Angry residents say the 29 single-storey units that are proposed for Howard Street would not be in keeping with the character of the neighbourhood.

Andrea Metcalf, who has been living in her Strickland Street property for 27 years, said the housing proposal was not consistent with other homes in the area. 

She said there had been more than 30 objections to the proposal. 

“We are frustrated,” she said. 

“Most people bought or built into this area because of its semi-rural appeal.”

Fellow resident Jan Lloyd said she understood the acre block of land was going to be developed, but not to the extent where it would be subdivided into 29 units. 

“We have seen developments in the area – we are not naive enough to think that it’s not going to be a developed block – but not subdivided,” she said. 

Residents said drainage was also an issue, with properties on Strickland Street and Taylor Street subject to flooding after heavy rain. 

Mike Thompson, who has lived in Taylor Street for 32 years, said his house had become an “island” multiple times. 

“When it rains we get the water off the forest, golf course and the creek and it all backs up,” he said. 

At a council meeting last month, a development proposal at 46 Nolan Street in Bendigo was rejected.

The unhappy group of Epsom residents are hoping for a similar result at next week’s council meeting. 

Ms Lloyd said the Nolan Street proposal would have resulted in five two-storey townhouses being built on a block of land. 

“This proposal was disallowed by the council because it didn’t suit the amenity of the area and traffic was an issue,” she said. 

“We hope the council is consistent and the Howard Street proposal does not happen.”