We've improved our consent processing times

Almost all of our planning and building consent applications are now being processed within the statutory timeframe of 20 working days, after some setbacks late last year due to a nationwide shortage of staff in these specialist areas.

We've been on a recruitment drive and we've outsourced some of the processing work to external contractors. We hope to be up to full strength in our building and planning teams shortly.

In every month since February this year, at least 98% of building consents have been processed on time. Any overruns from the 1,200 building consents and amendments processed annually are a legacy from our setback period late last year. In July, for example, 98% of the 140 building consents or amendments granted were done on time, with an average of 10 working days to reach a decision. In August, 100% of applications were processed within 20 working days.

One of the factors slowing processing times is that as many as 70% of building consent applications do not contain all the information we need to issue them and we need to go back to the applicant for further information.

Our planning department has also improved their processing times, with 98% of resource consent applications in July processed within the 20-working day statutory timeframe. A total of 27 consents were issued in July.

In the year up to the end of June, 366 consents were granted, compared to 349 the previous year, plus we responded to 1,388 duty planner enquiries over this period.

This indicates the high level of economic activity in the Coromandel, measured at 3.6% GDP growth over the last year, compared to the national rate of 2.8%.

The solid economic activity is good news ahead of the inaugural Hauraki Coromandel Business Awards. The finalists have been announced ahead of the gala awards ceremony on 28 Septemberat the Grand Mercure Puka Park Resort in Pauanui.

Voting is still open for the People's Choice Award. The finalists and ticket information is on the Business Awards website www.haurakicoromandelbusinessawards.co.nz

For information on building, planning and consents is on our website at www.tcdc.govt.nz/regulatory

ENDS

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