Most (but not all) developments, large or small, require a resource consent from a Regional or District Council. A resource consent may be needed in instances when a person or organisation wishes to:
- erect a building which is higher, wider or longer than is usually permitted by the rules,
- install a sewage disposal system,
- build in close proximity to a waterway
- subdivide land, perhaps to create a smaller parcel of land around an existing house,
- create a large scale greenfields subdivision,
- sell a portion of rural land to a neighbour or to allow for a new irrigation system.
The Consent Process
In New Zealand, the consent process is defined by the Resource Management Act. The Resource Management Act defines what level of information is required to provide to the Council for them to assess an application. The Act also defines a set of tests that the Council must apply to determine whether or not they grant consent.
Negotiating the way through this consenting process can be challenging. If the right level of information is not provided to the Council, the application can be rejected without even being assessed. A technical assessment that proves the effects of your proposal are no more than minor, must be supplied, otherwise the application can be declined. An application can be “fully notified” (more about this in a later post), which can add significant additional costs and time.
It is also important that the best way to obtain consent is given careful consideration. Should plans to suit the altered to suit the whims of the Council Planner? Or is it more cost effective and sensible to proceed with exactly what you want to do with your land? It’s all about balance.
How We Help
Our team at Avanzar Consulting have many years of combined experience in these matters. We provide practical advice on how to negotiate the resource consent process and we can be involved as little as you like, or we can take full control of the consenting process for you.
Contact us to discuss your project, or subscribe to our newsletter to receive a copy of our free Resource Consent Guide and Checklist.