What happens if you don't sign
If you (or any other affected person) don't give your written approval, the council will notify the application to all affected persons. This means you, and any other affected person, can make a submission on the application, and the council might hold a public hearing. If you, the applicant, or any other submitter wants to be heard, there will be a hearing. For more information see 'An Everyday Guide to the RMA' booklet 3.3 Appearing at a Resource Consent Hearing.
A submission is a written statement that supports or opposes an application, or is neutral. It can support or oppose part or all of the application, or provide additional information for the hearing committee to consider in its decision-making. A submission can request conditions of consent.
To save the time and cost of notification, the applicant might decide to:
- withdraw the application
- change what is being proposed so a resource consent isn't needed
- change the application so you're no longer an affected person.
It isn't underhand or sneaky for the applicant to change the application so your written approval is no longer needed. It means the applicant has accepted that the activity could have adversely affected you, and has changed it so this is no longer the case. If the applicant does change the application, it's up to the council to decide whether you're still an affected person.
Do I have to make a submission?
When you're thinking about whether to give written approval, ask yourself whether you would want to make a submission if it was notified. If you aren't that concerned perhaps the proposal isn't too much of a concern for you. If you don't give your written approval and the application is notified, you don't legally have to make a submission. But refusing to give your written approval when you are not really concerned about what is proposed and it doesn't really affect you just creates a lengthy and expensive process for the applicant.
Today, you're an affected person. Next week, or next month, you might be an applicant needing your neighbour's written approval for an activity. When it's used properly, the affected person approvals process can help resolve issues in communities and neighbourhoods and keep them great places for everyone to live, work and play.
