Most applications are processed without notifying members of the public. If the proposal has a broader effect on the environment, we will notify the application.
We generally don’t notify applications when the environmental effects of the activity will be minor and all affected people have given their written approval. If we decide not to notify your application, we won’t advertise it or call for submissions. Our decision will be based on the application alone.
However, sometimes we decide that a proposal is likely to have a broader effect on the environment. We then consider whether to:
- notify those people who may be directly affected (limited notification), or
- notify the public generally (public notification).
If your application is notified, then people can make a submission and become involved in the hearing of your application.
Limited notification
If the effects of your proposal are minor and you have not obtained written approval from everyone we considered affected, those people will be notified of your application. They have 20 working days to make a submission supporting or opposing your application and only those notified can make a submission.
Public notification
If we determine the effects of your proposal are more than minor we may decide to publicly notify your application.
A public notice will appear in newspapers and, for some parts of the region, online and the application can be viewed on our website. We will also directly notify adversely affected people and people we are required to notify under the Resource Management Act 1991.
Anyone can make a submission supporting or opposing your application within 20 working days.
If the application receives a submission
We encourage applicants and submitters to communicate directly to discuss any concerns and identify ways in which those concerns can be addressed. If those concerns cannot be resolved, Council may require a pre-hearing meeting or refer the parties to mediation. This is an opportunity to clarify and potentially resolve any concerns.
If that doesn't succeed, a public hearing will be held to decide on the application.