City politicians hit the pause button Tuesday on a proposed 30-storey highrise after hearing an earful from downtown residents who said the building will mar the historic heart of London.

Members of planning and environment committee voted to refer the application by Middlesex County back to staff after residents spoke out against the project that would add 200 residential units and 4,500 square metres of commercial space.

“We need to look at this,” said Coun. Bud Polhill, committee chairperson. “I don’t like it at all.”

Residents who packed council chambers for the 2 1/2 hour discussion clapped and cheered after the committee voted to have staff take another look at the project.

People living at a highrise at 19 King St. and the Renaissance Towers told the committee the building is a poor fit for the area. They also said it would ruin their views.

“The space should be used as a focal point to expand London,” said Mike Harris, who lives at 330 Ridout St.

“If we’re going down this road to use municipal lands to build on, why not put one in the middle of Victoria Park?”

Another speaker warned the shadow cast by the tower could drive away the families who now come to the Forks on Sunday nights.

“If we make this change and impose a 30-storey building, it will affect the entire city for the future,” the unidentified woman said.

Middlesex Warden Joanne Vanderheyden said in a presentation that the project is critical to the core’s growth.

“The lands are under-used and have impeded redevelopment of downtown, including connection of the Thames River to the downtown.”

The site is occupied by the Middlesex-London Health Unit. The county has applied to the city to redevelop the property by building the 30-storey tower it would own.

The project fits hand in glove with the city’s official plan, planning director John Fleming told committee members.

“We have talked a lot about downtown revitalization. This council has put a lot of incentives on the table for downtown because we know that is the key for a vibrant 24-7 downtown,” he said.

“We have made huge strides in that direction. This is one of them.”

Fleming pointed out the city’s responsibility is “views and vistas” from public space, not balconies or patios.?

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50 King St.