A Lowburn action group is opposing a consent application for a building which would protrude into the area's skyline.
A Central Otago District Council hearings panel heard a resource consent application last week lodged by Richard and Fran Shillito for a dwelling and garage in the Briar Ridge subdivision in Lowburn.
The 210m2 building would be 5.7m tall and be built on the side of the hill on an existing building platform.
In 2008, before the Shillitos owned the site, the council issued resource consent for a building platform and dwelling.
The Lowburn Community Action Group appealed it to the Environment Court in 2009 which ordered the consent holder to certify it would not breach the skyline.
Subsequently, they did not build a dwelling on the property.
The Shillitos bought the site in 2013 and have submitted a new application after the previous one lapsed.
Council planning consultant David Whitney recommended in his report it be granted, but with the condition it did not breach the skyline.
Initially the applicants thought they would meet this condition.
However, on their behalf, planning consultant Kate Scott said following a site inspection in June it was shown a small part of the roof would be visible from a 300m stretch of Heaney and Burn Cottage Rds.
"Any breach of skyline is likely to be confined to the period that the surrounding vegetation is devoid of leaves i.e. the winter months.''
Speaking on behalf of the Lowburn action group, farmer Don Young said allowing the dwelling it its current form would create a precedent.
"If we let one go through, tomorrow it will be another.''
Dr Shillito said she was "distressed'' the group opposed the plans.
"We moved here because we love the raw and bleak landscape. Our neighbours have been friendly and supportive.''
She said she felt she was being penalised for how the previous consent holders handled their application.
Another Lowburn action group member, Martin Anderson, said trees should not be counted as a barrier as they could die or get cut down.
"We also have these same feelings about the landscape and what we are trying to do is protect those landforms.''
The group suggested another area where the dwelling could be moved and not breach the skyline.
Ms Scott said that would render it like "living in a cave''.
Mr Whitney said given its unique history, the council should be "very careful'' when considering the application.
The panel reserved its decision.
