The London city council has turned down a proposal to enhance the height and density of a planned student housing project on Sarnia Road, despite an earlier recommendation for approval by the city’s Planning and Environment Committee. The decision, made on Tuesday with a 13-2 vote against the proposed changes, came after strong opposition from local residents who believed that the increased density would not blend well with the existing neighborhood.
The rejection was met with applause from residents present at the council meeting. Ward 6 Coun. Sam Trosow, representing the area, emphasized that the community understood the need for more student housing without it being viewed as an anti-student stance or NIMBYism.
Initially approved in June 2025 as a six-storey building with 150 units, the development at 299-307 Sarnia Rd. faced a modified proposal for an eight-storey building with 204 units and 188 parking spots, designed to step down towards the rear of the property.
Several councillors who initially supported the original project, including Peter Cuddy and Steve Lehman, changed their stance and voted against the height increase. Cuddy cited his conversations with residents and concerns about noise levels as reasons for his change of heart.
While the city planning staff endorsed the amended application to raise the building height, Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis cautioned fellow councillors against basing their decisions on the potential occupants of the building, stressing the importance of following professional planning advice.
Despite staff recommendations, concerns were raised about the transparency of communication regarding the amended proposal. Coun. Susan Stevenson questioned the accessibility of information on the city’s website and the lack of direct notifications to affected residents.
The decision to reject the proposed changes means the developer cannot move forward with the eight-storey plan. The developer can either proceed with the previously approved six-storey project or challenge the council’s decision through the Ontario Land Tribunal.