Independent hearing commissioners have granted resource consent for a proposed sand quarry at 77 Newcombe Road, southeast of Cambridge.
Wayne Allan
Waipā District Council group manager district growth and regulatory services Wayne Allan said the decision was made under the Resource Management Act (RMA) through a joint hearing with Waikato Regional Council.
The councils had a legal obligation to process the application under the RMA framework, and the application was publicly notified and considered by an independent panel to ensure a robust process.
“In this case, while there was significant community concern, commissioners could only decline if the effects could not be sufficiently avoided, remedied or mitigated. Consent has been granted with strict and enforceable conditions designed to protect neighbours, local roads, and the Karāpiro Stream.”
RS Sand plans to extract up to 400,000 tonnes of sand per year for around 25 years. The quarry will operate weekdays between 7am and 5pm, and on Saturday mornings. At peak, up to 200 truck movements per day are expected, with typical daily movements closer to 78.
The quarry did not comply with several Waipā District Plan rules, including vehicle entrance requirements, sealed parking areas, and vegetation clearance within 23 metres of the Karāpiro Stream. These matters have now been addressed through consent conditions.
Allan said community input was a key part of the process. Waipā District Council received more than 350 submissions, with the majority opposed.
“The independent hearing commissioners carefully considered this feedback, alongside technical evidence, and imposed conditions to manage truck movements, dust, noise, water quality, and site rehabilitation,” he said.
The independent hearing commissioners considered both district and regional matters in a combined decision. Ongoing monitoring will be undertaken by both Waipā District Council and Waikato Regional Council.
Breaches of consent conditions can result in enforcement action, including fines and prosecution.
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