HUTT CITY COUNCIL NEWS RELEASE

23 January 2015

Boulcott development application back on the Council agenda

Hutt City Council will consider whether to accept or reject the plan change application for a development on part of the Boulcott Golf Course at a meeting on 28 January 2015.

This follows a delay in the decision in late 2014, when Council requested the applicant Summerset hold further discussion with those people potentially affected by the development.

“We were pleased the developer agreed to this, they weren’t legally obliged to but we felt more discussion was needed when we heard how upset and opposed so many residents of the area were to the plan,” says Kim Kelly, Council’s General Manager, Strategic Services .

The proposed area of development is on the Boulcott Golf Course, which is private property. Most of this area is currently recreation zoned, with an adjoining smaller car park area, which is residential zoned.

Provided an application is complete, and no further information is requested, there is an assessment made and a decision to adopt, accept or reject.

Kim Kelly explains, “It’s important that people understand that this process happens in stages. At this stage, Council is not deciding whether to approve or decline the plan itself, rather we are deciding whether to agree or disagree with entering the plan change process to consider the application.

“Council is bound to operate within the Resource Management Act, a national law.

“Under the Act there are limited grounds for rejecting an application at this stage. To reject an application, without sufficient grounds, could expose the Council to lengthy and expensive legal action,” says Kim Kelly

“If Council accepts the proposal, we will begin the plan change process. Once that process starts Council will invite public submissions, which is when we can hear about specific aspects of the plan and concerns such as excessive building height, how it will affect sunlight etc.”

ENDS

Quick summary of the process

Accepting the proposal means the onus of the project, such as cost, remains with the applicant.

Adoption means that the Council decides to adopt the plan change and take over (i.e. adopt) the process.

There are limited grounds for rejection of a plan change application.

If the plan change is accepted or adopted the public is notified and invited to make submissions.

Many factors are considered during this plan change process- including public submissions, and the effect on the surrounding area.

Guiding documents include the Resource Management Act, and the Regional Policy Statement.

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