Plan Change 4: Noise approved

In 2018, Rotorua Lakes Council approved Plan Change 4: Noise to the District Plan. The plan change is intended to clarify and improve the provisions for managing noise, as well provide clear references to the New Zealand standard.

In summary, Council has accepted the commissioners’ recommendations on the plan change and the submissions.

The key changes to the District Plan as a result of Plan Change 4 were:

• Insertion of references to the NZ Standards for noise
• Clarification of where noise can be measured within a site
• Inclusion of a ‘shoulder period’ for noise within the Residential Zone
• New definitions of ‘Noise’ and ‘Noise Sensitive Activities’
• Inclusion of specific objectives, policies and assessment criteria to guide resource consent decisions
• Minor changes to the acoustic treatment requirements for noise sensitive activities
• An allowance for minor extensions to buildings within the Inner Noise Control Area around the Airport.

Appeals

One appeal was received on the plan change relating to the proposed minimum acoustic insulation requirements of A11.6.3.2a.