The policy of attempting to increase density by shoe-horning infills into residential neighbourhoods is more than a problem of esthetics, it is one of health. A recent application, if approved for permit by Oak Bay council, would allow a building to be erected so close to its neighbour and so high that the flow of fresh air would be impacted and the neighbour would be in almost constant shade. How can this be a solution to the housing situation when one construction can so drastically affect an existing residence?
Lots subject to infill must be of a size that precludes the consequences described above but also the front of the new construction must face the street so setbacks from neighbours cannot be manipulated by having the front of the house face in a direction other than the street.I would hope that before any decision on infill matters are taken that council will designate a member to visually assess the properties involved and make recommendations
C.W. Martin
Victoria
