How to make a written submission on a Plan Change

Making a submission on a plan change can sometimes seem daunting, but it does not need to be.

The Plan Change process provides two opportunities for organisations and individuals to place submissions.

The first opportunity is when the plan change is first notified. The public can make submissions on any part of the proposed plan, however the submissions must be made within 20 working days.

After the plan change is first notified, the Council will then summarise the submissions and notify those submissions. The public can then make more submissions, but this time only on those parts of the proposed plan that had submissions made during the first round of public submissions.

When making submissions insure the following are done:

• If you support, oppose or are neutral towards the proposal

• The reasons for your submission

• Any possible remedies

• Your name and contact details

• State if you wish to be heard or not. More weight is usually given to a person who appears and can give some further comment on their submission.

When making the submission: 

1. Avoid being offensive and personal.

2. Make submissions relevant to the plan change. For example, requesting a road be sealed is not a relevant request.

3. Be on time getting the submission in to the Council.

 

After the submission is made the Council will consider all of the submissions and will arrange for a full hearing, usually before a Commissioner.

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