A development application for the 1.7 hectare site on the Sydney Road, now before Bathurst Regional Council, also includes the construction of 33 storage units of varying sizes, eight shipping container storage units and three industrial units.

It is the second time council has received a DA to develop the vacant site on the corner of Nile Street after a previous proposal, lodged in 2014, sought approval for a 48-room motel, petrol station, convenience store, seven shops and a 111-unit self-storage complex.

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That development was opposed by neighbouring residents who feared it would adversely impact on the "village atmosphere" of the area.

The new proposal would also see a garden centre return to the high-profile site that was previously home to the Windyhill Nursery on the eastern approaches to Bathurst.

A Statement of Environment Effects lodged with the current development application says the site is eight kilometres from the Bathurst CBD and the proposal "is consistent with the existing area and would not impact on the context or setting in the locality".

"The proposed motel accommodation will be utilised for accommodation purposes, providing clients a room to stay along with a restaurant where occupants can eat and drink," it states.

"The adjacent proposed garden centre and café will provide the sale of plants, landscaping and gardening supplies and equipment accompanied by the café which will offer a place for clients to eat, drink and enjoy the surrounds of the garden centre.

"Rear of the site is a planned storage and industrial unit facility, with mixed volumes of storage spaces available for rental and storage."

According to the SoEE, all access to the proposed garden centre and storage units would be via Nile Street.

Access to the proposed motel would be via Sydney Road along a partially constructed take-off lane that is currently used for bus pick-ups and drop-offs.