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.
