3 March 2017

Media: Rotorua Daily Post

Topic: Building Consent statistics for February 2017

Inquiry

After a slow start to the year, why is February so much busier?

Is it predominantly new houses or renovations?

Are we having a built of a building boom?

Do you think this is set to continue or with the lack of subdivisions do you see this petering off?

Response

See below, response to your inquiry. This is information rather than quotes:

December and January are traditionally slower due to Christmas and summer breaks. The number of consents issued usually starts to increase again from February, with the highest numbers generally in the middle of the year.

Additions and alterations (includes things like decks, installation of fireplaces, remodelling, extensions) have accounted for most of the consents issued in recent years but the number of consents for new residential dwellings has been increasing. In 2016 consents issued for new residential dwellings totalled 107, up from 76 in 2015 and 75 in 2014.

Since the District Plan became operative last June, council has had pre-consent discussions with a number of landowners who are considering subdividing. The District Plan provides opportunities for subdivisions in several locations around Rotorua and there is potential, in total, for more than 1000 lots.

Recent subdivision consents processed by council include:

• Collie Drive (33 lots)
• Pukehangi Road (37 lots)
• Baxendale (24 lots)
• Pioneer Road (12 lots)
• Paeroa Downs (11 lots)