Permanent Road Stopping for Purchase

Working on our roads

Permanent Road Stopping for Purchase

What is an Unformed Legal (Paper) Road?

An unformed legal road (commonly known as a paper road) is a legally established road that appears on survey plans but has not been physically constructed as a road. These roads often run through or alongside private land.

Use of Unformed Legal Roads

To use an unformed legal road (for example, for farming), you must hold a licence to occupy from Council. This licence outlines the responsibilities and obligations of both parties in relation to the paper road.

You can apply for a licence to occupy the road reserve by visiting: timaru.govt.nz/roadreserve

Alternatively, contact the Infrastructure Consents team:
Email: infrastructureconsents@timdc.govt.nz
Phone:  03 687 7200

Purchasing Unformed Legal Roads: Road Stopping

What is a road stopping?
Council may sell unformed legal roads through a process known as road stopping. This formal process removes the legal status of ‘road’, allowing the land to be converted to freehold title and sold.

Who can apply?
Only landowners whose property directly adjoins an unformed legal road may apply for a road stopping. If the process is approved, the land must be amalgamated with the applicant’s existing land title; separate titles cannot be created.

Council will only consider applications where the road is not required for future Council use (e.g. utilities, road construction, or footpaths).

If the unformed legal road provides public access to rivers, the coast, or other public land and no suitable alternative access exists, Council is unlikely to approve the request.

To request to purchase an unformed legal road, contact the Infrastructure Consents team:

Email: infrastructureconsents@timdc.govt.nz
Phone:  03 687 7200

You will need to:

  • Explain why you wish to purchase the unformed legal road.
  • Provide an aerial image or map clearly showing the area in question.

If Council agrees to consider your request, you’ll be required to:

  • Enter into a formal agreement with Council.
  • Cover all costs related to the road stopping, regardless of the outcome.
  • Purchase the land at a value set by an independent registered valuer.

Legal Process


Road stopping is undertaken under either the Public Works Act 1981 or the Local Government Act 1974, depending on the circumstances.

  • The Public Works Act 1981 provides a more streamlined process but only applies in specific situations.
  • The Local Government Act 1974 requires public notification and allows the public to object. If objections are received, the application may not proceed. If no objections are lodged, Council may declare the road stopped by public notice, at which point the land can be sold.

Council staff can advise which process is appropriate for your situation.

Road Stopping Costs


Road stopping is a formal legal process that can be costly. You will be responsible for all costs, even if the application does not proceed. These may include:

  • Purchase price (determined by independent market valuation)
  • Surveying fees
  • Land Information New Zealand (LINZ) fees
  • Legal costs (yours and Council’s)
  • Public notification costs
  • Valuation fees
  • Consultant or specialist input, if required
  • Council staff time

You will need to sign a Road Stopping Agreement, confirming your commitment to pay all associated costs and the purchase price before Council proceeds with your application.

Last updated: 25 Jul 2025