Your chance to speak up on district development
5 October 2012
Another significant milestone in the review of the Proposed Waipa District Plan is underway with people being able to have their say on the submissions that have already been made.
The District Plan sets out the framework for development such as the various rules, land use options, zonings and requirements for subdivision and directs what activities can happen, where and how. It also provides measures to protect natural features, heritage buildings and sites of significance and includes rules that apply to noise, odour and visual effects.
A total of 309 submissions were received during the first consultation phase and raise some important issues. These issues may affect people and their property directly or may raise wider issues for Waipa residents to consider. A further submission provides an opportunity for people to have their say on any points already raised that are of concern, or to support the points that have been made.
Group Manager Planning and Community Relations Ross McNeil wants residents to speak up on any issues of concern.
We want to encourage residents to check out what changes have been requested through the submissions process, as some are significant and may well affect a large number of people, said Mr McNeil.
Given the District Plan's significance in guiding the on-going development of the district we have doubled the timeframe normally allowed under the Resource Management Act for further submissions, to Wednesday, November 7.
This will provide more time for people to understand the issues that have been raised and consider whether or not they wish to lodge a further submission, he said.
Copies of the summary of submissions, the full submissions and further submission forms are available at Council offices and libraries or at www.waipadc.govt.nz. The summary of submissions has been collated by both plan provision and by submitter.
A readers guide at the beginning of each summary provides helpful hints on how to read the summary and fill out a further submission form. People are invited to contact the council to discuss the submissions process if needed.
