BACON PLANNING GROUP SERVICES
RESEARCH
We undertake research for project pre-planning, including demographic studies and site options. Some examples of this service include urban growth studies for retail chains and site identification for commercial developers.
FEASIBILITY STUDIES
Investigation of and reporting on planning rules and environmental conditions that may affect development projects either in a general sense or for specific sites. For example we were recently commissioned by an overseas retailer to identify site options for a major development in Nelson and to comment on planning and community attitude issues to be taken into account when selecting a development site.
RESOURCE CONSENT APPLICATION PREPARATION
We specialise in the preparation of resource consent applications including assessment of effects on the environment, information gathering, identifying organising and managing input from specialist professionals such as engineers, landscape architects lawyers etc as required and undertaking consultation with potentially affected parties. Before preparing an application we identify all issues likely to arise in the consent process so that these can be addressed in a timely and thorough manner.
Some clients require assistance with site-specific proposals, whereas others involve us to assist also with site selection and tailoring applications to conform as closely as possible to planning requirements.
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION OF PLANNING RULES
Planning rules are not always clear and are often cross-referenced with other rules, creating difficulties of interpretation and having hidden implications for achieving compliance. We have wide experience in interpretation of district and regional plan provisions and can advise how plan provisions may affect your intended development project. We can also advise how loopholes and discrepancies in planning provisions can be used to advantage.
PREPARATION OF PLAN CHANGE REQUESTS
The Resource Management Act allows private parties to request changes to district plans. Often major development projects benefit from obtaining specific rules or land zoning. We have longstanding experience in drafting planning objectives, policies and rules and managing the plan change process for clients contemplating major development projects.
PREPARATION OF SUBMISSIONS
We can assist with the preparation of submissions on resource consent applications and submissions called for when local authorities notify plan reviews, plan changes and discussion documents. Participation in these processes is often essential to protect or enhance opportunities for development of land and property resources.
EXPERT EVIDENCE
Frank has over 20 years experience providing expert planning evidence for clients before local body hearing committees and the Environment Court. He can also assist in briefing other expert witnesses required to present applications at local body hearings.
CONSULTATION MEDIATION AND FACILITATION
Consultation at an early stage in the resource consent process can help to avoid opposition to, and gain support for applications. Mediation is an increasingly used means of settling appeals arising from consent authority decisions as an alternative to the high cost and lengthy delays associated with Environment Court hearings. Bacon Planning Group has gained considerable experience in assisting clients with mediation to successfully settle planning disputes either with opposing parties or to negotiate consent conditions with decision makers.
LIAISON WITH LOCAL BODIES
We have frequent contact with local bodies and can assist with establishing contact with key staff who will be involved in processing your resource consent or plan change application. Close liaison with key council personnel through the project planning stage will help to reduce delays and costs associated with the consent process. In cases were decisions on applications fall short of client needs liaison with local body personnel can assist in mediating more favourable outcomes. For example we have been able to negotiate significant reductions in development impact levies or explore ways of meeting mutually acceptable compromises when applications have been declined.
CLIENT BRIEFING (KEEPING IN TOUCH)
Many of our clients have diverse land and property assets which can be affected by other resource consent applications, new planning initiatives by local authorities or changes to planning rules. We offer a monitoring and advisory service to keep clients informed about what is going on that might affect their specific assets or activities, and to recommend action as necessary.
PROJECT TEAM ORGANISATION
Resource consent applications often require input from several professional disciplines. We can identify the range of inputs needed to prepare your application and engage and manage appropriate professional and technical input.
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