Sixty-eight appeals have been lodged with the Environment Court over the decisions version of the Thames-Coromandel Council's District Plan.

The period for lodging appeals closed on Monday (June 13) but there may be a few more appeals received as the Environment Court processes them, says District Plan Manager Leigh Robcke.

'A large number of the appeals are site or provision specific, although there are also a smaller number of wider ranging appeals - including appeals on the landscape and coastal environment overlays, for example,” explains Leigh.

'We're now starting to assess the effect of the appeals, both in terms of what it means for customers and our council's planners and we'll be reporting to council in August with an outline of the appeals received, their complexity and effect.”

From the close of the appeal period, there is a 15 working day period when others, who either made a relevant submission or who have an interest greater than the general public, can register an interest with the Environment Court on specific appeal points (under section 274 of the RMA).

The 15 working day period finishes on July 4, 2016.

Both the Operative and Proposed Plans will continue to have legal effect until the provisions subject to appeal have been identified.

Meanwhile, council has appointed a District Plan Appeals Committee to oversee, advise and provide direction to staff on the appeals process.

The committee consists of councillors Peter French, Tony Fox and Independent Planning Expert Ian Munro.

To read all the appeals received visit the Thames-Coromandel District Council's website at: www.tcdc.govt.nz/dpd and click on the appeals button on the right-hand side of the page.