A Guide to Applying for Resource Consents for Subdivisions
Resource consents are an essential and important part of subdivisions, but the application process is far from simple. Our advice for anyone subdividing land in Wellington, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Levin or the Kapiti Coast is to get Tararua Land Surveyors’ consultants to guide you through this complicated process. But first, here’s a guide to what goes into resource consent applications.
What is the Purpose of a Resource Consent?
When you subdivide your land, your first priority is to take care of the land’s natural resources like air, water and soil. Resource consents protect the environment by making sure that any activity on your land is done responsibly and sustainably. While some minor works might not need a resource consent, a land subdivision always will.
Prepare your Resource Consent Application
In your application, you must prove that your plans adhere to the rules set out by NZ’s Resource Management Act (RMA) 1991 and works with regional and district plans. You’ll have to include:
1. An Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE)
Any subdivision will affect the environment in some way, and this has to be outlined in the AEE. It can be positive, like improved appearances, or negative, like loss of privacy for your neighbours. If negative, your resource consent application has to demonstrate how you plan to lessen these effects.
The AEE is best done by professional subdivision specialists who know how to craft the proposal, assess and describe environmental effects, show how adverse effects will be mitigated and draw to-scale site plans.
2. Identify Affected People
Subdividing your land has the potential to affect other people, like your neighbours. Your resource consent application must highlight these people and describe how they are affected. Written approval by affected people is not necessary but is very helpful.
3. Assessment of the Planned Works
You must assess the work you plan to carry out in relation to the RMA and any supporting or relevant documentation need to be included. This can include regional plans, national or regional policy statements and a national environmental standard.
4. Additional Information
Council might require additional information to support your application. A subdivision specialist will know what extra information is necessary.
Submit the Resource Consent and Wait for Approval
Once the application is complete, it is submitted to your local council along with the application fee. You will be notified by mail whether or not your resource consent has been granted. Council may approve your consent but set conditions or decided to monitor the work to reduce environmental impacts. Land surveyors will help you understand any conditions, terms and monitoring set out by council and the explanations behind them.
Give Tararua Surveyors a Call
Before wading into the complicated world of subdivision resource consents, talk to the land surveyors and consultants at Tararua Surveyors. We’ll help get your subdivision in Wellington, Upper Hutt, Lower Hutt, Levin or the Kapiti Coast off to a strong start.