Modifications to a previously proposed five-block townhouse development at 264 Governor’s Rd. isn’t enough to satisfy concerns of nearby residents, according to one opposed neighbour.

David Moffatt said without addition of buffer strips along adjacent residential homes and the minimum required landscaped area “there is no chance of minor changes affecting the opposition of neighbours.”

Anita Fabac, the city’s manager of development planning, confirmed on May 11 the original application submitted in November has been revised.

Among the changes is breaking up the previously proposed two three-storey, 13-metre high structures along Governor’s Road into three separate buildings, increasing the number of buildings on the site from five to six.

The proposal still includes three two-storey, 10.5-metre high structures to the south. The two-storey structures — closest to Elizabeth Court and Lynndale Drive — apparently meet existing height limits, while the three-storey buildings need a new site-specific standard.

The number of units in the six proposed structures has dropped from 31 to 29 units, bringing the overall density down from 51.7 units per hectare to 48.4 units per hectare.

A proposed vehicle entrance and exit to the site has been realigned with Huntingwood Avenue.

Fabac said a deficiency in required visitor parking spaces has been decreased from two to one, and the front yard setback increased from three metres to 3.92 metres.

“Given the changes that have been proposed, there is an additional commenting period for those internal departments who have an interest in reviewing the proposal,” Fabac said. “Members of the public have the ability to provide their comments right up until the public meeting, which has not yet been (scheduled) at this time.”

Heritage planning staff recommended salvaging any reusable original features, such as doors and windows, of the 19th century farmhouse when it is demolished.

The property is included in the city’s register of buildings with architectural or heritage interest. The building is not designated, nor subject to heritage permits, but heritage planning staff had an opportunity to review proposed changes and comment. Heritage staff could require the property be thoroughly documented for archival purposes prior to demolition, and could require a cultural heritage impact assessment be prepared on any adverse effects and how to mitigate them.

In the case of 264 Governor’s Rd., cultural heritage planner Chelsey Tyers said an impact assessment was requested to investigate cultural heritage value of the farmhouse, and has been reviewed by staff.

“While the dwelling does not appear to have significant cultural heritage value, staff has recommended that any remaining original features be salvaged for reuse where they are in good enough condition to do so,” Tyers said.

The property's current zoning — Urban Reserve — states its purpose is to "protect land suited for urban development from premature subdivision and development which may prejudice the future use of the land, or which may have a disruptive influence on the community, until such time as development of the land can proceed in an orderly, and economic manner consistent with the policies of the official plan, when it shall be rezoned accordingly."

The property, which currently features a single family home, barn and shed, has been owned by Helmut and Anna Wilk since at least 1977 and was previously used for farming. The development applicant is Burlington's Intero Development Group Inc., represented by Donald Newman, on behalf of Barbara Wilk-Ridge of Ancaster, power of attorney for Helmut and Anna Wilk. Urban Solutions is acting as planning agent.