Sechelt council denied a contentious clustered housing development proposal in Selma Park on Feb. 9. The move came after council heard great public outcry over the proposed plan.
The proposal from Synergy Homes was to build a 25-lot strata subdivision between Pam Road and Snodgrass Road in Selma Park. In order to build, Synergy Homes needed to receive a zoning bylaw amendment from the District.
At a public hearing on Jan. 19, the District of Sechelt heard loudly the concerns from neighbours about the subdivision. Sixteen people spoke and all were against the proposal. Concerns raised were the increased vehicle traffic on roadways already in need of repair, a self-contained septic system that could falter, inadequate parking, much higher density than what is currently in that area, a feeling the proposal didn't fit smart growth requirements and possible drainage issues.
"I'm not in favour of seeing something in that neighbourhood that the overwhelming voice at the public hearing was against," said Coun. Keith Thirkell at a Feb. 2 council meeting.
Other councillors made their case for and against the proposed zoning bylaw amendment. Those in favour cited the need for affordable housing, the need for more clustered housing in the District and the development's consistency with the official community plan as reasons to vote in favour of it.
In the end, council sided with the public, denying a rezoning needed to build the clustered housing development. The proponent will now create another plan for the area that fits within its current zoning. That proposal will come to the District planners for final approval.
