Rule 11 - Frequently asked questions

What restrictions apply to urban areas and lakeside settlements?
Land uses in reticulated areas are permitted as these will be managed by controls on sewage and stormwater discharges.  Land uses in non-reticulated settlement areas are permitted if there is a low nitrogen and phosphorus loss from the property (less than 10 kg/ha/yr, excluding septic tank discharges).  The On-Site Effluent Treatment Plan has rules for septic tank discharges.

Can I increase productivity on my property?
Yes, but only if measures are taken to fully offset the increased loss of nitrogen or phosphorus from the land management change, either on the property or within the same lake catchment. For example, retiring riparian areas could allow for extra stock numbers.

Can I change the land use on my property?
Yes, but only if the land use change is within the nutrient benchmark for the property, or any nutrient increase can be fully offset within the same lake catchment.

What happens if I sell my property?
The nutrient benchmark still applies to the property. The new landowners should be made aware of the nutrient benchmark, and that any land use change or land management practices will have to remain within that nutrient benchmark.

What happens if I subdivide?
The nutrient benchmark applies, but is split between the new properties. For example, the nutrient benchmark could be averaged amongst the new properties, or a higher percentage of the benchmark assigned to different properties. New lifestyle blocks could have covenants requiring no stock is to be kept on the property (i.e. a low nutrient level), and the remaining benchmark allocated to other blocks.