A proposed Alexandra dog sledding operation has passed another hurdle.
Fleur and Curt Perano, of Roxburgh, applied for resource consent to operate dryland sled dog tours in an area of the town known as The Pines through their company Underdog NZ Ltd.
In a report, Central Otago District Council's planning consultant David Whitney recommended consent be granted with 20 conditions.
The business would operate year-round, between 8am and 2pm.
Customers would drive wheeled sleds pulled by dog teams under the supervision of a guide.
The Peranos have run a snow-sledding operation in the Pisa Range for three years.
Two submitters recommended consent be granted.
Mike and Marielle Craighead, of Alexandra, opposed the application as they were concerned the dogs and quad bikes would create a risk for walkers and cyclists, a fire risk and a noise disturbance.
In his report, Mr Whitney said the noise created by the dogs would be no more than minor, and disturbance to the public would be mitigated by factors including temporary signs and its short operating hours.
The fire risk would be addressed at the hearing panel's meeting, he said.
It will be held in Alexandra on Tuesday.
