A proliferation of containers being used for permanent storage in residential areas has prompted a warning from the Queenstown Lakes District Council, CivicCorp monitoring and compliance principal Tim Francis said.

"We have more complaints regarding neighbours putting these containers into the setback areas of their properties or being used in the rural general zone than any other complaint," Mr Francis said.

In the majority of cases the containers were unlawful and land owners subject to prosecution.

"They are being used because they offer convenient, cheap and secure storage but they are not permitted to be used for permanent storage," he said.

The rules clearly stated that a container, by definition, was considered a building in the District Plan, as they are larger than five square metres or higher than two metres. This meant they were not permitted on residential sites or land zoned rural general.

"The only exceptions apply to temporary use, which means no longer than three months or for use as a construction site building and only during the period of construction to a maximum of 12 months," Mr Francis said.

Any other use of a container in the district was not permitted without resource consent.

"Aside from being unlawful the containers are generally considered by neighbours as a blot on the landscape. I would strongly advise anyone using a container inappropriately for permanent storage to get rid of it or face the inevitable enforcement," Mr Francis said.

ENDS

For further information please contact Tim Francis 03 450 0354.

By: Sarah