Elim Church in Alexandra is preparing for expansion, with plans in place to create a centre capable of holding up to 160 people.
The Alexandra Elim Church Trust applied to the Central Otago District Council for land use consent to operate its church services from a building on Tarbert St.
A community art centre, studio and gallery occupied the property until recently, and the church proposed to use and expand the existing buildings for its future needs.
Church member Ken Taylor attended a meeting of the CODC's hearings panel in Alexandra to explain how the complex would work and a timeframe in which development would take place.
Mr Taylor said within the next two to five years the church hoped to expand buildings on site to accommodate up to 160 people, during events such as funerals, weddings, and major church celebrations.
Increased car parking required to cater for such a facility and heavy vehicle access worried CODC planner David Whitney, who said the location was on one of Alexandra's main arterial roads and close to a 70kmh speed zone.
Mr Whitney recommended consent be granted to the church, subject to 18 conditions, relating to restrictions on vehicle access, on-site parking, and signage.
He recommended the church be required to submit a traffic management plan, and agreement to work on the highway, which was approved by Opus as an agent for the New Zealand Land Transport Agency.
A submission from NZTA highlighted standards required by the authority for signage, car parking, and vehicle access.
One submission was received in support of the proposal.
