Councillors unanimously supported a planning proposal for Bomen at Monday night's meeting that looks to stop further residential intensification on the land in the southern edge of the special activation precinct.

Southern Oil Refinery managing director Tim Rose said this was a decision that would provide both groups in and around the industrial area some certainty after years of rehashing the same argument.

In the past six years alone, there have been several attempts at housing subdivisions in the Cartwrights Hill area that have drawn the ire of existing businesses - the latest being only last year where two applications were refused by councillors.

Mr Rose said residents and industry do not mix where truck movements, noise, odours and other activities are not conducive to people living next door.

"The decision just kept being kicked down the road by successive councils. At least now, residents would be able to make a decision based on a firm set of rules similar to businesses," he said.

"Residents and industry just don't mix. Wagga isn't short of land for a start. People have to live somewhere - we get that - but they don't have to be situated or reside near an industrial area."

Council's general manager Peter Thompson said the planning proposal is a necessary step to give clarity on what can and cannot be done outside the special activation precinct area.

"All the planning studies that formed the backbone of the masterplan have modelled noise, odour, dust and things that are typical for an industrial area," he said.

"If there were a densely settled area in Cartwrights Hill that SAP would not have gone ahead.

"The particular focus is giving a clear indication in our planning system that residential intensification of that area will not be the approach going forward."

While the proposal does not affect existing residents, Mr Thompson said it will impact the landholdings in the area.

However, he said this decision is yet to be determined with the Bomen planning proposal out for public comment and the council intending to engage industries, people living in the area, as well as those further afield.

"It is about clearly representing to the community what the intent is for that area," he said.

As there is a sense of urgency from the state government for the plans to progress, Mr Thompson said he would expect the council consultation period to move quicker than normal, but still be open for at least three months.