Telstra's plan to erect a 31.8-metre telecommunications tower in New Lambton's main street and a brewer's proposal to make beer in Merewether will have a public airing before Newcastle council on Tuesday night.
The prospect of a Telstra tower looming over Regent Street has inflamed passions in New Lambton, where the council received 264 submissions in opposition.
The tower would replace an existing base station at the site and improve mobile phone coverage in the surrounding area.
A staff report to councillors before a public voice committee meeting on Tuesday notes the concerns raised by objectors include the tower's visual impact on the suburb, electromagnetic emissions and effect on property values.
The report says the maximum electromagnetic emissions from the tower will be almost 96 per cent below the relevant Australian Communication and Media Authority standard.
"The applicant advises that no other suitable candidate areas within the suburb of New Lambton were identified," it says.
"The search for an alternative location was limited to an area located within close proximity to the existing site, which is largely characterised by low-density residential development which is generally not conducive to telecommunication facilities. The subject site was therefore deemed the most suitable location for the proposed telecommunications facility.
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"The application identifies a number of methods have been integrated into the design of the proposed telecommunications facility to mitigate the visual impacts of the structure, including locating the structure in proximity to existing vertical elements such as buildings."
In Merewether, Modus Operandi's plans for a micro-brewery and "artisan food and drink premises" in a former car workshop opposite Lingard Hospital has attracted 40 submissions, all but one in opposition.
Surrounding residents and parents at The Junction Primary School have expressed concern about noise and anti-social behaviour stemming from the Merewether Street "brewpub", as well as its effect on traffic, parking and air quality.
Mona Vale-based Modus Operandi, one of Australia's leading craft brewers, plans to offer public tastings, tours, workshops and special events at the venue, which will have a capacity of 200 from Monday to Thursday and 300 Friday to Sunday.
Council staff have recommended the venue's outdoor areas close at 10pm and be limited to 150 people.
Also on Tuesday, the council will vote on plans for a vet hospital on the ground floor of the Oceans Reach apartment complex in Llewellyn Street, Merewether.
