Approval for the development required that the developer preserve the facades of the houses on Dufferin, which date from the mid-19th century
The developer of a large apartment building in London has withdrawn an application to take down two heritage-designated houses on the property in the face of stiff opposition from heritage advocates.
Heritage advocates had written to the committee, asking council to block the application to demolish the buildings.
The demolition application for the houses at Dufferin St. was coming to Monday’s planning committee meeting. Developer Old Oak Properties is building a 652-unit apartment building which will take up a large part of the lot north of the courthouse along Dufferin, Talbot and Fullarton Streets. Approval for the development required that the developer preserve the facades of the two brick houses on Dufferin, which date from the mid-19th century.
Hours before the meeting, a planning consultant working for Old Oak, Zelinka Priamo, sent the committee a letter informing that the developer is revoking the demolition application.
After a careful review of the staff report and public comments, Old Oak Properties has decided to complete this project, with its heritage components, as originally approved by council, the letter reads.
The buildings won’t come down but the developer will be required to maintain the north and west-facing facades through a heritage permit application.
Councillors had also clearly heard from constituents.
We heard loud and clear the importance of heritage, said Coun. Anna Hopkins about the response to the application from members of the public. I’m pleased that it’s going to be withdrawn.
Coun. Shawn Lewis encouraged staff to move quickly on the heritage permit application, pointing out that more than 100 units in the building are affordable housing.
I certainly had some communications on this item over the last week or so, said Lewis.
