Zoning for the section of land surrounding the west and south of the racecourse covering 17 existing lots, but with the potential for up to 100 houses, changed from predominantly horse racing purposes to low density residential in 2013.

A developer attempted to test the zoning last year with plans for a four-lot subdivision at the corner of Brickendon and Marlborough streets, but it was withdrawn due to possible stormwater issues.

A group including a former Melbourne Cup jockey, a Longford community leader and a vet believed the zoning meant it was only a matter of time before further subdivisions were attempted.

They have started a petition to the council calling for the land's zoning to be returned to its previous state, with a target of 1000 signatures.

Neil Tubb, of the Longford Local District Committee, said the land was used for vehicle and horse float parking for fortnightly trials and the annual race meet on New Year's Day.

He said it would be impossible for the racecourse to survive if housing was allowed to be developed on the land.

"This race track has a very poor capacity for on-site parking, so even on trial days, there's not sufficient room on course for trainers to park their floats," Mr Tubb said.

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"If you come around here on any trial day, you'll find lots of floats and lots of vehicles on the surrounding roads here. At the moment, that's not a problem because we have an understanding community here of basically horse people.

"Once this becomes residential, there will clearly be conflict. People will not tolerate the degree of road congestion."

The land is a mix of stables, former horse training properties and vacant lots used for parking, some of which has been bought in recent years by a property developer.

The southern portion of Longford has been earmarked for growth in residential development.

Mr Tubb said there was no other nearby land available for parking and access, but plenty of other land available for housing.

Michael Morris, who runs the Longford Equine Clinic near the racecourse, said previous Northern Midlands councillors had ensured a buffer remained near the racecourse, but this appeared to have changed.

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He said the loss of racing at Deloraine showed how quickly it could happen if "people don't get behind it".

"I'm fearful a similar thing might happen here if we don't get in early. It'll be too late if we allow development next door," he said.

"It'll just be a slow but steady progression and the race track will have a slow death."

Jockey and Longford racing identity Max Baker, who ran third in the 1974 Melbourne Cup, said it was concerning that further efforts weren't being made to prevent development alongside the racecourse.

"Where else are they going to go if this is not a training track? For the racing industry this has got to be kept," he said.

Northern Midlands mayor Mary Knowles said the council had a role in both considering the concerns of the community and acting as a planning authority.

She said the future of the Longford Racecourse was a matter of significant importance for the council.

"Some of the land can be subdivided - that is true - but the whole area has to be sympathetic to the use of the racecourse," Cr Knowles said.

"We are sympathetic to that area and its needs.

"We have to look at any development application that comes before us however they're put in, but we will be sympathetic to the community's interests."

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