Some Barrhaven homeowners are upset about a proposed development behind their homes — homes they paid extra for because the developer said the greenspace wasn't going to be developed.

Jay McLean says he paid an extra $110,000 for his premium lot because it backs onto greenspace that the developer said wasn't going to be developed. (CBC)

Stonebridge resident Jay McLean told CBC News Monarch broke a promise not to develop the land.

He said he paid an extra $110,000 for his home on a premium lot on Sandgate Ridge five years ago. It was a premium lot because the greenspace behind it, backing onto a golf course, wasn't going to be developed.

But in September, Monarch Corporation filed a request with the city to rezone a hectare of greenspace at the Stonebridge housing development behind Sandgate Ridge.

It would allow for 11 new housing lots.

'It's gut-wrenching,' homeowner says

"To be honest with you, it's gut-wrenching," McLean said, adding that he and his family wanted the privacy and tranquility that comes with the greenspace. "We may consider relocating. This is not what we bought."

"Back then they told us that there wouldn't be any residential development performed behind our lot. and we had no reason to believe that would change."

City Coun. Jan Harder says the best recourse for upset residents would be a lawsuit. (CBC)

"I think it's really unfair and we feel cheated," said Carmen Collin, another Stonebridge resident. "As the old adage goes, you get what you pay for. Well it's certainly not the case here. It's very disappointing. Had we known we would not have purchased this lot."

City Coun. Jan Harder said she understands why residents are upset, but added that there's not much the city can do.

The city has to look at the zoning proposal objectively, outside of the "personal relationship" the homeowners have with Monarch. Harder said.

"Their recourse is definitely ... a civil case that they would have between themselves and Monarch," Harder said.

Monarch declines to comment

McLean and his neighbours have submitted a letter of intent to fight Monarch from building behind the new homes.

They're also planning on showing up to public consultations on the proposal to voice their concerns.

"I've got two young kids, four and two, and we intended to spend a lot of years here. That may not end up being the case if they proceed with this development," he said.

Monarch declined CBC's request for comment.