The Whakatāne District Council is inviting further submissions on Plan Change 4 (PC4): Building Platform Level, which proposes updates to the District Plan to improve how flood risk to buildings is managed and simplify the consenting process.
Earlier this year, a public submission process was initiated in accordance with the Resource Management Act (RMA). Council’s Manager Policy, Planning and Consents, Nicholas Woodley, says the community now has a second opportunity to provide feedback, this time on the six submissions received.
“This further submission stage allows people to express support or opposition to specific points raised in the initial submissions,” Mr Woodley says.
He explains that while the current rule helps manage flood risk and keep buildings dry, improvements are needed to ensure it is applied more clearly and consistently.
“The proposed changes aim to make the rule more effective and easier to understand, while still upholding safety and flood protection standards,” says Mr Woodley.
“Right now, the rule is confusing for applicants and doesn’t cover all construction types, like piled foundations. It can also make getting consent for simple additions more difficult than necessary. In addition to this, we recognise the risk that comes with flooding and so there is also a proposed change to require resource consent where predicted flood depths could compromise safety.”
Further submissions on PC4 are open now and close at 5pm, Wednesday 11 June 2025.
“We encourage anyone with an interest in this topic to have their say before changes are finalised,” Mr Woodley says.
To find out more or make a submission, visit: koreromai.whakatane.govt.nz/planchange4.