We’re here to make resource consents easy

Whether you’re planning alterations, subdividing, building a new home, or adding a business to your property, there can be daunting planning issues to work through. Planz is here to simplify it and guide you through.

Our expert planners handle all aspects of the resource consent process, making it easy to understand and ensuring everything you need is in place. 

What is a resource consent?

A resource consent is official approval from your local district or regional council. It is needed when you plan to undertake activities/changes to a structure that aren’t automatically permitted under your district or regional plan.

 

For instance, if your building project doesn’t meet certain council regulations, or if your intended activity isn’t allowed in your designated zone, you’ll need to obtain resource consent. 

 

There are three main types of consents, and they each cover different parts of your project. 

Resource Consent: This is about how your project might impact the environment and the people around you. You’ll need it if what you’re doing doesn’t follow the council’s rules (like if you’re building in a zone where certain activities aren’t usually allowed). It answers the question, “What can I do here?”


S
ubdivision Consent: You’ll need this if you’re changing property boundaries or creating new ones. It ensures that the land is divided properly and answers the question, “Where are my property boundaries?”


Building Consent
: This makes sure that your building is safe and meets all the required standards. It’s all about how the building is put together and answers the question, “How is my building constructed?”


Each consent helps make sure your project follows the rules and is safe for both people and the environment. We can help with Resource consent applications, matter associated with your application and  subdivision consents. (We can’t help with building consents these are usually applied for by owner, the builder, or the building team.

“We were completely new to the world of planning but knew we needed resource consents to build our section....We chose to work with Planz because they had great contacts with the council and knew the district plan inside out.”

The Planz Consultants team are experts in navigating the complexities of the Resource Management Act (RMA) and can provide comprehensive support for resource consents, building consents, and subdivision consents.

 

With our deep understanding of local regulations and extensive experience in environmental and planning matters, we ensure that your project complies with all relevant rules and guidelines.

 

We can assist in preparing and submitting consent applications, addressing potential environmental impacts, and liaising with local authorities to streamline your approval process.

 

Whether you’re planning a new development, modifying an existing property, or subdividing land, Planz Consultants can guide you through each step, ensuring a smooth and successful outcome.

What you need to know about the resource consent process

We understand the consenting process can feel daunting, so we’ve compiled answers to  commonly asked questions to guide you through your journey with us.

A resource consent is formal permission from your local district or regional council. It’s needed when you want to do something that’s not automatically allowed by the rules in your district or regional plan. For example if your building project does not comply with some council rules, or if your activity is not permitted in the zone, you’ll need resource consent.

A resource consent deals with how your project affects the environment and people. A subdivision consent is about property boundaries, while a building consent focuses on the safety and structure of your building. Think of:
Resource consent as “What can I do here?”
Building consent as “How is my building constructed?”
Subdivision consent as “Where are my property boundaries?”

You have five years to implement your consent. Once implemented, a land use consent is usually permanent, unless you make any changes. A regional consent (i.e discharge, water, and coastal permit) typically has an expiration date, which can range from a year up to 35 years.

If your project follows all the rules and standards in your district or regional plan, or National Environmental Standards you can apply for a “certificate of compliance”. This certificate confirms that your project is allowed without further approval, even if rules change later. You don’t need this, but it can be helpful as a legal guarantee for your project’s status.

The cost varies, depending on your projects complexity. For our planners to prepare a simple resource consent application you can expect pay around $3,500- $5,500 excl.GST, while more complex projects cost a lot more. We can assess your project and give you a personalised fee proposal tailored to your specific application.

Yes, there are council costs and post lodgment fees.

 

Council Costs: When a resource consent is lodged, the council will charge an initial deposit fee for processing the application, and will charge additional fees if the initial deposit does not cover the processing costs. Each council will have their fees listed on their website.


Post Lodgement:
After council have reviewed

the application they likely to have requests for further information (RFI’s) which may require technical experts. In some instances the application will go to a notified process, hearing or court. If these things happen, we will make sure you aware of aware of costs before you agree to any of these processes.

Straightforward applications usually take between 2-4 weeks for a consultant planner to prepare ready for council submission.

Complex projects may take several months due to input required from other technical experts. Once the application has been submitted, council’s legally have 20 working days to process. If more information is required (which is normal) this will add time onto the application process. If the application becomes a notified process, you can expect to add a further 6- 9 months before consent is granted/not.

A site visit enables us to properly assess your project in relation to its surroundings and environment. For example, to identify any heritage buildings, to look at current traffic flow, noise levels, waterways, and to gain a broader sense of the character and amenity of the area. It can also help identify potential affected parties.

Councils invariably request further information (RFI) to assess your application fully. These are to be expected and are part of the process. RFI’s must be addressed before the application can continue to be processed. They may request additional input from experts, or additional approvals from persons deemed affected by your proposal. They can also request other information such as extra detail on the architectural drawings, and further information about the operation of the activity. The consent and RFI may also discuss potential conditions for the consent to be granted.

A person is considered an affected person if council determines that the effects of a proposed activity are minor or more than minor on that person (e.g. shading, noise). If a person has provided written approval, they are no longer considered an affected person.

 

If an affected person does not give written approval, the council will notify the application to these affected persons. Affected persons are then able to provide a submission on an application. If they wish to be heard, a hearing will be held in the presence of a hearing commissioner.

 

If the application is rejected in a hearing, it can be appealed to the Environment Court, and then to further Courts if requested by the applicant or submitters.

Written approval can be provided by someone affected by your project. It shows they accept the projects effects, and if all affected persons provide written approval your consent will not require limited or public notification. It’s only essential to get written approval if the council considers this necessary (e.g. someone may be affected but the council might consider the effects are less than minor).

If your consent is notified, it means the public will be informed and can have a say in your application. Anyone (except trade competitors) can lodge a submission for or against. A limited notification means that only those who are considered to be affected can lodge a submission for or against.

If your consent requires a hearing, they can be a very costly process and there is no guarantee of winning. We will provide you clear advice and guidance on the potential cost involved in a hearing and from here you can decide if it’s worth proceeding. If you choose to go to a hearing and the decision is declined there is an additional process for appealing the decision. Time and costs will be discussed on a case by case basis.

If the change is very minor it may fall within the scope of the consent. If not you’ll need to apply for amendments or variations to your granted consent. If you’re unsure, we can help determine this.

They refer to how your project aligns with local rules:

  • Permitted: It is allowed – no consent is needed.
  • Controlled: Consent must be granted, and the council can only impose conditions to matters which control is reserved in the plan.
  • Restricted Discretionary: The councils discretion is restricted to certain matters when assessing the application. i.e. Can only consider the specified effects.
  • Discretionary: The councils discretion is unrestricted when assessing the application. i.e. Can consider any effect.
  • Non-complying: Activity is not consistent to the plan but resource consent may still be obtained.
  • Prohibited: Not allowed in any circumstances and no consent can be applied for.

National Policy Statement contains requirements that councils must ‘give effect to’ in their planning document. National Environmental Standards contains rules that apply throughout New Zealand, and resource consent applications must consider these rules- for example how contaminated land is to be managed.

Our process

First contact

Contact us via email, phone or our website to outline what you need. 

Consultation

We will talk with you to understand your requirements, goals, and any potential challenges.

Fee proposal prepared

To ensure you have a clear understanding of your costs, we provide a detailed estimate that outlines the services included, any exclusions, and an indication of Council fees.

Site visit / assessment

Upon approval of the fee, we will either visit your site to gather information and assess feasibility or conduct a desktop investigation.

Document preparation

We prepare the necessary documents for your project's application. Once all parties have reviewed the application and are satisfied, we will submit the documents to the council for their review

Outcome

The council will either make a decision on your project or request additional information. In either case, we'll be here to support you through the next part of the process. 

Resource consents for homeowners and small businesses

Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke (Rāpaki) – Marae Development

Planz worked closely with Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke to secure the necessary resource consents for extensions to the existing Rāpaki Marae Complex and the construction of a new sealed

Concerts and Festivals

Planz Consultants has extensive experience in securing resource consents for high-profile music events and festivals across New Zealand.

Lancaster Park and Gate Redevelopment

Planz successfully obtained all necessary land use and regional council consents for the redevelopment of Lancaster Park in Christchurch.

Oxford Terrace – Research and Teaching Facility

Planz secured resource consent for the University of Otago’s new $178 million Christchurch building, slated to open in 2025.

Rural tourism

Planz has successfully obtained consents for a diverse range of rural tourism providers across Christchurch City, Banks Peninsula, and the Mackenzie District. Our experience includes securing approvals for jet boat

Wineries & Wedding Venues

Planz has extensive experience in securing resource consents for wineries and wedding venues in rural environments, where such developments are often not well accommodated in District Plans.

Contact us for a no-obligation assessment

What our clients say