Landform

Earthworks associated with the construction of building platforms, the provision of infrastructure including roads, loss of productive soils, and loss of natural landscape character.

Biodiversity

Vegetation clearance and associated effects on fauna.

Water quality

Vegetation clearance, release of silt and contaminant loadings, stormwater run-off, on-site effluent treatment and disposal systems.

Infrastructure

Increased demand on stormwater, sewerage, roading, energy, and water supply.

Hazards 

The creation of additional allotments within an area susceptible to natural hazards.

Public access

Reduced public access to reserves, the coastal marine area, lakes, and rivers.

Cultural and heritage sites

Earthworks or development associated with subdivision has the potential to modify or damage historic, archaeological or cultural sites or landscapes.

New boundaries

The height of buildings in relation to boundaries, vehicular access, parking spaces, the provision of public and private infrastructures and the physical changes associated with increased density.

Social and economic

The use of land for different purposes can cause increased demand for infrastructure, community facilities, public and private transport, and a change in amenity values or social coherence.

Restrictions on future land use

Consent notices, covenants and encumberances on the new allotments (often intended to mitigate adverse environmental effects flowing from subdivision) may dictate the type or nature of any future development. 

Land use expectations

Subdivision creates an expectation that subsequent occupation and development will be permitted. 

Reverse sensitivity

For example, the establishment of residential settlements sensitive to certain rural activities (such as dust and noise) within an area previously entirely rural.