A new subdivision is being proposed for Westsyde and the City of Kamloops wants to know what locals think.

A proposed six-lot subdivision on nine hectares of land across Westsyde Road from the Dunes Golf Course needs to be rezoned, which means the public gets to have a say during an open hearing.

The current agricultural zoning allows for parcels no smaller than eight hectares. The developer hopes to offer one-hectare parcels, which requires a country residential zoning.

But the change in zoning does not mean fewer agricultural opportunities, according to a staff report. That's because the property is not in the agricultural land reserve due its steep topography. Limited water kept the land from being considered for development in the past but that situation has recently changed, states the report.

"With completion of upgrades to the Noble Creek water system in 2010, some additional development potential in the area (approximately 19 new service connections) has become possible," stated Marvin Kwiatkowski, Kamloops development and engineering services director.

The site is not entirely without complications, however.

Potential rockfall at the southwest corner of the lot led to a geotechnical assessment, which determined the hazard to be "very low," according to the staff report. But some mitigation measures were still recommended, including barring development on the more hazardous portions of the lot.

"Subject to these required measures, staff are if the opinion that the proposed lots can be safely built upon," states the report.

It remains to be seen, however, whether neighbours agree.

On Tuesday, Kamloops City council will determine whether to allow the issue to go to public hearing.