Appendix F: Landscape and Visual Effects Assessment

Transcription

1 Appendix F: Landscape and Visual Effects Assessment

2 ONEROA Beachfront Cycle & Walkway GISBORNE Landscape and Visual Effects Assessment PREPARED BY EASTERN EARTH LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS FOR THE MAJOR PROJECT TEAM, ENGINEERNG AND WORKS DEPARTMENT, GISBORNE DISTRICT COUNCIL 23 JULY 2014

3 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS ASSESSMENT Sue Dick Registered NZILA Landscape Architect EASTERN EARTH LANDSCAPE ARCHITECTS A report prepared for the Major Projects Team, Engineering and Works Department, GISBORNE DISTRICT COUNCIL 23 JULY 2014

4 REPORT INFORMATION AND QUALITY CONTROL Prepared for: Gisborne District Council Date: 23 July 2014 Document File GISBORNE DISTRICT COUNCIL Name: ONEROA BEACHFRONT CYCLE AND WALKWAY: GREY STREET TO MIDWAY SURF CLUB GISBORNE LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL EFFECTS ASSESSMENT Version: VER III Author: Reviewer: Sue Dick Principal Writer Rebecca Harrison Approved for Release: Version History: Draft Report Ver I issued for Review 16 June (pdf) 2014 Feedback received from ASL 20 June 2014 Feedback adopted 23 June 2014 Final draft Ver II issued 2 July 2014 (pdf) Feedback adopted from GDC & project specialists 10 July 2014 Final draft Ver III issued 10 July 2014 (pdf) Final for Resource consent Ver IV issued 23 July 2014 (pdf)

5 CONTENTS Executive Summary Introduction Report objectives within statutory framework Landscape and urban context The proposal Site description and scheme footprint The existing environment Landscape & visual effects assessment Natural character enhancement as mitigation Conclusion Appendix 1 Appendix 2 Appendix 3 Figure 1 Figure 2 Figure 3 Figure 4 Figure 5 Figure 6 Natural Character Assessment Summary Table of recommended Dune Vegetation by Zone Soft Landscape & Dune Restoration Plans Site Aerial map showing the Study Area: Midway Beach Contextual Street Layout Midway Beach & Coastal Reserves Dune Zones & Natural Character The extent of Natural Character/naturalness values Aerial of Midway Beach in 1953 [Courtesy of Tairawhiti Museum] Aerial showing locations of Visual Assessment Viewpoints.

6 Executive Summary This report sets out an assessment of landscape and visual effects in relation to a proposal by the Major Projects Team of the Gisborne District Council to construct a three metre wide cycle and walkway (called Oneroa ) in the coastal reserve (known as the Midway Reserve) adjoining Midway Beach, Gisborne. The walkway will extend from the beach end of Grey Street to the landscape immediately east of the Midway Surf Club. Section 1, the Introduction, describes the engagement process of Eastern Earth Landscape Architects, site visits undertaken and a summary of data collated and reviewed. Section 2 describes the objectives of the report within the statutory framework of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) and the Gisborne District Plan. Matters of national importance under RMA Section 6 (natural character and landscape) are traversed; matters relating to visual effects and amenity effects are included under consideration of RMA Section 7. Illustrated with a series of local beach photographs, Section 3 sets out the landscape context for the development, the backdrop for the proposed land use changes: regional location, geology, geomorphology, climate, waterbodies, vegetation and land-use/land cover. It also describes the social and community context for the proposal. Written in five sections, Section 4 describes the proposal, the constructed elements within it, proposed earthworks and the proposed enhancement planting. Section 5 sets out a discussion of the scheme footprint in relation to the character of the proposed site. It describes the existing dunes and their character, beach management procedures and existing vegetation and its character. Section 6 describes the existing environment including natural character, landscape character and the values that contribute to a unique sense of place at this most popular of Gisborne beaches Section 7 provides the assessment of landscape and visual effects. It guides the reader systematically through the effects on natural character, landscape, visual amenity and amenity values, drawing out key issues and reflecting on the local landscape change mooted by the proposal. The conclusion is reached that under RMA Section 6(a) and 6(b) matters, adverse effects are largely avoided with the exception of further modification of natural character along Midway Beach. Four viewpoints are used for assessing visual effects and the location of these viewpoints is shown on Figure 6. The proposed walkway does not interfere with important views out to the seaside for visitors or local residents; public amenity will be enhanced by the construction of the boardwalk. Sections 8 summarises the proposed dune restoration initiatives that will mitigate effects on natural character to no more than minor. Other measures such as the restoration of earlier dune profiles and native plantings in several beachfront locations will leave the dunes in a Page 1

7 stronger condition to resist erosion. Section 9 sets out the conclusions of the report noting that the walkway will be a great amenity asset for the people of Gisborne. 1.0 Introduction 1.1 This report has been prepared for the Major Projects Team of the Gisborne District Council (the applicant) to address the landscape and visual effects of the proposal to construct a cycleway/walkway between Grey Street and the Midway Surf Club within the beachfront reserve. The cycle/walkway is to be called Oneroa walkway. This report forms part of the resource consent application and associated assessment of environmental effects for the walkway construction and its associated works. 1.2 This report sets out an assessment of landscape and visual effects in relation to this proposal. Four site visits were completed in relation to this assessment, including the completion of site photography: A site visit to undertake the existing landscape assessment with associated photography (16 January, 2014); A walkover with the client Project Manager and the ASL planning team on 11 th February; A visit on 26 th February with the ecological consultant and the Project Manager and representatives from the Department of Conservation. A short visit on 6 th June to assess the proposed planting and photograph viewpoints towards the final selected alignment. 1.2 Liaison has taken place with the application team and the Project Manager at the Gisborne District Council. In preparation of this report, the following plans relating to the proposal have been viewed: the Chow Hill alignment plans (July 2014), the contour aerials showing existing topography, the proposed Frame Group boardwalk alignment with cross sections and finished levels (June 2014), the proposed construction earthworks, including cut and fill areas, and, the proposed construction design methodology. 1.4 Accompanying this report and appended as Appendix 3 (to this report) are Soft Landscape and Dune Restoration Plans prepared by Eastern Earth Landscape Architects [EELA LP-01, LP-02, LP-03, LP-04]. 2.0 Report Objectives within a Statutory Framework Report objectives 2.1 The objectives of this report are to assess the landscape and visual effects of the proposal within the statutory framework set by the Resource Management Act Page 2

8 (RMA) 1991, the Reserves Act, 1977 and the planning regulations of the Gisborne District Council Proposed Combined Regional Land and District Plan (District Plan). 2.2 The relevant sections of these statutory frameworks are now outlined. The Resource Management Act Section 104(1) (a) This section states that when considering an application for resource consent, there shall be regard given to any actual and potential effects of allowing the activity. This includes any physical effect on the locality, including any landscape and visual effects. (Fourth Schedule) 2.4 Section 168 sets out the clauses relevant for a Notice of Requirement. 2.5 Section 5 of the Act sets out the purpose of the Act. 5. Purpose The purpose of this Act is to promote the sustainable management of natural and physical resources. 2.6 Section 6 of the Act requires a number of matters of national importance to be recognised and provided for. 6. Matters of national importance In achieving the purpose of this Act, all persons exercising functions and powers under it, in relation to managing the use, development, and protection of natural and physical resources, shall recognise and provide for the following matters of national importance: (a) The preservation of the natural character of the coastal environment (including the coastal marine area), wetlands, and lakes and rivers and their margins, and the protection of them from inappropriate subdivision, use and development, (b) The protection of outstanding natural features and landscapes from inappropriate subdivision, use, and development. (d) The maintenance and enhancement of public access to and along the coastal marine area, lakes and rivers. (e) The relationship of Maori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands, water sites, waahi tapu, and other taonga. (f) The protection of historic heritage from inappropriate subdivision, use and development. (2003 Amendment) 2.7 Section 7 outlines matters to which particular regard must be given. 7. Other matters In achieving the purpose of this Act, all persons exercising functions and powers under it, in relation to managing the use, development, and protection of natural and physical resources, shall have particular regard to: (b) The efficient use and development of natural and physical resources (c) The maintenance and enhancement of amenity values (f) Maintenance and enhancement of the quality of the environment (g) Any finite characteristics of natural and physical resources. Amenity Values are defined as: those natural or physical qualities and characteristics of an area that contribute to people s appreciation of its pleasantness, aesthetic coherence, and cultural and recreational attributes. Page 3

9 The Reserves Act The subject land lies within the Midway Reserve and is classified as a Recreation Reserve under the provisions of Section 17 of the Reserves Act. The purpose of a Recreation Reserve is described in the Act as:...providing areas for the recreation and sporting activities and the physical welfare and enjoyment of the public, and for the protection of the natural environment and beauty of the countryside, with emphasis on the retention of open spaces and on outdoor recreational activities, including recreational tracks in the countryside. Proposed Combined Regional Land and District Plan (District Plan) 2.9 The Midway Beach Reserve is zoned Amenity Reserve under the District Plan. The Amenity Reserve zone provides access to the district s rivers, lakes and coastal margins; the purpose of this zone is to facilitate public access and meet the requirements of Sections 6, 7 and 229 of the RMA Landscape & Urban Context Introduction 3.1 In order to understand the local context of the project, this section will describe the site context. This will then set the scene for describing the proposal and constructed elements within it. Regional location 3.2 The proposed site lies within the Gisborne Regional District and specifically the geographical area of Raukumara Peninsula. Located at the south-eastern sea border of this geographical area, the site constitutes the north-eastern sweep of Poverty Bay and comprises a coastal beach and dune complex which, in the broader landscape, reaches as far as the mouth of the Waipaoa River to the southwest. Midway Beach marks the southern coastal margin of Gisborne city. Geomorphogy and geology 3.3 Waikanae and Midway beaches form part of the foreshore of Poverty Bay, a large crescent bay bounded to the north-east by the low landform Titirangi or Kaiti Hill and to the south by the nationally significant landform of Young Nick s head, Te Kuri a Paoa. Waterbodies 3.4 Waikanae and Midway beaches Beach are bounded to the east by the mouth of the entrained Turanganui River, Several kilometres south-west lies the mouth of the Waipaoa River. Approximately half a kilometre north of the subject site lies the Waikanae Creek. All three water bodies lie outside the subject site; however they are integral to the site s character and morphology. Climate 3.5 The area has a moderate coastal climate with very warm, windy, dry summers. High temperatures and dry foehn-like north-westerly winds are common in summer. Most of the rainfall of 1,000mm falls in autumn and winter. Page 4

10 The Study Area Figure 1: Site Aerial map showing the Study Area Midway Beach ONEROA: PROPOSED BEACHFRONT WALKWAY THE STUDY AREA, GISBORNE Page 5

11 Figure 2: Contextual Street Layout Midway Beach & Coastal Reserves ONEROA: PROPOSED BEACHFRONT WALKWAY URBAN FORM, GISBORNE Page 6

12 Photo 1: Midway Beach looking towards the mouth of the Turanganui River, Gisborne Port and Titirangi/Kaiti Hill. Photo 2: Looking across the Midway dunes to the curve of Poverty Bay and the enclosing landform: Young Nick s Head/Te Kuri a Paoa. Photo 3: Norfolk Island Pines along grassed dune reserve. ONEROA: PROPOSED BEACHFRONT WALKWAY LANDSCAPE CONTEXT Page 7

13 Photo 4: Spinifex fore-dune along Midway Beach Photo 5: Garden pest plants within fore-dunes Photo 6: Waikanae Creek (near Grey Street) ONEROA: PROPOSED BEACHFRONT WALKWAY LANDSCAPE CONTEXT Page 8

14 Land use/cover 3.6 Midway Beach lies parallel to, and adjoins, the Midway Reserve. It is a recreational beach dune complex comprising a spinifex (Spinifex sericeus) fore-dune, undulating mid-dunes dominated by exotic grasses and garden escapee species, and a flattened grassed amenity area behind the dunes where there is a line of mature Norfolk Island pines (Araucaria heterophylla). Urban form 3.7 Gisborne city extends south/ south-west to the Midway beach reserve via a grid pattern of streets running predominantly in a north/south direction (some lie more specifically on a north-east/south-west direction). These include Customhouse Street, Grey Street, Roberts Road and Beacon Street. At right angles to these lies Salisbury Road, running parallel to the beach; Awapuni Road to the north of this; and to the west Centennial Marine Parade. 3.8 Awapuni Road is the State Highway 35 entrance and by-pass of Gisborne city. This arterial road, combined with the Waikanae Creek, create a physical separation between the commercial centre of Gisborne city further north and the small beachside residential settlement centred along Salisbury Road south of Awapuni Road. Reserve context 3.9 The area of land subject to the current application forms part of a linear land parcel that adjoins Gisborne's main city beaches - Waikanae and Midway. The site to be developed is undulating and linear in shape and stretches approximately one kilometre from the beach end of Grey Street to the Midway Surf Club. It is bound to the south by Midway beach The majority of the land is known as Midway Beach Reserve. However, the portion of reserve to the west accessed via Centennial Marine Parade is known as Beacon Street Reserve. The adjoining beach and dune area is known as Midway Beach. All of the land is zoned Amenity Reserve under the Combined Gisborne District Regional Land and District Plan (District Plan). An 'informal' track extends along much of the grassed area between the Norfolk's and the private properties to the west adjoining Salisbury Road Midway and Beacon reserves are utilised by a multitude of users which includes both organised and unorganised recreation. Public facilities within both Midway and Beacon Street Reserves include concrete seats, car parks and access ways to the beach. Vehicle Access & Parking 3.12 At their southern margin, Roberts Road and Grey Street terminate at Midway Reserve and Waikanae Beach respectively, with a cul-de-sac street-end. Parking near the beach is in the form of angle parking at the end of Grey Street and unmarked street parking at the end of Roberts Road. Accessed via Centennial Marine Parade, within the Beacon Street Reserve there is a large formed rectilinear public car-park set in the grassed area behind the dunes. The grassed street reserve at 10 Salisbury Road near Grey Street, provides additional car parking in Page 9

15 Photo 7: Cul-de-sac at the end of Grey Street Photo 8: Cul-de-sac at the end of Roberts Road Photo 9: Car-park at Beacon Street Reserve ONEROA: PROPOSED BEACHFRONT WALKWAY URBAN CONTEXT & CARPARKING Page 10

16 periods of heavy beach use. Vehicle access into other areas of the Reserves is prevented either by the presence of bollards or locked chains. There are currently three vehicle access points to the beach for the purposes of beach maintenance or surf boat access. These are at Roberts Road, Beacon Street and Midway Surf Club. Pedestrian Access 3.13 Waikanae and Midway Beaches and their adjoining reserves are well-serviced with pedestrian access points from city streets to the beach. Pedestrian access is possible from Grey Street, Roberts Road and Centennial Marine Parade; in addition, there are three grassed reserves (essentially undeveloped lots owned by the Council) at 10 and 24 Salisbury Road and Seaview Place at Salisbury Road which provide additional walking access from Salisbury Road to the Midway Reserve. For disability users or those with push chairs, the presence of concrete nib kerbs makes access from Grey Street and Roberts Road to the reserves difficult. Pedestrian access along the length of Midway Reserve is possible along the grassed verge at the back of the dunes. Access from this grassed reserve down to the beach is currently across the dunes on small goat tracks formed by pedestrians over the years. Several formal beach access-ways with sand ladders are rendered impassable from sand drift. Social/community context 3.14 The coastal residential and non residential development situated between Salisbury Road and the Midway Reserve varies in density and stretches between Grey Street and Beacon Street. Properties include one, two and three-storey residential homes, motels and bed and breakfast accommodation. The People 3.15 The beach-side settlement in the vicinity of Salisbury Road is home to a small community of permanent of residents; however the population swells in summer as holiday-makers arrive to enjoy the warm climate and the beaches, fishing and surfing, making use of the motel and camping ground accommodation in the area. Site recreational context 3.16 There is a wide range of recreational and beachside amenities in the area including the following: The Waikanae Surf Club Captain Morgan s family restaurant The Midway Surf Club Peppers Cafe Public Toilets and outside showers The existing foreshore walkway and cycleway located within Waikanae Reserve Page 11

17 Photo 10: Grassed reserve, 10 Salisbury Road Photo 11: Grassed reserve 24 Salisbury Road, adjoining the Whispering Sands Beachfront Motel Photo 12: Grassed reserve, Salisbury Road, typical seating ONEROA: PROPOSED BEACHFRONT WALKWAY GRASSED RESERVES Page 12

18 Photo 13: Captain Morgan s Family Restaurant Photo 14: Whispering Sands Motel on Salisbury Road Photo 15: Midway Surf Club & Peppers Cafe ONEROA: PROPOSED BEACHFRONT WALKWAY LOCAL HOSPITALITY & SURF CLUB AMENITIES Page 13

19 3.17 Waikanae/Midway Beach is Gisborne s most popular beach, enjoyed by a wide range of users. Activities include swimming, surfing, picnicking, walking, running, cycling and passive recreation. A range of organised recreational groups such as the YMCA Break Away groups make regular use of the facilities at Waikanae/Midway Beach, where young people are encouraged to learn to surf and use the beach. Both surf clubs are successful clubs and actively patrol safe swimming areas at the beach. Surfing championships and events are held at both the Waikanae and Midway Surf Clubs. Varied open space character 3.18 The eastern end of Midway Reserve between Grey Street and Beacon Street is flanked to the north by developed properties. Further west, between Beacon Street and the Midway Surf Club, the Midway and Beacon Street Reserves are flanked by Centennial Marine Parade. To the north of this again there is a range of open spaces, including Churchill Park which give the western area a much greater sense of open space values. Neighbouring property fence character 3.19 The boundary fences between Midway Reserve and the adjoining private properties accessed via Salisbury Road are varied in character: some are 1.8 metre hard material fences; some have a low fence mixed with plantings and some are grassed and quite open to the Reserve. These differing fence designs influence the ways these houses relate to the Reserve. Public consultation 3.20 A comprehensive community consultation programme has been in process over recent years regarding the walkway alignment and the complementary selection of both timber and concrete finishes for the walkway. 4.0 The Proposal 4.1 Features of the proposed development relevant for the landscape and visual assessment are now described. The proposed walkway: Materials summary 4.2 The proposal is detailed in a set of technical alignment plans and cross section profiles prepared by Frame Group Ltd (June 2014) and is now described. Using the longitudinal metre measurements on these plans, the following is a summary of the mix of boardwalk and concrete surfaces for the pathway and where they occur: The first 45 metre long section of the walkway will be constructed as a 3 metre wide concrete path from Grey Street as far as a point opposite the western end of 10 Salisbury Road. This section is aligned to the north of the Norfolk Island pines, in keeping with coastal assessment recommendations. At this point, the 3 metre wide timber boardwalk begins, passing across the line of the Norfolk Island pines to travel the rest of the distance on the seaward side of the pines. It travels along the edge of the fore-dunes for 228 metres as far Page 14

20 Photo 16: Swimming safety Photo 17: Passive recreation Photo 18: Cycling recreation ONEROA: PROPOSED BEACHFRONT WALKWAY RECREATION AMENITY Page 15

21 Photo 19: Sunbathing and swimming Photo 20: Running recreation Photo 21: Walking recreation ONEROA: PROPOSED BEACHFRONT WALKWAY RECREATION AMENITY Page 16

22 Photo 22: Two-storey house with solid built fence Photo 23: Three-storey house with low partially open fence Photo 24: Two storey house with open frontage and garden ONEROA: PROPOSED BEACHFRONT WALKWAY RESIDENTIAL CHARACTER & BOUNDARY TREATMENT Page 17

23 as Roberts Road The first 55 metres of boardwalk crosses grassed Reserve land. Beyond that, apart from a 10 metre section where there is a pedestrian access-way to the beach (opposite 24 Salisbury Road Reserve), the remaining boardwalk as far as Roberts Road enters between 2 metres and 4 metres into the dune. (See EELA LP-02 and LP-03 attached to the Consent as Appendix D). At the end of Roberts Road, another small section of concrete walkway will be sited (22 metres). From Roberts Road the boardwalk crosses duneland and grassed reserve to its end point at the western end of the Beacon Street car park. Apart from a 4 metre concrete bridge for the vehicle access route to the beach, this section of boardwalk is metres long. Between Roberts Road and Beacon Street, the first 32 metres enter the dunes by up to approximately 2.0 metres; the next 55 metres lie largely to the north of the dunes, followed by another 20 metres entering the dunes by up to 3 metres. From this point to the boardwalk termination at Beacon Street, the alignment largely avoids the dunes. (See EELA LP-03 and LP-04 attached to the Consent as Appendix D) The final section of the walkway approximately 241 metres long will revert to a 3 metre wide concrete path, ending to the east of the Midway Surf Club. Installation of litter bins, seating, picnic areas and official signage will occur. The proposed walkway: Design considerations and elements Selection of materials: timber boardwalk and concrete finishes 4.3 Environmental considerations have led to the selection of a mix of concrete pathway and timber boardwalk for the proposed walkway. The Gisborne District Council website notes the following explanations for the selection of a timber boardwalk for part of the walkway. The timber boardwalk was selected as the preferred option for this prime beachfront location for the following reasons: Timber will blend in with the surrounding natural environment Minimal earth moving work is required so the dunes will remain in their current natural state Sand movement and plant growth can continue to occur under the raised boardwalk It will be a relatively adjustable structure and if a board is damaged it is easily replaced A key message from public consultation was a high quality product for our prime beachfront location The raised positioning will provide unobstructed access to our beautiful coastal environment. Currently there are limited view points of the ocean for the mobility impaired who are unable to access the beach. Wheel friendly surface. Wheelchairs, bikes, rollerblades, skateboards and scooters will be able to travel along the boardwalk as proven on similar boardwalks around New Zealand. Page 18

24 Design materials and specifications 4.4 The following are some of the detailed design specifications summarized from the technical drawings: The boardwalk will be made of treated pine timber on a driven pile base. It is understood that the raised timber boardwalk is intended to be movable to provide for adaptations over time as necessary should the dynamic dune environment change due to expected natural coastal processes. The timber materials and form of the structures will complement the existing coastal character and allow sand movement. The boardwalk largely hovers over the dunes so as to minimise earthworks within the dunes and has gentle gradients of no more than 7%. It will undulate gently up and down following the natural form of the dunes. At the highest point the boardwalk will be no more than 0.5 metres above existing or re-contoured ground level. On the dune-side of the boardwalk, the boardwalk varies from being level with the dunes to a drop down to the dunes that varies between a few millimetres up to a maximum of 0.5 metres. In places the boardwalk is grassed on both sides. Here the drop is generally between 0.3 and 0.5 metres. Where the step up to the boardwalk along the northern grassed edge is over 0.3 metres, finished ground will be gently graded to permit access to the boardwalk, in particular opposite the Salisbury Road grassed reserves. Grey Street and Roberts Road cul-de-sacs 4.5 The Walkway Committee has been working with the Roading section of the Gisborne District Council to implement a plan to retract the cul de sac street ends at Grey Street and Roberts Road by several metres. The purpose of this is to provide a continuous corridor for the proposed walkway without pushing it out towards the sea in these two locations (as would be the case with the road ends in their present location). 4.6 At Grey Street, the current layout of steps, levels, walls, circulation and hard landscape materials will be resolved into a well articulated walking, amenity and viewing environment, compatible with the following elements or requirements: the route for the cycleway/walkway, the existing layout on the eastern and western side of Grey Street, the proposed design between the end of the road and the beach. Vehicle access to beaches 4.7 Vehicle access to the beach will be retained in one location within the Study Area - at Beacon Street. Here it will be redesigned so as to approach the beach at an oblique angle rather than at right angles. This alignment aims to minimise sand build-up on the grassed areas on the landward side of the dunes. The vehicle access at Roberts Road will be closed, with natural dune contours and native dune vegetation being re-instated. The intersection of the vehicle access-way and the proposed walkway will be concreted to a standard necessary for vehicle bearing. Page 19

25 Photo25: the existing street end treatment at Grey Street Photo 26: the existing street end treatment at Roberts Road ONEROA: PROPOSED BEACHFRONT WALKWAY EXISTING HARD LANDSCAPE TREATMENT Page 20

26 Access to the beach 4.8 Pedestrian access to the beach will be formed as follows: At the end of Grey Street, a timber platform and concrete steps will be formed reaching down to the beach, covering the present pink stamped concrete platform in this location; At eight locations along the length of the walkway, there will be sand ladders leading from the walkway to the beach. Their locations are proposed as follows: near Roberts Road and the Beacon Street car park, opposite the grassed reserve locations along Salisbury Road (#10, 24 and 70-74) and in three additional locations between Seaview Place and the Midway Surf Club. These will be formed facing south-east and will cross the low points between dunes. Removal of existing access structures 4.9 There are several half buried walkway structures and handrails leading from the grassed reserves to the beach. These will be removed, the ground re-contoured to a natural dune profile and replanted with appropriate dune species. Viewing opportunities 4.10 The main locations for taking in the wider view of the bay (particularly accessible viewing for the disabled) will be provided for at the end of Grey Street and at the Beacon Street car park. There is a small platform at the end of Roberts Road. Cultural Narrative expressed in the design 4.11 A range of landscape treatments will incorporate locally significant historical stories into the fabric of the boardwalk and pathway. This includes representation of the knot in boardwalk finishes and the use of coloured pigmentation in concrete patterns. The proposed walkway: Earthworks summary Construction earthworks 4.12 Some earthworks are proposed for the construction of the boardwalk and concrete pathway. The re-construction of the end of Grey Street will require some cut and additional fill (20m 3 ). In two locations (where beach access is to be closed off or realigned at Roberts Road and Beacon Street it will be necessary to cut, fill and reconstruct the dune contours to receive the built elements (Roberts Road, 30m 3 of additional fill, Beacon Street, 50m 3 of additional fill to the east and 9m 3 of additional fill to the west). Small cuts are required at these locations as well. For the remainder of the boardwalk, it is proposed to erect driven piles without major disturbance of the dunes. Structural elements undergirding the boardwalk will require localised excavation of the dunes up to 300mm. The proposed walkway: Vegetation management: existing and proposed 4.13 Proposed modifications to existing vegetation and the proposed planting are shown on the Soft Landscape and Dune Restoration plans included in Appendix 3 of this report. Page 21

27 Existing vegetation 4.14 The proposed alignment of the walkway requires the removal of two Norfolk Island pines to the west of 10 Salisbury Road. It is proposed to remove the three tamarisk trees and Phoenix palm at the eastern side of the end of Roberts Road. Several wilding pines in the dunes near the Midway Surf Club will also be removed. West of Beacon Street there will be some localised removal of small Karo trees (Pittosporum crassifolium) to make way for the concrete walkway. Bare soil following stump removal within the dunes will be re-contoured to a natural dune profile and planted with appropriate native dune secondary vegetation species (see Table 2, Appendix 2. The grassed surfaces will be made good and re-grassed following removal of the Norfolk Island pines and Karo Prior to construction of the boardwalk sections of the walkway, the following garden pest species are to be removed from the dunes under the walkway alignment. All disturbed ground will be remediated to appropriate natural gradients following any sand and vegetation disturbance, with any dead plant material being removed: wilding Pinus species, Cortaderia selloana (pampas), Yucca filamentosa (Yucca) Agapanthus africanus (Agapanthus) Canna indica, (Canna lily) Amaryllis belladonna (Naked Lady lily) Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. Monilifera (Boneseed) Agave attenuata (Agave) Phoenix canariensis (Phoenix palm) Proposed vegetation 4.16 It is not proposed to plant any more trees along the walkway east of Beacon Street. All native vegetation to be re-instated in the dunes will be according to the appropriate zone and eco-system as shown on Table 2 in Appendix 2, including primary and secondary vegetation. Remediation following construction or removal of existing structures 4.17 Appropriate dune planting or re-grassing will be undertaken (according to zone as shown on Figure 3 and Table 2 in Appendix 2) following these construction or structure removal activities: removal of existing boardwalk access structures; any ground disturbance to adjoining dunes following construction of the boardwalk. The proposed walkway: Dune restoration management 4.18 The coastal assessment report prepared by Dr Jeremy Gibb 1 makes a recommendation that the fore-dune be re-constructed where this has eroded away 1 Dr Gibb, J: SHORELINE MOVEMENTS ALONG MIDWAY AND WAIKANAE BEACHES, EASTERN POVERTY BAY, GISBORNE DISTRICT: A Contribution to the Gisborne Boardwalk Project. REPORT PREPARED FOR GISBORNE DISTRICT COUNCIL, April 2014 Page 22

28 or been excavated as a part of a vehicle access route to the beach. The four locations where this is recommended (Dune Restoration Areas A-D) are shown on the Soft Landscape & Dune Restoration Plans (Appendix 3) and are now described: Area A: A linear dune form to the immediate west of the proposed re-built Grey Street termination landscape. (See Photo 28). Area B: Closing off the Roberts Road vehicle access-way to the beach; Area C: Re-aligning the Beacon Street vehicle access-way to the beach; Area D: In front of the Beacon Street car park. Re-instatement of the fore-dune will involve re-contouring the area with local sand to the typical dune profile and matching gradients to the contours on each side of the eroded or excavated area. The re-formed dune will be replanted with native species suited to the fore-dune zone and eco-system as shown on Figure 3 and Table 2 (Appendix 2) Dune Restoration Area E: Between Grey Street and Roberts Road there will be a dune restoration planting of secondary dune vegetation (Muehlenbeckia complexa, Carex testacea etc) along the south of the boardwalk, replacing all existing exotic dune grasses there. Between Roberts Road and Beacon Street there will be a dune restoration planting of secondary dune vegetation along the south of the boardwalk replacing the grassed surfaces that will become sandwiched between the dunes and the boardwalk. Not only will these plantings integrate the proposed boardwalk into the existing landscape, but they will enhance native species diversity, contributing to enhanced natural character. New plantings will be roped off to deter public access and these plantings will provide a barrier to public access across the dunes from the boardwalk At the end of the Beacon Street car park there is an amenity planting that will consist of appropriate secondary dune species (See Table 2, Appendix 2). 5.0 Site Description and Scheme Footprint The Midway Dunes 5.1 This section begins with some general observations about the dunes at the interface of Midway/Beacon reserves with the Midway beach and then assesses the natural character of this dune and reserves coastal margin. 5.2 The dunes at Midway Beach comprise two distinct environments which shall be called the fore-dune and the back-dune grassed reserve. The fore-dune comprises primary vegetation along its frontal edge (Spinifex sericeus) and secondary vegetation behind this (inclusive principally of exotic dune grasses). Back-dune is a term that is generally used for dunes landward of the fore-dune system where tertiary vegetation species occur (coastal trees); however, in this location these dunes are largely flattened, grassed and devoid of native tree species. These zones are shown on Figure 3 and Table 2 in Appendix 2. Page 23

29 5.3 Within the Study Area, the fore-dune area is between 15 and 25 metres wide, with the Spinifex primary vegetation area constituting the frontal 5-10 metres of this. In places the fore-dune is significantly eroded or modified for access purposes, such as the end of Grey Street which has a paved mounded ramp at the foreshore and Roberts Road where there are 2 vehicle access-ways through the dunes. At these two street ends, there is a seasonal problem with sand drift up the streets in periods of high wind. Sand also drifts up the vehicle beach access-way located at Beacon Street, where there is a large drifted sand dune set back in the grassed reserve. Beach grooming and the toe of the Spinifex dune 5.4 It is understood that Council s Reserve Section has a resource consent approval for beach grooming and that this consent requires them to remove driftwood from Midway beach. Along the fore-dune there was evidence of logs and piles of driftwod being pushed up against the toe of the dune, having a negative impact on the freedom of the spinifex runners to lead towards the sea and form new frontal dunes. The grassed reserves - Midway and Beacon Street 5.5 The grassed amenity reserve behind the fore-dunes is narrow at the Grey Street end (14 metres) but widens progressively as one moves towards the Beacon Street. In the vicinity of Seaview Place it is approximately 25 metres wide and for the distance between Beacon Street car park and the Midway Surf Club it varies between 15 metres and 25 metres wide. Scale of dune system 5.6 Compared with some dune systems around the country (Paekakariki, Great Barrier Island, Bay of Plenty) the scale of the fore-dune ecosystem at Midway beach (at metres wide) is relatively small in terms of its width. (The length of the ecosystem is clearly a different consideration). In some locations there are dune systems that reach nearly a kilometre inland. At these kinds of scales, the effects of the human footprint derived from public access can be a lot more controlled and are proportionally smaller in terms of the scale of the overall environment. Conditions for fauna and flora preservation are located within larger amphitheatres of natural habitat and are much larger-scaled. This is mentioned as the smaller scale in terms of the width of the dunes at Midway beach means that careful thought has been given to the percentage of the overall habitat that is dedicated to pedestrian access either on the boardwalk or down through the dunes to the beach Topography 5.7 The topography of the fore-dune varies in height above sea level; near Grey Street and Roberts Road the fore-dune reaches from 2.25 metres to 4 metres; at Beacon street from 2.5 metres to 5 metres; and near the Midway Surf Club, 3.5 metres to 6 metres. Site vegetation 5.8 The predominant vegetation on the primary dune system is Spinifex sericeus. In Page 24

30 the secondary vegetation zone the following species were observed: Kikuyu grass (Pennisetum clandestinum) Rabbit tail grass (Lagurus ovatus) A range of garden escapee species which are listed in Section The Existing Environment 6.1 This section begins with a description of the relevant planning context, an assessment of the natural character of the coastal margin in Midway Reserve, followed by an assessment of landscape character, landscape values and visual qualities associated with the site. Planning Context 6.2 The proposed walkway lies within the Coastal Environment Overlay and the amenity reserves known as the Midway reserve and Beacon Street Reserve. The adjoining residential area to the north is zoned Inner City Residential. Natural character of the coastal edge 6.3 Natural character can be defined as follows 2 : Natural character is a term used to describe the naturalness of all coastal environments as well as wetlands, lakes and rivers and their margins. The degree or level of natural character within an area depends on: 1. The extent to which natural elements, patterns and processes occur 2. The nature and extent of modifications to the ecosystems and landscape/seascape The highest degree of natural character (greatest naturalness) occurs where there is least modification. The effect of different types of modification upon the natural character of an area varies with the context, and may be perceived differently by different parts of the community. 6.4 Within the coastal environment, natural character can be understood to exist in four domains: A out at sea (the coastal marine zone) B where the waves wash at low and high tide (active coastal zone) C the fore and back-dune system (coastal dominance zone) D behind the coastal dominance zone to the nearest inland ridgeline (coastal influence zone) 6.5 These zones vary in their width according to differing coastal typologies (cliff, beach, wetland etc). Natural character of the site and the adjoining coast has been assessed using an assessment procedure that evaluates elements, patterns and processes across six criteria: o Landform (naturalness of form) o Waterform (naturalness of sea body or river mouths) 2 Natural Character - Environmental Performance Indicator. Reports prepared for the Ministry for the Environment by Boffa Miskell Limited Page 25

31 Figure 3: Dune Zones & Natural Character o o o o Built elements (presence or absence) Infrastructure (presence of mooring or navigational elements, signage) Vegetation ( patterns of indigenous vegetation) Vegetation (patterns of exotic vegetation) 6.6 Table 1, a summary of the assessment of natural character at Midway Beach and adjoining reserve areas, is included in Appendix 1. The area of particular interest in terms of this application is the natural character of the coastal dominance zone the dune zone between mean high water springs and the northern margin of Midway Reserve. Natural character can be said to exist along a continuum from generally unmodified (high) to significantly modified (low) natural character. Whilst some of the processes associated with the coastal environment at Midway beach are largely intact (salt spray drift, tidal ebb and flow, processes of sandy beach erosion and accretion, incipient fore-dune formation), there are some locations where these are not, in particular in the grassed reserve areas. In this location, native vegetation patterns have been lost and the earlier dune landforms largely flattened. Page 26

32 Photo 27: the eroded spinifex fore-dune near Grey Street Photo 28: the tamarisk trees at the end of Roberts Road to be removed Photo 29: Churchill Park: open space character Beacon Street Reserve. ONEROA: PROPOSED BEACHFRONT WALKWAY EXISTING ENVIRONMENT Page 27

33 The fore-dunes: frontal/primary vegetation 6.7 At Midway beach the frontal vegetation of this dune zone has the highest natural character of the entire zone, associated with the presence of the indigenous spinifex vegetation here and the low more naturally-mobile dune-forms. There were signs of both male and female flowers on site and in places the spinifex meadow was up to 10 metres wide. Logs and piles of bull-dozed driftwood were apparent at the toe of the fore-dune. The fore-dunes: secondary vegetation 6.8 Natural character becomes generally more modified the further inland one goes in this zone, associated with the progressive loss of native vegetation and the presence of exotic species. The establishment of garden species in the secondary vegetation near the edge of the grassed reserve - whether intentionally by local residents or as a result of seed dispersal from the disposal of garden waste risks the spread of unwanted and in some case invasive garden species. The predominant grass within the secondary vegetation is kikuyu, probably spreading from the grassed reserve over long periods of time. Sand in this location has started to compact and form an incipient garden soil tilth which aids the establishment of secondary native vegetation. The natural character of the secondary vegetation dunes is vegetatively modified, but predominantly natural in appearance. The grassed reserve: former back dunes 6.9 Although flattened grassed reserves in the coastal environment have natural character values, in general, grassed dunes are less natural than those with native species and natural dune forms intact. This is the case at Midway beach where the flattening of the probable former dunes in the grassed reserve area reduces the natural character here while creating a pleasant natural amenity area. In other places where there are street ends or car parks (as at Beacon Street), natural character values are considerably lower. Vegetation patterns 6.10 The spinifex fore-dunes contribute natural patterns to the zone, whilst coloured flowers such as Agapanthus and the straight line of the Norfolk Island pines introduce more unnatural patterns associated with exotic species. Access through the dunes 6.11 Many of the properties along Midway Reserve have their own access way through the dunes to the reserve and beach and some of these are apparent in the 1953 aerial below. Human beings are one of the most harmful users of sensitive dunes, unwittingly compacting the sand and in places contributing to the weakening of native species proliferation and habitat formation. The frontal vegetation is more at risk from human traffic than the routes through the more compacted secondary vegetation. Page 28

34 Photo 30: The native spinifex fore-dune with logs (left of picture) Photo 31: The secondary vegetation and linear Norfolk Island pines Photo 32: The fore-dune with small planted exotic gardens PROPOSED BEACHFRONT WALKWAY DUNE VEGETATION CHARACTER Page 29

35 Photo 33: Informal pedestrian access-ways Photo 34: Constructed access ramps to the beach filled with drifting sand PROPOSED BEACHFRONT WALKWAY BEACH ACCESS Figure 4: The extent of Natural Character/naturalness values (highlighted in pink) Page 30

36 The relative absence of built structures 6.12 In general, the Midway dunes have a paucity of built structures in the beach environment. The exception to this is the sand ladder ramps with timber balustrades that provide access to the beach from the grassed reserves. These are spaced intermittently along the beach and where mostly buried, are not readily visible. The predominant appearance of naturalness or natural character 6.13 Although the coastal dominance zone has natural character that is partially modified in the ways outlined above, particularly when contrasted with its earlier condition prior to the formation of Salisbury Road and Centennial Marine Parade, it is still a largely natural or unbuilt environment, and as such has natural character values that are appreciated by the people of Gisborne. In general it is the absence of built structures that marks its naturalness. This area of naturalness is highlighted in Figure 4. Landscape character 6.14 Landscape is understood to be the expression of physical, biological and cultural processes. It is dynamic rather than static: geomorphologic origins, climate and geology shape landform, hydrology, vegetation cover and seascape. More than a thousand years of human activity add numerous cultural layers to the dynamic and changing landscape character of any location The coastal margin along Midway Beach is framed by some strong landforms: Te Kuri a Paoa/Young Nick s Head and Titirangi/Kaiti Hill act as book ends to the strong sweep of Poverty Bay coastline with its extensive dune system and fluctuating mouth of the Waipaoa River Cultural changes are evident in the changing settlement patterns revealed in earlier aerials. Figure 4 shows an aerial of the Midway beach in 1953 in which it is apparent that the Midway/Waikanae beach settlement was isolated from Gisborne town proper, with farmland separating the town from the cluster of beach houses at Midway. The linear patterns of dune and swale landscape are evident extending inland running in parallel lines to the foreshore indicating the maritime origins of this entire area. Grey Road was not then formed as a main link with Gisborne town-ship, presumably because of the presence of Waikanae Creek. Stanley Road appears to have been the main vehicle access to the beach The early black and white photo, (Photo 35) shows Midway beach prior to formation of Centennial Marine Parade. Modifications to back-dunes are already occurring The scale of the built character of the surrounding area has expanded and changed. In the 1950s the area was probably characterised by small beach-side baches. In the present day, Salisbury Road has a typically grander character of house with some being up to 3-storeys high. A comparison of the density of housing shows a much denser pattern of housing today. Page 31

37 Photo 35: Photographic view of Midway Beach prior to the formation of Centennial Marine Parade. The fence to the right indicates the location of former Gisborne Gaol. [Courtesy of Tairawhiti Museum. Date unknown] Photo 36: Former Napier Gaol and Churchill Camping Ground ONEROA: PROPOSED BEACHFRONT WALKWAY HERITAGE CONSIDERATIONS Page 32

38 Figure 5: Aerial of Midway Beach in [Courtesy of Tairawhiti Museum]. Page 33

39 6.19 These considerations remind us that a coastal landscape such as this is a changing and evolving entity, subject to the prevailing values, urban pressures, recreational interests and property aspirations and needs of the time. Landscape values 6.20 People perceive and value the landscape in differing ways reflecting their experience, education, preferences and cultural identification. A range of values can be identified, including heritage qualities associated with spiritual and cultural pasts/meanings, scientific values and aesthetic qualities associated with the beauty of a place. These cultural layers combine with underlying geo-morphological and physical characteristics of the site shaping connections with place and contributing to identity or sense of place 6.21 Landscape values associated with the Midway beach reserve area will now be described. Aesthetic values 6.22 A number of significant features of Midway Beach foreshore and Reserve contribute to its aesthetic values: open views to the Young Nicks Head landform across the waters of Poverty Bay, the curved form and sweep of the wider Poverty Bay coastline; the dynamic seaside location with changing light, sun, wind and sea conditions. Sunsets are particularly spectacular from this foreshore location. appreciation of the drama of this coastal edge with its spectacular surf rolling to shore. Its proximity to Gisborne city for appreciation of its beauty and spectacular views by a large number of residents and visitors. Cultural and Historic Values 6.23 For local Maori, this is a rich cultural landscape. Early waka, in particular the horouta waka arrived here, leading to the habitation of Turanga a nui by its first settlers. The presence of a cluster of Maori whare in this location was recorded at the time of Lieutenant Cook s arrival in The foreshore is also associated with the early gathering of botanical species by Banks and Solander, botanists on the Endeavour. These stories are being implemented as place-based narratives about the first meeting of two cultures within the wider vicinity of the Turanganui River. Local cultural narratives have been incorporated into the final design of the pathways, seating areas and the boardwalk at Midway beach Early titles, subdivision plans, aerials and photos all provide interesting clues to the appearance of the land in earlier times. For example the former gaol lies on the Churchill Park Reserve. Scientific Values 6.25 The spinifex dune ecosystem is known to provide habitat for the native skink. Page 34