At a somewhat heated Muswellbrook Shire Council meeting on Monday night, councillors deferred making a decision on the proposed housing subdivision until August 26.

Residents in Hakea Drive, Acacia Drive, Weemala Place and Eurabbie Avenue are opposed to the development, which council hopes to construct a 20-lot Torrens title section, internal roads, infrastructure and landscaped public open space on 155-157 Maitland Street.

The locals argue the land is a reserve – and can not be built on.

Councillors rescheduled the matter to later in the month to receive more time to dissect information and seek legal advice on maps, which label the area as Admin Drainage Reserve.

One of the spokespeople for the residents, Luke Anderson, earned the ire of mayor Martin Rush during a seven-minute address.

After issuing Mr Anderson his third warning for being out of line, Cr Rush adjoined the meeting.

“This is not a circus, there’s a protocol to follow,” the mayor stated on his return.

“Council has to make tough decisions on a regular basis, often at some people’s displeasure.

“Public participation has resulted in changes to the original proposal.

“I thank those who have spoken tonight and at other forums.”

Earlier, Mr Anderson told councillors the Admin Drainage Reserve was well-documented on various maps, even council’s own website.

“Real estate agents are still using the reserve as a selling point,” he said.

“If the development goes ahead, where are children this side of town expected to play?

“The residents feel strongly against the proposal.

“Surely there is a better way for council to spend $3 million.

“I hope you base the decision on what is right for the community – because at the moment it doesn’t make sense.”

Eurabbie Avenue resident Dot Duggan, Acacia Drive duo Ross Howie and David Hartley, along with Weemala Place’s Louise Hosie, also spoke objecting the proposal.

“There is already too much housing development in town,” Mrs Duggan said.

“Other areas need to be addressed by council first.”

Mr Howie said he had been given assurances the “block” was a reserve when he purchased his land in 1989.

“There is no real reason to house this area,” he told councillors.

“It should remain available to the public.”

Mrs Hosie said council’s plans were a result of poor judgement.

“There are 289 houses for sale and 225 for rent in Muswellbrook, so from a financial aspect, why do we need another 20 more?” she said.

“Plus, there’s a significant downturn in the local area.

“We must stop relying on the coal industry to put food on our tables.

“Spend the money elsewhere – where it’s needed most.”

Mr Hartley also purchased his property in Acacia Drive “in good faith”.

“I was told the reserve could never be built on, which meant we bought our land at an inflated price,” he said.

“What about the 1200 blocks in Eastbrook Links, isn’t that enough?

“I urge council to do the right thing by the community.”

The issue is expected to be resolved at an extraordinary council meeting on Monday, August 26.