The gentrification of Court Street continues with planning approval for the ZoCoLo Studios condominiums.

The Development Applications Board has given the green light for the studio/retail complex, despite objections from nine residents in Angle Street. A petition to Planning complained that "the influx of these units will have a negative impact on our neighbourhood". Residents said the building would only add to traffic congestion and a shortage of parking spaces.

The 3,050 sq ft condo complex at the corner of Court and Angle Street will contain three underground storeys for retail and storage, plus five upper levels of residential units. A covered motorcycle parking area is also included in the plans.

Owners Zoom Properties intend to create 15 studio apartments and another two-bedroom unit in 'setback' storeys.

The accompanying letter with the planning application, by Cooper and Gardner Architects, said: "North East Hamilton has been identified as an area in need of regeneration and this development with detail at grade and residential uses in the upper storeys responds precisely to this policy objective."

Zoom Properties says its philosophy is founded in affordability and quality. It previously built the Canville Condominiums complex in Sandys.

Co-owners Karla Phillips and Candy Smith are said to have been inspired by several international cities in their vision for ZoCoLo. They include Glasgow as well as Boston's Back Bay and San Francisco's SOMA District.

Zoom says: "The intent with ZoCoLo is to make the notion of living on Court Street a convenient alternative ¿ hip and desirable."

The DAB allowed an additional fifth level to the building - above the maximum allowed - due to "a residential density bonus which is provided for in Policy 1.6 of the City of Hamilton Plan 2001 for proposals covering at least 50 percent residential".

Planning Department documents state: "The application complies with all street level and upper storey setbacks and provides the 40 percent additional required setback."