10B.3  Restricted Discretionary Activity Rules

Updated 9 September 2013

Any activity listed as Restricted Discretionary in Table 10B.1: Activity Status for Activities within the HighVoltage Transmission Plan Area is deemed to be a Restricted Discretionary Activity and the requirements of Rules 10B.3.2 – Restricted Discretionary Activity – Standards and Terms, Rule 10B.3.3 – Restricted Discretionary Activity – Matters of Discretion and Conditions and Rule 10B.3.4 Non-Notification shall apply unless the requirements of Rule 10B.3.1 Restricted Discretionary Activity – Variation Criteria are met. 

10B.3.1 Restricted Discretionary Activity – Variation Criteria

The requirement for resource consent for an activity listed as a Restricted Discretionary Activity (in Table 10B.1: Activity Status for Activities within the High-Voltage Transmission Plan Area) may be waived where:

1. The written approval of Transpower New Zealand Limited has been obtained before a building consent is issued;
2. The written approval of Transpower New Zealand Limited is clearly endorsed on all relevant building consent plans.

10B.3.2 Restricted Discretionary Activity – Standards and Terms 

Note: Any activity that does not comply with Rule 10B.3.2 – Restricted Discretionary Activity – Standards and Terms shall be considered a Discretionary Activity.

Restricted Discretionary Activities shall comply with the following Standards and Terms:

1. A qualified electrical engineer shall prepare an engineering assessment for resource consent within the High Voltage Transmission Plan Area.
2. A qualified electrical engineer shall prepare an engineering assessment which shall be included in the application for resource consent within the High Voltage Transmission Plan Area and which shall identify compliance with the New Zealand Electrical Code of Practice 2001:34 (NZECP 34:2001).

10B.3.3 Restricted Discretionary Activity – Matters of Discretion and Conditions 

The Council shall restrict the exercise of its discretion to:

1. Whether practical access to the transmission electric line and any support structure is provided for;
2. The nature and location of any proposed earthworks;
3. Whether the subdivision, or any proposed building, structure or activity will interfere with the safe and efficient operation, maintenance or minor upgrading of the transmission electric line or support structure;
4. The identification of building platforms;
5. The risk to the structural integrity of the transmission electric line;
6. The risk of electrical hazards affecting public safety and risk of property damage;
7. The risk of development and/or activities causing electrical faults resulting in disruption to electricity supply. 

10B.3.4 Non-Notification

Any application for a resource consent made under Rule 10B.3 - Restricted Discretionary Activity Rules shall not be notified, or served on affected persons, with the exception of Transpower New Zealand Limited, which shall be considered an affected party on any application made under this Rule.

Definitions in this section

activity/activities

building

building platform

council

earthworks

minor upgrading (in relation to electric lines)

plan area

structure

subdivision

transmission electric line