Whakatane District Plan
Discovered something interesting about our district plan while talking to one of the planning staff recently. It was around the 25m boundary rule for rural properties where you can't build any closer without requesting consent, a significant extra cost. I openly questioned the rule, as my neighbour to be had a 50m wide section and asked him bluntly who came up with it, and why.
The answer was interesting, he didn't know, nor was there much information on the reasoning behind it. The most important point though is that even if council wanted to change it now, they couldn't because during the time the now operative plan went into consultation there were no submissions on that rule, hence even if they wanted to change it, there is no mechanism to allow that to happen.
Now whether that's the fault of Whakatane District council or the resource management act isn't really relevant, what is relevant is that when they put the next plan out for consultation then make sure you read and do your best to understand the parts relevant to you, and if you have a problem then submit on it. Yes, I know the plan runs to 700+ pages, and much of it makes a dictionary exciting but it determines what council and land owners can and cannot do.
I would add in closing that my experience recently when dealing with planning staff has been pretty good both as a property owner and real estate agent, if you want to know something then walk into the council offices and ask them, I have and it was worth the time and effort involved.
Andrew Broxholme
Edge Realty Whakatane
Licensed Real Estate Salesperson (REAA 2008)
It’s Riddle Time – You Might Need an Extra Cup of Coffee!
Nobody has ever walked this way. Which way is it?
Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.
Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.
The tiger who came to tea
Trays are such a useful item to have in the home – they are obviously great for serving food and drinks, particularly breakfast in bed! Find out how to create your own with Resene wallpaper and Resene Colorwood wood stain with these easy step by step instructions.
What's your favourite recipe for courgettes?
Kia ora neighbours. If you've got a family recipe for courgettes, we'd love to see it and maybe publish it in our magazine. Send your recipe to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the mag, you will receive a free copy of our January 2025 issue.
Loading…
