Making a submission on a plan change

A proposed plan change must be publicly notified. Then there is an opportunity for you to make a submission on the proposal.

Visit Have your say to see our current consultations.

There are two phases for making formal submissions on a plan change.

First phase

When the proposed plan change is initially publicly notified, there is opportunity for anyone to make a submission. The initial public notification runs for a minimum of 20 working days.

Second phase: Further submissions

Following this initial stage, a summary of the submissions made in the first phase is created and then publicly notified. The proposed plan change is then open to further submissions from anyone who has an interest in the proposed plan change that is greater than the general public or represents a relevant aspect of the public interest. This phase lasts for 10 working days.

The Ministry for the Environment has guidance on Making a submission about a proposed plan or resource consent.

Hearing and appeals

Following the second phase, a public hearing is normally held where submitters may speak to their submission. Council then makes a decision on the proposal. Once Council has made a decision, it may be appealed to the Environment Court by anyone who submitted on the proposal.