Major $21M Development Proposed for Hexham: A Deep Dive into the Service Station, Fast Food Outlet, and Chemical Storage Facility Plans

13 August 2024

HEXHAM: A comprehensive $21.6 million development proposal has been submitted to Newcastle City Council for the construction of a new service station, fast food outlet, and a chemical storage warehouse at 5-7 Maitland Road, Hexham (A43 Pacific Highway). The proposal, lodged by Ocwen Energy Pty Ltd, outlines changes for the area.

Overview of the DevelopmentF

The proposed development, which spans two lots totaling 1.43 hectares, is strategically located near Sparke Street, a designated B-double route. The first lot, situated closest to Maitland Road, is earmarked for a service station that will cater to both light and heavy vehicles. This lot will also feature a fast food outlet with a drive-through service, 63 parking spaces including provisions for electric vehicles, and nine parking bays specifically designed for semi-trailers and B-doubles.

The second lot, located behind the service station, is set to house a substantial warehouse for the storage of packaged lubricants, oils, and flammable liquids. The warehouse will include an oil storage facility with a capacity of approximately 100,000 litres and a flammable liquids storage capacity of 10,000 litres. The warehouse will be accessed via Sparke Street, ensuring that heavy vehicle traffic is routed away from residential areas as much as possible.

Key Features and Concerns

Traffic Management and Access: The Traffic Management Plan and Traffic Impact Assessment provided by Northern Transport Planning and Engineering Pty Ltd offer detailed insights into how vehicle movements will be managed during both the construction and operational phases of the project.

Access Points: The service station and fast food outlet will be accessible via a left-in, left-out access point from Maitland Road. A deceleration lane will be constructed to facilitate safe entry, with a proposed length of 95 meters. The access to the warehouse will be from Sparke Street, taking advantage of the recently constructed U-turn bay to manage heavy vehicle movements efficiently.
Traffic Flow Predictions: The assessments predict that the service station will generate up to 250 trips per hour during peak times, primarily from vehicles already using Maitland Road. The fast food outlet is expected to attract around 230 trips per hour, with a significant portion of these trips also being from passing traffic. Heavy vehicle movements are estimated to be around 40 trips per hour, all of which will be trucks already passing through the area.
Parking Provisions: The development exceeds Newcastle City Council’s parking requirements, offering a surplus of 34 parking spaces, which includes 4 initial electric vehicle charging points with the potential to add more as demand increases.

Environmental Considerations: Several environmental assessments were conducted to address potential concerns regarding flooding, groundwater contamination, and ecological impacts.

Flood Management: The Flood Emergency Response Plan outlines the measures that will be taken to manage flood risks, which are particularly pertinent given the site’s proximity to local waterways. The plan includes the construction of on-site detention basins to manage stormwater and mitigate the risk of flooding.
Groundwater Protection: The Groundwater Impact Assessment provides a detailed analysis of the site’s existing conditions and the potential impacts of the development. The report concludes that the risk to groundwater is minimal, provided that the recommended protective measures, such as the use of impermeable liners and regular monitoring, are implemented during construction and operation.
Ecological Impact: The Ecological Assessment highlights the need to preserve local biodiversity, particularly in relation to the area’s flora and fauna. The report indicates that while the site has been previously disturbed, care will be taken to minimise further ecological disruption. Landscaping plans include the use of native species to restore and enhance local habitats.

Community and Stakeholder Engagement: Ocwen Energy has engaged with various stakeholders to address concerns and ensure that the development aligns with community expectations.

Consultations: The Stakeholder Engagement Report details the consultations with local agencies, including Transport for NSW and the Awabakal Local Aboriginal Land Council. The engagement with the Aboriginal community is particularly significant given the site’s cultural heritage, and measures will be taken to ensure that development respects and preserves this heritage.
Visual and Signage Impact: The Visual Impact Assessment and Advertising and Signage Assessment address the potential visual impacts of the development. The proposed signage for the service station and warehouse has been designed to be in keeping with the industrial character of the area, minimising any visual intrusion. The signage will not obscure important views or dominate the skyline, and its illumination will be carefully managed to avoid glare or safety issues.

Next Steps and Community Involvement

The development application, identified as DA2024/00582, is currently under review, with public notification set to begin on 12 August 2024. Local residents and businesses are encouraged to review the proposal and provide feedback during the notification period. Given the scale of the project, which is classified as designated development, the assessment process will be thorough, ensuring that all potential impacts are carefully considered.

If approved, the development is expected to bring new services and infrastructure to Hexham, potentially boosting the local economy. However, it also raises questions about traffic management, environmental protection, and the impact on local residents, all of which will be scrutinised during the assessment process.