Close off date for submissions

By the time this article is published, there will remain only two weeks for submissions to be made to the Proposed Waikato District Plan. The Proposed plan can be read online on the Waikato District Council website. Submissions need to made before 5pm Tuesday 9 October, 2018.

Once submissions have been received, a summary of submissions will be published, and there will be opportunities for further submissions. Further submissions can only support or oppose submissions that have already been made – they can not introduce new topics. Following the further submission process, there will be hearings to consider all the submissions and decisions will be made on the Proposed Plan. The Resource Management Act also provides for appeals to be made to the Environment Court on the final decision.

A proposed plan can be difficult to read as it tends to be a large document, and the process of submissions, further submissions, hearings and appeals is a long process. The Council website contains information on the process, how submissions can be made, an option to contact Council with questions, as well as a full copy of the document and planning maps.

If you support these new provisions and wish us to include your name in a list of  property owners who support these rules, or wish to engage us to prepare other submissions on your behalf, please contact our planning team on 09 2371111, or use our query form at www.birchsurveyors.co.nz

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the deadline to submit feedback on the Proposed Waikato District Plan?

Submissions must be made before 5pm on Tuesday 9 October, 2018, after which only further submissions supporting or opposing existing submissions are allowed.

Can I introduce new topics during the further submission stage?

No, further submissions can only support or oppose submissions that have already been made, and cannot introduce new issues or topics.

How can Birch assist with making a submission?

Our planning team can include your name in support of provisions or prepare and lodge submissions on your behalf to ensure compliance and timely filing.

What happens after submissions are lodged?

Council publishes a summary, allows further submissions, holds hearings, and makes decisions, with appeals to the Environment Court possible under the Resource Management Act.