LONDON — Melchers Developments Inc. has submitted a proposal to the City of London for a transformative residential redevelopment project at 553 and 557 Upper Queen Street.
The plan involves converting two existing single-detached homes into a modern townhouse community.
The development will add 28 new residential units on a 0.6-hectare site at the strategic intersection of Upper Queen Street and Chiddington Avenue.
The proposed project is a cluster townhouse development featuring six two-storey buildings that will house a total of 28 units.
These buildings will be spread over approximately 6,141 square metres, with a frontage of 63 metres on Upper Queen Street and a depth of 92 metres.
The design aims to enhance the streetscape and integrate well with the surrounding residential neighbourhood.
The townhouse units are organized into six two-storey blocks.
Two of these blocks will face Upper Queen Street, providing a visually appealing frontage and enhancing the neighbourhood’s aesthetic.
Each unit will include a private driveway and garage, offering two dedicated parking spaces per unit.
Overall, the development will provide 62 parking spaces, comprising 56 resident spaces and six visitor spaces, including one accessible space.
In addition to parking, the development features both private and communal amenity spaces.
The site benefits from its position at the junction of two “Neighbourhood Connectors.”
The prime location offers residents direct access to the London Transit Commission’s Route #4, facilitating easy travel to White Oaks Mall and Downtown London.
The connectivity provided by public transit options makes this development appealing to those who prefer or rely on public transportation.
To enable this redevelopment, Melchers Developments Inc. is requesting a Zoning By-law Amendment.
The current zoning classification is “Residential 1 (R1-9) Zone,” which permits only single-detached dwellings.
The proposed amendment seeks to rezone the property to a special “Residential 5 (R5-4(_)) Zone” to accommodate the townhouse units.
The rezoning includes several specific provisions that vary from standard requirements:
● The minimum required front yard depth is 6.0 metres. However, the proposed development requests a reduction to 4.0 metres.
● The minimum required depth is 6.0 metres, but the proposal reduces this to 3.2 metres.
● Similarly, the required minimum is 6.0 metres, with a proposed reduction to 3.0 metres.
● The required minimum for landscaped open space is 45%, while the development proposes 40%.
The adjustments are necessary to achieve the desired layout and density for the townhouse units while maintaining functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The architectural design of the townhouse development is intended to blend seamlessly with the existing residential environment.
The buildings along the front will provide continuous massing that screens parking areas from street view, contributing to the neighbourhood’s visual appeal.
Each unit is designed to have direct access from an internal drive aisle, along with individual entrances and rear decks, providing residents with both privacy and convenience.
The proposed development is located within the “Neighbourhoods” Place Type, as identified in the London Plan, and it is positioned at the intersection of two “Neighbourhood Connector” streets.
Despite the proposed variations from standard zoning requirements, the development upholds a commitment to a well-landscaped environment, with 40% of the area designated as landscaped space.
The approach aligns closely with community standards for residential amenities and enhances the overall livability of the area.
Melchers Developments Inc.’s proposed project at 553 and 557 Upper Queen Street is a significant move towards revitalizing a well-established residential neighbourhood in London.
The introduction of these modern townhouses aims to provide new housing options while enriching the character and connectivity of the area.
The requested zoning amendments and the thoughtful integration of the development demonstrate a forward-thinking approach to urban development, promising a beneficial impact on the local community.
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