Planning approval has been granted for a five-storey condominium block in North East Hamilton.

Zoom Properties is to build the development, called ZoCoLo Studios, at the corner of Court and Angle Street. It will feature 16 apartments, shops and offices, plus motorcycle parking.

The complex will contain two underground storeys for retail and storage, plus shops on the ground floor. Fifteen studios and a two-bedroom apartment will occupy the upper storeys, plus a communal roofdeck.

The Development Applications Board gave the go-ahead for the condo/retail complex, despite two petitions of objections from local residents, in May 2007.

A total of 15 people objected to the plans citing concerns about the adequacy of on-street parking and that "the influx of these units will have a negative impact on our neighbourhood".

However, Cooper and Gardner Architects said in a letter to Planning: "North East Hamilton has been identified as an area in need of regeneration and this development responds precisely to this policy objective."

The firm added: "Rather than be a detractor to the overall quality and amenity of the neighbourhood, we submit that this proposal will be a more attractive addition and will raise neighbouring property values.

"This is a high quality development offering living accommodations that people want and by virtue of their size, can afford."

The architects said the development would also "add to the interest and vitality of the area".

Zoom Properties previously built the Canville Condominiums complex in Sandys in 2003. Co-owners Karla Phillips and Candy Smith say they aim to "make the notion of living on Court Street a convenient alternative hip and desirable".