Prince Williams’ development firm behind plans for a 2,500-home estate has been accused of taking “a laissez-faire” approach towards transport.

The masterplan for the Duchy of Cornwall’s massive housing project next to Brenley Corner in Faversham was finally unveiled in March after years in the pipeline.

Funded by the crown estate, the Duchy says its sprawling South East Faversham scheme will create a walkable community and “destination for employment and leisure activity”.

The developer also says the new estate will address housing shortages and create one of the most environmentally-friendly “net zero” neighbourhoods in the UK, while “complementing the unique historic character and identity of Faversham”.

It also claims the development will generate at least 20% fewer car trips compared to estates of a similar size by encouraging public transport use and active travel.

However, a transport and highways review commissioned by Faversham Town Council in response to the scheme has taken issue with the Duchy’s claims.

Consultancy firm Railton says in official papers the Duchy "adopts a laissez-faire approach to transport provision".

The Berkshire firm's recent report claims "the overall transport strategy is not consistent with the oft-repeated ‘Duchy of Cornwall Approach’.”

By the Duchy’s admission, the firm says, bus companies will not divert existing services throughout the site.

Railton argues current plans will not “provide a convenient mode of travel for those living and working in much of the proposed development”.

The transport expert also warned that “for the majority of residents walking will not be a feasible mode of travel to the town centre, the railway station and secondary schools”.

Railton’s official report says: "It is unlikely that any significant proportion of trips outside of the site would be undertaken by bicycle.

“It is proposed to introduce a shared footway/cycleway along the A2 but close scrutiny of the proposals reveals them to be sub-standard and potentially hazardous for both cyclists and pedestrians.

“Access to the railway station is constrained by its distance from much of the site and the need to cross-stepped bridges.

“The vast majority of the proposed development lies further from the station than any other existing parts of the town.

“There is a clear inverse relationship between train use and distance from the station.

“The potential level of train use by those living and working in the proposed development should not, therefore, be overestimated.

"The parking strategy for the proposed Phase 1 development includes parallel parking spaces adjacent to the A2. These are likely to lead to highway safety problems as drivers stop within the carriageway to reverse into spaces and seek to u-turn on the A2 carriageway."

Due to the phased nature of the works, it was also argued residents who move in early would “establish travel habits that are not sustainable that will be difficult to overcome once the site as a whole is developed”.

Stretching from the M2 to Salters Lane and the A2, the 320-acre development will also bring a new primary school, a cricket ground and a hotel if approved by council bosses.

Land owned by Prince William – and formerly belonging to his father King Charles III – has long been earmarked for housing since it first came into the Duchy’s ownership more than 20 years ago.

The scheme has been objected en-masse by residents, with the town council proving to be no exception.

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It says it will endorse the report, reiterate its objection to Swale Borough Council and request the applicant reconsider the provision of public transport to and from the site as well as urge the Duchy to be more ambitious with its walking and cycling provisions.

Town councillor Julian Saunders (Lab) said: “The Transport Review the town council has commissioned makes a coherent argument that the Duchy of Cornwall's estimates about the impact of private vehicle journeys associated with the site are optimistic and that it needs to do more to encourage public transport and active travel journeys if its current development plans aren't going to result in increased car use and traffic congestion.

“I am pleased that the rest of the town council supported my proposal, that as well as endorsing the report, we ask the applicant specifically to reconsider the provision of public transport to and from the site and to review its plans for walking and cycling provision to and from Faversham and make them more ambitious.

“If this application is eventually approved by Swale Borough Council it will be vital that the site has really good public transport and active travel links with our town centre and neighbouring towns.”

Mayor of Faversham and chair of the planning committee for the town council Josh Rowlands (Libdem) added: “The town council approving this report shows its commitment to making sure any proposal for large development in Faversham is scrutinised fully.

“When the town council objected to the application it decided to commission this report as we felt it was missing from the application.

“The report adds to our objection, and while we accept that there are positives in the application it is not currently suitable for Faversham.

“Our main concerns from this report are the lack of bus route included and clear walking and cycling routes to the town centre, that link up with one’s already in place.

“We hope to see the Duchy revise its plans with this and our other concerns in mind to benefit the town as a whole.”

Objections towards the scheme have been put forward for a variety of reasons.

Issues regarding loss of farmland and biodiversity and a lack of infrastructure and community needs ,such as doctors, have been cited as part of hundreds of objection letters sent to the council.

However, the project team behind the bid has previously claimed talk of a local revolt against the plans has been exaggerated.

Those behind the development say the Duchy’s royal connections make it an “easy target” and that the site of the proposed estate is “one of the most logical sites to put houses on”.

A spokesperson from the Duchy of Cornwall added on Wednesday: “South East Faversham will, if planning permission is granted, follow in the footsteps of Poundbury, Nansledan and other Duchy developments to become one of the most sustainable neighbourhoods in the UK.

“We have a tried and tested approach to developing communities that prioritise pedestrians over cars, creating walkable neighbourhoods with access to green spaces, local amenities and sustainable transport.

“South East Faversham has been designed with sustainable travel in mind, and it is anticipated car travel will be cut by an estimated 20% compared to a similar-sized community.

“Our transport planning is robust because it is the product of working with highly experienced transport consultants and highways engineers alongside ongoing engagement with official Highways agencies”.