But while the total number of approved DAs rose, the overall value of the estimated cost of works dropped by more than $25 million.

There had been 2486 DAs approved before Christmas, up from 2311 last year. A small number were expected to be approved this week.

The estimated cost of works for the 2020 DAs totalled about $1.54 billion, about $27.6 million less than last year ($1.56 billion).

However the value of DAs approved this year was still $300 million more than in 2018, when $1.21 billion worth was approved.

While Lake Macquarie council and the Hunter and Central Coast Regional Planning Panel approved a near-record number of DAs for the LGA, applications also continued to roll in with about 400 more DAs lodged this year than in 2019.

There had been 2115 DAs submitted before Christmas, up from 1714 last year. In a sign many were for smaller projects, the total value of the DAs lodged this year ($690m) was $40 million less than last year ($731m).

There were 520 modified DAs ($690m) lodged, up in number (448) but down in value from last year ($792m).

"Ongoing demand for development in Lake Macquarie helps drive the city's economy as it continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic," a council spokeswoman said.

READ MORE: Council news across the Hunter

The spokeswoman said construction remained "one of the biggest employers" in the local government area.

"Expediting development applications and approving appropriate development throughout this period has helped retain jobs and grow our economy," she said.

Among the larger projects to win approval this year was Winarch Capital's plans to transform Morisset's old golf course into a tourism, entertainment and residential precinct.

In August, the council approved five of six DAs the company lodged late last year as part of its $235 million plan to redevelop the 92-hectare site.

A caravan park, residential village, water park and a restaurant/function centre were all given the green light, but a determination is yet to be made on the Cedar Mill concert venue proposed to cater for up to 50,000 people.

Earlier this month, the regional planning panel (RPP) approved Costco's $49 million plan to establish its first store outside of Sydney on the former Pasminco smelter site in Boolaroo.

Work on the retail giant's 14,000 square-metre warehouse and petrol station will begin in the new year.

Anglican Care's $33.6 million plan to build a 126-room aged-care complex to replace part of its existing facility in Carey Bay was approved by the RPP in July. The complex, which will cater to higher care residents, features a common room, café and therapy facilities. Work has commenced and is expected to be completed in 2021.

After four years of collaboration between the developer and council, the RPP approved plans for a $39 million mixed-use development in Belmont in November.

Fifteen existing lots will be amalgamated to accommodate the 120-unit complex, which also features more than 700 square-metres of ground floor retail space.

Lake Macquarie City Council's own plans to upgrade the Hunter Regional Sports Centre were approved by the RPP in May. The project, which requires state funding to proceed, includes a three-storey building, trampolining centre of excellence and an athletics warm-up area that would give the venue tier-one status.

An access road, parking spaces, and landscaping also form part of what is anticipated to be a two-stage project.

Arguably the most unique development to be proposed in 2020 was Rushfields, a mixed-use leisure centre that includes an indoor skate park, ninja sports area, wave pool, mountain bike and BMX tracks, basketball courts and other activities.

Applicant Allambi Care, which lodged a DA in October, said the centre would allow it to be less reliant on the public purse to operate its disability and community support services.

Green Capital Group lodged DAs for its Weemala at the Lake subdivision in Boolaroo as part of long-held plans to redevelop part of the former smelter site. The future estate is expected to house hundreds of homes.

Some of the larger developments completed this year included Spotlight Property Group's retail and commercial centre at Bennetts Green.

The $100 million project transformed what was a strip of undeveloped land on the western side of the Pacific Highway and created hundreds of ongoing retail jobs.

Further north, GWH's Highpoint development in Charlestown opened mid-year after a two-year construction period. The landmark building has 68 apartments and ground-floor commercial spaces.

GWH's proposed Macquarie Tower development on an adjacent site was also recently approved.

Elsewhere, the Water's Edge development by BLOC at Warners Bay began welcoming residents in March. The project had been in the works since early 2017. It features 112 apartments and more than 1500 square-metres of commercial space.

Cameron Park Plaza, a shopping centre in the burgeoning north-west Lake Macquarie suburb, opened mid-year. The $26 million development is anchored by Woolworths but will house a number of specialty stores.