A seniors’ tower slated for south London may be cut down in size, after a city committee meeting Monday.

Politicians voted to refer the seniors’ home proposed for Base Line and Wellington roads back to staff to reduce it from eight ­storeys, calling it too large for the neighbourhood.

“We wanted eight storey. It worked with our business case. That is what we want to go with, but we will go back and talk to staff,” said Brian Blackwell, a consultant with Stantec, the builder working with Seasons Retirement Communities. “We will see what happens.”

In the seven months the development has been before the city, staff was told the project had to be that large to make the economics work, planning director John Fleming said after the meeting.

“We did explore previously with the developer opportunities for a smaller building. That was not seen as possible,” said Fleming. “We’ll have to sit down with the developer and understand what kind of implications go with a smaller building, with fewer units.”

Fleming likes that a rapid transit station also is set for the intersection, as Wellington Road is a major corridor of the proposed bus rapid system. He also likes “design measures” put in place by the builder.

The proposed seniors’ home would feature transitional housing among its 82 units, meaning it would offer retirement care as well as nursing care. It also has 12 townhouses.

The property, from 633 to 655 Base Line Rd., would see seven homes taken down.

One area resident spoke against the project, citing noise, traffic, decreased property values and the fact the tower would leave homes to its north in its shadow.

“The first thing that struck me was the height . . . This would be the largest of its size for some distance. I’d like to see us take a look at something else,” said Coun. Stephen Turner.

But Coun. Jesse Helmer favoured the development. “It’s a great mix, not all nursing home, there is some retirement . . . I think it would work well in that neighbourhood.”

Coun. Maureen Cassidy also liked the development, but was bothered by its shadow.

“If we are putting people in the dark when sunlight is at a premium, it is not a good fit. There is room to move on this,” she said.

Coun. Tanya Park, committee chairperson, agreed with Helmer in supporting the proposal.

“This is entirely appropriate and a good example of aging in place,” said Park.

The matter goes to city council next week for a final decision.

NDebono@postmedia.com

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