Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE)
All resource consent applications need an AEE.
What is an AEE?
An AEE is a written statement that describes the environmental effects of a proposed activity, and must be included with all applications for resource consent.
The purpose of an AEE is to:
- increase understanding of the impact your proposed activity will have on the environment, natural or built (environmental effects). This may include noise and vibration, reduction in privacy, visual (eg if you're constructing a new building that exceeds the maximum building coverage, will it look overly dominant?), traffic, landscape character, loss of productive soils etc;
- identify ways to avoid or reduce the negative effects arising from your proposal (adverse effects) on the environment; and
- help you take other views into account.
An AEE can result in a better design of your proposal and the effects of a proposed activity are a key consideration when your application is assessed.
It's a good idea to start preparing your AEE as soon as possible. This will help you identify information that may be required by us.
How to prepare an AEE
When preparing your AEE you'll need to:
- identify the reason(s) why resource consent is being sought - you'll need to think about your proposal and how it will change the site you intend to use or develop
- describe the site, including any existing buildings, site features, and the types of activities on surrounding properties
- identify the environmental effects - you should address any effect your proposal may have on those in the neighbourhood or the wider community, eg if you're proposing to open an early childcare centre in a residential area will it result in noise, traffic or privacy effects?
- identify persons affected by the proposal - this could include (but is not limited to):
- neighbours or adjacent landowners and occupiers
- Iwi
- the Department of Conservation
- environmental groups
- Heritage New Zealand
- provide details of any engagement undertaken
- cover both positive and negative effects - if there are any negative effects, consider how these could be avoided or reduced, eg if you're proposing to open an early childcare centre in a residential area you might consider noise insulation and fencing to reduce noise and privacy effects on neighbours.
Large-scale activities may require professional input to assess complex issues, eg if you're proposing to open an early childcare centre in a residential area you may need an assessment by an acoustic engineer to understand the potential noise impact.
A good way to start can be comparing your proposal to existing activities happening on nearby properties. You can also refer to Chapter 25 of the Horowhenua District Plan for guidance on what effects may arise from your proposal.
Other references
Need some help?
If you need assistance with your AEE you can book in for a pre-application meeting. Find out more on our Resource Consent pre-application meetings page.