Bathurst Regional Council planning staff have recommended the development be given the green light despite failing to comply with local planning rules in four areas.

The non-compliance relates to setbacks, siting considerations, car parking and the changing level of land, but a report to councillors by acting environmental planning and building services director Janet Bingham says variations to the development control plan can be justified in each case.

Adam Hart Constructions has lodged a development application with council to retain two existing dwellings at 131 Mitre Street and 276 Keppel Street and build a further three two-storey units.

The plan has angered neighbours in Keppel Street, Mitre Street and Moonee Valley Way who say it will dramatically change the look and feel of the area.

They object to a loss of privacy from the new two-storey units that will look into their backyards; they say the proposal is an over-development of the site that will create traffic and parking problems on Mitre Street; and Moonee Valley Way residents are worried their homes will be inundated by stormwater next time there is a heavy downpour.

Three mature trees – an elm, a eucalyptus and a cypress that neighbours say add to the amenity of the area and act as a home for native fauna – will be removed as part of the development and objecting residents also fear the new townhouses will leave their backyards in shadow for most of the day.

“We moved to Bathurst to live in a nice country setting but we would not have bought this block if we knew there would be townhouses over our back fence,” Keppel Street resident Jon Clipsham said.

“We’re not against development but we believe this is unreasonable development.”

Mr Clipsham pleaded with councillors to recognise that the proposed increase to residential density did not fit with Bathurst’s push to promote itself as an Evocity while another neighbour, Neil Murray, put it more bluntly.

“Is this a council for the people or a council for the developers?” he said.

Councillors will vote on the development application on Wednesday night.

It will be councillors’ final monthly meeting before September 9 election.