The five-star eco-resort called The Bay Resort, with the capacity to include up to 384 rooms, is being assessed by the Department of Planning and Environment.

The developer Raphael Shin Enterprises proposes to demolish existing structures and remove vegetation at the Nelson Bay Road site.

A Department of Planning and Environment spokesman said the developer proposed to construct a 150-room hotel with restaurants, cafes, retail facilities, theatre, business and conference centre plus car parking.

"They plan to construct three blocks of tourist accommodation, all three storeys in height, with a total of 219 units and including common areas," the spokesman said.

"They also propose to provide a biodiversity offsets package to address the removal of native vegetation."

The spokesman said community consultation was an integral part of the planning process and the applicant would have to respond to the feedback.

"All feedback is taken into consideration when we develop our recommendations.

"It's easy to participate by going online and we encourage everyone to take a look and have their say."

To make a submission or view the environmental impact statement, go to majorprojects.planning.nsw.gov.au and search The Bay Resort.

Submissions close August 7.

Written submissions can be made to Planning Services, GPO Box 39, Sydney, NSW 2001.

The EIS is also available to view in person at the Newcastle Department of Planning and Environment office.

A final decision on the resort's approval will be made either by the Minister for Planning, Department of Planning and Environment or the independent Planning Assessment Commission, depending on the submissions received.