After the publication in June of a 127-page report, written by Heather Bauchop, an extension of the Harbour-Tyne St Historic Area was proposed that would cover all of Lower Thames St, including some of its side streets, in the New Zealand Heritage List.
Heritage New Zealand Otago-Southland area manager Jonathan Howard, of Dunedin, said at the first meeting with a submitter, the Otago Chamber of Commerce, it was ''made clear that it is essential to find a good balance between respecting heritage values while ensuring a strong and viable future for heritage places''.
In July, Heritage New Zealand received 11 submissions on the proposed extension of the historic area: eight were in support; two ''raised issues or questions''; and one was opposed.
Otago Chamber of Commerce chief executive Dougal McGowan confirmed yesterday the chamber had questions about the extension, but said the ''face-to-face dialogue'' was valuable and ''improved both parties' perspectives about what the issues really are''.
''If we do things right - people are informed and understand what's going on - and we continue on that pathway then there can be a 'win-win' situation.''
Mr Howard said if the proposed expansion of the Oamaru historic area were to be approved, it would not ''prevent additions, alterations, wider townscape improvements, partial or complete demolition or introduce requirements for repair''.
''Regulation comes about when local authorities schedule them in their district plans under the Resource Management Act 1991.''
The Waitaki District Council is now undertaking a review of its district plan.
