3.7.2 Urban growth and rural residential subdivision on versatile soils

The RMA requires those with functions under it to have regard to resource costs and benefits of development. For example, directing urban growth and rural residential subdivision onto less versatile soils may increase travel distances, costs of service provision or other economic or environmental costs of land development. However, allowing urban expansion onto versatile soils adjacent to urban areas will result in a reduction of options for their future productive use, which is a cost to future generations. There are a range of factors required to enable land to be used for productive use. Territorial Authorities need to weigh all relevant matters when making land use decisions.