Tigné residents’ fears on Townsquare project rise

Tigné residents’ fears over the impact of the Townsquare high-rise project have increased despite new downscaled plans, a social impact assessment has found. The Townsquare plans have been reduced from 38 storeys to 27, among other changes intended to minimise its impact, after a controversial permit issued two years ago was revoked following an appeal by objectors. However, a sociological study published as part of the environment impact assessment on the new plans shows public perception to the project remains “generally negative” since it is viewed as being a sizable development within an already developed area. Residents said there was no need for another high-rise development in the area and expressed fears that the project would pave the way for similarly high developments in the immediate surroundings. According to the report, the fears became more pronounced since the last similar study in 2007 as residents are more mindful of the impacts such a project could have on their surroundings. “It is evident that previous concerns over physical and social overshadowing and reduced light penetration have become serious concerns that they will be dwarfed by surrounding high rises...