Written By Jan Sims
KOMOKA - Middlesex Centre planning staff will be taking another look at a potential zoning change townhouse development on Caverhill Crescent in Komoka.
At its January 29th meeting, council supported a staff recommendation to give the matter further study.
At issue is an application for a zoning change that would allow the developer to build 10 townhouse units on a vacant parcel of land at 108 Caverhill Cres. The neighbourhood consists of single-family houses, and is located in the area of Oxbow Dr. and Komoka Rd.
The staff report cites a number of concerns by area residents. These include a higher density development not being in keeping with what was described as the “small town feel” of the area, the impact on property values, as well as traffic and safety concerns. Several residents appeared before council to voice their objections. A petition opposing the rezoning has also been submitted to the municipality.
Plans call for 10 two story townhouse units to front onto an internal private road. Each unit would be about 167 meters or 1800 feet in size and have a backyard with a minimum depth of 6 meters or 19 feet. There would be two parking spaces per unit, with two visitor parking spaces near the entrance.
The planning department report notes that the original request had been revised based on comments from staff. Specifically, the units were revised from three-storey to two-storey and the rear yard setback was increased. The report notes that details of the development plan are subject to change through the site plan approval process which would follow a zoning change.
Throughout the report, there are references to infill development, stating: “While there is general policy support for infill developments and increasing the range and mix of housing types… staff are recommending the application be referred back to staff… to explore opportunities to address concerns raised by the community as well as to explore the potential for a comprehensive development plan.”
