Views are mixed on whether parts of Naseby should be rezoned to increase the land available for residential subdivision and development.
The Central Otago District Council has proposed three changes to its district plan to rezone three blocks of land in the town from rural to residential.
This week, the council's hearings panel has heard submissions from those supporting and opposing the changes.
The first plan change (6A) involves rezoning 2.7ha, south of Cemetery Rd and west of Holywood St, and has attracted three submissions, all in support of the proposal.
The second (6B) involves rezoning 6.6ha of land with frontage to Carrowmore, Belfast and Annalee Sts.
Two submissions were received in support and an equal number opposed the change.
The third change (6C) would rezone 5.5ha of land with frontage on Broom St between Council and Rannoch Sts.
It attracted 12 submissions objecting to the change and one in support.
Naseby Vision, a community development group which represents residents, holiday-home owners, farmers and businesspeople, has supported the first two changes and opposed the third one.
The town has a permanent population of about 125 and between 4000 and 6000 at peak holiday time.
Mt Ida Developments Ltd, which owns land within the area which would be rezoned under 6C, supported the change, saying it would allow for the "efficient and effective use of land highly suited for residential development".
Opponents of the 6C change were concerned about the visual impact and said it would ruin the semi-rural appearance of the area.
Naseby Vision's executive committee said the change would have a negative impact on the historic precinct and planned changes 6A and 6B were sufficient for current and future needs. The council's planning consultant, David Whitney, has recommended that plan change 6A and 6C proceed as outlined.
Mr Whitney recommended that 6B be expanded to include all of the block bound by Carrowmore St, Danseys Pass Rd and Melvin and Belfast Sts, as promoted by several submitters.
The panel has reserved its decisions.
