A developer has been given approval for the first big housing subdivision at Mount Barker since the South Australian Government rezoned 1,300 hectares of farmland.

The Walker Corporation is planning to create 505 allotments on the outskirts of the town in various stages over the next eight years.

Mount Barker Council's development assessment panel has approved the project, subject to a string of conditions.

Council acting CEO Brian Clancey said the developer had committed to delivering specified infrastructure.

"There's a lot more detailed design work to be done on a whole variety of things, including the degree to which stormwater management will be required," he said.

Brian Haddy from the Mount Barker Coalition for Sustainable Communities has urged the State Government to rethink the extent of the rezoning.