A resource consent is a formal approval under the Resource Management Act 1991 that is required when a proposed building or activity does not comply with all of the relevant rules in a District Plan.
The District Plan can be viewed online or at the Westland District Council offices, during normal working hours.
The rules ensure that buildings and other activities within a zone are in keeping with the surrounding or planned environment and provide a reasonable level of amenity for neighbours. They specify limits and requirements for matters such as:
- building size and location
- permitted types of activity
- parking and traffic
- minimum section sizes.
Resource consent applications can be complex. We recommend speaking to one of our Planners before you start.
The Ministry for the Environment has provided a series of publications on everyday matters relating to the Resource Management Act 1991 and resource consent processes.
The guides can be viewed at http://www.mfe.govt.nz/rma/processes-and-how-get-involved/everyday-guide-rma.
If you are intending to subdivide, build or change the current activity on your property, you may require resource consent to do so.
If you wish to undertake a rezone of your property or make changes to provisions in the District Plan, a plan change application will be required. Information on how to gain approval for your activity can be found by clicking on the relevant links below. Some activities may also require resource consent from the West Coast Regional Council, please contact our planning team at planning@westlanddc.govt.nz if you have any queries.
A resource consent is separate to a building consent which confirms that building work complies with the Building Act 2004 and the building code. You may need one or both types of consent for your proposal.
Te Tai Poutini One District Plan
In 2018 the Local Government Commission directed Westland, Buller and Grey District Councils to develop a combined District Plan, with the statutory function transferred to the West Coast Regional Council. This means that, rather than each of the three District Councils preparing individual plans, Te Tai o Poutini Plan Committee is now responsible for preparing and approving a new combined district plan covering the whole of the West Coast.
For more information and updates see the TTPP website.
Compliance Monitoring
Monitoring of Resource Consents
Council is in the process of monitoring resource consents. The process is being undertaken to identify if resource consents are being utilised and to ensure the conditions are being complied with. There is an obligation for Council to monitor resource consents under the Resource Management Act 1991.
Please ensure that you read and understand the conditions of your resource consent. Some conditions require work in addition to the proposed activity. For example, land use consents may require the vehicle accessway is formed to standard. If you have any questions on the conditions of consent, please contact our Planning Department: planning@westlanddc.govt.nz
The consent holder is legally responsible for the activity granted under the resource consent and will be liable for any work to ensure compliance with the resource consent conditions.
All costs associated with monitoring are the responsibility of the consent holder. Council’s fees and charges are set in the 2024/2025 Annual Plan
RMA Compliance & Enforcement Policy is available here
Phone calls
If you do not reach the duty planner by phone on 03 756 9099 please leave a message. Messages will be responded to within 48 hours during the times that a duty planner is available.
Emails
If you send a query to planning@westlanddc.govt.nz you will receive a response within 48 hours during the times that a duty planner is available.
We have a range of helpful brochures available below to help you along with the process. You can also always contact us with any queries.
The following application forms for Resource Consent are available:
- Application Resource Consent
- Application Existing Use Rights
- Application Marginal Or Temporary Activity
- Application Consent Transfer
- Application Boundary Activity
- Application Change Or Cancel Consent Conditions
- Notice of Resource Consent Transfer
- Guidance Existing Use Certificate
If you require the approval of persons likely to be affected by a Resource Consent, the following form will need to be completed by each person so affected.
There are many signs throughout Westland serving many different purposes. Did you know that under the Westland District Plan advertising for activities or facilities outside of the District is not allowed? Also, advertising on land which is on a separate title to the business or activity is considered non-complying.
Council will be sending letters or emails out to parties whose advertising is not on the same title as their activity. The following information is specifically in relation to signage in the Westland District Plan and should be considered when applying for a resource consent.
See our District Plan sections below with further information:
4.4 Amenity
4.6 Infrastructure and Services
8.2 Signs
District Plan: Definition of signs
Appendix F: Signs in Hokitika and the Tourist Zone
View our educational video on signage on YouTube: https://youtu.be/zb8wmvENaKA
If you have any queries please contact planning@westlanddc.govt.nz or phone 756 9099.
Current fees can be found in our fees and charges under Resource Consents.
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