The temporary units at Linwood Park were purchased by the Christchurch Methodist Mission off the Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust.
Guild St resident Rick Blackburn is strongly opposed to the development, which would be located across the road from his house.
“I am absolutely against it," he said.
"This is right in the middle of an established heritage or character area, which does not comply with the council’s code for areas like this.
"The site is not suited in any way, shape or form for this development. I recognise that social housing is a need, but a much better place for this would be the old Shirley Boys’ High School site,” said Mr Blackburn.
Said Christchurch Methodist Mission executive director Jill Hawkey: “CMM will comply with stipulated conditions of consent and all relevant building procedures, requirements and standards.”
“The application is going through a process to decide whether it requires public notification and if it should be granted," a city council spokesperson said.
“The application will be decided by a hearings panel, which will carry out deliberations in a public meeting.”