March 2, 2006

Protecting the heritage of the Kapiti Coast

The Kapiti Coast District Council is calling for applications for rates remission under a policy aimed at encouraging the maintenance, enhancement and protection of land for natural purposes.

The policy in Council’s 2005/06 Annual Plan/Community Plan supports the provisions of the Kapiti Coast District Plan and the Heritage Strategy. It recognises that many heritage features are already protected by rules in the District Plan and offers a financial incentive to encourage landowners to maintain, enhance and protect heritage features.

Kapiti Coast District ratepayers who own land with cultural or natural heritage features which are voluntarily protected, for example by QEII Open Space Covenant, Conservation Covenant, or are listed in the District Plan Heritage Register, may qualify for remission of rates under the policy.

Ratepayers already receiving rates remission from the Council for land protected by QEII covenant or conservation covenant do not need to apply – the Council will automatically consider your property for remission.

Ratepayers who wish to apply for rates remission under the policy need to submit an application to the Council including documentary evidence of the protected status of the land, e.g. a copy of the covenant agreement or other legal mechanism.

Applications for rates remission under the policy close at 5.00pm on 31 March 2006. Funds are limited so applications must be complete and submitted on time.

Application forms and copies of the rates remission policy are available from the Council offices or on the Council’s website www.kapiticoast.govt.nz/Openspaces/RestoringtheEnvironment.htm.

ENDS

© Scoop Media