Residents up in arms over plans for estate

A plan to build condos on a north London estate is stirring opposition, with neighbours worried the move will harm the environmentally sensitive area.

One estate house sitting on 0.8hectares of land at 161 Windermere Rd. could give way to five condos too much housing, neighbours fear.

Such a project would change the character of this unique area, near the Medway Valley Heritage Forest and Medway Creek, Linda and Michael Grace say in letter to the citys environment and planning committee.

The committee is scheduled to hear a rezoning bid Tuesday to allow the development.

The area has large lots and the development could open the door to similar projects in the area, neighbours fear.

We have observed many deer, wild turkeys and even a fox on our properties, they say, adding the area has important natural features and should not be used for gazebos, fire pits, etc.

The site is home to a large stand of stately, mature trees that neighbours worry could also be lost.

The Windermere Rd. plan is one of four proposed condo developments on Tuesdays agenda, with 192 total units to be decided on.

City planninng staff is recommending the Windermere Rd. land be rezoned and the development allowed, since five detached condos on a large land parcel is consistent with infill development favoured by the city, said Terry Grawey, the citys manager of development services.

It is designated in the official plan for low density, and in its current state it is under-used and appropriate for infill, Grawey said.

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Residents up in arms over plans for estate