A plan change is a change to the District Plan. It can't 'just happen'. There is a public process which must be initiated. A change can be requested by Council or members of the public (this is called a private plan change).
If someone from the public requests a plan change, we choose whether to adopt it as our own or continue it as a private plan change. However, either way Council handles the submission, further submission and hearing process.
Proposed plan changes underway
| Name | Overview | Status |
|---|---|---|
(Keepa Road) | A private plan change request seeking to rezone 23 and 45 Keepa Road, Whakatāne, from Light Industrial to Residential. | Private Plan change is currently on hold as requested by the applicant. |
| Re notification Proposed Plan Change 5 (Accessible Parking) | Re notification of Proposed Plan Change 5: Accessible Parking consists of 18 changes to the District Plan that will enable the provision of accessible parking to be considered during the consenting process. It identifies situations where accessible parking must be provided and sets a minimum number of accessible car parks in those situations. Provision of accessible carparks was required as a ratio of the total number of carparks that were required. With the removal of minimum carparking requirements under the National Policy Statement on Urban Development 2020, if a developer chooses not to provide any car parks the Council can no longer consider whether accessible car parking is appropriate when assessing a resource consent application or require the provision of accessible car parks. | Further Submissions were sought and closed 5 pm Wednesday 20 September 2023. |
| Proposed Plan Change 6 (Audible Bird Scaring Devices) | Plan change 6 seeks to manage the impacts of audible bird scaring device use in the rural zone on residents and other activities. Changes are proposed to the permitted noise levels for both impulsive and non-impulsive devices. Devices that do not meet the proposed changes may require a resource consent. Existing use rights may apply, please see guidance. | Further Submissions were sought and closed 5 pm February 10, 2023. |
| Proposed Plan Change 8 (Huna Road) | Council wants to rezone land at 12 Huna Road (more commonly known as Julians Berry Farm), 30A Huna Road and 234A State Highway 30 to allow residential development. In 2021, the owners of 12 Huna Road approached Council because they wanted to develop their property. A concept plan for the development has been done as well as the supporting technical work. There was a strong case for Council to develop this as a public plan change, allowing it to be rezoned. In addition, neighbouring properties have been included at their owners’ request. | Submissions closed at 5 pm Friday, 15 March 2024. |
What's the process for a plan change?
