Central Otago District Council (CODC) planning and environment manager Louise van der Voort said the council had accepted the developers' application for the plan change that would rezone the land.
The rezoning had not yet been approved, but the application would be notified next week and submissions called for.
It was the ''first step'' in the process to rezone the land to allow the development to proceed, those behind it, Wooing Tree partners Geoff and Jane Bews and Steve and Thea Farquharson said.
The partners are proposing a boutique residential and commercial development on the 26ha Wooing Tree property, which is between State Highways 6 and 8B and Shortcut Rd.
They are seeking a change from rural residential zoning to a mix of low to high-density residential and light commercial zoning.
The famous wooing tree itself, the Wooing Tree cellar door facility and some of the vines would remain, but other vines would be taken out, Mr Farquharson said.
He did not know how many vines would be removed, but said the new development could include various community amenities, tourist attractions, retail, accommodation and housing lots.
Once the CODC publicly notifies the proposed plan change (plan change 12), a submission period will follow.
A hearing is expected later this year.
