"I have no objection to the proposal in terms of my understanding of it," Superintendent Noble told the court.

"I don't have misgivings."

Superintendent Noble gave evidence on Wednesday in a Land and Environment Court appeal by Debgar Holdings against Wagga City Council's refusal of a development application.

Commissioner Michael Chilcott began hearing expert witness testimony on Tuesday concerning the proposed Riverina Recovery House, a 12-bed post-detox facility at 199 Gurwood Street.

Solicitor for Debgar Holdings, Turvey To, asked Superintendent Noble how long it might take for police to respond to staff at the proposed centre phoning triple zero.

Superintendent Noble said based on the distance of "a quarter of a mile" between 199 Gurwood Street and Wagga Police Station, it would take "a handful of minutes at worst" for officers to arrive.

Superintendent Noble told the court that based on daily crime reports he was not aware of any persistent issues related to Calvary Riverina Drug and Alcohol Centre in Wagga. 

The council's solicitor, Stuart Simington, did not cross-examine Superintendent Noble.

Mr Simington asked the court that if it did find against the council to apply a 24-month trial period to the proposed centre.

"The concerns of nearby residents are not a trifling matter," he said.

Commissioner Chilcott adjourned the case to reserve his judgement.

"I will have to consider this case in significant detail; I will not treat it lightly," he said.

The owner of the site, Debbie Cox, said outside court that it had been "a very tough journey" seeking council approval over the years.

"We hope it goes through," she said. 

Commissioner Chilcott ordered Debgar Holdings to revise its proposed plan of management for the centre in line with expert witness testimony that called for Working with Children checks for rehab clients.

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