All 32 submissions so far on the proposal to lease the St
Bathans Post Office and renovate it for commercial
accommodation object to the plans.
The Department of Conservation has advertised its intention
to grant a 10-year concession for the 102-year-old building
to be developed and operated as boutique accommodation.
Submissions close on December 1.
The applicant, Cameron Accommodation, of Christchurch, has
sought permission for a retail operation on the ground floor
along with post office facilities and to modify the building
to accommodate up to seven people.
The building has been classed a historic reserve since 1981,
administered by Doc, and it has category 2 status with the
New Zealand Historic Places Trust as " a place of historical
or cultural heritage significance or value".
Doc concessions community relations officer Michelle Pearce
said 32 identical submissions had been received by Monday,
all opposing the concession being granted.
St Bathans resident Keith Hinds, whose late wife, Sharon,
operated the building as a postal bureau for 13 years, aired
his concerns about the proposal last month. Both he and the
St Bathans Heritage and Environment Preservation Trust were
concerned about modifications to the interior of the
building, which retains its original fittings.
Mr Hinds and the trust wanted the building to remain open to
the public.
The Otago Conservation Board supported the proposal, saying
the overall concept was good and the building would benefit
from use and careful renovation that retained its historic
values.
A hearing will be held next month if any submitters ask to be
heard.
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