'It's only a draft'

Last month, Rural News revealed that TDC’s proposed district plan – that has just finished its first tranche of public consultation – included a number of controversial proposals including larger setbacks in rural areas from roads, boundaries and neighbouring houses for dairy sheds, stock yards and “intensively farmed animals”.

TDC communications manager Stephen Doran told Rural News any draft provisions that are finally adopted would only apply to new developments – not existing farming activities.

“This is the first cut of the draft district plan and we’re expecting to refine and correct things in the period following this consultation.”

He also claims the concern over the rural setbacks relates to an “error” in a plan standard.

“The intent of the standard is aimed at managing the adverse effects of new rural industries and factory farming,” Doran says. “It provides setbacks for new farm infrastructure such as effluent ponds, piggeries and milking sheds from neighbouring houses.

“There is no intention to include any setbacks for stock from boundaries. However, we think it’s important that there are setbacks for the more impactful rural activities in order to help protect the amenity of any adjacent residential zoned land or adjoining residents.”

Doran says the draft plan is only a “first cut non-statutory plan” and “it’s expected that there will be errors and things that are not right in this version”.

“That is why we are consulting at this stage, and we really welcome people to come to us with any comments or concerns about any of the provisions in the plan,” he told Rural News.

Farming groups are concerned that if TDC’s draft plan proposals are successful, many other councils around the country may implement similar restrictions in rural areas.  Both Hort NZ and Federated Farmers have expressed concern about some of the proposals, with the latter saying it “will be challenging this all the way to court if necessary.”

Doran says TDC’s aim with going out with this “first cut” is so issues like this can be identified and remedied prior to getting into the more formal parts of the process.

“Like any process like this, not everyone is going to like everything in it, but if there’s bits we can bash into better shape, we’re keen to do so.”

He added that the initial consultation period on the draft plan proposals finished last month.

“We will now work through all the feedback, with the aim to having a proposed plan ready for formal consultation mid/late next year.”