Mr Miller, was a commercial and industrial property agent, he brought the rural property, tipped for the multi-million dollar subdivision, and moved to Laggan around eight years ago.

However, the proponent said he had driven a wedge between the community and has abandoned the plan. He admitted he was beaten by a well-run campaign spurred by opponents of the project.

"In this business, when you get a project that just doesn't work, you just walk away to the next one," Mr Miller said.

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He would not resubmit an application.

Mr Miller said he was unmotivated by profit and had proceeded with the project to bring life back to the village. He had hoped to encourage young families to Laggan, to help support the local businesses and the public school.

He said, he would strongly support any alternative plans to encourage growth in the village.

Opponents to the subdivision said village infrastructure needs to be improved to support a larger population.

They identified issues that included health and aged care, mobile phone coverage, public amenities, and water infrastructure.

One resident said a housing development of this scale would undermine the character, heritage, and tourism value of Laggan village.

She was also concerned about absentee landholders.

"They won't contribute in village-life shared responsibility around issues such as bushfire prevention, pest and weed control," she said.

In 2018, the Upper Lachlan Shire Council staff approached Mr Miller with the concept of the use of his parcel of land. It was during the planning phase of the Local Strategic Planning Statement (LSPS) which outlines the prospective development for villages within the local government area.

"Laggan and Taralga were identified as tourist areas, and our land, and other land around the village, was identified as suitable," Mr Miller said.

"It identified our land as being in two parts, the first bit, right up against the village, for one-acre blocks, or 400 square metre blocks, primarily for single-family homes. The five- and ten-acre blocks, its a different market, and ringed the village as it goes further out.

"The best place was on our land on the northern side of the village to encourage activity in the village," he said.

The LSPS identified growth areas within the villages and opportunities for housing and population.

In a recent mayoral column, Mayor John Stafford stated that the council would continue to work with the community.

"The developer's initial interest in investing in this community, and the concern for the community behind his decision to withdraw the application, are to be applauded," Cr Stafford said.

"The topic of development in Laggan remains a discussion point, and central to that discussion is what form of rezoning or development, if any, does the Laggan community want?

"Let's ensure that further opportunities to grow and enhance Laggan, and indeed all our villages, are realised in a way that meets the expectations of the majority."