SNL Building Constructions' original plan for the $23 million Dudley Road housing development was rejected by Lake Macquarie council because of issues with its size and character.

The proposal for 87 dwellings and four commercial spaces attracted a 1300-signature petition and more than 250 submissions opposing it.

SNL will lodge a revised, architect-designed plan with the council in a fortnight, which was pitched to the public at Charlestown community centre The Place last Wednesday.

The 200 residents who attended the meeting were told the new plan was still in the concept stage, with the number of dwellings likely to stay the same.

The changes included access to the Fernleigh Track from the Dudley Road shops and parkland. One commercial block has been raised from three storeys to four.

Burwood Road resident Troy Gore said the public's suggestions at the meeting were slammed by SNL town planner Wade Morris. "The worst part is, they'll try and pass this off as community consultation."

However, Mr Morris said he thought the meeting was productive.

"We presented for 30 minutes and we were there for two hours all up, so we spent a good amount of time building on their questions."