If your proposed building project, activity, or development does not meet all the rules in the District Plan, you may need a resource consent.
A resource consent is a formal approval process under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA). The RMA is New Zealand’s primary environmental legislation and provides the framework for how land, water, air, and other natural resources are managed.
Under the RMA, Council is required to establish rules and standards to help ensure developments and activities are appropriate for their surroundings and do not adversely affect neighbouring properties, communities, infrastructure, or the natural environment.
This can include activities such as:
Building work
Land development
Vegetation clearance
Earthworks
Signs
Subdivisions
Modifications within a riparian margin
Council is currently required to assess applications under both the Westland District Plan and Te Tai o Poutini Plan (TTPP).
Some activities may also require resource consent from the West Coast Regional Council.
If you have any questions, please contact our Planning Team at: planning@westlanddc.govt.nz
Resource Consent vs Building Consent
A resource consent is separate from a building consent.
A building consent confirms that building work complies with the Building Act 2004 and the New Zealand Building Code. Depending on your proposal, you may require one or both types of consent.
Before preparing your application, we encourage you to speak with our Planning Team to discuss your proposal and requirements. As not all rules and standards under both plans are currently operative, early discussions can help clarify what approvals may be required.
Email: planning@westlanddc.govt.nz
Westland District Plan
The Westland District Plan sets out the objectives, policies, rules, and regulations that guide how natural and physical resources within the Westland District are managed.
The District Plan includes rules relating to:
Permitted activities
Building placement and size
Parking and vehicle access
Minimum section sizes and land use requirements
Natural hazards and risks
You can view the District Plan online or visit the Westland District Council offices during normal working hours.
Important Information
Some provisions of the Westland District Plan are no longer operative.
Te Tai o Poutini Plan (TTPP)
Te Tai o Poutini Plan (TTPP) is the combined District Plan for the West Coast, covering the Buller, Grey, and Westland districts.
You can view the District Plan online or visit the Westland District Council offices during normal working hours.
On 10 October 2025, the Decisions Version of TTPP was publicly notified.
The Decisions Version maps and additional information are available here Te Tai o Poutini Plan – West Coast District Plan under the “TTPP Decisions Version” dropdown menu.
Information sheets relating to specific TTPP provisions are available under the “Technical Reports and Info Sheets” dropdown menu.
TTPP is currently in the appeals stage of the plan process, therefore not all provisions are operative.
Due to the dual-plan considerations currently in place, we encourage you to speak with our Planning Team to discuss your proposal and requirements.
Email: planning@westlanddc.govt.nz
Monitoring of Resource Consents
Our RMA Compliance Officers undertake monitoring of resource consents to confirm that consented activities are being carried out in accordance with the approved conditions. This process also helps identify whether resource consents are being actively utilised.
Council has a statutory obligation under the Resource Management Act 1991 to monitor resource consents and ensure compliance with consent conditions.
Consent holders are encouraged to read and understand all conditions attached to their resource consent. Some conditions may require additional works to be completed alongside the approved activity. For example, a land use consent may require a vehicle accessway to be constructed to Council standards.
If you have any questions about your consent conditions, please contact Council’s Planning Department at planning@westlanddc.govt.nz
The consent holder is legally responsible for ensuring the activity complies with all resource consent conditions and may be required to undertake any work necessary to achieve compliance.
When a property is sold to a new owner, any existing land use resource consents for buildings or structures — such as dwellings or other residential buildings — remain attached to the land. This means the current landowner is responsible for ensuring all consent conditions continue to be met.
All costs associated with compliance monitoring are the responsibility of the consent holder. Council’s fees and charges are set out in the Annual Plan.
Our Vision
We work with the people of Westland to grow and protect our communities, economy, and natural environment.
The Planning Team is committed to providing a professional and high-quality service. Early discussions can help identify potential issues and avoid delays during the application process.
Together, we can help ensure Westland remains a safe and healthy place to live, work, visit, and enjoy.
Email: planning@westlanddc.govt.nz
Phone: 03 756 9099
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:
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.
Current fees can be found in our fees and charges under Resource Consents.
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