Creating a stronger planning framework for Canterbury, further submissions called for

Environment Canterbury is calling for further submissions on its Proposed Canterbury Regional Policy Statement, notified mid this year. The first round of submissions from that round of consultation elicited approximately 100 submissions, which are now on line here: Proposed Canterbury Regional Policy Statement.

Anybody affected by the content of the submissions, or representing the public interest, can make a further submission in support or opposition to those already made. The further submission period opens on Saturday, October 29 and closes on Monday, November 14, 2011.

“We have received a wide range of feedback from the public and stakeholders on the Proposed Canterbury Regional Policy Statement” said Marcus Langman, Environment Canterbury Principal Planner. “We have worked very closely with stakeholders, particularly the region’s district councils and Ngāi Tahu. We are very pleased with the constructive feedback received, which includes support for many of the policy directions that have been developed and refined through the process.”

Regional policy statements provide an overarching framework for the management of resources in a region. Key changes contained in the policy statement include greater detail around management of earthquake associated hazards, implementing the regional framework for water management, and focussing on consolidation to manage population growth in the region.

The submissions will be heard by a hearing panel chaired by former Environment Court judge David Sheppard. The hearings are expected to take place from the end of January next year.

Background

What is a regional policy statement?

This document sits above the district and regional plans in the region and provides an overview of the resource management issues for the region, as well as the policies and methods to achieve integrated management of resources. Those plans must give effect to the provisions of a regional policy statement.

How does the proposal relate to Chapter 12A and Chapter 22 recently inserted under the CERA Act?

These chapters form part of the Operative RPS and were not the subject of the review. They will be included in the RPS when it is made operative.

Who is on the hearing panel?

David Sheppard (Chair)
Edward Ellison
Gina Sweetman

When will hearings take place?

End of January to the end of March 2012.