| 29 Specialist planning advice is crucial Perspective represented Glenbrook Station when the Waitaki District Council was reviewing its District Plan. Karen Phelps RURAL PEOPLE » Perspective For farmers, understanding the planning rules that apply to their land can be just as important as understanding markets, weather and production. As rural properties face increasing planning requirements and opportunities for diversification, specialist planning advice can help landowners make informed decisions and avoid costly surprises, says Mark Geddes, one of the directors of Perspective. “Perspective works extensively with the rural sector, providing advice on resource consents, district and regional plans, development feasibility and planning due diligence. Our work ranges from helping farmers understand potential restrictions on their properties to managing complex consent applications and representing clients through Council hearings,” he says. One example is Glenbrook Station in the Waitaki District where Perspective was engaged to prepare and manage a resource consent application for a multi-lot subdivision. Mark says the station was looking to diversify its income and the proposed subdivision required a detailed planning process. “The application was publicly notified, resulting in submissions and going to a hearing,” explains Mark. “We prepared an Assessment of Environmental Effects and, at the hearing, produced planning and other evidence and presented it to the hearings commissioner. The result was that the resource consent was approved.” Perspective also represented Glenbrook Station when the Waitaki District Council was reviewing its District Plan. The station had concerns about how proposed changes could affect its property, so Perspective prepared a submission on its behalf. For rural landowners, keeping track of changing planning provisions can be particularly important, says Mark. “Farmers may need to consider provisions relating to outstanding natural landscapes, amenity landscapes, Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) and sites of significance to Maori, all of which can introduce additional requirements or restrictions affecting how land is used and developed. “Getting advice from us can also help farmers realise a farm’s potential.” Perspective also provides due diligence advice for people considering buying rural property. “Examining the relevant planning documents before a purchase can establish whether a proposed farming operation is actually feasible and identify constraints that may otherwise only become apparent after settlement. If they bought the property not knowing, they would realise their farm plan might potentially not be able to be implemented,” says Mark. “It’s critical advice.” One farmer client, for example, wanted to cultivate an area that had not previously been cultivated, use it for dairy grazing and irrigate it. Perspective identified that the land was an SNA and would require resource consent - information that was critical because the entire farm purchase depended on being able to irrigate the area. Owned by Mark and Gemma Conlon, who both bring considerable expertise, Perspective also helps clients beyond the farming sector. It provides resource consent services, subdivision advice, plan changes, submissions on district, regional and national planning documents, expert evidence for Council hearings and the Environment Court and development feasibility advice. Its planning expertise also extends to preparing district and regional plans and policy statements, spatial planning, community engagement and acting as Hearings Commissioners. “Perspective’s reputation is built on extensive knowledge of New Zealand’s planning system, 03 684 7665 | 027 485 8394 | mulcahy.wool@xtra.co.nz WE OFFER A PERSONAL RELIABLE SERVICE TRADING IN ALL TYPES OF WOOL, THROUGHOUT SOUTH CANTERBURY, MID CANTERBURY & NORTH OTAGO. WANAKA SPRAYING 027 435 6289 “Your broadacre spraying specialists” Earthworks Services Driveways · General Landscaping Section / Land Development Farm Maintenance · Tree/Stump Removal Digger Remote Control Mulching Rootraking · Drainage / Trenches Sewer / Power Installation · Gravel Supplies Irrigation Installation · Hydro Seeding Agricultural Services General Cultivation · Direct Drilling Heavy Rolling · Full Baling & Silage Service General / Bulk Cartage Water Schemes · Stock Cartage Fert Spreading · Stock Feed Supplies Raymond Harrington 027 435 9632 conepeakfarms@hotmail.com Based in Twizel strong relationships with Councils and stakeholders, and a collaborative approach designed to find practical solutions to complex planning challenges. From rural subdivisions and farm development to urban and commercial projects, we bring the same planning expertise to clients across New Zealand.”
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