Victorian Planning Minister Matthew Guy announced on Tuesday that the state government would move forward with new residential zones aimed at guiding future housing development in Ballarat.

The areas highlighted for residential growth include central Ballarat and Wendouree, while the Canadian Valley was earmarked to be protected from inappropriate development.

Under the changes the areas will be rezoned as Residential Growth Zones.

The population in Ballarat is expected to soar from 95,200 people to 142,000 by 2031.

The changes have been met with mixed reactions by community leaders.

Ballarat Heritage Watch president Anne Beggs-Sunter stressed that any zoning changes that paved the way for high density development in the heart of the city must be respectful of heritage overlays and the neighbourhood character of Ballarat.

“Any concept of townhouse development or high density development needs to be appropriate and respectful of the heritage of the precinct particularly in the CBD area,” Ms Beggs Sunter said.

Commerce Ballarat vice chairman David Wright welcomed the zone reform and said it was his hope that changes would allow for an appropriate growth in residential infrastructure.

“The most important element to come out of these changes is the chance for further high density development in the CBD,” he said.

“I believe it is a certainly a great thing that will add to or increase the vitality of the city.”

Mr Wright said high density and residential development in Ballarat’s central region had been somewhat suppressed due to current zoning.

He said having more housing in the heart of the city would not only attract people to live in the region but also create greater activity for businesses in the CBD.

The approval of the new residential zones followed an extensive public consultation process with recommendations gathered from the Residential Zones Standing Advisory Committee.