A large 570-unit housing development is planned for the corner of Beverly Street and York Road, near the Hamlets at Duncan complex.
North Cowichan council voted to give a development permit for the first phase, called Somenos Views Residencies, of the three-phase project at its meeting on April 17.
The first phase of the project, which is being developed by Somenos View Holdings Inc., will see a 210-unit rental housing development in a six-storey building located on 2.5 acres of land at 2591 Beverly St., which will include commercial units on the ground floor, along with 70 studio apartments, 110 one-bedroom units and 30 two-bedroom units on the upper five levels.
There are also plans to have a daycare facility on the ground floor and a large area for a playground.
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The future two phases of the project, which will be called Somenos Landing overall, are planned to be built on adjacent lots and include a 240-unit building with a hotel on the main floor, and a 120-unit apartment building with commercial units on the ground floor.
Council voted unanimously to give a development permit for the project’s first phase.
Mayor Rob Douglas said the project is consistent with the vision and policies of North Cowichan’s official community plan which seeks to increase density within the municipality’s urban-containment boundary while discouraging urban sprawl in rural areas.
He said the project is within one the areas designated for growth by the municipality.
“It’s within walking distance to our main commercial core in the region, as well as recreational facilities and several nearby schools, so it fits with all our polices and OCP,” he said. “I’m glad to see it moving forward.”