The development at 67 Princes Street will consist of a service station, three fast food outlets and five commercial shops, while the motel will consist of three stories with 83 rooms and a basement car park.

All councillors voted for the development with the exception of mayor Paul Hogan who said he had issues with the time it would take to complete the project. He "didn't want it to sit on the self," he said.

Cr David West acknowledged the risk of the investment and the potential impact on other motels in the area, but said the potential positive economic impact of the development couldn't be ignored.

Council voted to permit the approval of the development and the associated demolition, site and landscape works on the grounds that a proposed reduction in car parks would not adversely impact internal traffic circulation and safety and parking space availability during normal operation.

Council standards mean the development is required to provide 333 car parks, but only 285 were named in the proposal.

Council opted to support the variation, stating that the reduction was reasonable due to the reduced passing trade numbers, opportunities for space sharing and basement parking will maximise the number of parks available for patrons.

The site is currently occupied by a single storey motel and restaurant, caretakers' residence, pool and maintenance shed which will be demolished to make way for the new construction.

The new developments will face towards the Cundletown by-pass road, with council to stipulate the construction of a single-lane roundabout at the intersection of Princes Street, Emerton Close and the by-pass road.

Council estimates that 130 full-time staff and part time staff will be required to service the site, which would prove to be a significant employment boon for the Manning Valley.

In considering the social impacts of the development, council found it was unlikely to cause any adverse social impacts in the locality and would provide an ongoing attraction to the Taree locality.