A late flood of submissions on plans to renovate the historic St Bathans Post Office for commercial accommodation has boosted the number opposing the plans to more than 100.
With two days until the closing date, 110 submissions had been received by yesterday , with 108 opposed to the plans, one in support and one neutral.
The Department of Conservation recently sought views on its intention to grant a 10-year concession for the 102-year-old building to be developed and operated as boutique accommodation. Doc concessions community relations officer Michelle Pearce said "a large number" of submissions arrived yesterday.
A hearing would be held on the issue, with a date and venue decided after submissions close on Thursday, she said.
Cameron Accommodation, of Christchurch, has sought permission to modify the building to accommodate up to seven people.
The building has been classed as historic reserve since 1981, administered by Doc, and has category 2 status with the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.
St Bathans resident Keith Hinds, whose late wife Sharon, operated the building as a postal bureau for 13 years, is one of those opposing a concession being granted. He and the St Bathans Heritage and Environment Preservation Trust are concerned about modifications to the interior of the building and want it to remain open to the public.
He aired his concerns to the Otago Conservation Board last week.
The board confirmed its support for the proposal in September, saying the overall concept was good and the building would benefit from use and careful renovation that retained the historic values.
