A plan to build three four-storey apartment buildings — two in St. John's and a third in Mount Pearl — in a neighbourhood just off Commonwealth Avenue appears to be dead in the water.

St. John's city council voted to reject the proposal by Northern Property REIT during a meeting on Monday with a majority of councillors siding with the groundswell of opposition that came from the low density residential neighbourhood, which is located on the site of the old Sprung greenhouse.

The outcome of the St. John's vote will likely mean plans to build a third complex in nearby Mount Pearl will also be shelved, Mount Pearl Mayor Randy Simms told CBC News Tuesday.

"I think that we would very likely reject it in light of what happened in St. John's," said Simms.

Widespread opposition

The proposal was greeted with widespread opposition in the neighbourhood, which is situated between Smallwood Avenue in Mount Pearl and Brookfield Road in St. John's.

The city received 28 emails and letters of objection and a petition signed by more than 410 residents.

Despite a recommendation from city planners that the development "is a sound one," nine of the 11 members of council disagreed, led by Ward 5 Coun. Wally Collins.

Collins said people moved into the neighbourhood believing it would remain a low density residential area.

"They were told that nothing of the sort would be put there like that," said Collins.

Collins estimated that some 200 area residents turned out for a public meeting on the issue in December.

Area residents expressed a variety of concerns related to increased traffic and reduced property values.

Area dominated by single detached homes

The plan would have required a rezoning from low density to apartment medium density, and changes to the municipal plan, which currently limits building heights to three stories.

The company was proposing to build a 63-unit and 55-unit building on Francis Street at the entrance to the neighbourhood, and a third, similar building in Mount Pearl.

In a report to council, city staff noted the proposal would make efficient use of the land and increase the supply of rental units at a time of high housing prices.

City officials were also satisfied with traffic forecasts if the proposal was to proceed.

The area is currently limited to single detached homes, without basement apartments.

Deputy Mayor Ron Ellsworth supported the development, saying that it was in keeping with a move towards neighbourhoods with a mix of densities in order to better support infrastructure such as recreation and businesses within walking distance.

He also cast doubts on suggestions that the apartment development would decrease property values in the area.

"We need increased density," he said.