A KNOX environmental group fears Blind Creek Reserve could be at risk after the council last week unanimously approved an application for a Boronia development.
The planned development, in Springfield Road, has five dwellings — four double-storey and one single-storey.
A report to the council stated the proposal was "respectful of the existing and preferred neighbourhood character".
While the council report recommended some conditions on the development's design, it said adjoining properties would not be affected unreasonably.
However, Friends of Blind Creek Billabong spokeswoman Fay Rimmer said people would get a "terrible shock when they see it going up".
Ms Rimmer said that, apart from risks to wildlife and vegetation, the development would also affect cyclists and walkers.
"To look up and see four two-storey dwellings...it might even stop them from using it. They come down here to get away from development."
While only four objections were received when submissions closed last March, more than 50 residents have signed letters and a petition objecting to the proposal.
Knox Mayor David Cooper said that in reaching their decision, the councillors had taken into account environmental factors.
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