Scaffolding started coming down from the building last month revealing unauthorised changes to the plans Orange City Council approved in 2017 and Peter Basha Planning and Development has submitted a modification application to legalise them.

Metal screens planned for the twin balconies were deleted in favour of burnt orange paint, which has also been used on Quest's Albury and Glendale buildings.

The building was initially intended to be a mix of taupe and dark grey, in order to keep the heritage-listed Great Western Hotel and Canobolas council chambers prominent.

Consultant Urbis Heritage contended the metal screens were an "unusual" architectural item in Kite Street and the colour reflected traditional brick and terracotta.

"Council's concerns that the vertical screens were intended to address the bulk and scale of the building were noted," the report said.

"However, it is submitted that the bulk and scale is well addressed by the design as a whole, minus the screens."

If approved, three retail tenancies would be able to operate from the Kite Street frontage, deleting six parking spaces from the car park.

The applicant also asked to remove a condition requiring the business lounge, conference room and gym to be limited to guests of the hotel, plus flagged an objection to pay more than $128,000 in parking contributions.

The report contended the motel had capacity for 77 spaces and calculated only 73 spaces were required - applying the council's rules would require 115 spaces.

"In reality, the peak parking demand generated by each component of the development is unlikely to coincide," the report said.

Basalt stone cladding on the ground floor was also deleted in favour of basalt-coloured tiles and textured paint, due to the short supply of stone and high cost, while glass balustrades have been replaced by perforated metal screens.

The applicant also asked to change bronze window frames to dark grey, with a letter from Quest stating the change was consistent with branding standards.

Neither of the motel's neighbours have voiced concerns about the changes.

Quest did not respond to requests for comment prior to publication.

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