Whakatāne District Council Seeks Further Feedback on Long Term Plan Change 4

The Whakatāne District Council is inviting the community to provide further submissions on Plan Change 4 to the District Plan, which proposes updates to how flood risk to buildings is managed and aims to simplify the resource consent process.

Plan Change 4, also known as the Building Platform Level proposal, outlines changes designed to make the flood management rules more effective and easier to understand, while continuing to uphold safety and flood protection standards.

Earlier this year, an initial public consultation period was held. Now, the public has a second opportunity to have their say, but this time by responding to the six original submissions received during the first round.

“This further submission stage allows people to express support for—or opposition to—specific points raised in the initial submissions,” said Council’s Manager of Policy, Planning and Consents, Nicholas Woodley. “The proposed changes aim to make the rule more effective and easier to understand, while still upholding safety and flood protection standards.”

Mr. Woodley also noted that the current rules can be confusing and don't account for all types of construction. “It can also make getting consent for simple additions more difficult than necessary,” he said.

The Council is also proposing a new requirement for resource consent in situations where predicted flood depths could compromise building safety.

Further submissions on Plan Change 4 are now open and will close at 5pm on Wednesday, 11 June 2025.

“We encourage anyone with an interest in this topic to have their say before changes are finalised,” Mr. Woodley added.