Consent has been granted for the Hurd Property Partnership to extend a historic building known as Pitches Store in the Ophir heritage precinct.
The partnership had applied to establish and operate a cafe/restaurant and high quality lodge for travellers.
The application received 18 submissions in support, six in opposition and a couple neither supporting nor opposing.
Nearby residents were worried the proposed restaurant would increase traffic and noise in the town.
A spa pool for the use of guests at the lodge could also generate noise at night and some submitters said there were not enough car parks in the proposal.
They called for conditions to prevent any live bands or outside music. Those in support congratulated the Hurd family on their attempt to restore the old buildings.
The list of 39 conditions imposed by the Central Otago District Council (CODC) hearings panel includes conditions which limit the number of customers to 52 at any one time with hours of operation 7.30am - 11pm seven days a week.
The cafe can be used for private functions from time to time but only within the permitted opening hours.
No music can be played outside, and all windows and doors must be shut by 10pm.
Development contributions of $18,601.80 for water and $9042 for roading must be paid to the CODC.
The hearings panel also granted consent for the Hurd family to build their house on land they own outside the township on Ophir Bridge Road.
Six submissions were received for that application with three in favour and three opposing.
The main cause for concern was the large glass frontage and long, low lines of the building which submitters believed would be seen from the historic Daniel O'Connell bridge and environs.
The applicants had said there was no other suitable place on their land for a house and as they were not within the historic precinct they wanted to build a home that was more contemporary.
Landscaping must be carried out within six months to ensure the house is not visible from Ophir Bridge Road.
