MCDONALD'S could have competition near Newcastle Airport with plans lodged for a new precinct including 24-hour KFC, Oporto and Hungry Jack's across the roundabout at Williamtown.
The $12.4 million plans lodged with Port Stephens Council would see the abandoned Williamtown Public School site transformed into two buildings for high-technology industry, three restaurants and car parking.
A Statement of Environmental Effects (SEE) lodged with the plans states its use is consistent with the character of Cabbage Tree and Nelson Bay roads.
"The development does not impact upon the amenity provided to any residential property in proximity to the site," the SEE said.
"The development will generate positive social and economic impacts to the local areas."
Under the plans, a leftover 2566-square-metre portion of land would be developed later under a separate application.
Old Williamtown Public School operated for 139 years and closed in 2008. Its six overgrown and vandalised buildings would be knocked down under developer Stevens Group's plans.
The only land use allowed in the zone is a restaurant or cafe.
Concerns were raised in a pre-DA meeting that the restaurants include drive-throughs, which would suggest the main purpose is not to consume food and drink on the premises.
"Rather, it is considered that the proposed food and drink use align more with the takeaway food and drink premises definition which is not a permitted land use in the zone," meeting minutes said.
The SEE states the layout of the site has been changed so that single-lane drive-through facilities are secondary to the "core purpose" of the buildings as restaurants.
Also included in the plans are two large industrial buildings with office spaces and 12 proposed smaller industrial units.
A total of 230 parking spaces would be provided across the site, which surrounds Saint Saviour's Anglican Church.
Port Stephens Council will make a decision on the development application.
