Ballarat City Council endorsed the development 5-3 after more than an hour's debate.

About 30 residents turned out to oppose the subdivision, which is planned for a 15ha site at the corner of Springs and Longs Hill roads.

Residents expressed concerns about the impact the development would have on traffic, rural amenity, the environment and farming.

But the developer said those issues had been addressed and the development accorded with the site's residential zoning.

Springs Rd resident of 35 years Yvonne Horsfield said she was assured by the former Shire of Bungaree that the area would not be developed into a housing estate. It was subsequently rezoned from rural living to residential in

1998.

Mrs Horsfield called on the council to consider a development that was more sympathetic to the environment and residents.

"I just feel that the argument for a less high-density development would at least satisfy some of the residents who are very unhappy about it at the moment and I would encourage council having another look at the developer's

submission and giving it a bit more thought," she said.

Developer Peter Ludbrook said the group had met with stakeholders, including residents, over 14 months and amended the plans 22 times to address concerns, including reducing the number of lots from 121 to 110.

"It's residential zoned. We've submitted an application that reflects that zoning," he said.

"It will be a high-quality prestigious development which will add significantly to the area."

Learmonth Ward councillor Wayne Rigg tried to move a deferral motion to enable further mediation to occur between the parties.

But Mr Ludbrook said substantial mediation had already occurred.

He was supported by Mayor David Vendy.Councillors Vendy, Ian Jolly, Gary Anderson and Herman Ruyg voted for the development, with councillors Rigg, Innes and Jones voting against.

Residents have vowed to fight the decision at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.

A separate application to remove native vegetation so a sewer can be built must be approved before the development can proceed.