DELTA - A controversial redevelopment proposal that would result in the construction of highrises in North Delta is on hold.

According to Delta's planning department, the applicant behind the project for the North Delta Inn property has put the submission on the back burner until design plans are once again revised.

The application for the site, at 11920-70th Ave., is for a mixed-use development consisting of 273 apartments and over 9,800 square feet of commercial space consisting of a restaurant and private liquor store. The development would include three buildings ranging from five to 18 storeys in height.

A new designation would need to be created to allow a building greater than the current 14-storey limit in North Delta.

Several weeks ago, Delta's advisory design panel got a chance to review a revised layout of the redevelopment plan and recommended it be rejected.

Panel members noted that a substantial number of the proposed units would look at the shopping centre asphalt roof and asphalt parking, the architecture does not appear to have responded to the site context, there is a significant scale difference with the adjacent developments and that the project would be out of character with adjacent buildings.

The panel, among other issues, found the density requested to be "extremely out of context" as all neighbours would be dwarfed.

A large number of area residents have voiced opposition to the redevelopment plan.

The application comes as Delta embarks on its review of the North Area Plan. Encouraging substantial redevelopment of the Scott Road corridor is seen as an important component in a new area plan.

sgyarmati@delta-optimist.com