The Central Coast Council has approved a 24-hour unmanned Tas Petroleum fuel stop on Eastland Drive in Ulverstone.
Councillors unanimously approved the self-serve petrol station at their July 20 meeting.
The site will operate around the clock with no staff present.
Tas Petroleum already runs several unmanned sites across the north-west, with its nearest stations in Devonport and Burnie.
The Ulverstone station will be built on a commercial property that currently includes a takeaway food shop.
Three fuel tanks will be installed at the rear of the site and refilled by tanker about once a week.
Approval came with 25 conditions recommended by planners, including a ban on high-flow diesel pumps, daytime-only fuel deliveries and illuminated signs being switched off between 11pm and 6am.
Two households lodged objections before the meeting.
One argued a round-the-clock operation was inappropriate beside homes.
They said an unmanned site could lead to engine noise, loud car stereos, heavy vehicles and anti-social behaviour at any hour.
“The proposed fuel station is likely to generate a substantial increase in vehicle movements on an already busy street,” they said.
“This additional traffic will contribute to higher noise levels and further diminish the amenity and quiet enjoyment currently experienced by residents.”
Another objector challenged the developer’s lighting study, saying it was based on a single-storey home.
They said the nearest house was two storeys, meaning the boundary fence would do little to stop light reaching upstairs bedrooms.
Tas Petroleum welcomed the decision in an online post, saying it was “thrilled” with the approval.
“We’d like to sincerely thank the mayor, councillors and council staff for their professionalism, efficiency and forward-thinking approach throughout the approval process,” the company said.
“It has been a pleasure working with a council that supports investment and growth within its community.”
