Applications and changes to designating authorities

Designations

Designations provide a way to protect land, sites or routes needed for public works, projects and infrastructure. Under the Planning Act, a designation can enable a project to proceed without a separate planning consent or having to comply with land-use plan rules, although other approvals may still be required. The Planning Act introduces new pathways and processes for designations, including through regional spatial planning, while different pathways may apply during the transition from the RMA depending on the circumstances of the project.

Designating Authorities

Designating authorities are organisations that can obtain and hold designations. Under the Planning Act, the range of organisations that may be eligible to become designating authorities is broader than under the RMA, reflecting changes to the types of infrastructure that can use the designation process. Existing requiring authorities will automatically become designating authorities under the new system.