Neighbours appeal approval of low-rise development in London’s north end

The battle over a proposed low-rise apartment building in the city’s north end isn’t over yet.

Neighbours of the property at 420 Fanshawe Park Rd. E have launched an appeal with the Ontario Municipal Board.

The treed plot of land, which has been owned by a number of well-known London families over the years, including the Poole family, was cleared for redevelopment back in May after council agreed to change the land’s designation from low-residential development to medium-residential development.

In a report going before the planning and environment committee Monday, city staff say the four-storey, 142-unit development meets provincial standards, the 1989 official plan and the London plan, so they see no reason for city politicians to change their decision.

In the appeal, one of the neighbours, Lorrie Bristol, argued the new building would not mesh with the residential neighbourhood and traffic in the area would be negatively impacted.