This week marks a milestone in Far North District Plan development

The Far North District Council’s District Plan is officially 98 per cent operative this week, (week beginning Monday October 15) marking a milestone in deliberations that have spanned years of negotiation, mediation and hearings.


Only one of the 818 appeals lodged against council’s decisions on submissions to the revised proposed district plan four years’ ago has still to be resolved. It pertains to the zoning of land north of Inlet Road between Okura River and Waitangi wetland, Kerikeri.


This week’s declaration means that in all other cases, County and Borough Council plans developed under the Town and Country Planning Act are no longer required to be assessed when determining if resource consent is required.


The milestone is a welcome and long-awaited one, says District Plan References Committee member Laurie Byers, who has been involved with every step of the process leading to this week’s achievement.


“The plan now comprises one volume and one map book so it will be much easier for people to understand and use,” he said. “The two volumes will simplify resource consents processes, improve the ability for consents processing staff to provide efficient service, speed up processing, and give certainty to our communities.


“This is a red letter day for all of us who have been involved in this mammoth task and it is also a great day for all those people who will seek consents under the new document.”


Mr Byers acknowledged the sterling efforts of former council staff Lynley Newport and Alison Newell who were instrumental in taking the plan from start to finish.


The new District Plans have been distributed to council service centres and public libraries for public viewing and they are also available on council’s website www.fndc.govt.nz. Hard copies can be purchased for $250 and CD copies for $15.


Caption: District Plan References committee member Laurie Byers with the Far North’s 98% operative District Plan