Draft National Planning Standards aim to make planning easier
The first set of draft National Planning Standards aim to make plans easier to use and prepare under the Resource Management Act (RMA).
Environment Minister David Parker says "Standardising plan format and definitions is long overdue. It will reduce compliance costs, and address some of the justified criticisms by those who find RMA plans unduly complex."
“The standards will not determine local policy matters or the substantive content of plans, which remain the responsibilities of local councils and communities.”
David Parker said National Planning Standards will improve how the RMA operates and reduce costs to both councils and plan users.
The Ministry for the Environment will seek formal submissions on the draft standards from the general public, councils, professionals and iwi over a 10 week period that will include a nationwide meetings.
Once public consultations are complete, the final standards will be approved in April 2019.
The closing date for submissions is August 17 2018.
Click here to read the consultation document