Plan Change 2 - Backyard Burning

Purpose of the change
Where to from here
Where is the plan change process at now?
Further information

Purpose of the change

From 1 December 2008, burning waste within the Whangarei Airshed (ref Map below) will become a restricted discretionary activity on properties under 1ha in size, and will require resource consent.

Burning during June, July and August will also be a restricted discretionary activity for properties over 1ha within this area. At all other times, burning waste will be permitted for properties over 1ha in the Whangarei Airshed, subject to conditions. For all other areas of Northland, burning waste will be permitted year-round, regardless of property size, but also subject to conditions.

The purpose of this plan change is to control the outdoor burning of waste in the area defined by the Whangarei Airshed. The plan change will also make burning on all other private land in the Northland region a permitted activity, subject to conditions, ensuring the burning does not affect any adjoining landowners.

It is anticipated that controlling burning in the Whangarei Airshed, and placing conditions on the permitted burning of waste in the Northland region, will reduce the amount of inhaleable soot being released into the atmosphere.

This will have significant air quality and health benefits, while also reducing the amount of burning and smoke nuisance complaints being received by the Northland Regional Council.

Please refer to the Regional Air Quality Plan for Northalnd for a full list of requirements which can be viewed on our website (the link to these particular rules is as follows: www.nrc.govt.nz/raqp ).