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What is a Plan Change?

A plan change is a change to a District Plan, which is a public process requiring research, evaluation and consultation. A plan change can be initiated by the council or by members of the public (private plan change).
Examples of possible plan changes include:

Rezoning of land.
Addition of a building to the schedule of heritage buildings.
Amendments to rules.

Why do councils undertake plan changes?

The RMA requires the District Plan to be updated every 10 years. However, it is best practice for the District Plan to be subject to ongoing monitoring and review. The council actively monitors the effectiveness of the District Plan and will regularly initiate plan changes to respond to emerging issues.

What does the plan change process involve?

The RMA outlines the plan change process that the council is required to follow. Consultation and community involvement, including pre-consultation, notification, submission and hearing processes, are important steps in the plan change process.

What are the steps in the plan change process?

Initial issue identification and pre-consultation process.
Plan change and section 32 report assessing costs and benefits produced.
Plan change and section 32 approved by the council for public notification.
Public notified for submissions (20 working days).
Public notification of summary of submissions for further submissions (20 working days).
Hearings.
Public notification of decisions.
Appeals (30 working days to lodge)
OPERTATIVE

This whole process can take up to two years. During this time there is ongoing monitoring and review.
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What do I need to know about the plan change process?

In most cases the council will consult those affected before notifying a plan change. The level of consultation required will depend on the nature of the plan change.
The council will produce a plan change document that includes an explanation of the proposed changes and a section 32 report which assesses the costs and benefits of alternatives to the plan change, and justifies the plan change.
When a plan change is notified any member of the public may make a submission in writing on the prescribed form (form 5) and explain why they support or oppose the plan change. Submissions are called for over a period of at least 20 working days.
Once all submissions are received they are summarised and notified. Any person can make further submissions in writing on the prescribed form (form 6). Further submissions cannot identify new issues, but can support or oppose the contents of original submissions. Further submissions are called for over a period of at least 20 working days.
The council will then hold a hearing, if required, so submitters may verbally present their submissions. After the hearing the council then makes a decision to accept or reject each submission received in whole or in part. The council will then publicly notify its decision.
A submitter can appeal the council decision to the Environment Court within 30 working days. If you are considering lodging an appeal on a plan change it is recommended that you obtain independent legal advice.

What should I think about when making a submission?

The following tips are useful when making submissions. Ensure that you use the appropriate form provided (form 5 or 6) and:

Make clear and easy to read points.
Include your contact details.
Identify whether you wish to speak at the hearing or not.
Identify if you support or oppose the plan change.
Detail the specific part of the District Plan your submission is about.

Your submission should not include any issues not relevant to the plan change as these will not be able to be considered by the council when making its decision. Please note your submission, including your personal information, will be publicly available as part of the council’s decision-making process.