‘Friend’ makes intensification plan submissions easy

Consultation is currently open on Plan Change 29 – the draft changes to Nelson’s planning rules which will make it easier for residents to intensify their properties.

A ‘Friend of Submitters’ has been enlisted by Nelson City Council to make the submission process easier for residents on what has been described as the city’s largest planning change in a generation.

Emily Bayliss, as the Friend of Submitters, is available to assist residents as they prepare and lodge their submissions, and to answer questions about the hearing process and procedures – at no cost.

“The thing that gets me out of bed in the morning is providing that link between council’s consultative process and residents’ desire to participate in that process,” she says.

“I’m here to smooth that path as much as possible.”

With a background in resource management, Emily is acting independently of council and isn’t here to justify what council has proposed.

Her role is to, if necessary, walk residents through the aim of the Resource Management Act, what the resource consent process looks like, and help residents understand the terminology used in the plan or what is not within the scope of the plan change.

“It’s not listening to grievances and writing a submission for someone, but it is trying to translate what that reaction looks like versus what council can and will take into account as part of this submission process.”

For example, valuation of property can’t be taken into account in a plan change hearing, but Emily might be able to discern how to translate concerns into a form that can be considered.

“I’m not sure that is going to bear fruit in terms of strengthening your submission point, but it is appropriate to make a submission that is talking about diminished extent of residential character, access to sunlight – the things that make your home, your home,” she says.

Emily adds that the Friend of Submitters service is already “very popular” and residents can book an appointment with her, either in person or online.

But in the meantime, she also recommends residents check out the ePlan of the proposed changes “which, in my view, is a really comprehensive and quick way to get an overview of what’s happening on your property as well as, by panning out, seeing what is planned for the surrounding area”.

Emily will be available until submissions close on 19 September.

The ePlan, overview documents of what the changes entail, and Emily’s contact details can all be found here.