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Part I: Urban Design Guidelines for All Subdivision and Development in the District


5 Designing with the Environment


5.2  Limiting the Extent of Earthworks

Earthworks for subdivisions can significantly impact the aquatic receiving environment by silting streams and altering catchments. They can also significantly alter topography, which could otherwise add to the local character and identity of the subdivision.


Earthworks are often a considerable expense to the developer and can have adverse environmental effects if poorly designed and managed. There are both District and Regional Council requirements that should be taken into account.


Developers should aim to design subdivisions that limit the extent of earthworks, reducing opportunities for erosion and sedimentation and retaining the site’s natural features. If the land is slightly undulating, this may not lend itself to the typically desired outcome of flat sites occupied by single-level dwellings.


Developers should consider the following design elements:

  • Limit earthworks (volume and area), avoiding disturbance to the natural landform, steep slopes and adverse effects on aquatic environments. Only excavate areas required for structures and access
  • Design the layout of roads and lots to work with the natural characteristics of the site
  • Retain the site’s topsoil, allowing the landscape to develop with new dwellings and avoiding the need to dispose large volumes of soil to cleanfill sites
  • Avoid subdivision that will result in significant post-development earthworks on each lot to construct dwellings and driveways