A couple who compete in dogsled races overseas have been given resource consent to house up to 30 huskies on a rural property near Roxburgh.
Fleur and Curt Perano, who are based in Alaska, asked the Central Otago District Council for permission, as the proposal was deemed to be "intensive farming" within 2km of an urban area.
The couple plan to buy a 9.8ha McElligott Rd property in Roxburgh East if consent is granted to house their dogs there.
Later, they plan to set up a dogsled touring business, using the nearby mountain ranges during the winter and dryland carts in the warmer months.
The council's hearing panel decision, made public on Friday, granted consent, subject to eight conditions.
Thirty is the maximum number of dogs allowed on the site and the people responsible for the care, exercise and training of the huskies also have to live at that location.
Trees and shrubs must be planted around the fenced dog enclosure and the kennels must be cleaned and disinfected daily, and solid waste removed twice daily and put in covered bins for disposal off site.
Neighbours within 500m of the husky enclosure had given their approval.
The council said any effects associated with the housing and intensive confinement of the dogs would be minor.
The conditions of consent would be reconsidered annually.
