Pre-application meeting

Benefits of a pre-application meeting

If you require a resource consent from Environment Southland, a pre-application meeting can save you time and money. The benefits include:

• we will advise you if your application is unlikely to be successful
• we can advise you of your options in getting all the information you need to know to make a successful application
• the meeting is free for up to an hour.

What the meeting will cover

• what type of consent(s) you need to apply for
• an outline of the consents process, and how long it is likely to take and what your responsibilities are
• An explanation of the informational requirements for the Assessment of Environmental Effects.
• An explanation of the notification process and the criteria for making the notification decision.
• Whether early consultation may be of benefit.
• An indication of parties that may be affected.
• Identification of iwi who may be affected by a proposal and their contact details.
• Guidance on the expertise you may need to help with your project.
• Identification of the relevant issues and the scope and detail of the information required to support the application, so it corresponds to the scale and significance of the environmental effects.

What will I not achieve at my pre-application meeting?

Pre-application meetings are intended to provide initial advice on specific issues identified for discussion by the applicant and any likely major issues. A pre-application meeting cannot replace the in-depth assessment associated with the formal application process; nor can an officer assist with completing an application for resource consent.

Because of the technical nature of some consents, we may advise you of our expectation to get professional input into your application. Options include a resource management consultant or a lawyer.

While the Council’s advice is given in good faith, it in no way binds a decision of the Council. Any information offered during the pre-application process does not pre-empt the normal resource consent assessment and decision-making process.

Contact us to arrange a meeting

You can reach the team by calling 0800 76 88 45 or by emailing esconsents@es.govt.nz to arrange a call back.

The meeting can be over the phone, in person at our office, or using Microsoft Teams. You do not need to create an account with Microsoft Teams, and you can use it for free.