The entrance to Cromwell will change significantly with the approval of the development of a controversial residential and commercial area on the site of the Wooing Tree Vineyard.
The Wooing Tree Vineyard is along State Highways 6 and 8B, across the road from the town's Big Fruit Reserve.
In December 2016, its owners announced plans to develop their 25.4ha estate into a ''boutique residential and commercial space'' to complement their wine business.
Wooing Tree Holdings Ltd proposed to change the zoning of its estate from residential resource land to a zoning that would allow a higher density residential subdivision and commercial development.
Forty-one submissions were received on the proposal, including 20 opposed, and one submission representing 26 people.
Another 11 submissions supported it either in whole, in part or with conditions; nine either opposed it in part or opposed and supported it in part; and one neither supported nor opposed it.
The council's hearings panel held a hearing in November 2017, where submissions were heard.
Central Otago District Council planning consultant David Whitney said the request should be approved, which would provide more efficient use of the land.
He recommended the council approve the residential proposal, but not the business proposal.
At yesterday's council planning and environment committee meeting, Cr Neil Gillespie reported to councillors that the hearings panel considering the matter had decided to modify the District Plan to allow the subdivision, but would take into account concerns raised by submitters and Mr Whitney.
The area would be split into rural, residential and business resource areas.
A report from hearings panel chairman John Lane says the economic and social benefits of the business area are likely to outweigh costs, so should be allowed.
The report says the council will change the plan so accommodation and wine-themed tourist attractions and a child-care centre can be developed.
Subdivisions in the residential resource area will not exceed a maximum lot size of 350m2 or a total of 50 sections.
It also recommends the development of an underpass and roundabout for better traffic flow in the area.
The Monterey pine in the area which is known as the ''Wooing Tree'' will be listed for protection as a notable tree in the District Plan.
