Plans to build a 24-hour rail maintenance facility in Carrington have been approved by Newcastle City Council.
The council voted eight to three to approve the $4million development which includes extending a rail spur line and building three new workshops.
More than 80 conditions will be imposed on the project including restricting night operations to a single workshop and the construction of a 5.5metre acoustic wall along Elizabeth Street, Newcastle Herald reported.
A council meeting held last night showed concern around how the facility would affect locals.
Cr Michael Osborne said the council needed to support residents being exposed to industrial areas.
Osborne tried to limit the workshop’s operations to between 7am and 10pm on most days but was unsuccessful.
‘‘The residents that live across the road have a right to get a good night’s sleep … they have a right to enjoy their own home with a reasonable amenity,’’ Osborne said.
‘‘The fact that this is part of the port and part of the industrial area that we want to go ahead is beside the point.
‘‘We have to take account that people live across the road.’’
However, Cr David Compton said it was ‘‘vitally important that we support our industries and it’s vitally important that we support our communities that live in close proximity to them’’.
‘‘Given the applicant has made significant changes to attenuate the noise, I see there is no real reason we can reject this,’’ Compton said.
Image: theherald.com.au