Peachland council unanimously approved changes to the Somerset Heights development at its Dec. 3 meeting, allowing the addition of 16 more units to the project.

The developer can now modify four of the 14 buildings (5976 Princess Street) from townhouses to apartment-style units, increasing the total units from 56 to 72. The changes also permit a height increase of two meters. According to staff, the developer requested the changes due to market conditions.

Staff confirmed the changes have minimal impact and do not require any infrastructure upgrades. The developer has agreed to contribute $30,032 to the district as a community amenity. Somerset Heights, currently in its third phase, has a project history dating back to 2015.

Mayor Patrick Van Minsel supported the changes, noting the current economic challenges and the demand for smaller, more affordable units.

鈥淚 think the developer has proven he can deliver,鈥� Van Minsel said. 鈥淭hat鈥檚 rare these days.鈥� He added that the project aligns with Peachland鈥檚 market and housing needs.

The district鈥檚 Interim Housing Needs Report (IHNR), which council reviewed at the same meeting, stated Peachland needs to build nearly 500 housing units in the next five years.