Pay less for development contributions

We are no longer collecting development contributions toward new infrastructure projects for harbour facilities, solid waste, libraries, swimming pools, airfields or cemeteries.

The government changed its legislation for new projects at the end of last week, but projects already underway will continue to be funded from development contributions.

This means that development contributions required on many new developments will now be a little lower.

The new legislation also requires another small change to the process. Development contributions will now be calculated on the charges that apply at the time a consent is lodged, not granted.

These changes are now in effect, but councils have until the beginning of December to release amended policies. You can go to our Development Contributions webpage www.tcdc.govt.nz/developmentcont for more information.
Private developer agreements
The legislation now includes provisions allowing for private developer agreements.

The Council's current Development Contributions Policy already allows for these, but the Local Government Act 2002 now includes some specific requirements about the content of these and the process that must be followed.

Either councils or developers can propose agreements and, if a council does not wish to enter into an agreement, it must provide a written response setting out reasons for this.

Objections to Independent Commissioner
Developers will now have the ability to object to the development contributions assessed to an independent commissioner. The Government has appointed a pool of potential commissioners with a range of experience and skills and councils may appoint one or more commissioners to consider an objection.

What are development contributions?
Development contributions are collected on new developments to cover the cost of the things we have to build or otherwise provide to supply services to new developments in the Coromandel.

The concept is that existing ratepayers shouldn't have to pay for infrastructure needed for new developments, and that it's fairer if those costs are covered by the new development that needs it.

www.tcdc.govt.nz/developmentcont

ENDS

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