Gem Lake Limited was granted resource consent last year to build a 36-room, three-star hotel on the Wanaka Bakpaka site in Lakeside Rd.
The directors of Gem Lake Ltd are Steven and Katrina Norman, of Wanaka.
In May they submitted an amendment to the original resource consent to allow for minor design changes to the building.
Southern Planning Group resource consent planner Scott Freeman said as with the original design, the proposed changes allowed the building to fit in to the wider environment of the site.
Oiled timber weatherboards would replace the precast concrete panel cladding from the original design, which would help the building blend into its surrounding environment.
Charred timber rain-screens would also be added to different areas of the hotel, adding an attractive design element.
The addition of balconies to the rooms overlooking Lakeside Rd would help reduce any perceived bulkiness of the building.
Solar panels would be added to increase the energy efficiency of the hotel.
As well as 36 rooms, the hotel will include a restaurant and bar, lounge, kitchen and laundry.
When the original consent was lodged in 2015, the hotel's architect, James Norman, told the Otago Daily Times it was hoped the project would be completed by 2018.
The hotel is not the only major building planned for the area. Last week it was announced work would start soon on the $100million luxury Marina Terrace 50-apartment complex, also in Lakeside Rd.
