Proposed visitor accommodation in the Gibbston valley could provide a "boost" for Gibbston Valley winery tourism, a resource consent application says.
Gibbston Valley Lodge Ltd has applied for land use consent to establish, maintain and operate Gibbston Valley Winery Cottages, at Gibbston, which would create 50 studio or single-bedroom accommodation units in eight buildings.
The company was granted consent in 2004 to establish a luxury lodge and associated buildings, with consent also approved for earthworks. While the earthworks had been completed, the luxury lodge was never built.
"A variety of activities complementary to the viticulture industry have been developed to harness the tourist market and include land use activities such as the construction, maintenance and operation of wine-tasting venues, restaurants and cafes, retail outlets and tourist accommodation," the application said.
"The proposed winery cottages provides for a desirable operational outcome for the site ... In addition, the winery cottages will result in a positive outcome in terms of the site growing to accommodate future tourism products and, importantly, increasing the economic viability of the Gibbston Valley."
In all, 10 buildings would be required, one of which was already built and was proposed as the concierge and check-in facility.
Accommodation units would be spread across eight buildings, two of which would be double storeyed, with a proposed communal building to be constructed, catering for guest recreation, weddings and the conference and incentive market.
A car park, with room for 21 vehicles, would also be required, along with comprehensive landscaping. No signage would be erected so the project would "fit with the rural character" of the area.
The application said written consent had been received from Greg Hay of Peregrine Winery, Alan Brady, Grant Taylor of Valli Vineyards, neighbours John and Helen Lane, Rae Hunter of Glenroy Hunting Lodge and Henry van Asch, of van Asch Wines and The Winehouse.
"These parties are encouraging the proposal and wish to see it come to fruition," the application said.
It was seeking for the application to be processed on a non-notified basis.
