How to Make a Submission
How to make a submission on a Resource Consent Application
Any person who wishes to do so can make a submission on an application within 20 working days of the date of the public notification. Submissions must be made in writing using the form prescribed by the legislation. You may obtain the form from the Council's Customer Service Centre.
The original copy of the submission is to be delivered to the Customer Service Centre and a copy supplied direct to the applicant as soon as practical after that. It can be delivered by hand or mail. This must be done within 20 working days of the public notification date. Submissions can be lodged electronically – details of which will be on the Consultation section of the Council website.
A pre-hearing meeting may be held to give you an opportunity to question the applicant and elaborate on matters raised in your submission.
You will be notified of Council's decision on the application and have a right of appeal (if you are a submitter) against the decision to the Environment Court.
Preparing a submission on a Resource Consent Application
The Resource Management Act 1991 allows any person or organisation to make a submission on any publicly notified Resource Consent application.
A submission is a written statement that supports or opposes a Resource Consent application.
Submissions are the most effective method to influence the resource consent process.
Before you prepare your submission:
- Talk to the applicant or Council officers - this may allay your concerns regarding the proposal.
- Consult organisations or individuals able to provide technical information on the cause and consequence of effects and possible ways to reduce or avoid undesirable effects.
The written submission must comply with the legal format of the form Submission on an application for Resource Consent under Section 96 of the Resource Management Act 1991.
It should be well organised, to the point and provide adequate supporting information with a clear and thorough analysis of the issues.
When preparing the submission:
- Concentrate on the important points you want the Council to consider.
- Clearly identify which part or parts of the proposal your comments refer to.
- Fully explain how the proposal will affect you and how those effects could be dealt with.
- Address the consents activity applied for and environmental effects only. It is not Council's role to consider any effects on trade or business activity.
- Adequately explain any request you make.