Delta has given preliminary approval to a proposal by the Century Group to redevelop the former Southpointe Academy site in Tsawwassen.

The project, slated for the corner of 56th Street and 18th Avenue, includes 41 townhouses, a six-storey office building and a fourstorey, 64-unit seniors rental congregate housing.

The proposed development, which has been named Northgate, will be subject to a public hearing next week before Delta council considers final approval.

Coun. Sylvia Bishop, who voted against preliminary approval, said she could not support the sixstorey office building.

A public information meeting was held in January where residents voiced a number of concerns, including the height of the office building. Since then, some changes have been made.

"This project has a lot to commend it. It has mixed use, it pays attention to the desire for rental, it pays attention to a desire to look after seniors in the community," Bishop said, adding there are still concerns about the height of the office building and a petition against it has been submitted to council.

Bishop said she would like to see the height lowered. Under the Official Community Plan, a maximum height of four storeys is permitted in the area north of the town centre.

Mayor Lois Jackson said the OCP is "just a guide, not zoning" and every landowner has the right to request changes.

In its current form, the proposal for the seniors rental building includes a bridge to the neighbouring Coast Tsawwassen Inn in order to provide meal and laundry services.

The public hearing is scheduled for June 26.

jkerr@delta-optimist.com