Developers were previously banned from sub-dividing blocks to less than 800 square metre per property.

However state government changes to the overlay will allow multiple homes to be built on the same lot.

The government also introduced a minimum garden requirement, which will prevent high density developments, and a two-storey maximum height.

Ballarat City South Ward councillor Ben Taylor said there was uncertainty in the Buninyong community.

“This new amendment raises a whole lot of concerns that you no longer have to sub-divide, you can just put multiple dwellings on the one block,” he said.

“There is uncertainty now with the planners and there is uncertainty with the community – especially with Buninyong.”

The government announced the amendment to Buninyong’s neighbourhood residential zoning in March.

An independent advisory committee recommended the amendment following a review into planning zones.

The government hosted public hearings and councils, developers and residents had the opportunity to make submissions to the committee.

A spokesperson for Acting Planning Minister Lisa Neville said independent experts had found the former Coalition government’s approach to zoning was inconsistent.

“The new zones provide certainty for communities and spell an end to costly trips to VCAT, protect the much-loved Aussie backyard and ensure that Victoria can reap the rewards of population growth,” the spokesperson said.

“We're balancing the need to deliver affordable housing, while protecting what makes our neighbourhoods special.”

Cr Taylor said it was just a matter of time before developers started planning estates similar to those at Mount Helen or Mount Clear.