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Neighbourhood opposition continues with city politicians set to decide on Tuesday the fate of an apartment building proposed in west London.
A four-storey, 55-unit apartment building is proposed at 539 and 543 Topping Lane, located in a residential area in London’s Berkshire Village neighbourhood. It was endorsed by council’s planning committee and is due for final approval by full council.
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But the resistance from some neighbours continues, with Kim Benke urging city politicians to reconsider after she presented a petition that garnered 60 signatures from residents who are opposed to the plan.
“I know that city staff and (politicians) are working hard to build more housing units,” Benke wrote in a letter to Mayor Josh Morgan and shared with The London Free Press.
“It is proposed to put 55 units of those on my street, to replace two houses. That’s a ridiculous amount of intensification, and at the expense of 30 mature trees.”
Rezoning was required for the project and the builder sought exceptions for density, yard depth and height on the land.
Benke’s letter said she understands the need for more housing in the city, but cited concerns with the proposed building such as a lack of parking – 47 spots for 55 units – and the height of the building in comparison to the surrounding homes.
“All the buildings near us are townhomes and bungalows,” Benke wrote.
Mike Davis of Siv-ic Planning and Design spoke recently on behalf of the developer, South London Investments Inc., and acknowledged that after public consultation, residents had concerns.
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“We did not reach a consensus, I would say, with surrounding neighbours, but we did work really hard to provide quality information, ask for thoughts and opinions and be transparent with residents about how we were making decisions,” Davis said at the planning committee meeting earlier this month.
Benke’s letter makes it clear the scale of the building is what has drawn neighbour opposition.
“The neighbourhood is ready for more townhomes,” Benke wrote. “We’d be fine with a smaller apartment building. We really just want normal neighbourhood setbacks and some protection for our trees.”
Council will vote on the proposal at Tuesday’s meeting.
bwilliams@postmedia.com
@BrianWatLFPress
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