More flexible parking standards for new commercial developments, increased flexibility for modifying heritage buildings, and alterations to the Coastal Protection Area are some of the changes proposed for South Taranaki planning rules.
The area's district plan is up for review and the first major changes since 2004 are mooted.
South Taranaki District Council planning manager Blair Sutherland says the council has spent the past 18 months reviewing its existing District Plan and has developed a new plan to replace it. He says there are a number of changes between the current (2004) District Plan and the Proposed (2015) District Plan that interested parties should look out for.
"Some of the changes include introducing more flexible parking standards for new development in the commercial areas and creating more flexibility for modifying heritage buildings. We are also proposing to clarify the location and extent of the Coastal Protection Area and what activities require or don't require resource consent," Mr Sutherland said.
"Other changes relate to introducing identified outstanding natural features and landscapes and areas of outstanding natural character, with restrictive rules for development in these areas. We are also proposing to have tighter controls on the number of dwellings on rural properties and rules for rural subdivision to protect the productivity of rural areas and maintain rural character."