Planning and Land use

The Hastings District Plan sets out what sorts of land uses are allowed in the various zones of the district. Some activities require a resource consent, which is a formal council approval.

District Plan

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Resource Consents

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CENTRAL CHARACTER PRECINCT SIGNS

The Central Character Precinct has been designated within the Hastings CBD. Its key characteristics include the number of heritage buildings, consistent height, scale and design style of the buildings and prevalence of verandahs.

All signs in the CCP require Resource Consent and must be sympathetic to the heritage character of the area.

Read more about Central character precinct signs

DEVELOPMENT CONTRIBUTIONS

The Hastings District has been experiencing considerable growth over the past few years, particularly in the urban and coastal communities. This growth is placing a significant strain on existing community infrastructure such as stormwater, wastewater and roading. On top of the upgrades required to existing infrastructure, there is also increased demand for new infrastructure.

Read more about Development Contributions

HASTINGS CBD HERITAGE INVENTORY PROJECT

The Hastings CBD Heritage Inventory Project was begun in 2004 with the aim of providing information on the history and heritage of a large number of buildings in the Hastings CBD. The project covers 115 buildings, some of which make up a group. This has resulted in the preparation of 89 reports for individual buildings or groups of buildings that contribute to the unique history and architecture of the Hastings CBD.

Read more about Hastings CBD Heritage Inventory Project

HERETAUNGA PLAINS URBAN DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

The Heretaunga Plains Urban Development Strategy (HPUDS) is a combined effort by the Hastings District Council, Napier City Council and Hawke's Bay Regional Council to plan for urban growth in the years ahead. In the past, Hastings and Napier have planned for such growth independently.

Find out more about the project at www.hpuds.co.nz

Read more about Heretaunga Plains Urban Development Strategy

HISTORIC AGRICHEMICAL USE AND RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

With the development of housing on Hastings District’s agricultural and horticultural land, people need to be aware of the possible presence of Historical persistent chemical residues (formerly agrichemical residues) in former agricultural, horticultural or glasshouse soils.

Read more about Historic agrichemical use and residential development

LANDSCAPE GUIDELINES FOR SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT

The purpose of these guidelines is to encourage development design that protects and enhances the qualities of Hastings District’s rural landscapes.

Read more about Landscape guidelines for subdivision and development

PAPAKAINGA DEVELOPMENT GUIDE

The Papakainga Development Guide was published in 2008; a joint project by the three agencies: Hastings District Council, the Maori Land Court: Takitimu, and Te Puni Kokiri: Takitimu Region.

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RELOCATING BUILDINGS

If you are planning to move a building to a new site, you'll need a building consent and in most cases a resource consent. This page has further information about the process of relocating a building.

Read more about Relocating Buildings

RURAL PROPERTY NUMBERING

Rural properties are identified using a standard numbering system called RAPID—Rural Address Property Identification System.

The major benefit of RAPID numbering is that it saves time locating properties and occupants - especially for emergency services (ambulance, fire service, police).

Read more about Rural property numbering

SUBDIVIDING YOUR PROPERTY

The process of subdivision is lengthy and involves a number of parties including the applicant, a registered surveyor; the Council, Land Information New Zealand (LINZ), Land Title Office (now part of LINZ) and solicitors. It can also require consultation with affected parties such as Transit NZ (when a site is accessed from a State Highway) and Hawke's Bay Regional Council.

Read more about Subdividing Your Property

SUBDIVISION AND DEVELOPMENT - BEST PRACTICE DESIGN GUIDE

Hastings District Council is currently preparing a plan change in order to include the Best Practice Design Guide (PDF 4.8MB) in the District Plan by way of reference.

Read more about Subdivision and Development - Best Practice Design Guide