Residents are pushing back against a proposal for a second petrol station in a beachside suburb in Port Stephens.
Perception Planning has submitted a development application for the block of land at 146-148 Gan Gan Road, Anna Bay, proposing a four-pump petrol station and convenience store on behalf of Anna Bay Petroleum.
The $1.5 million development is proposed for a currently vacant 1362 square metre block with no previous development application history.
Boat Harbour resident Archie Wilson said the proposed development would create traffic havoc and impact the village feel that locals and visitors love.
"The traffic issues would be absolutely horrendous," he said.
"As it is, the road is too narrow and there is a very narrow shoulder.
"Residents are proud of the village atmosphere here. It is not industrial and you don't have trucks rolling through the place.
"It is about preservation of that."
Mr Wilson said a service station would have a big impact on adjacent businesses and nearby homes.
"There is residential areas across the road and businesses will be affected by fuel smells."
He said the area was already serviced by a petrol station less than 100 metres away that was "underutilised" as there was also a station on nearby Nelson Bay Road.
Mr Wilson said the community would be better served by retail spaces such as shops, cafes and restaurants.
"This is not just a 'not in my backyard' mentality, we want development in Anna Bay, but we want it to add to the community and enhance the village atmosphere," he said.
"And a drive through 24/7 petrol station and cafe doesn't make sense."
Application documents say the service station will operate independently as a Metro Petroleum franchise and will offer a drive-through option.
"Metro at Anna Bay will provide a point of difference from traditional service station developments due to the added benefit of a drive-thru convenience store component," the operational management plan states.
"Food and drink (hot and cold) purchases can be made within the drive-thru lane in addition to paying for fuel.
"The proposal, open 24/7, will provide great value, top-quality products, and exceptional customer service, making it an invaluable service and economic boost for the local community in an ideal location within the town centre."
The developers say in the documents there would be "no adverse impact on the existing character or amenity of the area".
But there are already 34 formal submissions against the application as of May 20.
One submission echoed the traffic and safety concerns of Mr Wilson.
"There is already a service station across the street in Anna Bay, plus a service station just outside Anna Bay on the Nelson Bay Road," the submission said.
"Both have ample capacity to serve the community during peak and off-peak holiday periods.
"This would cause major traffic congestion as the road is very narrow with current inadequate parking already.
"The street is already too narrow for people to safely exit and enter their cars; this will make the safety situation worse."
Another submission called for council to update its town centre planning for the area.
"Given the growth of the area and the changing needs of the community, it seems essential that any major development within the town centre be assessed against an updated vision for Anna Bay before approval is considered," the submission said.
"This large parcel of land sits in a key main street CBD location within a small coastal town and, in my view, could be utilised far more effectively.
"Port Stephens Council only gets one opportunity to shape this important site properly, and I believe a service station is the wrong development for such a prominent location.
"Instead, this site could accommodate development that contributes more positively to the local economy, tourism appeal, and community lifestyle."
