The District Plan Review Project
Council is currently in the process of reviewing its District Plan. This page has information to help explain the District Plan, the review process and how to contribute ideas and feedback.
What is a District Plan?
The District Plan is a document that sets out the direction (policies) and rules for activities and developments in the District. It says what activities can happen, where they can happen and how they can happen, as well as providing measures to protect buildings, natural features and sites of significance. It also contains rules that are used to control activities that can potentially cause effects such as noise, odour, visual impacts or damage to the environment.
How does it affect me?
The following are common situations when people refer to the District Plan:
Constructing a house, garage or sleepout:
There is criteria such as location, site size, height and distance from property boundaries. If these can be met then it is not likely that a consent will be required.
Establishing or relocating a business:
If the site you are planning to use is identified for business use then there are a few specific criteria to be met such as number of car parks. If it is not, then there are a wider range of considerations and a consent is likely to be required.
Subdividing your rural property:
The District Plan aims to protect soils, landscapes and rural activities such as farming. It contains standards on where subdivision can occur, and how many lots can be created.
Activities on a neighbouring property:
The District Plan regulates the activities that people can carry out on their property and enforcement measures can be taken if these standards are not complied with.
Why is it being reviewed?
The current District Plan has been in place since 1997 and, the Resource Management Act requires that the District Plan be revised every 10 years to keep it up to date with issues facing the District. A number of new policy initiatives have been created in recent years, such as the District Growth Strategy, the Environment Strategy and the Town Concept Plans; the review will incorporate these strategies.
Waipa’s District Plan must also be consistent with the objectives of the Regional Policy Statement from Environment Waikato. This document is currently being revised so any changes will be reflected in Waipa’s District Plan.
What is the Process and how do I get involved?
There are three key phases in the District Plan review:
- Identifying key issues and drafting responses to them. This step was undertaken late 2009.
- Considering objectives and policies to manage key issues. This step is due to be completed mid May 2010-July 2010.
- Finalising the Plan for Council approval in October 2010.
- Notifying the Plan for public submissions in November 2010.
Council will be seeking your views and feedback on key proposed changes to a number of different sections from 18 May. Key changes to other sections will be available in late June and July. Feedback received will be used to finalise the proposed District Plan for public notification in November this year.
Key Dates
- May-June 2010 - Consultation policy options and potential rules
- October 2010 - Council approval of Proposed District Plan
- November 2010 - Notification of Proposed District Plan
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Your Feedback
For more information and to let us know what you think go to the “Have your Say” page
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