The Development Applications Board (DAB) has deferred a decision on whether to grant approval for a new two-storey office building in historic Flatts Village.

The Apsley Trust is seeking to convert a current private parking lot at Number Seven North Shore Road into 2,265 square feet of office space.

The DAB deferred the decision until it can secure confirmation from the Ministry of Works and Engineering that the driveway access for the building will be safe.

"The site is presently a parking lot on the most treacherous corner in Flatts," Stephen West of Westport Architecture wrote to Planning in September when the original application for final approval was submitted.

The plans call for the proposed building to be set back from the road with a balcony on the North Shore Road face of the building and two full-length balconies on the Flatt's Inlet face.

"This proposal will give pedestrians the opportunity to step back from the road and walk in front of the proposed development on a five-foot-wide walkway," Mr. West wrote.

Planning was also assured that the design of the building was in keeping with the character of the village.

"This proposal is intended to complement the surrounding buildings, not compete with them," Mr. West wrote, noting that the building to the site's west, `Old House' is a historic building and a "Flatts classic".

"We believe that this will enhance the quality of the village and might become a significant landmark," he added.

The original plans were revised twice on the request of the Planning Department for the addition of four parking spaces and the extension of access steps.

A letter is included in the Planning file stating Works and Engineering has no objections to the proposal.

However, according to the board report, when the DAB met on February 20: "The board resolved to defer the application for the reason that it is concerned with sightlines as vehicles exit the site.

"In particular the board had a major concern with the sightlines to the west.

"The board has requested confirmation that the Ministry of Works and Engineering (Highways Division) has considered and approves the access details."