Blog

What does The Selwyn District Plan (appeals version) mean for the planning process and consent?

By By Laurie Atkinson, Planner, Baseline Group | Ph: 03 339 0401 | E: Info@blg.nz | Dec 21, 2023

On the 27th of November 2023 the new Selwyn District Plan became live as an appeals version. This has created an interesting dynamic in how planning applications are assessed as there is complex interaction between the old operative plan and the new partially operative plan. The appeals version shows the rules, objectives and policies and any other provisions that have been appealed against. You might be asking yourself, but what effect will this have on someone looking to subdivide or develop in the Selwyn District? It’s a good question and one I will do my best to answer!

Learn more

How to navigate Rural Land Development Under the National Policy Statement on Highly Productive Soils

By Anna Bensemann, Senior planner, Baseline Group Marlborough | Dec 21, 2023

The National Policy Statement (NPS) on Highly Productive Soils, established in 2022, has had a significant impact on rural land development in New Zealand. Targeting all Land Use Classification 1, 2, and 3 soils – defined as lands highly suitable for agricultural production – irrespective of their current use or potential improvement, this policy primarily aims to prevent the loss of these valuable lands for productive uses. While its intentions are to safeguard agricultural land, the NPS has raised several challenges, particularly in agricultural activities and land subdivision.

Learn more

Rivers, Lakes and Coastline, Public Space for All

By Anna Bensemann, Senior Planner Baseline Group Marlborough, Ph:0800 254 123 E:info@blg.nz | Dec 08, 2023

The right of access to and along the margins of rivers, lakes and the coastline by the public, is embedded in the Resource Management Act (RMA). District and Regional Councils are encouraged to provide and promote general public access to these spaces, for the amenity and wellbeing of all of our communities.

Learn more

Confused by Environmental Legislation? You are Not Alone.

By Anna Bensemann, Senior Planner Baseline Group Marlborough, Ph: 03 339 0401 E:info@blg.nz | Nov 22, 2023

Learn more

Flood Management | Changes in Selwyn

By Lisa Perry and Laurie Atkinson, Planners, Baseline Group | Sept 08, 2023

Natural hazards pose a growing threat to communities and properties worldwide, and New Zealand is no exception, meaning flood management is essential. A recent example is the Selwyn River flood that occurred in July of this year.To address such challenges amongst others, Selwyn District Council establishes a District Plan. At present Selwyn has two district plans: the outgoing Operative District Plan and the new Partially Operative District Plan (PODP) Within these plans is a significant focus on flood management. It's crucial to understand the implications of both plans when engaging in land development.

Learn more

Historic Heritage Challenges for Landowners

By Anna Bensemann, Senior Planner, Baseline Group | Aug 28, 2023

Having a slice of New Zealand's history is a unique experience. The stories of how the land was used, who owned it, and all the trades and sales that happened are pretty fascinating. But dealing with this history and making any changes to the land can be a bit tricky, especially if you're thinking about making alterations.

Learn more

Crime Prevention Through Environment Design (CPTED)

By Rose Leighton, Planner, Baseline Group | Aug 15, 2023

The concept of Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) has an increased influence on development located within the Medium Design Residential Zone in Selwyn, due to the recently introduced Resource Management (Enabling Housing Supply and Other Matters) Amendment Act 2021. If your property falls within this zone and you require a Resource Consent for development, these principles will likely influence your design choices.

Learn more

New Indigenous Biodiversity Legislation Mandates Significant Natural Area Identification

By Anna Bensemann, Senior Planner, Baseline Group Marlborough | Jul 27, 2023

The National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity (NPS – IB) will have an impact on landowners' ability to clear native vegetation on private land starting from 4 August 2023. The primary objective of the NPS – IB is to ensure no net loss of indigenous biodiversity across Aotearoa New Zealand. It encompasses provisions that district and regional councils must adhere to in order to implement changes to their planning regulations.

Learn more

With increasing density, good design matters

By Lisa Perry, Senior Planner, Baseline Group | Jun 30, 2023

New Zealand is more accustomed to building out, rather than up, and many New Zealanders are not comfortable with medium density in traditionally low-density suburbs, for good reason. Density done poorly can lead to detrimental outcomes on residential amenity and on the wellbeing of society’s least mobile: children, people with disabilities, the poor, and the elderly. Think developments separated from schools and shops by distance or major infrastructure (highways and railways); bulky, unattractive developments that look nothing like the surrounding neighbourhood; developments with poor access to sunlight and green space; developments where buildings dominate.

Learn more