A plan to build a 22 storey condo tower on The West Mall was rejected because it would be too close to Pearson flight path.
A plan to build a 22-storey condo on The West Mall has been rejected since the tower will be too close to the fight path used by aircraft flying in and out of Pearson Airport.
The building proposed for 710 The West Mall, just west of Highway 27, was nixed by the Etobicoke York Community Council for a number of reasons including being close to the busy airport.
An appeal with changes to the plan is underway.
“The site is subject to the Lester B. Pearson International Airport Zoning Regulations, which permit a maximum elevation of 219.46 metres above sea level,” according to a decision by community council.
An appeal with height changes is underway so developers can build the tower.
The council said the proposed development site can accommodate a tall building; however, the proposed 11-storey (34.5 metre) base building is too tall.
“The scale and height of base buildings should fit harmoniously within the existing context and respect the scale of adjacent streets and open spaces.”
The building was planned to accommodate 147 one-bedroom, 105 two-bedroom, and 30 three-bedroom units, for a total of 282 dwelling units.
The proposed development has a total gross floor area of 21,641 square metres, resulting in a density of 3.5 times the lot area, based on a site area of 6,191 square metres.
The building at 710 The West Mall was refused permission as is to build as it will affect flights using Canada’s largest airport.
The building’s developer is H&R Developments, architect Kirkor Architects Planners and Landscape architect STUDIO tla.
“The proposal does not have appropriate and supportable zoning standards, including, the proposed building height, base building height, and tower floorplates, according to council. “ The proposed development does not conform to the City’s Official Plan.”
The condo included 225 parking spaces for vehicles and 215 bicycle parking spots.
Pearson Airport on its website said any development, including buildings, cell towers, antennae, high light masts etc., close to the airport are affected to federal airport zoning regulations.
The huge aircraft require much space and distance to land or takeoff safely at the airport, which caters to 1,300 flights daily.
“Land use compatibility policies must be reviewed as part of municipal site plan review process or prior to starting any construction activities for those developments that are not subject to municipal site plan approval,” according to the website.
The airport is Canada’s largest and busiest with five runways and three passenger terminals as well as facilities for both airport staff and passengers that come through the airport. There are more than 1,300 daily arrivals and departures from the airport that provides service to more than 180 destinations across six continents.
As many as 130,000 passengers use the airport daily.