ZR 62-736, the special permit provision, would allow for a modification or waiver of such constraining, waterfront-directed
building height limits, provided that the proposed apartment tower project satisfies four findings, essentially that: (a) The site has unique natural features or an irregular shoreline or shape, or is occupied by existing buildings (presumably to remain on the site;); (b) The proposed development reflects superior building placement, building articulation, and open space arrangement; (c) The proposed development reflects superior physical or visual public access to the waterfront; and (d) The proposed bulk modification would "significantly enhance the relationship between the proposed development and the surrounding area."
The authority has also introduced new
building height regulations.
The guidance, which will apply from October 1, will also lower the minimum
building height at which non-combustible wall cladding is provided.
It said: "The proposal for the site is to increase the existing
building height from single storey to three storey's and also extend the building to the north.
Along with rezoning the property from business to residential, the developer is seeking the OK for a
building height of a little more than 53 feet.
'However, the developer who owns the land, applied to amend the plot ratio to 1:6.0 and
building height to 14 stories, in order to build a 14-storey hotel with an underground basement on the plot,' she told a press conference held at the heritage gallery here.
It adds: "Given the site's proximity to Old Trafford cricket ground and other residential areas, these designs have been carefully considered to be complementary to the local area, both in terms of the
building height and the overall design." The plan is for six storeys, rising to 12 storeys.
Conservative peer Baroness Neville-Rolfe also said
building height restrictions should be looked at "creatively", with a view to provide more accommodation.
Although the ideal
building height for Multi installations starts at 300m, this system is not constrained by a building's height.
The building's total built-up area is 24,375 square metres and the total
building height above ground level is 72.5 metres.