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Rural Review Project

The rural review has been initiated as part of the council’s ongoing monitoring and review programme. The review seeks to ensure that the New Plymouth District Plan (2005) is equipped to sustainably manage the rural environment. 

The need to initiate a rural review was highlighted in submissions to the District Plan, and more recently through the LTCCP, Coastal Strategy and Land Supply review process. It is particularly timely to initiate the review as the Framework for Growth has recently been adopted, which sets the broad long term urban growth directions for the future.

Did you know?

• Rural development has seen a slow but consistent upward increase. Urban development has been more variable, but has still increased.
• A total of 130 building consents for new dwellings were granted in 2007 in rural areas.
• Between 13 and 36 per cent of all homes constructed in the last 15 years have been in rural areas.
• More than half of all rural development is within 10km of New Plymouth city boundary; a quarter within 3km of the coast.

The approach

The review will consider the effect of different activities in the rural environment including residential and other uses. Any changes that have occurred in the rural area and whether this has had an impact on the landscape and rural character will be looked at.  

As part of its monitoring and review programme, the council has commissioned a review of the changes that have occurred in rural landscape character over the last decade. The results of this assessment will be considered in the review process, alongside other development and monitoring data. The review will also be asking for feedback from the community on the way that the rural environment is managed. 

The review process involves identifying the issues and options for consultation with the community. Following this a preferred way forward will be established for the rural environment. If necessary Plan Changes will be then be drafted and consulted on so that the preferred approach is translated into District Plan policies and rules.

Project stages

The Rural Review Project is a two year project.
 
Stage 1: Assessment of issues and preparation of a discussion paper (August 08-November 08)
Analysis of development rates, landscape monitoring and other effects monitoring, engaging with key stakeholders and identifying options for the rural environment.
 
Stage 2: Consultation on options (December 08-May 09)
Discussion paper for consultation with the community about the options for the rural environment. A way forward will be established through this process so that plan changes can be drafted. 
 
Stage 3:  Plan Change process (June 09-June 10)
Formal Plan Change process – drafting of plan change and section 32 analysis, submissions and hearings.
The current rules in the District Plan will remain the same until any plan changes are notified and progressed.   

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