21 April 2006

Streamlined process designed for faster consents

Auckland City is introducing a new streamlined process for handling resource consents in a bid to provide a faster service for its customers.

The council has introduced a new standardised resource consent application form, available for use by council-recognised planning consultants, to ensure that all applications meet council's requirements.

The move follows investigations which revealed that many of the delays in processing consents stemmed from applications being lodged with inaccurate or incomplete information.

Auckland City's acting resource consents manager, Dave Moule, says the new standardised form means council staff will be able to process applications more quickly.

"In the past, we know that some customers have experienced delays in the processing of resource consents, which is very frustrating for both parties.

"We have addressed this issue by a having a long hard look at our processes. We found that many of those delays arise because council staff often have to go back to the applicant for further information.

"We believe the introduction of the new form will ensure that all information is on hand at the beginning of the process, making the process far more streamlined."

Mr Moule anticipates that the new process will significantly improve Auckland City's ability to process non-notified resource consents within the statutory 20 working day timeframe set down by the Resource Management Act (RMA).

For more information, please contact Auckland City's customer contact centre on (09) 379 2020 or alternatively visit www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/resourceconsents to view a list of council-recognised planning consultants.

ENDS

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