In a nutshell...

The Resource Management Act 1991 makes it compulsory for Councils to prepare a District Plan. The Plan uses rules that have the force of law, as well as other methods such as education programmes and incentives.  Everybody, including Council, must comply with the Plan.

Ratepayers indicate their priorities and have their say on the Plan via public submission processes (the last submission process was held during February and March 2009 as part of the current Proposed Plan process).

The Plan’s resulting maps and text outline what the community has decided you do/do not have to get consent for, and sets boundaries for certain types of activity.

Generally speaking, the plan affects new development (i.e. new buildings) or new or changes in use of land or buildings.  Many things can be done “as of right”, while others require permission from Council.

The biggest users of the Plan are those who need to know a lot about certain types of activity that modify land, vegetation and buildings, for example surveyors, architects, developers and real estate agents.

Council has released it’s latest version of the Proposed Plan (Annotated Version) on 4 June 2010 incorporating Appeals to the Environment Court that may affect your proposal.  You are advised to discuss any proposal with the Duty Planner.