The application for a 38-unit townhouse complex across the street from South Delta Secondary is a “significant departure” from the density permitted in the Official Community Plan.
Those were some of the concerns the Community Planning Advisory Committee had regarding the proposal by Maple leaf Homes to consolidate four residential properties at the corner of 8A Avenue and 53A Street to develop townhomes units in seven new buildings. The proposal also includes the developer acquiring and consolidating a small portion of city-owned land at the east of the properties in exchange for a portion of land from the northeast portion of the site.
Surrounded by single-family homes, the development requires a rezoning and OCP amendment from single-family to townhouse.
The advisory committee was told the building designs are intended to blend in with the character of the neighborhood. Although the subject property is 2.5 acres in size, one acre is encumbered by a B.C. Hydro right-of-way.
Committee members noted the development would have a significant impact on the neighborhood including the high school and adjacent homes. Other concerns included pedestrian and traffic safety, the removal of almost 70 trees, as well as the massing for the pitched three-storey building rooves being intrusive. It was also noted a significant number of public comments have been submitted in opposition.
Committee members, though, supported providing a different housing stock for Delta.
A motion to support the proposal, encouraging the applicant to address concerns raised, was defeated.
The application is at a preliminary stage and has not gone to council for consideration.
