There was hardly a mention about the Southlands as council endorsed the proposed new Tsawwassen Area Plan moving to the public hearing stage.

On Monday, the civic politicians agreed to send the draft area plan back to staff, which will come up with a bylaw that's tentatively scheduled to go to a public hearing Oct. 26.

The new area plan calls for modest growth, explained community planning director Tom Leathem.

Some elements in the new plan that council may end up changing, based on their discussion this week, included the proposed four-storey height limit for buildings in the town centre. Several council members noted it would leave no incentive for property owners to redevelop. Coun. Anne Peterson described the limit as "a waste of vertical real estate."

Another issue was the proposed height limit for homes in Beach Grove and Boundary Bay. The idea of retaining a slightly higher limit for properties fronting the beach didn't sit well with councillors. Coun. Bruce McDonald noted the height issue should be examined for Ladner, Tsawwassen and North Delta as a whole.

The proposal to designate the power line corridor as a potential townhouse area was also discussed. Coun. Anne Peterson wanted to remove that provision but her motion was rejected. Coun. Heather King said she'd support such a designation if it meant a developer would have enough financial incentive to bury the power lines.

The new area plan calls for the designation of the Southlands property to be maintained as agricultural.

McDonald started off the area plan discussion by reading a statement expressing his disappointment that members of the Tsawwassen Area Plan Committee, which he chaired, were accused of being bias. He said there was a "win or lose" attitude by some in the community who also attacked staff.

The bylaw will come to council for first and second reading Sept. 13.