The 24-hour station to be built on vacant land on the town’s northern fringe will feature a takeaway restaurant with drive-through, a separate dining area and a convenience store.

A new intersection will be created on Holbrook-Wagga Road near Pinnabar Road to allow access, and almost 50 development conditions have been applied.

Mayor Heather Wilton welcomed the unanimous support of councillors and said there was “definitely” demand for a second service station.

“There was a little bit of surprise when it was first advertised – people thought, ‘Oh my goodness, another one’, but generally the community is very positive,” she said.

“People are looking forward, to the future economy of the town, and there will be a considerable number of jobs there. 

“I think it’s fantastic we’ve got an international company wanting to invest that amount of money in our shire.”

The cost of development is estimated at $8.3 million – $2 million higher than what was originally thought.

Two houses are situated in close proximity to the north-east of the site, with one homeowner writing a submission against the development, citing noise and light pollution and lack of privacy.

However it was recommended to councillors that the service station would likely not breach acceptable limits, and one of the conditions applied was that further screenings at the perimeters of the properites be investigated by the developer.

Further, council ruled that another development application be lodged relating to pylon signs with more detail. 

Cr Wilton said council wasn’t aware of which fast-food chains were being considered for the station.

“We haven’t been told about what business will go in there and it will be up to them to decide,” she said. 

“Every business brings advantages and disadvantages and this will be no different.

“I don’t think we’ve been advised as to when (construction will start), I think they will have gone home tonight starting to do their sums.”

There will be 134 spaces for car parking and space for 21 trucks, bringing the proposed site to a comparable size with the Caltex service station at the southern end of town.