Private Plan Changes

Private plan changes are requests initiated by individuals or groups to amend planning rules or zoning in a district plan, allowing land use changes subject to council assessment under planning legislation.

As towns and cities grow, the rules and zones in planning documents need to change to accommodate the need for more housing and more commercial areas. These changes can be forced on Local Council by central government, as we have seen recently. Or they can be proactively changed by Councils as part of their forward planning. Or alternatively, zone changes can be initiated by individuals and presented to their local Council for consideration. There are a number of issues that Council need to consider when deciding whether to allow a plan change to proceed. Many of the recent rezonings of land in the Southern parts of Auckland have been initiated by private individuals rather than Council. At Birch, a significant proportion of our planning time is being spent on Plan changes, particularly on the fringe of Pukekohe and Pokeno.

Our success on these projects is a function of the significant preliminary investigations that have been undertaken with supporting reports. These address such matters as urban design, roading, infrastructure, reserves, costs, and timing. The success or otherwise of a plan change will depend on whether the proposal integrates well with Council’s strategic and planning documents, whether there is local community support for the change, and the timing of the request.

The Resource Management Act deals with requests for private plan changes and how these need to be dealt with, and the decisions that Council are required to make.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my land has potential for a future zoning change?

The potential for a zoning change depends on factors such as location, surrounding land uses, infrastructure capacity, and strategic growth planning. We can assess your property and provide advice on whether a zoning change may be a realistic option.

What are the risks of pursuing a private plan change?

Private plan changes can involve technical, regulatory, and community considerations that may affect the outcome. Our team can help identify potential risks early and develop strategies to address them throughout the process.

Can multiple property owners work together on a private plan change proposal?

Yes. In some situations, neighbouring landowners may benefit from a coordinated approach, particularly where a larger area is being considered for future growth or development. We can help evaluate collaborative opportunities and manage the planning process.

What professional services are typically needed for a private plan change project?

Depending on the nature of the proposal, a project may require planning, surveying, engineering, environmental, transportation, or infrastructure assessments. We coordinate multidisciplinary expertise to support a comprehensive and well-informed proposal.