Mayor Peter Blackmore said the decision by federal environment minister Peter Garrett to reject the restaurant and accommodation project would not impact on Maitland in any way.

“Of course, it would be nice to go up to the lighthouse and have a look but this decision will not really affect Maitland,” Cr Blackmore said.

“Besides, I doubt if any of us would even have the money to have a meal there let alone spend the night. However, I would not like to see this important landmark be locked up and not looked after.”

Mr Garrett said his decision to not allow the development to proceed was because of the impacts it would have on the heritage values of the lighthouse.

“On balance, I believe this particular development proposal would significantly damage the heritage values of this Newcastle icon,” he said.

Maitland developer Hilton Grugeon said the Nobbys decision was “an interesting turn of events.”

“Mr Garrett has ignored the majority of the local people and pandered to a low minority.

“What gives him the right?” Mr Grugeon said.