A development application for 114 Trail Street was submitted in April and proposes to transform a former single-dwelling lot into an eight-home complex of townhouse at an estimated cost of $3,366,550.

The development would border an existing 14-townhouse complex on Travers Street, bringing total residences on the corner to 22.

The high-density living is something residents have raised concerns about, but it may be the key to unlocking the affordable housing shortage plaguing the city.

Former chief town planner of Wagga City Council turned consultant Ian Graham said developments like these have a really vital role to play in the city going forwards.

"My argument as a town planner is that there has to be a limit to the urban expansion to meet housing needs," Mr Graham said. "Therefore it makes sense to increase housing density around the places of employment with access to facilities."

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Mr Graham said developments in Central areas address multiple needs for housing that other areas simply can't.

"To maintain affordability, to maintain access and cut down the journey to work and the cost associated with all that, and the need for increase infrastructure with roads and bridges you need the density in close [to the CBD] where you can handle it, if you can handle it," he said.

He said townhouses are particularly attractive because they are more palatable for home buyers still attached to the idea of owning their own house rather than an apartment.

"A townhouse development increases density but still maintains a fairly human scale [because] you can relate to two stories better than you can relate to eight," he said.

Wagga council guidelines stipulate that multi-residential developments be advertised to affected residents, while council determines which applications will be made available for public comment and viewing at Wagga Council Chambers on a basis of public interest.

A council spokesperson said the development is currently on exhibition at Wagga Council Chambers, and is accepting feedback submissions for the public on the proposal.

The documents and submissions are open from May 17 to June 2, closing on Wednesday.

Development documents show each proposed house would each include an incorporated double garage with an additional two spaces for visitor parking allocated on the site to allow for additional parking.

The homes will be three-bedroom, two-bathroom, each with a near-identical layout and design.

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