RESIDENTS are furious at plans to build low-cost, high-density housing on a popular recreation area once earmarked for a new Cairns school.

Cairns Regional Council yesterday approved the subdivision of land in Irene St, Mooroobool, that for many years has been used by nearby residents to walk their dogs, fly kites and play with their children.

Melanie Jonsen – who lives directly across the road from the site with husband Neil and plays there regularly with her son Nicholas, 3, and daughter Charlotte, 1 – described the council’s decision as a "sad day" for all residents.

She claimed the 80-allotment subdivision was out of character for the area and would increase traffic on already busy Irene St.

"We play and fly kites over there," she said.

"A lot of people walk their dogs, kids fly planes as it’s one of the few safe open areas where they can play.

"We were staggered that it was earmarked for low-cost development as it is right next door to City View which is considered a prestige development."

Queensland Education abandoned its plans for a school on the site and sold the land in February to developer Dickson Properties for more than $4 million.

Mayor Val Schier said the developer was required to make some of the site available to first homebuyers in a bid to tackle the housing affordability crisis.

More than half the blocks will be below 600sq m, with the smallest 450sq m.

The council has requested a wider easement along a creek and a pedestrian connection to a park in adjacent City View.

Cr Kirsten Lesina backed the move to create more affordable housing.

"In today’s economic climate it is critical that house ownership is within reach of our community and within the practical means of payment for the average earner.’’

Cr Linda Cooper was not so sure.

"My concern is that in effect, council has rezoned to suit the housing affordability scheme, but we are not in a position to police if affordable housing will be delivered by the developer," she said.

Cairns environmentalist and architect Mark Buttrose said although he approved of high-density housing, he was against single residences on small blocks.

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