The Central Otago District Council hearings panel has reserved its decision about whether to grant resource consent for an application to increase traveller accommodation for up to 20 people at the old Lauder school.
Applicants Ralph Graeme and Nicola Milne presented their proposal to the panel at a meeting in Alexandra this week.
The old school building, which is on the Lauder-Omakau road on State Highway 85, has been used as a bed and breakfast facility by the applicants, who wish to expand their business.
Lauder's former school building was built in 1906 and is within a rural settlement zone.
The application to expand accommodation on site stated any changes to existing buildings would be designed and undertaken in keeping with the historic school, and clad in weatherboard or a similar material.
Accommodation for up to 20 people did not require the construction of any new buildings, it stated.
Proposed on-site activity would be seven days a week from September to May, with most activity estimated to take place between 8am and 10am, as well as mid-afternoon to early evening, while guests arrived and checked out.
The property may be used during winter months if required.
Applicant planning consultant Murray Thompson said the proposal would be adequately supplied by existing water and wastewater disposal facilities and would not result in any adverse environmental affects.
CODC planning consultant David Whitney agreed with Mr Thompson's findings and recommended consent be granted.
The hearings panel's decision is expected to be issued within the next 15 working days.
