Submissions on Plan Change 29 closed 4.00pm 31 October 2023

Nelson City from Centre of New Zealand

Making a submission

If you have views, concerns, or would like to support all or some of the proposed plan change, you can make a submission so that your views, support, or concerns on the proposals can be considered. The Resource Management Act (RMA) allows any person to make a submission on all or part of a proposed plan change.

We understand that RMA processes can be a little daunting, so we have appointed a 'Friend of Submitters' who is an independent advisor to help submitters.

The Ministry for the Environment has also produced guidance on making a submission about a proposed plan.

Before you make a submission

To decide whether to lodge a submission, you will need to understand what the change involves and how it might affect you. Ask yourself what the proposal will mean to you in practice. For example:

  • What will be the actual effect on you and the things you might like to do, or on an operation you run or are planning?
  • What will be the wider effects on the environment of allowing or controlling certain types of activities (such as new houses)?

If you are thinking about making a submission on proposed Plan Change 29, the first step is to study the documents provided by the Council. Read the material published on the Council website particularly:

If you are having trouble understanding the proposed plan change and how it might affect you, visit the council, or call us and ask for clarification. While it’s not necessary for a submission, some submitters do consider pooling resources to obtain professional advice as a group.


Friend of Submitters

Friend of Submitters, Emily Bayliss, is a self-employed planner with extensive RMA experience and works independently to Council. Emily is available to assist you with the preparation and lodgement of your submission, and to answer your questions about the hearing process and procedures. There is no cost to you for this service.

As a Friend of Submitters, Emily can’t tell you what to say or advise you on the merits of your submission; the role is to assist you in navigating and participating in the plan change process. Emily can also assist submitters with interests in common to make a group submission, should you wish to do so.

This service is available throughout the submission period, further submissions and in the lead-up to the hearings.

How to make a submission

Submissions are no longer being accepted for this Plan Change.

Submissions must be lodged in writing and can be submitted either online through the online submission form or in hard copy using the submission form.

You may also choose to send your feedback via letter to Nelson City Council, PO Box 645, Nelson 7040, or email environmental.planning@ncc.govt.nz instead, please note that your submission must be dated and signed by you and include the following information:

  • Your name, address, telephone number and email address.
  • The plan change number and details of the provisions to which the submission is being made.
  • Whether you support or oppose the plan change provisions, in whole or in part.
  • Reasons for your support or opposition.
  • The decision you wish Nelson City Council to make.
  • Whether or not you wish to speak in support of your submission at a public hearing.
  • Whether or not you could gain an advantage in trade competition through your submission.

You can drop off hard copy submissions to the Customer Service Centre at Civic House, 110 Trafalgar St, Nelson.


Tips for making a submission

Stick to the topic:

  • If you support the proposal in full, or if there are particular aspects you support, say so.
  • Clearly state any issues you might have about how the proposal affects you or the environment and how you would like these to be addressed.
  • If you think that the proposed objectives, policies, or rules should be changed, specify why and in what way.
  • If you think the effects of a part of the proposal are so serious that it should not go ahead, state what you think these effects are and why.

To write a clear and effective submission:

  • Stick to the facts – don’t get distracted by personal issues or past disputes.
  • Focus on the environmental effects.
  • Be specific about your concerns and give examples.
  • Tell the council what you want them to do – don’t leave them to guess.

Make sure you state in your submission if you want to speak at a hearing. You don’t have to and, although it can help to highlight what you write in your submission, your submission is just as valid if you don’t speak.

Further submissions

After the closing date for submissions (31 October 2023), Council will prepare and release a summary of the submissions lodged. There will be an opportunity to make a further submission in support of, or in opposition to, an existing submission made on Plan Change 29. If a submitter asks to speak in support of their submission, a hearing will be held.