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Making a submission on a resource consent application

If a resource consent is notified, you can give feedback on the application by making a submission.

How it works

There are two types of notified resource consents:

  • Publicly notified resource consents: Anyone can make a submission.
  • Limited notification consent: You can only make a submission if you've been identified as an affected party.

A submission is your chance to give feedback on a resource consent application.

Once a decision has been made on an application, only people who have made submissions are allowed to appeal to the Environment Court.

Where to find notified resource consents

Check our public notices for resource consents that are open for submissions.

You can email us to request a copy of any recent resource consent you're interested in.

Making a submission

You can make a submission on all or part of a resource consent application. It can be in favour, in opposition, neutral or a combination.

You have 20 working days from the date of notification to submit it to the Council. You must also send a copy of the submission to the applicant.

Your submission needs to include:

  • aspects of the application you oppose, support or are neutral towards, and the reasons why
  • the applicant's details – you'll find this on the public notice
  • if you wish to speak in support of your submission at a hearing
  • you can only make a submission if you've been identified as an affected party.  You will receive a letter from us advising you of this.  If you don't receive a letter you cannot make a formal submission.

Lodge your submission

Fill the online form:

Submission on notified resource consent application

Or download the print version:

Submission on resource consent application (504KB PDF)

Attending a hearing

We'll let you know the date and time of the hearing at least 10 working days beforehand. We'll also provide you a copy of our planner's report, which assesses all submissions received and the proposal, at least 15 working days before the hearing.

At the hearing, all the arguments for and against the proposal will be presented to a commissioner. The commissioner might ask you questions about your submission and any evidence you've put forward. You cannot raise issues at the hearing that were not included in your submission.

After the hearing is closed, the commissioner will make a decision within 15 working days. You'll be sent the decision by email or by post.

Contact us

The Resource Consents team is available Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm.

Phone: 04 801 3590

Email: planning@wcc.govt.nz