Updated planning rules for Nelson Airport operative

New planning rules for Nelson Airport and the surrounding land came into effect on 14 July, becoming part of the operative Nelson Resource Management Plan, the document that guides how land across the city can be used.

The change, known as Private Plan Change 30 (PPC30), was requested by Nelson Airport Limited. At its meeting on 2 July, Council resolved to make the change operative from 14 July, and the Resource Management Plan has been updated accordingly.

PPC30 introduces a new Airport Zone made up of three precincts: a core area covering the runway and aviation activities, an environs area for supporting business activities, and a coastal area covering nearby coastal and river margins. The change also updates the rules that manage aircraft noise. These rules are designed to prevent new noise-sensitive activities, such as housing, from being established near the airport, where aircraft noise could affect residents over time.

The change further recognises Nelson Airport as infrastructure of regional and national significance.

On the same day, Council amended three existing airport designations within the Plan. These relate to the use of land for airport purposes, air noise boundaries and building heights, and provide for a potential northern runway extension in future.

PPC30 and the amended designations establish the planning framework only. They do not authorise any construction. A future runway extension would likely require its own separate approvals before any work could proceed.

PPC30 followed a full statutory process. It was publicly notified, heard by an independent panel, and subsequently tested through appeals to the Environment Court. Those appeals were resolved through mediation, and the Court directed Council to update the Plan accordingly.

For further information on PPC30 please visit nelson.govt.nz