Scale of activity, land use, event or investment
Decisions that involve, for example, a single building or a small part of an infrastructure asset (unless the latter constrains the rest of the system) are less likely to have fundamental and long-term implications than decisions that affect larger areas. The exception is where a small development sets a precedent, leading to acceptance of subsequent applications.
Example
Sea-level rise is expected to exacerbate the effects of wave action and storm surges at N Bay, a popular coastal settlement. (Comment: This location is fictitious). A number of dwellings in N Bay are close to the mean high water spring tide level in the settlement. Most are modest, traditional holiday houses or small, permanently occupied dwellings, but a major upgrade of one has recently been allowed. The greatly extended, now 'high value' dwelling is likely to lead to a precedent, potentially causing pressure by property owners on the council to approve upgrades of all dwellings in similar locations. If future sea-level rise is not taken into account, the council may be liable for future damage to expensive dwellings.
