Editor:
On page 2 of the Oct. 14 edition of the Optimist I saw a public notification asking for approval to build a three-storey home on Centennial Parkway.
I have noticed a growing number of pseudo two-storey homes being built in such a way that they are actually three-storey’s high. The Beach Grove area and Jackson Way are particularly popular.
A few years ago I noticed that the gables on some new homes seemed to be much higher. When I asked Delta about these now higher gables I was told it was just a roof design change. Then about a year ago I noticed that these high gabled homes had started sprouting a third floor. This was achieved by adding solid walls on the sides of the homes. Thus, we now have three-storey homes and they now have mountain and ocean views.
I brought this to the attention of mayor and council who said three-storey homes weren’t allowed in Delta. They would look into it.
According to Delta planning, these extra floors were merely “attics”. Except of course they aren’t attics.
Delta’s solution to this creative way of building was not to stop these homes being built, but to allow them. On an individual basis of course. But as we know only too well in Delta, these “one time” only land use amendments eventually become permanent.
These tall homes are being built as close as possible to the property lines and dwarf even their two-storey neighbours. They are huge and rob their neighbours of sunlight and privacy. Because they are “infill” housing the side neighbours have found themselves staring at tall solid walls and these huge homes have become lookout towers that provide them a great view of not just the mountains and beaches but of their neighbours’ backyards as well.
The special permit being requested is for an add-on to a single storey home that already exists. Council may very well argue that because the house already exists it won’t be a big change to the neighbours.
Don’t be fooled by that argument. Because a single-storey home exists there already will not change the fact that the finished house will tower over the neighbours. The extra two-storeys will still cast large shadows and rob people of sunlight and enjoyment of their private spaces.
Plus, I will stress this again, in Delta, special permits never stop at one, the precedent will have been set. Adding another storey is simply because it gives a view to properties that currently don’t have one. However, that bonus to a builder should not come at the expense of the neighbours and the neighbourhood.
Infill homes were never intended to dominate or provide views. How long will it be before three-storey homes become four because a builder wants to have a view over the three-storey homes that have been previously built?
Please write mayor and council to prevent this land use amendment (File No. LU009150) from passing.
Debbie McBride
