Red Deer’s municipal planning commission has rejected plans for a 35-unit, three-storey condominium complex in Vanier Woods.
Mason Martin Homes wanted to develop the project at 150A Vanier Dr., and was seeking an 18 per cent relaxation of the minimum required lot area and a more than 50 per cent relaxation of the minimum required side yard setbacks.
Its proposal also contemplated that a laneway on the south side of the property would serve as the primary means of access to underground and surface parking on site.
The application originally came before the commission on May 28, at which time Mason Martin president Hugh MacBeth said that his company had obtained site development approval for 38 townhouse units at 150 Vanier Dr. in 2007.
The condominium was expected to follow in a subsequent phase, but was delayed as a result of the economic downturn.
The townhouse portion of the property has a substantial green area, but because the units there have been sold it can’t be applied toward the condominium’s requirements.
The commission tabled the application so that a solution could be sought, but when the matter returned this week, it was voted down. Commission members cited concerns about the large relaxations being sought, vehicle congestion and safety issues resulting from the parking and roadway design, the impact on homeowners to the south, and uncertainty related to a letter from the condominium association representing the townhouse owners that an amenity area there would be shared with the new condominium.
A number of adjacent property owners had objected to the project, with two speaking out against it at the commission’s meeting this week.