The area, bordered by Pinjarra and Beacham roads, was zoned industrial development in 2003.

Residents in neighbouring rural-zoned properties said they were unaware of this when they bought their land.

An application for an outline development plan (ODP) for the industrial land was lodged with Murray Shire last November but as a decision was not made by the shire within the required period it was taken to the State Administrative Tribunal for review.

Residents along Cobb and Co Road, whose land backs onto the development site, raised environmental concerns at council’s July meeting.

Alan Jones said he bought his property on Cobb and Co Road because he wanted a quiet lifestyle and was worried the development would cause rainwater and groundwater pollution and noise pollution.

“We are fully reliant in rainwater, we don’t have scheme water there,” he said.

“I have put in $17,000 worth of infrastructure for rainwater and I have put in a septic system so I don’t contaminate the groundwater and that cost me $10,000.

“I don’t see how they can approve a development that will just negate everything I have done.”

Murray Shire planning and development services director Rod Peake said the approval of the ODP would be subject to a plan to minimise the impact of noise, dust, and rainwater and groundwater contamination.

His report to council said there would be community consultation prior to any subdivision or development of the land.