While we accept that residential development on this large section of land is appropriate, the specific proposal for eight (8) double-storey dwellings constitutes an excessive scale that severely impacts the neighbourhood's character, surrounding properties, and critical infrastructure.We wish to formally object to the proposed development as currently submitted.
The proposed density of eight homes constitutes an overdevelopment that creates unacceptable visual bulk, completely failing to align with the existing, quieter residential character of Kirkwood Avenue and surround streets.
The development's height and concentrated massing an impact to surrounding properties including:
- loss of natural light to surrounding properties,
- loss of privacy to numerous surrounding properties.
-introduce unacceptable levels of noise pollution from increased activity,
- introduce light pollution from numerous windows and external fixtures impacting an asset of the area, the dark nightscape.
-visual pollution due to the sheer scale and concentration of dwellings and the proposal to remove some of its trees.
Kirkwood Avenue and surrounding streets are already prone to frequent surface flooding. The construction of eight new homes, with their massive increased collection of water will cause negative impact of excessive amounts of water into the street and water systems which is guaranteed to overwhelm the existing drainage system. This excessive proposed development will potentially lead to a physical impacts on neighbouring properties and inevitable increases in our local insurance premiums.
Traffic is already a growing concern in the area with local residence already experiencing Kirkwood avenue as a default one-way street rather than two-way street due to increased traffic and on-street parking. The addition of 8 new residence will again increase unacceptable strain on our street(s). Creating additional safety hazards, noise, pollution.
We urge the Council to refuse this application in its current form. We request that the Council only grant approval to a significantly revised plan that minimizes the severe impacts on neighbourhood character, impact on surrounding properties and note the significant strain on local infrastructure that is likely to occur with the currnet proposal. Granting approval to this design would set a detrimental precedent for future high-density development in our area. Re-consideration to a maximum of 6- less impactful properties is suggested.
