Owner Allen Taylor and Co. has applied for the Pindimar Rd, Tea Gardens plant’s woodchip cap to be lifted from its current 91,000 tonnes a year to 150,000.

Despite finding the increased production would mean “an extension of noise duration”, a report by Great Lakes senior development assessment planner Alan Bawden recommended councillors give the plan the go-ahead.

His suggested conditions include getting Allan Taylor and Co. to pay for a “concrete pavement” at Pindimar Rd.

But Cr Len Roberts was not sold on the proposal.

“We deferred and sort of voted against it last time it was up,” he said.

“There would be a doubling in truck movement from 25 a day to 50 a day. I’m not sure the council can approve it.”

Mr Bawden reported eight written objections to the plans, which expressed fears of more noise and heavier traffic, though the NSW Department of Environment and Climate Change “reported that no noise complaints have previously been received in respect to the plant’s operations”.

But Cr Roberts said the site, which fronts the intersection of Pindimar Rd and the Myall Way, could not support increased activity.

“You have to look at the impact it’s going to have on that corner,” he said.

“I personally support the woodchip mill, but maybe for a better site in the area nearby for that overall new volume of output.”

Mr Bawden claimed in his report that “the current road system has the capacity to manage the increased transport movements”.

Comment on the planned woodchip production increase was sought from the Great Lakes Environment Association, but not provided by the time of going to print.