Most resource consents processed on time...but application numbers down
The government's trumpeting of big efficiency gains in resource consent processing comes at a time when applications have fallen by almost a third.
The government's trumpeting of big efficiency gains in resource consent processing comes at a time when applications have fallen by almost a third.
Environment Minister Nick Smith released a report today that showed councils processed 95% of consents on time in the year to June 2011, compared with 69% in the year to June 2008.
While that's a laudable result, the total number of resource consents was also down.
The latest report showed local authorities processed 36,154 resource consent applications through to a decision in the year to June 2011.
The survey before that, which measured the year to June 2008, showed that 51,960 applications were processed through to a decision in the previous 12 months.
That translates as a drop of around 30% over the three years.
Dr Smith said the fall there were a range of reasons behind the fall in applications.
“This is partly due to legislative changes that removed the requirements for consents like tree trimming.
“The greater use of national environmental standards also means some activities don't require consents,” he said.
“There has also been a recessionary impact on the total number of consents.”
The improvement in the rate of consents processed meant that only 1807 businesses and homeowners had problems with late consents, compared with 16,107 in 2008, Dr Smith said.
Colin Williscroft
Thu, 29 Sep 2011
Thu, 29 Sep 2011
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Most resource consents processed on time...but application numbers down
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