A consent application for a small wind farm in South Otago is expected to be heard in Milton late next month.
Central Otago company Pioneer Generation recently asked the Clutha District Council to reactivate the resource consent application for its Mt Stuart development.
The company bought the project from original developers New Zealand Windfarms Ltd earlier this year.
Pioneer wants to build the nine-turbine wind farm on Mt Stuart, one of Clutha's highest points, about 15km inland from Milton.
The original application attracted 15 submissions, with 14 of those opposed.
In a report to the council on Thursday, planning and environment manager Murray Brass said a hearing would be needed as there were still "unresolved" submissions.
"Given the issues involved, it is considered appropriate to use an independent commissioner as part of the panel. However, it is also important to retain some local knowledge and ownership."
He was recommending Canterbury farmer and Environment Court commissioner Roger Tasker chaired the panel to hear the Mt Stuart application.
Mr Tasker also chaired the TrustPower Mahinerangi wind farm consent hearing.
"He has considerable experience in consent hearings and in dealing with contentious issues," Mr Brass said.
The other two panel members should come from the council's hearings committee, although he did not put forward any names.
