How to make a written submission on a resource
consent
Making a
submission on a resource consent can sometimes seem daunting, but it does not
need to be. When writing a submission follow the
dos and don'ts listed below:
The dos of making a
submission
-
Remember that the
application you are making a submission
against is for something a real person is
wanting. In many situations they have dreams
hinging on the consent being approved. To
complicate things more, in many cases the
applicant is your neighbour or a person you
regularly see. If your submission is against
the application, write it in such a manor
where you are polite, do not make statements
that may inflame tensions. If there are
aspects you want changed that would meet
your needs, then make the submission a
‘conditionally support’ submission while
stating what is required to gain your
support. The tone of a submission can govern
the support your submission receives from
the applicant and the ongoing relationship
with the applicant if their your neighbour.
-
In your submission you
need to state the following:
-
The application the
submission is for
-
The address of the
applicant
-
If you support,
oppose or are neutral towards the
application
-
The reasons for your
submission (see the don’ts section for
things not to cover)
-
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.
-
Write your submission,
leave it for a day, and then read through
and make sure you say what you mean and not
in a manner that will cause offence.
-
You need to send a copy
of the submission to the Council involved
and to the agent for the applicant. This
needs to be done either before or on the day
submissions close.
The
don’ts of making a submission
-
Avoid being offensive and
personal.
-
Make
submissions relevant to the proposal. For
example, if the application is for a house
this is not the appropriate situation to try
to have some of the neighbours trees chopped
down .
-
Stay away
from making comments about financial
matters, such as the devaluation of a
property or a decrease in custom to your
shop. Under the Resource Management Act, the
Council cannot take into consideration
anything that could be considered trade
competition.
-
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 either set a
pre-hearing meeting to discuss the issues or
proceed with a full hearing before either a
commissioner or a planning committee made up of
elected Councillors.
At least a week
before the hearing, a planning report will be
circulated around to the applicant and
submitters.
See below for more
information
