30 April 2010
Waipa District Council’s enforcement and environmental safety teams have been kept on their toes as the number of complaints received continue to rise.
Resource Management Act breaches (35), noise (316), nuisance (64) and animal control (452) complaints for the period January 1-March 31 were all higher than the previous quarter.
Planning and Regulatory Manager Wayne Allan said many of the complaints received were minor in nature, and were probably because people just didn’t know what the rules were.
“If you look at something like signage infringements, we spend a lot of time taking down signs that are too big, advertising something that is not in our area, obstructing traffic or potentially a hazard. We have a bylaw that specifically outlines guidelines, so if you are thinking of getting some signs made, it pays to contact us to check they meet requirements.”
Mr Allan said other complaints related to people not being good neighbours.
“We get a lot of residential noise complaints, mainly stereos being too loud. But the nuisance complaints can be the worst. It is not okay to have bee hives in your backyard, or a smoky fire that damages the neighbours washing, or allowing a dog to bark all night.”
If residents have any queries around enforcement matters, they should contact Council on 0800 924 723.
--ends--