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.
