A development application for controversial dual occupancy lots in Southlakes Estate has been approved by Dubbo Regional Council. The plan is for two attached, double-storey units with three bedrooms. It’s located on the edge of the park at Southlakes Estate.

Speaking at the council meeting, Cindy Grey said she was "so sad" about the development.

"We've just found out that's private land, but it's been used as public land and it's been made to look like public land… Nothing has ever made that look like it was going to be anything but park land," she said.

"Had we known we wouldn't be [speaking at council]. We wouldn't be upset, we'd say 'okay, it's finally started'."

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There has been strong opposition to the development. Council received 14 submissions on the proposal. At the meeting there were also two speakers against the idea.

The biggest issue raised by residents is that they bought into Southlakes Estate believing the park would remain a park. The neighbours had no idea part of it was going to be used as a residential area.

However, council's manager strategic planning services Steven Jennings said the land where the dual occupancy units were planned to be built had always been private land.

Council CEO Michael McMahon said council had to follow the law, which found the development admissible.

"We can't take into account the marketing of the sites by the previous developer or the current developer. We can only take into account the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act," he said.

Ms Grey said everyone in Southlakes Parade had paid big money when they bought their lots, primarily because of the park.

Rick Klassens said the picnics and cricket in the park would stop because of the development.

He also raised concerns about the lack of parking for the units, as well as the foundation - which he said was a symbol of Southlakes - having to be reduced.

Mr Jennings said the application for the units included provisions for parking. There was also a proposal for a slip road, he said.

The site plan includes another three dual-occupancy units in addition to the two that have been approved.