Heather Wright/The Independent

A new subdivision in Warwick Township has been given the green light.

Monday, township councillors gave their approve to the subdivision being planned by Richfield Custom Homes on a plot of land off St. Clair Street near Watford Roof Truss.

The company plans to build 147 units in the first phase of the subdivision. That includes 56 low-density single-detached homes, 79 townhouses, and 12 lots for semi-detached units.

“These housing types respond to the township’s need for more affordable and varied housing options and reflect a well-balanced approach to community planning,” said Planner Johan Chandy in his report to council.

He says Watford needs this type of housing.

“Most people can’t afford a home. So one way to deal with the crisis is to provide more of this missing middle housing,” he said. That includes townhouses.

The new subdivision will connect with three existing streets, St. Clair, John and Ontario.
Neighbours of the development voiced their concern Monday about flooding in the area. One resident noted there was nearly two feet of water in the street during last year’s flood. He was concerned the new housing would make that work.

Brian Blackwell, a consultant for the project, said when the company was planning its storm water management pond, it looked at the land surrounding the subdivision and planned for the overflow from that area as well. “That’s why our storm water management pond is a little larger than what would be required if we were just dealing with our property,” he said.

There were also concerns about industrial noise from Watford Roof Truss. Blackwell says a 90 meter noise barrier will be erected along with vegetation to help deaden the noise. The homes in that area will also be bricked, have double pained glass in the windows and be air conditioned.

The plan now goes to Lambton County for approval.

Mayor Todd Case expects the developer wants to start in the spring however that may depend on the economy and whether the housing market picks up as interest rates trend down.