A proposed Bowmanville Church Street apartment building is drawing concerns from nearby residents over traffic, parking, privacy, shadows and the amount of open space planned for the small property.
The proposal involves 22 Church Street in Bowmanville, directly beside Vincent Massey Public School.
D.G. Biddle & Associates Limited, acting on behalf of Foundation Five, has applied for a zoning amendment that would allow a low-rise apartment building containing 10 residential units.
The property measures approximately 0.23 acres.
Bowmanville Church Street Apartment Would Have 10 Units
Clarington says the development conforms to the municipality’s Official Plan requirements for the area but still requires a Zoning By-law Amendment before it could proceed.
The proposal was considered during a statutory public meeting on August 10, where nearby residents raised several concerns about how a five-storey building could affect the established neighbourhood.
Residents questioned whether the building’s height and design would affect privacy and create additional shadows on neighbouring properties.
Others raised concerns about traffic near Vincent Massey Public School, particularly during busy student pickup and drop-off periods.
The concerns remain part of the planning review and do not represent findings that the development would necessarily create those impacts.
Parking and Green Space Questioned
Parking was another significant issue raised during the meeting.
According to the applicant’s representative, the development would provide 10 regular parking spaces — one for each residential unit — along with one barrier-free space that could be used by either a resident or visitor.
Some neighbours questioned whether that would provide enough parking for residents and guests.
Residents also raised concerns about the amount of landscaped space on the property, along with snow storage and private garbage collection.
One longtime neighbouring resident said she was particularly concerned about losing privacy if the five-storey apartment building is constructed beside her property.
Proposal Requires Several Zoning Exceptions
Councillors also questioned why the application requires several zoning exceptions.
According to information presented at the meeting, the proposal seeks relief from existing requirements involving matters such as setbacks, landscaped open space, private amenity space, density, parking, loading, driveway width and building height.
Those requested exemptions are part of the zoning application now being evaluated by municipal planning staff.
The applicant’s representative said the project was redesigned from an earlier concept involving two duplexes as the owners sought to increase the number of homes on the property.
Councillors Seek Further Review
Council members also raised concerns about traffic, parking and the amount of green space proposed.
Rather than making a final decision, councillors directed the proposal back to municipal staff for further consideration.
Clarington says the development remains under review and public comments are being considered as part of the planning process.
Residents can also request to be added to the interested parties list to receive future updates and notification when council makes a decision.
Until that process is completed, the Bowmanville Church Street apartment remains a proposal and has not received final approval.
