OAKLEIGH Ward candidates have called for the interests of residents to be put ahead of developers to protect the ward's neighbourhood character.

Sitting councillor Denise McGill was alarmed at the possible loss of residents' third-party appeal rights at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal and of three to four-storey buildings being built in residential streets.

"Real concerns exist relating to developer attempts at inroads into heritage precincts close to activity centres, where they want to build large apartment blocks. Once an area is lost it can never be the same again."

Cr Stephen Dimopoulos said there was no place for high-density development in Monash other than right in the centre of major activity centres.

"Subdivision of land needs to be done properly to protect local neighbourhood character and open space."

Candidate Raff Ciccone said he wanted to ensure that any developments were in keeping with local neighbourhood character. "This will ensure that we do not have situations whereby our streets are full of cars and unsafe for children to play. If elected, I will be asking the council to look at reforming town planning bylaws to [give] residents a greater say on major developments."

Greens-endorsed candidate Matthew Billman, who disagreed with the recent selling off of public open space by the council, said urban space needed firm legal protection such as that given to national parks.

"I support urban development that incorporates increased density of development in predetermined areas, in particular, major activity centres where public transport is adequate."

Theo Zographos said subdivision of large areas of land was not in the best interests of Monash but cases should be dealt with on an individual basis and consider the area's growing population.

"I do not support property developers building for extreme profit, without social reason or purpose. What we do need however is an emphasis on liveability."

Bill Pontikis said planning of such dwellings needed to be responsible and take into account the demand for housing.

Stefanie Perri said neighbourhood character and environment needed to be protected by matching planning policies to community expectations.

Felicity Zwalf said planning decisions should reflect the views of residents and be consistent with existing streetscapes.

Melissa Christodoulakidis said more open space was needed and that land subdivision was all right if done properly.

David Box, Martino Sifredi, Johnny Maddaluno and John Chen did not respond to the Journal before publication.