City politicians delay proposed seniors home development in south London

A proposed seniors home in the south end is on hold after a city committee referred the development back to staff.

The development, at Baseline and Wellington, has been criticized by neighbours for being too tall after a shadow study revealed the proposed eight-storey building would shade neighbouring homes most of the day during November and December.

City staff supported the development, saying it would be close to future rapid transit and is near another site that was zoned for 16 storeys.

Coun. Jesse Helmer voted in favour of moving ahead with the project, arguing the specifications work.

“There’s been lots of talk back and forth on this application and I think it’s very unlikely that after so much time, that there’s going to be some discussion and all new development renderings and everything, especially when there’s a staff recommendation saying it’s appropriate so I think it’s appropriate, I’m not going to support a referral just to get a shorter building,” he said.

The proposed seniors home falls within Coun. Stephen Turner’s ward, who called for the building to be shorter.

“Here in this circumstance, somewhere between four and six storeys I think would be appropriate,” he said. “I think it is quite appropriate to have this type of building, I think the aspects with it are quite aesthetically pleasing.”

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "Here in this circumstance, somewhere between four and six storeys I think would be appropriate," he said. "I think it is quite appropriate to have this type of building, I think the aspects with it are quite aesthetically pleasing."

The planning and environment committee voted 3-2 in favour of the referral.

The issue will now go to full council next week.