District’s rule book gets once in a decade makeover

People in Selwyn can now read and have their say on the Proposed District Plan. The Proposed Selwyn District Plan is open for consultation until 5pm on Friday 11 December.

Selwyn Mayor Sam Broughton says the new plan will make huge strides in preparing the district for the future.

“This is an important move for Selwyn. The District Plan matters, because it impacts all our lives and how we live, work and play in the district. Most of the current plan has been in operation since 2008. Since then we’ve seen massive changes and we need a new plan that is not only up to date with the new world we live in, but ready to take us through the next decade.”

The District Plan – which sets the rules for what people can do on their properties and what requires resource consent – must be reviewed every 10 years.

The new plan aims to simplify and make it easier for residents to find out the rules. It also changes the focus from the effects of landowners’ actions on others, to what type of activities people can undertake.

Among the changes proposed, the plan focuses residential development in and around our existing townships. It allows more housing types in urban areas and removes the requirement that only family members can live in a family flat.

It proposes reducing the density of houses allowed in part of the Outer Plains, to ensure land is retained for rural production, and tighter rules around businesses in residential and rural areas.

Daytime noise rules run from 7am to 10pm and sky glow rules reduce light pollution, in particular creating dark-sky zones in areas of the high country, along the coast and around the West Melton Observatory.

You can read the summary consultation document Because it matters or search your address in the Proposed ePlan and see how the rules affect your property.

Council planning staff will also be holding drop-in sessions around the district in coming weeks to answer questions.