for flora or fauna, enhance landscapes and biodiversity, and preserve cultural sites. We encourage such projects and are proud to be involved in subdivisions across Wellington, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt or Porirua, Levin or Kapiti Coast that promote and safeguard NZ’s natural features.
An integrative approach
Making sure we continue to grow and develop our communities without causing damage is a multi-disciplinary approach. It involves policy and research, collaboration and business responsibility. As land surveyors, we are part of this wide-reaching team and are committed to doing our part for the environment.
To learn more, speak to the subdivision specialists at Tararua Land Surveyors today.