RESIDENTIAL & RURAL PROJECTS
RESIDENTIAL PROJECTS
Lovegrove- Dwelling in Floodplain
Sometimes planning rules seem to make things complicated, especially when what you want to do seems simple on the outside! The Lovegrove’s were looking to build their dream home on a site that was almost entirely within a floodplain. This caused a number of problems that needed careful consideration, due in part to rules in the Unitary Plan and also high level controls in the RMA related to natural hazards. The safety of people and property is always a central issue when designing a development. The floor plan, building location and materials had to be specifically designed to ensure that not only was damage to the new house minimised during a flood and that people could safely use the upper level as a refuge, but also that any downstream effects were mitigated.
Even with this design, specific engineering assessment was required, supported by detailed planning arguments demonstrating how the outcomes sought by the RMA and the Unitary Plan would be achieved. When dealing with complicated matters such as natural hazards, and the critically important issue of health and safety, the resource consent process can quickly become technical and complex; we were pleased that we could steer out clients through this and obtain resource consent for them.
Byrne Homes
Knowing what planning rules affect any new building project can be a complicated and confusing business, so we focus on taking the stress out of the process. Byrne Homes were in the process of developing a section in Millwater, a fast growing residential subdivision in Silverdale where a variety of planning rules affect development. We were able to assist Byrne Homes with planning advice and drafted a comprehensive Assessment of Environmental Effects which allowed the resource consent application process to run smoothly and on time. The application process also ran under budget, including a partial refund from Council on the un-used deposit fee.
Maclean Minor Household Unit
We know that what you want isn’t always what the planning rules allow. We listen closely and provide you with experienced and professional advice about how you can achieve what you want and, when required, what modifications might improve your chances of a successful outcome.
The Maclean family had recently purchased a lifestyle property and wanted to establish a minor household unit for extended family members. However what they needed didn’t fit within the Council rules, which were also in the process of being changed. These factors combined were making it difficult for the Macleans to achieve their dreams without professional guidance and assistance. We discussed the overarching plans of the family with them, visited the property and met with Council technical staff. We were the able to put forward a comprehensive planning argument for what the family wanted, provided a detailed planning assessment of it and were able to obtain resource consent for the family within 20 working days.
RURAL PROJECTS
Cowan Bay
Cowan Bay is a rural area in north Auckland, forming part of the picturesque coastline of bays and inlets that fronts the Mahurangi Harbour. The area has high landscape, ecology and visual amenity values, as well as an important rural character.
Our client had recently purchased a site in Cowan Bay and wanted to alter the designated building platform and undertake earthworks. The new location would afford panoramic views and allow an improved amenity for residents. This was important as our client was unsure if they wanted to retain or sell the site; maximising potential sale price was an important factor. The desire to build in this location required careful consideration, in particular given the landscape values of the site.
Due to our network of industry contacts, we were easily able to obtain the services of a respected landscape architect who assisted in the design of the proposal. This included both planting and site development to enable the development to sit comfortably in the landscape. This collaborative process resulted in an outcome where our client’s desires were met, and the potential landscape and visual effects were addressed. Resource consent was obtained on a non-notified basis and subject to the landscape conditions which had been offered as part of the application.
Hatton
This project related to the subdivision of a rural property into two lots, earthworks close to watercourses, protection of riparian areas and planting. We managed the Hatton resource consent application from start to finish and obtained consent on a non-notified basis and on budget. We also used our wide network of industry contacts to manage the surveying, engineering and ecology input.
Our team also project managed the implementation of the subdivision consent conditions, up until new titles were issued. This included liaison with Council officers, utility providers and contractors.