CHIRNSIDE Park will be getting 178 new double-storey houses following a decision by Yarra Ranges Council to approve the development at a meeting last week.
The site, located on Kimberley Drive, is now vacant and has been earmarked as a key development site within the Chirnside Park Major Activity Centre.
A public park has been incorporated into the development design.
The application received 53 objections during the public consultation period, with issues raised about car parking, density, and amenity impacts on adjoining properties.
Speaking at the council meeting, Chris Pippo - on behalf of the landowner, Sunland Group - said they had taken the community's concerns into consideration and increased the setback distance for the houses, reduced heights and reduced the number of units.
Cr Richard Higgins, who put forward the motion to approve the development, said although the site was earmarked for a retirement village, it was the owner's right to build whatever development they liked as long as it met council requirements.
He said Chirnside Park was being presented with a "unique option" and that the plans showed houses that were of a "very high standard".
"Chirnside Park is going through some considerable change," he said. "This development is a gateway to the change."
Cr Len Cox spoke against the development, saying the plan was the "least interesting layout of houses I have seen in my life".
"The plan has 30 houses on the hectare, which is about as dense as you can go before you go to three or four storeys. I just think it is overdone."
The alternate motion that was carried included additional conditions for the development such as more privacy through highlight windows and screens, a cash contribution of $150,000 for the installation of traffic signals and a footpath plan.