Abstract
Rural areas are no longer seen primarily as places of production. Instead they are increasingly valued as places to live, work and recreate. However, these values are perceived as being under threat from the increased popularity and interest in rural living. Academics have identified a range of factors contributing to the growth in popularity of rural subdivision and lifestyle block development, largely, rural commodification (Lowe et al., 1993), counter-urbanisation (Berry, 1976) and the rural idyll (Cloke & Goodwin, 1993). Consequently, this research aims to understand, to what extent are counter-urbanisation and the rural idyll occurring in the Tasman District? It investigates the planning challenges faced by a local authority in an area that is attracting rural subdivision and lifestyle block development.
This thesis has adopted a predominately qualitative, case study approach, using key informant interviews and a resident survey to explore the drivers for lifestyle block developments and associated challenges of this type of living in the Tasman District. Results show that there is increasing demand for lifestyle blocks in Tasman, particularly in locations close to Richmond. The main reason for this is centred on the concept of the rural idyll. Consistent with the literature, it was also found that other factors contributed to this demand such as counter-urbanisation, amenity migration, rural to rural migration and technological advancements which were significant in the Tasman District. This increasing demand for lifestyle blocks result in many impacts and planning issues. The Tasman Resource Management Plan is working effectively in providing a variety of options and locations for lifestylers. However, this research recommends changes that can be made to better mitigate the impacts and planning issues identified such as; rural character, reverse sensitivity, monitoring land fragmentation and community consultation.
In light of these findings, this thesis contends that counter-urbanisation and the rural idyll contribute largely to the overall demand for lifestyle block development in the Tasman District. In order to balance the demand for rural living with the sustainable management of resources, lifestyle block development must be carefully managed. The research has highlighted the need to protect the valued qualities, such as high class land and rural character of rural areas. Appreciation of the impacts and issues raised in this research can enhance the practices of planning for rural subdivision and lifestyle block development in a variety of settings. Keeping planning processes up to date with current circumstances and in line with community values are important challenges facing planners.