The proposed site, earmarked for Station Creek near the turn-off to Tea Gardens, was discussed at last month's ordinary meeting in order to continue the assessment and process of the development application.

The motion for an impact study was put forward by Cr Peter Epov. 

Cr Epov said he wasn't against progressing the proposal application but insisted the study would give all councillors more information on the economic impact.

The motion was an amendment to the original recommendation that council would support a full merit assessment of the proposal. 

Consultancy company Perception Planning town planner, Jeffrey Bretag spoke to council and outlined the advantages of having a service centre at the location.

He said the location would be ideal for northbound traffic, giving the proximity to areas such as Nabiac and Heatherbrae.

Mr Bretag added the site would help combat driver fatigue and encourage northbound heavy and commercial vehicles to have a rest.

The site would have an economic impact by creating jobs in all processes of the build, according to Mr Bretag.

As the proposed site was already clear of vegetation, Mr Bretag said there would be a reduced delay in the start of construction.

Cr Len Roberts declared pecuniary interest and Cr Karen Hutchinson declared a non-pecuniary interest in the item.

They chose to leave the council chamber for the discussion and vote.

Cr Roberts has a beneficial interest in the land involved in the application.

Council also noted advice from NSW Roads and Maritime Service (RMS) in relation to the proposal at the meeting.

The agency will not support the proposal, claiming the site would be contrary to a 2015 report, entitled Commercial and Retail Development along the Pacific Highway, North Coast, and the Great Lakes Highway Service Centre Strategy, created by the former Great Lakes Council in 2004.

Both Bulahdelah and Tea Gardens sites are unsuitable locations to house a service centre, according to the RMS.

The 2015 report highlighted the need to conveniently space out centres along the route and the concept that service centre sites are generally in the vicinity of bypassed towns.

This is so economic benefits, such as jobs, can remain.

A list of potential locations for a highway service centre is also identified in the report.

Tea Gardens is not one of them.

RMS originally flagged concerns with the site having legal access to the Pacific Highway via the Station Creek rest area but these have since been resolved.

The views on the planning proposal can't be considered a formal objection to the application as a gateway determination has not been provided by the Department of Planning and Environment.

RMS doesn't support a similar proposal at Bulahdelah as well.

MidCoast Council has identified the Tea Gardens site could create new jobs but also put pressure on business communities through loss of trade and possible jobs in Bulahdelah and Karuah.

The applicant for Tea Gardens has offered to enter in a planning agreement, specifically with MidCoast Council, to mitigate any negative impacts that may be caused by the development on Bulahdelah businesses.

This includes main street improvements such as landscaping, provision of additional amenities or infrastructure to support council's RV friendly town initiative, a business assistance package to help local businesses in areas like merchandising and marketing and a local promotions area within the service centre.

The offer has also been extended to Port Stephens Council in relation to impacts on Karuah.