Subdivision Planning and Surveying for Christchurch Infill Development
A private developer approached Eliot Sinclair with the goal of transforming a narrow Christchurch site into four residential lots. As a first-time developer working in partnership with family members, they had already engaged an architect and obtained a topographical survey and land use consent. The site had an existing dwelling and was being redeveloped as a brownfields infill project.
While the client had already made progress, they needed a trusted partner to provide surveying and planning services and, crucially, to help ensure the project progressed smoothly through to title issuance. They chose Eliot Sinclair due to our reputation for clarity, thoroughness, and our end-to-end process support.
Client
Private ClientServices
- Land Surveying
- Subdivision
The challenge
Despite a solid start, the project faced setbacks during construction with the developer’s builder. Coordination across multiple consultants, particularly around building consent and drainage installation, led to delays. Issues with non-compliant work and a damaged existing drain further disrupted the timeline, highlighting the risk of fragmented project management.
As the surveying and planning consultants, we held responsibility for the documentation required to obtain titles, a critical task that necessitated pulling together inputs from multiple consultants and ensuring alignment with Council expectations.
The solution
With external engineers handling the building consent stage, our direct involvement centred on the subdivision planning and supporting the client in ensuring compliance with all land use and building consent conditions. However, as construction progressed, it became clear that a more cohesive project management approach was needed. Recognising the need for greater coordination, we became a crucial link between the client, architect, contractors, and Council helping the client navigate the final, often complex, stages of subdivision.
Our involvement included:
- Preparing and submitting the subdivision consent application
- Coordinating and reviewing documentation across teams to meet Council conditions
- Providing ongoing guidance and communication with the client and builder
- Ensuring timely preparation of the Land Transfer Plan and all necessary certification for title issuance
By carefully managing communications and documentation, we ensured that all regulatory requirements were met. This allowed titles to be issued without further delays once construction reached completion, despite earlier setbacks.
This project illustrates the value of experienced, steady consultancy in navigating a multi-party development. Our team’s process knowledge provided stability and our ability to step into a project management support role helped the client overcome fragmented oversight and achieve a successful outcome. Expert guidance, especially in the later stages of a subdivision, can make all the difference in turning a complicated process into a completed project.
