Department of Planning and Environment deputy secretary Tim Hurst said the department had assessed the cost benefit analysis provided in the Mt Thorley Warkworth application.

“In addition, an independent expert review was undertaken by Deloitte Access Economics and the key conclusions of the analysis were supported,” he said in a letter to the Newcastle Herald.

“Additional economic modelling was also carried out following the Planning Assessment Commission’s review of the proposal.”

The Planning Assessment Commission is currently assessing the proposal for final determination and this will include consideration of economic impacts.