Opponents of Auckland's controversial Waterview motorway project say the consent process will make it too hard for the community to have its say.
The Transport Agency is moving to fast-track the road by seeking a consent under the new national consenting process, aimed at speeding up decisions on matters of national significance. An application will be lodged in June and a decision will have to be made within nine months.
The Waterview Connection, part of the Western Ring Route, is expected to be completed by 2015-16.
The motorway will run through Mt Albert, and the Eden Albert Community Board deputy chairman, Phil Chase, says the application process is a disaster that rorts the democratic process.
Mr Chase says the shortened process is too court-like and intimidating, making the community less likely to give its views. He says there is no need to fast-track the project.
A first for fast tracking
Transport Minister Stephen Joyce says the Waterview Connection will be the first roading project to apply to be considered under the national consenting process of the Resource Management Act.
He said the consenting process for the motorway project would replace the usual two-step process, of a council hearing followed by an Environment Court hearing, with either a single hearing before a board of inquiry or a direct referral to the Environment Court.
The minister said the new consent process will keep the construction on track to start in mid to late 2011.
