A proposed townhouse project that had to go back to the drawing board because city council objected to the design, is finally moving to the next step in the application process.
Council on Monday granted preliminary approval for the 35-unit development at 83 Avenue and 115 Street in order to send it to a public hearing.
The North Delta site contains seven, single-detached houses, which would be demolished prior to lot consolidation.
The new development would comprise eight buildings and the units would be accessed from driveways on 115 Street.
In December 2020, the initial application’s design immediately drew a negative reaction from councillors as being unacceptable and applicant was asked to revise the plan.
Wondering if Delta should have standards when it comes to design, Coun. Jeannie Kanakos at the time said the city’s new Advisory Design Panel would need to look at proposed housing designs as soon as possible in the application process.
The panel agreed to support the revised application on the condition the applicant work with the city to address a lengthy list of design recommendations by the panel and staff.
A 217-name petition in opposition to the project from 142 households was also submitted to council.
A staff report notes that during public consultation the comments in support found the most recent version of the design attractive and the new units would offer more housing opportunities as well as add residential density and could help address concerns about current maintenance and activities on the properties.
The comments in opposition included concerns about the change in neighbourhood character, loss of privacy and views, increased traffic, impact on access for residents of 83A Avenue, loss of street parking, overcrowding of schools and reduced access to local recreational spaces.
The report also notes the site has been designated in Delta's Official Community Plan as some form of multi-unit residential since 1995.
A hearing date has not been announced for the proposal.
