Delta council has approved an application to build what would be the municipality's tallest building.

Civic politicians enthusiastically gave the go ahead Monday to a proposal by Marshall Mountain Homes Ltd. to build a 37-storey highrise in North Delta at 11941 80th Ave., near Scott Road.

Immediately south of the Delta Shoppers Mall, the mixed-use building would have commercial space on the bottom and up to 359 residential units above.

The structure would dwarf two 14-storey buildings in North Delta, which currently have the distinction as Delta's tallest.

Saying it's an exciting development, Coun. Robert Campbell noted the new building would help revitalize the Delta side of the Scott Road corridor.

"It's not about density, it's about providing diversity," he said.

Coun. Ian Paton agreed, saying Scott Road needs "something new and flashy" to kick start the revitalization of the corridor.

Acknowledging concerns were expressed by residents at a recent public hearing, Coun. Scott Hamilton noted times have changed and that economies of scale have resulted in needing to build higher.

He also described the Scott Road corridor as resembling Kingsway, which needs to change.

Mayor Lois Jackson said North Delta has always been a bedroom community, but now the people who built the community are aging and have no place to go. She added the development could also help attract young home buyers.

Building heights limits are vastly more restrictive when it comes to South Delta. There aren't any applications or interest shown in building highrises in Ladner or Tsawwassen. sgyarmati@delta-optimist.com