A controversial planned development in the south Brisbane suburb of Nathan for 750 units in an industrial estate is expected to be rejected by Brisbane City Council.

The 53 Fairlawn Street site had been the centre of community concern since a large-scale development application was submitted to the council in June 2017 for the nearly 70,000-square-metre site.

The development wanted to see a new residential area move into a current industrial complex.

The applicants had requested a change of use from industrial to residential, replacing a major vehicle distribution centre and warehouses with units, houses and retirement living about 10 kilometres from the Brisbane city centre.

In its submission to the council, the applicants had sought approval for a rezoning to low-medium density residential, with about 750 units and building heights of up to four storeys.