"It's an inner-city style development in a regional area," he said.

Mr Twohill was one of 13 people who made their feelings known to Port Stephens Council this week. The units were scheduled for discussion at Tuesday night’s council meeting.

"We're talking about a loss of amenity for the people of Mallabula," Mr Twohill said.

"I don't think they're going to attract the right kind of people."

The two storey units would be built in two blocks of six with a shared driveway in between.

Eleven of the units are two bedrooms and the other is three bedrooms - each of them with a garage, plus parking for a further four visitors.

The council’s development assessment and compliance section manager Matthew Brown noted the objections in a report to councillors but said the development adhered to the local environment plan.

“Whilst the density of the development is higher than that which exists in the surrounding locality, primarily due to the smaller size of the dwellings; the style of the dwellings being low maintenance, provides alternate housing options in the area,” he wrote.

Cr Steve Tucker said residents considered it an over development of the site .

"There are concerns that 25 people trying to get out through the one driveway in a fire is dangerous," he said.

A previous development application in 2009 for nine units was withdrawn when the council recommended the site have no more than seven units on bush fire safety grounds.

But the council's planners have recommended approval of new plans by way of a 15 meter buffer between the units and the Tilligerry Habitat Nature Reserve. The planning staff also stipulate that the north, west and south elevations should be built to withstand ember attack and some flame contact.