Port Stephens councillors have approved a new commercial development for Medowie featuring a service, station, mechanic and convenience store plus food outlet, but not everyone is happy with the outcome.
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Despite a passionate speech in opposition to the development application at last Tuesday night's council meeting from central ward's Chris Doohan, a longtime resident of Medowie, the applicant Medowie Retail Unit Trust was given the green light with a string of conditions.
Also opposing the development were councillors Steve Tucker and Giacomo Arnott.
The councillors in favour say the development would provide a great benefit to the Medowie commercial precinct, which is in "transition" phase.
"The land is zoned commercial and the development fits in with the Medowie Strategy," Cr John Nell said. "For Medowie to move ahead this council needs to approve these types of proposals ... eventually the entire western side of Medowie Road is expected to be commercial."
While disappointed with the approval, Cr Doohan claimed a "win of sorts" for nearby residents and the hundreds of online messages posted in opposition by ensuring that new restrictions would be imposed on the developers.
"I want to allay community fears about what was being proposed and what the council has approved," Cr Doohan said.
"The most significant changes to the DA were to limit vehicular access to left in and left out of Medowie Road; a lighting plan that protects neighbours at night; and service station hours of operation to be reduced from the proposed 24 hours a day back to 6am-10pm seven days a week.
"The council has also gone some way to lessen the impact of issues such as noise, smell and location, particularly in relation to its close proximity to a proposed child care centre. Again, some of the conditions call for the inclusion of acoustic fencing and vapour nozzles."
Cr Doohan said that it was in everyone's interest that safety would be paramount.
"This is a Tier 1 company so they would be of the highest order when it comes to safety issues. And while the development does fit in with the Medowie Strategy, I would probably say that a commercial development on that scale would not have been envisaged for that area."
Bob Dein, an implementation panel member who has operated a business in Medowie for 35 years and lived in the town for 25 years, said he had no problem with the quality of plan and good use of space.
"However, I believe it could create an over-supply of retail in Medowie, with some traders already struggling," he said.
He was also critical of the council in not providing public toilets/parents facilities so people don't have to cross Ferodale Road to access the community centre.
"It's ridiculous that we don't have a public toilet block," Mr Dein said.
An existing single-storey dwelling will be demolished, the report stated.
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