Proposed concerts for up to 4000 people at a Bendigo function centre would be aimed at the ''wine market'' and ''not be AC/DC'', the Central Otago District Council's hearings panel has heard.
The proposed concerts - part of an application from Canyon Vineyard Ltd - would be held only twice a year, planning consultant Krista Jennings said in evidence for Canyon Vineyard Ltd owner Hayden Johnston.
They would be for people ''who want to spend $65 on a bottle of pinot noir''.
A report from council planning consultant David Whitney has recommended permitting functions and wine tastings for up to 200 guests where no bus service is provided, and 385 guests where a bus service is provided, but not concerts.
Mr Whitney has suggested functions should be held only until 9pm, but Mr Johnston said that would not be economically viable. It would exclude weddings and late evening dining, crucial to his proposal.
Fifteen submissions were received on the proposal, nine of which supported it, mostly citing the need for a large function centre such as the one proposed.
Several adjoining winegrowers have opposed it in part, citing noise and traffic issues.
