A Halifax city planner defended the proposed development in downtown Halifax known as the "Twisted Sisters" Monday, saying it is appropriate for the surrounding area in spite of claims by heritage advocates that the design doesn't fit in with the surrounding buildings.

Paul Sampson also said Monday there is nothing in Halifax planning regulations that protects panoramic views of the Halifax harbour.

Sampson was testifying at a hearing of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.

Halifax Regional Council approved the proposal for a $150-million  development last March. It would include two 27-storey "twisted" towers at the old Tex-Park site at Sackville and Hollis streets, and would contain a hotel, condominiums and offices.

But a number of groups opposed to the project appealed that decision to the utility and review board.

Heritage groups argued that the towers wouldn't fit in with the other buildings in the area.

"The proportion of the towers to the adjacent and existing buildings is so out of whack that it cannot be said to be complementary at all," said Ronald Pink, lawyer for the Heritage Trust of Nova Scotia, when the review board hearings started.

Pink also told the review board that the towers would destroy the view from Citadel Hill, something, he said, that is supposed to be protected by local development rules.

But Sampson disagrees with both points, and he's the planner who originally recommended the proposal to council. 

Sampson said the planning rules for Halifax specifically envision high density buildings for the downtown core.

"Basically, what you have is that mix of large buildings, shorter buildings, modern buildings, historic buildings. It fits in with the area — it's compatible with the area," he said.

As for the protection of views of the harbour, Sampson said 10 separate view "planes" are protected by regulations, but not a broad panoramic view.

"It doesn't say that all views of and from the harbour shall be protected …. It specifies the views along the east-west streets, and I think that's important," he said.

Sampson said the proposed development will help create a vibrant downtown and, in his mind, meets all the development and planning rules.
 
The Regional Municipality's lawyer will try to provide support for that opinion later this week with testimony from other witnesses, mainly those who were planners for the old City of Halifax before amalgamation.