02 October 2019
South Wairarapa District Council has been granted a further extension of time to complete the hearing for its Featherston Wastewater Treatment Plant resource consent application. The previous timeframe was to complete a hearing by 1 November 2019. The time limit to complete the hearing has now been extended to 29 May 2020.
The primary reason for seeking an extension is to enable sufficient time for outstanding matters to be resolved or clarified before the commencement of the hearing. This extension will ensure there is adequate time for results to be received and analysed on the further technical assessment work currently underway.
This allows time for SWDC to address the effects of the proposal which are related to submitters concerns, therefore giving submitters and GWRC officers a better understanding of environmental effects, and how SWDC propose how to mitigate these effects. The hearings panel will ultimately decide how SWDC need to mitigate these effects by imposing requirements (consent conditions) that need to be followed.
It will also allow for further information sharing on the new technical assessment findings and community feedback in response.
Council Chief Executive Harry Wilson says, “We understand this news is frustrating for some people in the community and we thank everyone for their patience and understanding. The more information we can provide the hearings panel for consideration, the better the outcome will be.
“We are listening to the submitters and the feedback we received through our engagement sessions, and we hope that many matters that have been raised along the way can be resolved. The results of the technical assessment work currently underway will guide us in finding a wastewater solution for Featherston that is sustainable and benefits our waterways.”
Greater Wellington Regional Council approved SWDC’s extension request, which was made in accordance with section 37 of the Resource Management Act 1991, on 26 September.
More information available at swdc.testserver.co.nz/featherston-wastewater-project.
ENDS
Media contact
Amy Wharram
027 252 2863
