Plan for House Rejected

The Torrance City Council rejected plans for a two-story, single-family house in a hilly area near Palos Verdes Boulevard because neighbors complained that it would block their view and set a precedent for future construction.

After listening to testimony from about a dozen residents Tuesday, the council voted 4 to 2 to reject plans for a 2,830-square-foot house at 22633 Gaycrest Avenue.

Mark and Laurie Llobell, the couple who want to build the house, told the council that they need a large home for their two sons. “I don’t think that with a growing family that (this proposal) is too large,” he said.

However, residents told the council they feared the house would block their view and sunlight, and infringe on the privacy of adjacent neighbors.

Some said the construction of a large, two-story house in the quiet, middle-class neighborhood of mostly single-story homes could eventually lead to the construction of larger houses.

In recent months, residents have sent the city 21 letters and a petition with 46 signatures to oppose the project. The city received two letters in support of the plan.

Councilwoman Dee Hardison, said she voted against the project because it was too bulky and would block the sunlight from an adjacent house.

Also voting against the project were Mayor Katy Geissert, and Councilmen Tim Mock and Mark Wirth. Councilmen Dan Walker and Bill Applegate voted for the project.