The NZ Transport Agency is updating its policy guidance on managing reverse sensitivity effects on the state highway network. We have now released a draft Guide to the management of reverse sensitivity effects on the state highway network for public consultation. This guide describes how the Transport Agency manages reverse sensitivity, working together with territorial authorities and landowners or developers. Once finalised this updated guidance will replace the Transport Agency’s existing reverse sensitivity guidance contained within our 2007 Planning Policy Manual. The new guide maintains the same overall approach by encouraging the separation of noise sensitive activities from the state highway network. It documents current good practice and provides information that can be applied to avoid adverse health effects for people living or working in new and altered buildings located near to state highways.

Following extensive internal consultation the Transport Agency is now seeking your feedback to ensure the refined guidance in the draft is practical, efficient and effective. In particular, comment is sought from developers, local government, planning, legal and acoustics professionals working in this area.

A copy of the draft Guide to the management of reverse sensitivity effects on the state highway network and our feedback form can be found here.


Additional feedback should be sent to: environment@nzta.govt.nz by Friday 17th April 2015