Mr. Uens

The applicant appealed a Committee of Adjustment decision refusing minor variances required to construct a two-storey laneway suite at the rear of their property.

The rear neighbours opposed the variances, primarily citing privacy and overlook concerns due to the proposed building's height and reduced separation distance.

The Toronto Local Appeal Body allowed the appeal and authorized the variances with conditions, finding that the proposal met the four tests under the Planning Act.

The tribunal accepted the applicant's expert planning evidence that the site's steep topography mitigated privacy impacts and that the development aligned with provincial and municipal policies encouraging 'missing middle' housing.