Assessment of Environmental Effects (AEE)
An AEE is an essential part of the application. If an AEE is not provided the application will be considered
incomplete and will not be accepted for processing. The AEE should discuss all the actual and potential effects on
the environment arising from the proposal. The amount of detail provided must reflect the nature and scale of the
effects. For example, if there are major effects arising from the proposal, a detailed analysis and discussion of these
effects should be included in the AEE. It may require the provision of information from specific experts such as an
acoustic consultant or traffic engineer. If the effects of the proposal are very minor then a less detailed AEE can be
submitted.
For more information see the Fourth Schedule of the Resource Management Act 1991 which lists the matters to be
covered in an AEE.
Please refer to the assessment criteria contained within the Horowhenua District Plan that are specific to the type of
application you applying for. These will help focus you on the types of effects that need to be addressed in your
assessment. These criteria are identified in Section 25 of the Plan and are specific to both subdivision and land use
applications.
Key questions that should be addressed in an AEE
Is this proposal likely to have any negative effects beyond the boundary of the site (for example, shading from a
building that can comply with height requirements)?
Can such a negative effect be avoided, remedied or mitigated (for example, significant trees growing on the
boundary of the potentially shaded property which will more than eclipse potential shading from the proposed
building)?
Is the proposal likely to have any positive effects (for example, a potentially dangerous vehicle crossing will be
closed and moved to a safer location)?
If you have trouble compiling the information, or need some advice on aspects of your application, please consult
Council’s Duty Planner - a planner is always available to assist with planning enquiries to provide assistance.
Further information relative to an AEE for both subdivision and land use applications is contained in Section 28 of
the District Plan and Council's "Subdivision and Development Principles and Requirements 2012".