Whakatane District Council is asking people to provide feedback on how its draft plan should provide for natural features and landscapes.

Landowners are being encouraged to visit the council's website to view planning maps.

This is to allow them the chance to see if an area on or next to their land has been identified as having important landscape or biodiversity values.

The council's policy manager, Julie Gardyne, says working with landowners and the community ensures there is support for any measures or controls developed.

'These areas have environmental, historical and cultural significance for the district and need to be carefully managed now and in the future,” says Julie.

'We want to know if people agree with the methods included in the draft plan and welcome any suggestions on the protection and management of these areas.”

New Outstanding Natural Features and Landscapes (ONFLs) have been added to the draft plan and include Matata Bush Scenic Reserve, Rotoma Forest, Ohope Scenic Reserve, Nukuhou Uplands, Ohakana Island and Uretara Island.

ONFLs are natural areas which stand out in the landscape and are unique to the district.

'To protect the values of these areas, activities, like production forestry, buildings and earthworks would require resource consent un the draft plan's rules,” says Julie.

Some controls are also proposed for areas described as Significant Amenity Landscapes (SALs).

Julie says these areas are not as significant as ONFLs, but add to the quality of the environment.

'The draft plan also identifies areas with high biodiversity values or Significant Biodiversity Sites (SIBs).

'These areas are on reserves and private land and include native forest, regenerating kanuka and manuka forest, dunes and wetlands.”

Julie says SIBs already managed and protected by landowners are mostly unaffected by changed in the draft plan.

'Changes to rules outlined in the draft plant relate to activities that could damage or destroy indigenous biodiversity.

'Landowners who protect indigenous biodiversity sites on their land may be entitled to additional subdivision rights.

'The council is also considering other assistance to help with indigenous biodiversity management.”

People have until December to provide feedback on the plan.