November 9, 2011

Consent applications on the rise

Resource consent applications are on the rise with Horizons Regional Council granting 120 resource consents in the last two months, almost twice the amount granted during the same period last year.

Horizons councilor and chair of the environment committee, Jill White believes the number of people seeking resource consents is a positive sign for a region largely dependent on the land and its resources.

“Resource consents allow us to make sure that our region’s natural resources are managed in a fair and sustainable way. Our region’s economy is very reliant on our farm and forestry land, not to mention the cultural and historical value ,” said Ms White.

Horizons consent manager Philip Hindrup attributes some of the rise in applications to both regional council initiatives and greater awareness among resource users.

“We recognise that for some land-based activities it was worth removing the cost of the consent application to encourage land-owners to apply,” said Mr Hindrup.

An example of this is Horizons’ free consents for stock crossings and vegetation clearance.

“If we can keep stock out of our streams and rivers then we all benefit. By removing the consent fee we hope to encourage more farmers to put measures in place to avoid driving stock through waterways on their properties,” said Mr Hindrup.

Mr Hindrup said public understanding around the types of activities that require a consent is also increasing.

“People and businesses are becoming more mindful about the need to get a consent before undertaking work that may affect the environment,” he said.

“At the end of the day it’s an important safeguard for both them and the community which spells out what they can and can’t do.”

ENDS

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