No welcome mat for homes with ‘boring,’ ‘dull’ design
Kelowna council defers decision on permit for project until developer can defend it
A developer will be asked to explain the reasons for a housing project described by Kelowna city councillors as dull and uninspired.
Council on Monday deferred a decision on whether to grant a permit for a proposal consisting of 154 similarly styled homes on Academy Way south of UBC Okanagan.
“It just looks boring, if I can say that. It looks dull,” said Coun. Mohini Singh.
“It is the repetitiveness of building after building after building, all looking the same. That’s my concern,” said Coun. Gail Given.
Plans are for 30 buildings, but drawings show they all have the same general appearance with limited variation in building heights or colours.
“I am worried that there are 30 buildings, and from what I can tell they’re all going to look generally the same,” Mayor Colin Basran said.
City planner Terry Barton agreed there was a “degree of monotony” to the project, but said it also included many other positive features that had led the department to recommend the development permit be issued.
City staff had suggested revisions, but the developer chose to proceed to council with the design as presented. No one from the development company was at Monday’s meeting.
Changing a few of the rooflines would be welcome, as would adding some additional colours, said Coun. Brad Sieben.
With the deferral, the developer will be asked to attend a future council meeting, possibly as early as next Monday, to present the design rationale.