Govt to fast-track RMA consents for homeowners

Getting approval to build or renovate your home is set to get faster and cutting down trees much easier under radical new measures proposed by the Government.

A package of sweeping changes to the Resource Management Act proposes making councils that dither over resource consents cough up some of their processing fee. Another more controversial measure would ban councils from requiring homeowners to get resource consent before felling trees of a certain size.

Homeowners often complain of long delays getting consent for buildings, alterations, demolition and other works affecting the natural environment. In its election campaign, the National Party promised to overhaul the system of resource consents.

Councils have between one and four months to process applications, depending on whether the development is put out for public submissions. Of the majority that are closed to public comment, about 74 per cent are processed on time, compared with 56 per cent where the public is involved.

To read the full NZ Herald article click here

Posted: 4 Feb 2009

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