Obtaining a resource consent

Applications for resource consents need to be thoroughly and accurately prepared before being submitted to the Council. If you do this, your application is more likely to be processed quickly and without delays.

For some proposals, preparing an application requires considerable time and effort. If you are having difficulty, please contact Council staff for advice. They may also suggest you get professional help.

All applications must include:

  • A location plan.
  • An accurate description of what you want to do.
  • An assessment of the likely effects on the environment, both positive and negative. This must include effects on land, air, water and on other people, and a description of what you intend to do to avoid, remedy or mitigate any adverse effects,
  • A record of consultation with neighbours, iwi and any other affected parties.

The application fee is usually payable after the application is processed.

 

Processing, decision-making & monitoring

If all the affected parties give their written approval and the environmental effects are minor, a decision on the application will be made by the Council’s Director-Resource Management. It’s important to note that although most applications fall into this ‘non-notified’ category, hundreds of parties are consulted by resource consent applicants in Taranaki each year.

If the effects are more than minor or an affected party does not give written approval, the application will have to be notified. People may then make submissions on the application.

Council staff will evaluate the application and any submissions against the requirements of the Resource Management Act, the Regional Policy Statement and the relevant Regional Plan/s and present a report to the Director-Resource Management or to the Council’s Hearings Committee.

In either case, a decision is made. If the application is approved, conditions will be specified to avoid, remedy or mitigate any environmental effects.

The Council must monitor the exercise of consents and any resulting environmental impacts. Major consents may be subject to tailored, user-pays compliance monitoring programmes, which may include elements of self-monitoring by the consent-holder. Minor consents will be subject to inspections at appropriate intervals.

Monitoring information can be used when considering future consent changes or renewal applications. All consent conditions are monitored to ensure they are complied with.

Appeals

Decisions on consent applications can be appealed to the Environment Court by any applicant or submitter. Appeals must be lodged within 15 working days of the Council’s decision being served.