Giving your written approval involves signing a number of documents.

The applicant will usually ask you to sign and date:

  • a copy of the consent application form
  • a copy of the plans, if there are any
  • a copy of the assessment of environmental effects (AEE)
  • an affected person approval form.

The application form sets out the details of the application for resource consent.

The plans show what the applicant wants to do. 

The AEE states the environmental effects and how the applicant proposes to address them.

The affected person approval form is the form you sign and date to show that you:

  • understand the activity and its effects
  • give your approval to the activity
  • understand that the decision-maker can’t consider the effects on you after you’ve given written approval, unless you make a submission or withdraw your approval.

Sometimes, the approval form is called an affected person consent, an affected party approval, or a neighbour’s approval. You might be asked to sign just the application and/or the plans.

If you are asked for your written approval:

  • study all the documents carefully so you understand exactly what’s involved
  • make sure the applicant gives you enough information for you to understand the proposal and how it could affect you
  • remember that you can take your time, and you don’t have to sign.

Important

When you have signed a written approval, the council will not notify you about the application if they decide that it needs to go through the limited notification process. You will no longer be able to make a submission on the matter, or appeal the decision if you disagree with it.

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