The Downie Stuart Foundation, which runs the Moana House support service, applied for resource consent to build a new three-storey building at 403 High St and make alterations to its buildings at 401 and 402 High St.
Planned to be built behind another building on the same site, the new building would be used for administration, a staff room, large multipurpose room, four counselling rooms and a sitting area.
With support services being moved to the new building an additional flat with two or three rooms will be added to 402 High St and minor alterations will be made to the building at 401 High St.
Commissioners Andrew Noone (chairman), Ros Day-Cleavin and Dunedin City Councillor Mike Lord will consider the application at a resource consent hearing on February 1.
Council planner Lianne Darby has recommended the committee grant consent for the new building and changes in use of the existing buildings.
Two submissions were received, both opposed, and only one neighbour gave affected party approval.
In her report Ms Darby said there would be no adverse effects on the streetscape of High St as the new building would not be easily seen from the street and would be similar to the building already on the site.
The impact on the character of the area and activity by moving the community support element of the Moana House operations from 402 to 403 High St would likely be not noticeable, she said.
Submitters Yong Yang and Chris Ying Zhu, who own property near the proposed new building, raised concerns its commercial design was not in keeping with the rest of the neighbourhood, which were predominantly heritage buildings.
Maitland St residents Sheryl Hume and Steven Stewart opposed to the consent because of the potential effect it would have on the amenity of their property and their privacy.
They were also concerned the proposed multipurpose room on the second floor of the new building would overlook the backyard which was where their children spent a lot of time.
If the consent was granted they wanted conditions placed on it which would require no windows be built on the south-end of the building and a higher fence than planned.
Both submitters will give evidence at the hearing.
Last year the Otago Community Trust gave $400,000 to Moana House to extend its facilities in High St.
