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Case Study

Sensitive Development in an area with high landscape values

Context

In one of New Zealand’s most scenic and ecologically sensitive coastal environments — a dry, rugged landscape defined by lakes, wetlands and expansive natural character — a developer sought early advice to ensure their vision aligned with the area’s high environmental and landscape values. Our team was engaged at the outset to guide the project in a way that respected these values and laid the groundwork for a consent application.

Challenge

The central challenge was to identify how development could proceed without compromising the integrity of the landscape’s natural character or breaching protections for outstanding natural features and landscapes (ONF/ONL). This meant understanding not just the ecological and physical constraints, but also the lived experience of the place—how people see, use, access, and relate to it. Our role was to interpret these layered values and provide a clear framework for assessing development potential.

Our Approach

We began by identifying the key values at stake and the landscape’s capacity to absorb change. This was not just about compliance—it was about deeply understanding the site. We undertook spatial mapping of visual and ecological sensitivities to classify areas as having high, medium, or low capacity for change. These insights were used to frame practical, site-specific mitigation options.

Crucially, our findings became a foundation for collaborative design. Working closely with the client and other specialists including ecologists, we translated analysis into a small set of clearly articulated development options. Each scenario was assessed in terms of its effects on values, opportunities for enhancement, and constraints—enabling a transparent and informed path to selecting a preferred development strategy.

Outcomes

The resulting scheme reflected a balance between aspiration and care — demonstrating that sensitive development is not only possible, but can be stronger when guided by clear values and a grounded, real-world understanding of place. Our involvement provided the client with confidence, clarity, and a credible foundation for engagement with councils and the community.

Let’s Work Together

If you’re navigating development within a high-value landscape and need a partner who understands how to merge design ambition with environmental responsibility, get in touch. Our expertise lies in turning complex landscapes
into clear pathways forward—backed by evidence, collaboration, and a deep respect for place.