Canterbury Council Ponders Role In Fast-Track Consents

Wednesday, 16 April 2025, 8:41 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

Councils will get some input in the Fast-Track consenting process for local projects, but communities will have limited say, the Waimakariri District Council says.

Proposed housing developments at Ōhoka, Woodend and west Rangiora are being considered in the Fast-Track Approvals legislation, along with the Woodend Bypass.

Waimakariri District Council planning, regulation and environment general manager Kelly LaValley said the council's role is becoming clearer in the fast-track process.

Councils will have involvement at several stages in any fast-track application, including selecting a member for the expert panel appointed by the Environmental Protection Authority.

‘‘The council isn’t the decision-maker in the fast-track process so council’s input will be through the comments we provide, including on the draft conditions proposed.’’

Under the legislation, the council will be able to give feedback on new applications before it is lodged, during consultation and provide feedback on any draft conditions, she said.

‘‘Projects that are already listed did not have to go through the referral application process so council involvement will be when the applicant consults with us before lodging their substantive application.’’

While the legislation does not limit the council’s ability to comment on any application, the ability of local communities to engage in the process is limited.

The expert panel is required to invite comments from neighbouring landowners and iwi, but the wider community will only be invited to give feedback at the panel’s discretion.

A controversial housing development at Ōhoka, near Rangiora, is included in the fast-track projects.

The council rejected a private plan change for the proposed 850-home development, by Carter Group in November 2023, following a recommendation from independent commissioners.

Carter Group has since appealed the decision to the Environment Court.

Ms LaValley said the appeal remains on hold pending the outcome of the proposed Waimakariri District Plan, with the council due to update the Environment Court by July 16.

All three housing projects were included in submissions to the proposed District Plan.

Hearings for the proposed District Plan have concluded and the council is waiting for the commissioners’ recommendations.

The council is due to notify the new District Plan by July 14, which will be followed by a 30-day appeal period before the plan becomes operative.

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