Whether commercial development should be permitted in a high density residential (HDR) zone next to Wanaka's town centre came under scrutiny at a resource consent hearing last week.
Guy Cotter wants to relocate his Adventure Consultants business, which runs New Zealand and international guided mountaineering expeditions, from one residential property on McDougall St to another at 20 Brownston St.
The company requires a bigger office to cater for its growth in administrative staff, to meet clients and prepare for forthcoming trips, and to operate a small retail facility providing last-minute equipment to clients.
Mr Cotter said there were no suitable properties available in the town centre.
The Brownston St property was "ideal" as it was close to both the town centre and accommodation providers where the company's clients usually stayed. Also, the building The activity proposed was "very low key", being low impact compared to a residential activity or visitor accommodation, which was provided for in the HDR zone, Mr Cotter said.
"Our business is very conducive to an alpine town and helps define what Wanaka is as a destination."
The application attracted one submission, from Jane Kuzma, who lives on the corner of Russell and Brownston Sts, facing the site.
She said the proposal would undermine the residential integrity of the neighbourhood, inadequate car parking would result in clients and staff parking on Russell St, and it would set a precedent for further commercial development.
Mrs Kuzma said the area was identified in the council's plan change 23 documents as a "desirable and affordable high-density residential area ...
worth preserving for its residents", and it was vital Wanaka retained areas close to amenities people could enjoy living in.
"This area is an ideal location for HDR close to the town centre and should not be allowed to become commercial by stealth.
She was concerned at reports developer Duffy Krook, who already owns several properties on Brownston St, had expressed interest in buying all the properties in the area other than Mrs Kuzma's house, "hoping to buy at residential prices and profit from out-of-zone development".
Planner Scott Edgar said he did not believe the appropriateness of the proposal relied on the presence of other commercial activities.
However, "they do form part of the established character of the area and the proposal should be considered in that context".
Lakes Environmental planner Ian Greaves recommended the proposal be granted as it was unlikely to result in any adverse effects "over and above what was anticipated in the HDR zone".
He said the effects of visitor accommodation would probably be greater than the Adventure Consultants proposal.
"Given the nature of the proposed development, I don't think it will open the floodgates so to speak for further commercial development within the HDR zone," Mr Greaves said.
Commissioners Jane Taylor and Lyal Cocks will issue their decision within 15 working days.
