City of Ballarat councillors heard from eight registered speakers on a contentious planning application for a 10-dwelling complex, including 25 bedrooms in total and a basement car-park, on Monday evening. Almost 60 objections to the development sparked the special council meeting at Ballarat Regional Soccer Facility.

Plans feature five three-story and five two-storey residences on a block about 900sq m in size with 36.3 per cent garden space, including pathways, on the prominent corner of Boak and Eddy Avenues near Geelong Road.

Mount Helen resident Kevin Zibell, representing about 50 objectors, said neighbours knew development in the area was essential but that it must be compatible with the neighbourhood bush-like feel.

Mr Zibell told the open forum said Mount Helen’s trees and semi-rural feel was special, so close to the city centre, and promoted Ballarat as a liveable city.

“To me, the key factor is the number of bedrooms and level of occupants,” Mr Zibell said. “Maybe a quarter of the size, six or seven bedrooms, would be more appropriate.”

Mr Ziebell said residents were also concerned about a serious increase in road traffic if the proposal were to go ahead, particularly with potential for between 30-50 occupants. He said nearby businesses, including a dance studio and cafe, were already struggling with limited parking.

Dale Young, speaking on behalf of developers Beveridge Williams, contended the proposal was not an over-development for the region and it was in line with the City’s 2040 strategy for more housing and diverse housing.

“Just because it’s a different type of development, doesn’t mean it’s inappropriate,” Mr Young said.

He said there could be scope to modify the bulk of the third level in dwellings.

The meeting continued into the evening and council did not vote on the proposal.