The two-day hearing on the consent application by millionaire philanthropists Paul and Debbi Brainerd and their company, Pounamu Holdings, ended yesterday.
The American couple, who opened a general store in the township in January, plan to build a complex of 16 buildings called Camp Glenorchy on a 1.1ha site on the corner of Oban and Coll Sts.
Their application, publicly notified at their request, attracted 47 submissions, 22 in support and 14 opposed.
Sixteen people made oral submissions at yesterday's hearing.
Resident Trish Fraser said her definition of philanthropy differed from that of the Brainerds, which she believed was ''taking business off other businesses to donate money to a community that doesn't need it''.
The commissioners ''should not be fooled by philanthropy, community trusts and charity'', and should require Pounamu Holdings to comply with the district plan, she said.
Her husband, Paul Fraser, said the Brainerds had a ''propensity for entitled behaviour'' that did not sit well in the community.
''Here we have non-residents appearing to do whatever they want.
''Glenorchy is not a cot case - it doesn't require philanthropic assistance.''
Resident John Glover said Pounamu had failed to ''show respect to the community'' by not keeping within the district plan's height and setback limits.
Mr Glover, who earlier this year quit as Glenorchy Community Association secretary over the way a land swap between Pounamu and the council was handled, said the association had ''not followed proper process'' when it made submissions in support of the application.
Resident Paul Ferris said the project would change the township from a ''destination drive'' to a destination in its own right.
''Some of the locals want Glenorchy to stay as it is - or as it was.
''It's impossible to stop change, but it is possible to manage it for the good of the community.''
Resident Robert Bakhuis said the ''anti-American overtones'' of some opposed to the project were offensive, and their claims the Brainerds wanted to ''take over the town'' were far-fetched.
Resident Ruth Anderson said she was a member of the ''silent majority'', who supported the project.
''There's still a slight element who will be opposed to anything the Brainerds do.''
In his closing submission, counsel for Pounamu Holdings Mike Holm said that of the 16 oral submitters, 10 had given a ''ringing endorsement'' of the project.
Of the six opposed, three had ''clear trade-competition motivations'', while the remaining three had raised issues already answered in evidence.
''In summary, none of the opponents appearing in this hearing raised any credible issue which would mean the resource consents should be declined or modified.''
Queenstown Lakes District Council planner Liz Hislop has recommended consent be granted subject to conditions.
Commissioners Jane Taylor and Bob Nixon reserved their decision.
