Policy LC4 – Coastal area

In assessing new development proposals affecting the undeveloped coast, the council will seek to ensure the protection and enhancement of the district's coastal area. New development should not have an unacceptable effect, either directly, indirectly, or cumulatively, on the coastal area. Proposals must not have any significant impact on the international and national natural heritage sites. Proposals to improve public access to the coastal area will generally be supported, subject to consideration of nature conservation and other environmental interests and proposals that reduce or prejudice public access will not normally be supported. Within the coastal area that is outside the settlement limit, planning permission will only be granted to development proposals that meet the following criteria: a. The proposed development is of such national or regional importance as to outweigh any detrimental impact on the coastal environment and where there is no feasible alternative site within an existing urban area in the locality; or b. Minor development may be acceptable provided it can be demonstrated that any proposal will not harm the qualities of the coastal landscape, while still protecting nature conservation value. In all cases, the potential impacts of environmental change will be carefully considered and the application may require to be supported by a detailed sea level/flood risk assessment. Where potential adverse impacts cannot be avoided, and subject to the protection offered by this policy, suitable mitigation measures must be provided. Any agreed mitigation measures, including management or improvement works on-site or off-site, may be carried out by the developer or a financial contribution from the developer may be sought in lieu of other appropriate measures.