Executive manager of planning, environment and lifestyle Bernie Mortomore said feedback the council received during the public exhibition period would be considered. 

“Any comments received from the public consultation process will be taken into consideration as part of the assessment process,” he said. “There has been no comprehensive assessment to date.”

The developer wants to build a 228 site facility “comprising pre-manufactured movable dwellings for permanent occupancy,” according to the Statement of Environmental Effects prepared by ACM Landmark Land Development Consultants.

The plan is allowed, with council permission, under the current RU2 zoning. Residents who live opposite the site, and in nearby streets, have voiced concerns.

Many who joined the conversation on the Mercury’s Facebook page said the proposal was for a conglomeration of pre-manufactured low-cost housing for permanent residents. 

Nearby community members also said they were worried about increased traffic, the impact on the area’s rural amenity and land values.

More than 300 of them have signed a petition against the proposal. 

Mr Mortomore said the council would assess the proposed location as part of its investigation.

“Any issues that arise due to location will be taken into account as part of the assessment process,” he said.

Plans for the facility come after calls for a caravan park in the city that will cater for the modern traveller. 

Mayor of Maitland, Cr Peter Blackmore, and Cr Procter have both publicly called for a new park to help meet a niche in the city’s accommodation market.

Cr Procter said there were many elements for council staff to consider in this proposal, including environmental impacts and proximity to the tip. 

“It’s still got a long way to go, it’s in the very early stages at the moment and it will take time for council staff to assess it,” he said.