If you need to apply for a resource consent you must provide a range of stipulated information, and it should follow the format outlined in the relevant resource consent application form.
The type of consent you need to apply for depends on the exact nature of your proposed activity. In some cases, you may have to apply for more than one type of resource consent.
Once you know you need to apply for a resource consent you will need to:
- Get the applications forms from the Council which can be obtained online here
- Complete an assessment of environmental effects (AEE)
- Identify who might be interested or affected by the activity and how they might be affected
- Talk to those people the Council has indicated may be affected by the activity and seek their written approval or give an explanation why you don’t think they’re affected or why you can’t get their approval
- Get any other information the Council has asked for in the application forms
- Consider if you need to employ an expert to help you prepare the information such as professional surveyors, town planners or resource management consultants.
- Complete all items on the application form
- The person responsible for the charges must sign the form
- Ensure that the correct base fee is included with your application
- Send all completed forms and relevant information to the Council along with your deposit. See the schedule of fees.
Details about the specific information required for a resource consent can also be found in section 88 and the Fourth Schedule of the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA).
How to avoid costs and simplify the process
The provision of quality and relevant information will assist the Council in processing applications in a timely manner and at a low cost. Please remember that if the required information is not included, the application cannot be processed and the application may be returned to you to be completed.
If the AEE is insufficient in detail or information, the Council can request further information before processing the application further. The application is then “put on hold” until the information is provided. It is therefore beneficial for a comprehensive AEE and supporting information to be submitted.