Tips for writing a good submission
Good writing needs good planning! Think about what needs to go in your submission, organise it in a logical order, and stick to the facts. A clear and well-written submission is far more effective than an unstructured and emotional one. Facts supported by evidence, not emotion, is what the council will use when making decisions.
A well-written submission has two key elements: the relevant content, and a readable style.
Include the relevant content
- Remember that the RMA is concerned with managing and protecting the environment.
- Focus on the positive or negative environmental effects, as you see them, of the activity needing resource consent. You can focus on the application as a whole, or on a particular part of it.
Negative effects might include:
- increased noise
- impacts on traffic or pedestrian safety
- damage to an archaeological site
- loss of privacy
- damage to wildlife habitat
- pollution of a stream.
Positive effects might include:
- an area's improved visual appearance because of extra planting and landscaping
- the upgrading of an existing historic building
- extra social facilities in an area
- better flow of traffic through the town.
- Clearly state your concerns about any environmental effects, and how you want these concerns to be addressed. For example, you might state that:
- you think the effects will be so serious that the consent shouldn't be granted at all, or
- you think the proposal could go ahead if certain effects were properly addressed through noise control, landscaping, or some other action.
In a submission you should also:
- remember that if you speak at the hearing you'll only be able to talk about issues that you included in your written submission. Make sure you include everything you want to speak about
- clearly state any conditions you want the council to attach to a resource consent if it is granted
- point out any environmental effects you feel the application doesn't adequately identify. Remember your local knowledge might add valuably to the council's understanding of the effect the activity might have
- where appropriate, include maps, diagrams, and professional opinions that support your submission.
What not to do in your submission
Make sure that your submission does not:
- include any personal feelings you have about the applicant
- refer to applications the applicant has made before, or any other development that is not related to the application
- raise the issue of the commercial success of your business being affected by the establishment of a competitor in your area. This is not a valid environmental concern. However, you can raise the issue of your ability to operate a business being reduced by an environmental effect such as exposure to noise, dust or smell, if these issues are relevant.
Make it clear and easy to read
Planning your submission carefully makes it a lot easier to write and for the council and applicant to understand the points you are making. Unclear and confused writing is often the result of the writer not thinking carefully first.
- Create an outline of the points you want to make before you start to write. Decide what point you will make in each paragraph, and the order you will put them in.
- Write short sentences and short paragraphs.
- Stick to one point per paragraph.
- Use lists with bullet points to break up long sentences and make a number of related points.
- Use simple, everyday words. Try not to use lots of jargon or flowery language.
- If you're having trouble writing something down, ask yourself: 'How would I say it face-to-face'?
- Type out your submission if possible, and number the paragraphs.
To write a clear and effective submission:
- stick to the current application - don't get distracted by personal issues or past disputes
- focus on the environmental effects
- be specific about your concerns and how you want them addressed
- tell the council what you want - don't leave them to guess
- write in clear, simple, everyday language.
