Changes to the Clutha District Council's district plan could
make it easier to build small-scale energy plants in Clutha.
The council on Thursday approved a series of proposed changes
to the plan, to take into account developments in the energy
industry.
To encourage small-scale renewable energy generators, the
council will provide for restricted discretionary status and
the possibility of limited notificationA review of the
district plan stated Clutha had a wide range of renewable
resources which could be used to generate electricity. The
review also referred to the Government's target of having 90%
of the country's energy needs generated from renewable
resources by 2025.
Planning and environment manager Murray Brass said it was
fortunate the existing energy section guidelines were
prepared in the 1990s, when new hydro dams were being
considered, because it forced the council to consider the
effects of large-scale development and the issues of
renewable energy generation.
The guidelines had proved useful in considering recent
wind-farm consents, including those of now-established farms
at Mahinerangi and Mt Stuart.
The council also approved changes to the biodiversity section
of the plan.
Changes reduced the permitted clearance of native vegetation
to two hectares and introduced controls on selective removal
or modification of native vegetation.
Consent would also be required for the removal of native
fauna or habitats defined as rare or at risk by the
Department of Conservation.
The approved changes will go through a public notification
process before becoming part of the district plan.
The council meeting was held at Telford, with Mayor Bryan
Cadogan stating he hoped it would be the first of many
meetings held there which might bring closer relations with
Lincoln University, of which Telford is a division.
helena.dereus@odt.co.nz
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