Palmyra residents successfully opposed a City of Melville proposal to substantially increase residential density across part of the suburb.

The council had approved a modified plan to downgrade zoning in parts of Bicton and Attadale but rejected Palmyra as an area for the same changes. More than 100 submissions were received opposing the Palmyra proposal.

The most controversial change would have increased zoning across part of Palmyra from R20 to R40, affecting an area bounded by Stock Road, Justin Street, McGregor Road and Marmion Street. Planning officers had targeted the area for higher-density housing because it was the lowest-density section of Palmyra.

Of 135 submissions received on the amendment, 130 opposed the Palmyra component. One submission supported the increase to R40, while another suggested R15 would be more appropriate.

Palmyra resident John Horton said the extent of opposition made the community's position clear and argued many elderly residents did not want further development in the area.

The council subsequently asked Planning Minister Kay Hallahan to approve the remaining amendments, including changes affecting Bicton and Attadale, while excluding the proposed Palmyra density increase.

Two separate amendments were also awaiting final approval, including one in Bicton that would combine four existing precincts under a uniform R17.5 residential coding, and another in Attadale reducing zoning from R20 to R17.5.