Requests slow consents

Councils are being too slow processing resource consents, according to one property group, after an Environment Ministry survey showed an increase in calls for more information.

In 43 per cent of the cases for consent applications in the June 30, 2008 year, councils called for further information, a rise of 32 per cent.

Connal Townsend, Property Council chief executive, said resource consent decisions should be made within the statutory timeframe.

Requests for information often appeared to be used as an unreasonable delaying tactic, which increased the cost of business, he complained.