Applying and paying for a resource consent just got easier in the Western Bay.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council this week added an online resource consent service to its digital offering.

Applicants can now apply and pay for a resource consent and gain e-certification for s223 and s224 approvals.

Council's environmental consents manager Chris Watt says the move to digital aligns with council's commitment to making things easier for customers.

'Applying online for a resource consent provides numerous benefits including an easier method to submit and pay for a resource consent application in one step, and improved transparency and communication on how the consent application is tracking.

'Applicants will be able to track applications for resource consents from anywhere at any time through council's online services page.”

The end-to-end electronic processing moves away from relying on paper-based processes – saving time and money as applicants won't need to supply printed plans.

Customers will also receive their approved consents electronically, reducing delays to get their activity underway.

Chris says one of the main process changes this system brings for the consenting and development engineering teams is a more robust vetting review when applications are initially received into the team.

This change, along with improved application forms, will help ensure council has good quality information submitted up front.

However, he reminds customers that council can only process applications faster if good quality applications are submitted.

'This is an exciting step forward and we look forward to working together with our customers to bring consistency to the resource consent process.”