An increase in density proposed for the smallest of six Grandview Heights neighbourhoods has residents voicing concern that city officials are not keeping their word on development.

"This plan to me had potential to create a really great neighbourhood and a really great community," neighbour Andrea Ward said at an open house Tuesday for a proposed concept for the "Area 5A" Neighbourhood Community Plan.

"This new one has got the piecemeal approach."

Area 5A is bounded by 164 Street to the west, 168 to the east, 26 Avenue to the north and 24 Avenue to the south.

According to the General Land Use Plan for Grandview Heights (GLUP) developed in 2005, the parcel was slated for "transitional density," with between four and 15 units per acre. Colour coding on Tuesday's draft concept indicates 30 to 45 units per acre are now proposed for a large portion of the area's 24-Avenue frontage.

The lower density in the original plan had made the inevitable development of the farmland "easier to swallow," said Ward, who lives just north of Area 5A.

Describing the rest of the proposal as "quite reasonable," Ward said the density change is drastic.

Moving so far from what stakeholders originally favoured also goes against statements Mayor Dianne Watts made in a letter to the Peace Arch News published Nov. 20, Ward said. In the letter, Watts – speaking on the recent mega-houses issue – promises "no solution will be imposed by city hall. No neighbourhood will be changed without the support of the residents."

It "contradicts what's about to happen in city hall," Ward said.

Mark Devitt, who was on the Citizens Advisory Committee for the GLUP, said he is pleased the new plan for Area 5A includes eight acres of parkland, but noted it is "pretty askew" from the original.

Devitt expressed concern the increased density will translate to four-storey buildings – and higher – as the city plans for an anticipated 2,700 residents.

Surrey senior planner Tamara Wallace told Peace Arch News Wednesday that building heights have yet to be determined, but suggested four storeys would be a maximum for the area.

Wallce agreed density proposed in the draft presented Tuesday differs from that in the General Land Use Plan. The change was influenced by the city's Sustainability Charter, which was developed after the GLUP and calls for plans to address issues such as efficient use of land, she said.

"When you look at the efficient use of land, the density tends to go up. It's increasing utilization of the existing land base," Wallace said.

She said that overall, feedback from Tuesday's meeting at Elgin Hall was positive.

The concept plan may change depending on comments received. Barring any major issues, the draft could go to council next spring.

Feedback is being accepted until Dec. 9. Comments may be emailed to Heather Kamitakahara at hkamitakahara@surrey.ca

For more information, visit planning.surrey.ca