A proposal to build four homes with coach houses on two North Bluff Road lots has been stopped in its tracks.
White Rock council voted Sept. 9 to deny a request to amend zoning that would have facilitated the project at 14022 and 14034 North Bluff Rd.
But proponent Milt James promised the roadblock is not the end of the matter.
“If they turn this down, I’ll have to look back at commercial again,” the senior said during a public hearing on the proposal held immediately prior to the council meeting.
James, who lives in South Surrey, had requested rezoning from the current one-unit residential designation in order to facilitate the project. Opponents cited concerns including increased density and the impact on green space.
In discussing the application, council members also voiced concern with the project’s density.
“I just can’t support it,” said Coun. Larry Robinson, noting his concern is with the coach houses, not with subdivision of the lots.
“I don’t think we need that much density in this area.”
James, however, disputed that it would have the suggested impact.
“It’s not increasing density very much, it’s just giving a different concept to White Rock,” he said during the public hearing. “I think the coach houses should come. It’ll help White Rock. They can’t stick to condos all their life.”
Of others who voiced opinions during the public hearing, the majority opposed the application; in addition to James, two spoke in favour.
Architect Chip Barrett described the proposal as “a really good fit for this area… a busy neighbourhood centre with walkable services and transportation.” Barrett added that concerns heard in June around the possibility of basement suites being added to the homes after the fact have been addressed.
“The project will add to the residential character of the neighbourhood. It’s designed for families,” he said.
Council voted unanimously to deny giving the application third reading.