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The first phase tower will be set back 30 metres from Dundas Street, with a designed area in front meant to integrate with the Dundas Place streetscape. That setback would be allowed with a heritage alteration permit.

“We envision an entry to it as part of Dundas street,” said Priamo. “We worked with staff on lighting, surface, so it is a seamless extension of Dundas Place.”

The London advisory committee on heritage opposes the setback and the permit, saying it doesn’t like the gap-tooth appearance the setback will give the streetscape, and wants to see a heritage impact study as well as renderings of the streetscape, said Maggie Whalley, heritage activist and group representative.

“It’s not the best outcome. It would be nice to see a continuous streetscape on Dundas Street. Historically, that is what it would have looked like,” said Whalley.

The setback is needed because it is a narrow space and more room is needed for the tower, said Priamo.

“They (LACH) wanted the building to connect to Dundas Street and we could not do it. It is very narrow and we have a tall building.”

The development also was part of a $53-million lawsuit filed by Ayerswood and its owner Tony Graat against city hall claiming a proposed bus rapid transit hub adjacent to the development harmed the development. The city moved the hub, one block away. The action was dismissed last year.

The heritage alteration permit still has to be approved at city council.

The committee also lifted a holding provision for the proposed tower at 131 King St. by York Developments, so it also can proceed. York also has applied for site plan approval and once granted, can begin construction. However, work already has begun on the site, clearing the area and removing asphalt for construction.

ndebono@postmedia.com