2 June 2005

New Rules for excavations and retaining walls

1 June saw the introduction of new rules governing retaining walls and excavations in Manukau.

Anyone constructing a retaining wall will have to ensure it meets the requirements to gain a building consent, resource consent or certificate of compliance.

“This is not something new. Issues were identified in the Audit Office Report last year and the City Manager’s Taskforce on Building Consents saw the need to implement a transparent and enforceable process”, said Colin Dale, Manukau City Council City Manager.

“Nearly all of the affected properties identified through the Audit had a common thread related to the management of excavations.

“We have a responsibility to impose more stringent controls, especially when developments have the potential to interfere with neighbouring properties.

“The business practices of some developers may have to change to comply with these new rules,” said Colin Dale, “no-one has the right to adversely affect neighbouring properties.

“The new processes are not about inhibiting development. They have been put in place to ensure it occurs in a controlled manner at the cost of the developer, not the surrounding neighbourhood”, says Mr Dale.

Information on the new rules can be obtained from Council’s Citizen and Customer Centre, website www.manukau.govt.nz or by calling our call centre 262 5104.

ENDS

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