Applying for a Resource (Land Use) Consents

Papakura District Council is changing how its Resource Consents process works.

To help us meet the timeframes set by the Government, we want to work with people as their development proposals are brought together, and well before they lodge Resource Consent applications.

Council consents staff will be available to help applicants understand what information they need to provide, which in turn will help smooth the process once the application is lodged with Council. This will enable us to provide quality advice on a timely basis to applicants.

Recent changes to the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA) will also help streamline this process.

Meeting with our staff and making sure you have the right information before lodging an application should help ensure you receive a quicker decision from us.

To help us achieve this we have developed:

1. A public information leaflet, available here

2. A guide to the pre-application meeting, available here

3. A formal pre-application process form, available here  

If you would like a meeting, please fill out the application form available here

4. A major/complex development project form is available here. This form should be used if your proposal is of a complex nature (large sub-division, supermarket, large industrial or retail/mixed use development); and

5. A new and improved resource consent application form is available here with a comprehensive checklist is available here to help you put together your application and supporting documentation.

What is a Resource Consent?

Why do I need a Resource Consent?

Application for a Resource Consent

How do I apply for a Resource Consent?

How long does it take?

Non-notified Applications

Notified Applications

How is a decision made?

How do I apply for Resource Consent?

Download and complete the appropriate application form above.  

Remember, if you don’t submit the correct level and detail of information, we can’t process your application. Once your application is completed, contact the Regulatory Services Unit, or telephone 09 977 8914 to arrange for a lodgement meeting.

How long does it take?

The processing time varies and depends on what level of impact the works will have on the environment, the nature of the application and whether or not you have provided us with sufficient information and whether your application needs to be publicly notified. When considering whether to publicly notify an application for a Resource Consent, the Council consults the Resource Management Act 1991.

Non-notified applications

If under the provisions of the RMA, the Council doesn’t need to inform people about your application, and you provide complete and correct information, it will take about one month to process. 

Notified applications

If under the provisions of the RMA, the Council does need to inform people about your application (for example, your proposal will have a negative impact on the environment that is more than minor and/or there are parties who will be adversely affected) the Council will need to place a public notice in newspapers and send letters to people who are likely to be affected.

Public notification enables people to support or oppose Resource Consent applications if they feel strongly about them. If you have provided complete and correct information, a publicly notified application, will take about three months to process.

How is a decision made?

Our Council staff evaluate your Resource Consent application and makes recommendations on whether the application should be notified, and whether the application should be granted.

These recommendations are either presented to the Council’s Resource Consents Committee or sub committee to determine whether they agree with the recommendation. Recommendations for certain application types can also be delegated to Hearing Commissioners to make the decision. If you disagree with the decision, you have the right of appeal. Details of how to appeal are included in the decision letter.