Director Tony Hanning, of Dunedin, was asked yesterday for the office's response and future plans, following approval by the Environment Court last week for the two-stage development of the new primary school, on Speargrass Flat Rd, near Arrowtown.
"Having the court's decision opens the way for the next steps to be taken," Mr Hanning said.
"It's been a long time since Speargrass Lodge was purchased."
Mr Hanning said the education office had not been advised the appellants wanted to appeal the decision by Judge Melanie Harland.
"The proposal presented to the court, including plans, was very detailed. Judge Harland and commissioners Oliver and McConachy, provided full background to the issues of scope of the application and its activity status.
"They provided clear analysis, explanations and evaluation of relevant assessment matters, and their reasons for dismissing the appeals against the earlier council decision to grant consent."
Judge Harland and commissioners Marlene Oliver and Heather McConachy dismissed appeals regarding the proposed second school site.
The 2.6ha of rural residential-zoned pastoral land, at 478 Speargrass Flat Rd, will feature a 480sq m classroom block, 5.2m high at its apex, and a 220sq m administration block, 5.5m high at its apex.
The school layout will include a playing field, hardcourt area and a driveway and car park-bus turning area, with 43 car parks provided and a set-down area for buses transporting pupils.
Planting, earth mounds and fences at various places around the site are proposed to help mitigate noise and visual effects.
Ayburn Farm Estates Ltd, with 10 neighbouring residents and landowners as interested parties, appealed the land use consent granted to the Diocese of Dunedin by the Queenstown Lakes District Council in June 2009 on grounds including perceived traffic and noise increases and loss of amenity.
Lawyer Michael Parker did not return telephone calls this week on whether his clients would appeal.
