In an amended development application (DA) currently on public exhibition, applicant Brothers Three disputed several requests from Orange City Council staff to address traffic and noise concerns and to make the building blend better within Lucknow’s village setting. 

Lucknow residents, including next-door neighbours Peter and Debby Campbell, had objected to the original DA, mostly due to the proposed 24-hour operation.

The applicant submitted an acoustic report, saying 40 decibels was capable of disrupting sleep, but the expected night-time noise at the Campbells’ property was projected at 35 decibels. 

The report recommended no night-time deliveries and turning the beep signals off at night. 

Mr Campbell questioned whether the acoustic consultant had measured the sound of an idling truck on their property boundary or compression braking. 

“The operating hours have got to be restricted – there’s a big difference between a truck driving through and a truck stopping to refuel,” he said. 

NSW Roads and Maritime Services was concerned trucks would block other traffic exiting the service station and trucks would exit at an unsafe angle. 

The applicant rearranged parking spaces to ensure the angle was safe and said signs would be installed saying no vehicles longer than 19 metres were allowed. 

It contended including a righthand turning lane eastbound off the Mitchell Highway was “unreasonable”.

Council staff requested pitched rooves for the canopy and main building – the applicant agreed to change the main building and the signage style, but submitted the canopy roof detail would not be seen from the highway. 

Staff also requested a change in the external colours, but the amended DA said the Metro colours were featured on other franchises nationwide. 

Submissions close on June 22 and council staff will assess the DA before it goes to councillors for a decision.