The original project was designed by architect and former Liberal mayor Michael Kitmiridis.

Part of the original proposal approved in December 2008 included serviced apartments and commercial suites for cancer and

leukaemia patients.

The nine-storey proposal was approved despite recommendations to the contrary by Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils (SSROC) concerning the scale, built form, and density.

The site, at the corner of Princes Highway and Lister Avenue, is owned by information technology entrepreneurs Peter Kazacos and wife Vicki Kazacos.

The amendment, approved on February 2, removed the commercial floor space on the upper levels, leaving three ground-floor shops.

Independent councillor Liz Barlow said removal of the commercial element from the development could harm the Rockdale's commercial centre.

Greens councillor Lesa de Leau said the project was contrary to the council's town centres strategy to revitalise the town centre, and was another example of the council allowing a "developer to determine what they want to do to maximise profit''.

The council's mixed use development control plan defines a balance of commercial and residential development in business zones. However, it does not apply to Rockdale, Brighton-Le-Sands, Bexley and Wolli Creek town centres.

Cr de Leau said this was a "missing piece'' in the council's strategic direction.

The amended plan was approved 10 votes to 2.

What do you think of the plan?