Complex Residential Development
Project Lead: Chris Walsh, Director (Planning)
14-lot residential subdivision and Resource Consent in Northcote, Auckland
Tripp Andrews was engaged to provide surveying, planning and engineering services for a proposed 14-lot residential development in Northcote. From the initial site investigations through to resource consent, engineering design and subdivision planning, our multidisciplinary team helped guide the project through a particularly challenging approval process.
The Challenge
The project required a detailed topographic survey to support the architectural, engineering and subdivision design.
While the proposal was supported by the technical assessments prepared by the project consultants and relevant Auckland Council specialists, the application encountered significant opposition from two neighbouring groups. In a highly unusual decision, the duty commissioner determined that the application should be limited notified. Given the opposition, submissions were received, meaning the application proceeded to a resource consent hearing.
This introduced additional complexity, requiring careful planning strategy, expert evidence preparation and representation throughout the hearing process.
Our Approach
Working closely with the client and consultant team, Tripp Andrews managed the planning process from start to finish.
Our planning team carefully navigated the objections raised throughout the process, providing strategic advice and presenting clear, well-supported planning evidence during the hearing.
By working collaboratively with the wider consultant team, we helped achieve a robust development design that addressed the relevant planning, surveying and engineering considerations.
Solution Delivered
- Our services included:
- Topographic surveying
- Resource consent planning
- Subdivision design for resource consent
- Engineering design for resource consent
- Evidence preparation for the resource consent hearing
- Representation throughout the hearing process
- Engineering design for Engineering Plan Approval (EPA)
- Ongoing engineering supervision and certification
- Construction surveying
- Land transfer surveying
Client Outcome
Despite the significant opposition during the consent process, the final decision was not appealed, providing the client with certainty to move forward with the development and avoiding the cost and delays associated with Environment Court litigation.
The project continues with Tripp Andrews providing engineering supervision, certification, construction surveying and land transfer surveying as the development progresses.
“I had the pleasure of working with Chris Walsh from Tripp Andrews on project planning for two property development projects in Auckland, including one on the North Shore that progressed to a project hearing.
Chris was extremely professional, knowledgeable, and supportive throughout the entire process. His understanding of planning requirements and attention to detail made a significant difference to our projects. When our North Shore project went to hearing, Chris handled everything with confidence and expertise, providing clear guidance and strong representation. His preparation and strategic approach gave us great confidence and ultimately contributed to a very positive outcome.
I highly recommend Chris Walsh and the team at Tripp Andrews to anyone seeking expert planning advice and dependable support for property development projects.”
Why This Matters
Property developments don’t always follow a straightforward approval process. For property developers, delays can have significant financial consequences.
Having a multidisciplinary team that can manage surveying, planning, engineering and resource consent hearings under one roof helps streamline communication, reduce project risk and keep developments moving forward.
