Lower Hutt District Plan notification 6 Feb

This week we will see the notification of the proposed district plan for Hutt City. This new district plan represents a substantial opportunity for landowners to engage in the local planning process which will influence the supply of land, the ability to deliver housing or grow businesses, and protect parts of the environment. With the MDRS already in play (Plan Change 56) we don't expect to see a big jump in density standards. However, we do expect to see a big change in the look and feel of the district plan as the Council aligns itself with the national planning standards.

10-minute guide to interpreting the 2025 Proposed District Plan

Once the 2025 Proposed District Plan becomes notified (likely on 6 February 2025), you'll want to know what to check to set yourself up well for making a written submission. Here is how I go about checking a new district plan:

1. If you are looking for a specific property or list of properties, I recommend starting with the planning maps to check for zoning, overlays, precinct, natural hazards, designations, and any other notable areas or features. This can range from anything such as a flood zone or faultline, horizontal infrastructure such as the National Grid, a notable tree, or a historic building.
2. Then trace these map features back to the policies and rules in the relevant zone. This will give you direction on what activities, developments, and protections are planned for the zone. Specifically, look for policies that provide direction to any future decision-maker, these policies may be enabling or restrictive.
3. Don't forget to check the District-Wide Matters too. These are provisions that apply for discrete matters independent of your street address. Common examples include subdivision, earthworks, noise, natural hazards, historic and cultural values, natural environment values, and signs.

Make sure you include 'relief sought' which is basically what you want to see happen based on the information collected above. Do you want changes to be made to the zoning, or certain overlays to be removed? Or perhaps you are happy with the proposal and wish for no changes to be made.

Why use a professional?

Resource management professionals have a deep and thorough knowledge of the RMA and how it becomes implemented through policy statements and plans. We understand how this affects your property or business, and how we can change those plans for best fit your needs. We also have a strong network of professional surveyors, architects, engineers, and other professionals who can contribute to your submission points, or present evidence at the hearing.

The primary reason to use a professional is that we invest substantial time and energy into understanding your needs before diving into the analysis and writing. We are all incredibly time-poor in the modern world and while it may be tempting to copy another submission from a relevant community group or industry group, your needs will be best served with a bespoke, high-quality submission.

Companies such as Derive Consulting Group and Otter Projects Ltd are well-placed to add value to your property or business by undertaking a thorough analysis of the 2025 Proposed District Plan and preparing a submission that represents your rights and interests, preserving what is special about our City, and setting you up for future developments.

Tips for writing submissions:

1. Clearly state the name of the person or organisation you represent, including contact details and the date you're making the submission.
2. Be clear about what topics you are speaking to.
3. Stay on topic and use headings to break up your submission into topics.
4. Include references to specific objectives, policies, and rules that affect you.
5. Include specific property addresses or areas that your submission relates to.
6. Be sure to include what changes you want to be made (relief sought), or what parts you want to be kept without change.
7. Consider whether you wish to speak to your submission at a public hearing, including presenting evidence on your points, or the points made by others.
8. Don't miss the deadline and confirm that the council has received your written submission.

Further reading and more information:

All about plans | Ministry for the Environment

District plan review | Hutt City Council

Resource Management Act 1991 No 69 (as at 25 October 2024), Public Act 6 Making of submissions under clause 5 – New Zealand Legislation