A turning lane for traffic heading toward Sydney on the Mitchell Highway in the middle of Lucknow was part of a previously-approved development application.

However the applicant changed their plans and instead has lodged a new DA for a smaller upgrade to the site without the turning lane.

Council was told the state transport body Roads and Maritime Services had no objection to the plan.

However Cr Jeff Whitton said eastbound vehicles, including trucks, waiting to turn right into the service station would create major delays for traffic and increase safety risks.

"Lucknow has a very high traffic flow, it's very narrow, there isn't any space for vehicles to overtake on the left hand side," he said.

"They are now saying the [turning lane] is not required because the floor space of the shop isn't the same size as the original DA.

"That has nothing to do with the vehicles driving in. The number of bowsers is going to be 20, the same as the original development application.

"It will also cater for trucks. If you have a truck that wants to turn right into that particular service station it may be there for a while, and so may the people sitting behind it."

Cr Whitton said people in Lucknow were concerned about safety on the road.

He said it might need a turning lane throughout the town and a reduction in the speed limit from the current 60km/h.

Cr Glenn Taylor said it would be a major upgrade of the site with increased traffic and the turning lane was necessary.

"It's a safety measure, it was in there before and it should remain there," he said.

Cr Tony Mileto suggested council should allow the development to go ahead without the lane and re-assess it after three months.

Council was also told Lucknow was one of the busiest traffic sites in the region taking virtually all traffic coming to Orange from the east.

Council is in favour of the DA for the service station site.

However it referred the turning lane and entrance issue to the RMS and council staff for review.