AN environmental assessment for the tenth modification to the design and layout of the town was recently put under public exhibition and is now being reviewed by the NSW Department of Planning and Environment.

TMTFS spokesperson Martin Faulding said the group's submission to the Department of Planning called for "substantially enhanced public transport to support expected additional urban development."

"Failure of the design to promote public transport to access a major new public facility is disappointing given the development is located within 500 meters of the existing railway line,” he said.

“The environmental assessment for the proposed modification fails to consider public transport and rail access issues and is deficient in not addressing this essential element of urban design.

Mr Faulding added the group was calling for a redesign of the town centre subdivision to allow direct pedestrian and cycle access to Branxton train station.

Huntlee project director Stephen Thompson said that there was a strong focus on integrated public transport in the modification.

“Modification number 10, currently before the Department of Planning and Environment, does not in any way alter our commitment to integrated public transport, including connectivity to Branxton train station,” he said.

“That commitment is evidenced by our expenditure to date, in excess of $20 million, to improve transport infrastructure. Improvements include the major upgrade to Wine Country Drive which incorporates the provision of cycleways and pedestrian routs connecting North Rothbury, Huntlee and Branxton residents.”

Mr Thompson added that Huntlee was an example of good planning.

“We fully support the State Government's commitment to promoting the growth of high population areas adjacent to existing infrastructure,” he said. “The location of Huntlee, adjacent to the Hunter Expressway and in easy walking and cycling distance to Branxton Train Station, is a sound example of good planning.