Willowridge Ltd, directed by Wanaka property developer Allan Dippie, built the complex and intends to construct a further 17 apartments.
The company wants to run the complex as visitor accommodation units, but neighbouring residents are opposed to the idea.
The neighbours made 22 public submissions to the council's planning and regulatory body, Lakes Environmental (LE), against the rezoning application.
One submission from neighbouring bed and breakfast business Beech Cottage Trustees Ltd was made supporting Willowridge's application.
LE planner Kirsty Huxford said unless new or additional evidence was presented at a hearing next week, the proposal for rezoning should be refused.
Using the apartments for visitor accommodation would not protect or enhance the residential character, social cohesion, sense of community, and wellbeing of the low residential zone area, she said.
A three-day public hearing has been scheduled to begin on Wednesday at Edgewater Resort.
