High-rise proposal behind Richmond Row gets thumbs down from city staff — will councillors agree?

In the midst of London’s housing crisis, a new report to the Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) is raising eyebrows.

In the midst of London’s housing crisis, a new report to the Planning and Environment Committee (PEC) is raising eyebrows.

City planners recommend council refuse a rezoning application by York Developments to permit a 22-storey, 214-unit, student-oriented residential building at the southeast corner of Ann and St. George Streets.

Among the reasons for the recommendation:

Neighbours who still oppose the plan say reducing the height from 28-storeys to 22-storeys fails to alleviate their concerns.

“It’s a complete disregard for the built structure and human structures that inhabit this community. This is a community,” says Ben Benedict, who lives nearby.

Anna Maria Valastro praises city staff for acknowledging the concerns of residents in the area west of Richmond Row.