The Policy 27 of the Regional Policy Statement for the Greater Wellington Region reads:
"District and regional plans may identify special amenity landscapes which are distinctive, widely recognised and highly valued by the community for their contribution to the amenity and quality of the environment of the district, city or region."
As a result, it is up to Council to decide whether to identify SALs in the District Plan.
On 22 February 2023, the Upper Hutt City Council Policy Committee resolved to remove Significant Natural Landscapes (SALs) from the scope of Plan Change 48A. This decision was based on the recommendations made by the Landscapes Reference Group. The meeting agenda and minutes of this Council decision can be found below:
22 February 2023 - Minutes
22 February 2023 - Agenda