An Otago Farmers Market plan to expand its operations to South Dunedin has attracted both support and opposition as the issue heads to a resource consent hearing.
While supporters have argued the new market will provide opportunities for South Dunedin people to easily access the popular market, opponents have highlighted the potential effects on neighbours, including noise, parking, road safety and rubbish.
But the trust running the market says those issues can be dealt with.
Early last month, the market made public plans for a Wednesday summer market in South Dunedin, when its application for resource consent through the Dunedin City Council was advertised.
The Otago Farmers Market Trust said it already had interest from 35 vendors, and vice-chairman Rodger Whitson said it hoped to open the market in January.
The market would be held in the Macandrew Rd car park of the Congregational Christian Church of Samoa, and the trust had an agreement to use a nearby parking area.
The consent application attracted 12 submissions, with five in support, four opposing, and three neutral.
Mr Whitson said yesterday projects always attracted "a bit of negativity", but the plan was getting a lot of positive feedback.
A hearing is planned for December 17, with a report from council planning staff due next week.
