Councillors approved at their meeting this week a staged subdivision of 172 lots at Ironstone and Weeks roads.

Officers had recommended the councillors refuse the application because it was “incompatible with the general character of the area” and it failed to meet a planning overlay.

A development plan overlay restricts lots to at least 4000 square metres.

But the proposed lots range from 470 to 1700 square metres, with a majority about 750 square metres.

There were four objections to the planning application.

Councillors presented an alternative motion to support the development and councillor Rod Fyffe was the only person to vote against the approval.

“We are getting the cart before the horse,” Cr Fyffe said.

He said he had “no problem with the subdivision” but the council should follow its planning processes.

Cr Fyffe said the council should have rejected the application this week and held consultations with the community before removing the overlay.

“What I think we should be doing is allowing the removal of the overlay before this (planning application) comes to council,” he said.

“Yes, I know this is going to take time; yes, I think it is something that we should be doing.

“This is one way we should and could consult with the community.”

His fellow councillors said removing the overlay before approving the development would set the project back 12 months.