Application for Condo Project OKd

The Westlake Village City Council has approved a developer’s application for a large-scale condominium project north of the Ventura Freeway.

Irvine-based Western Pacific Housing had proposed building 183 detached units on a 23-acre site. The council whittled the number to 179 to provide more space for a children’s play area, and for a buffer between the project and a nearby park.

Councilman James B. Henderson, who voted against the project Wednesday, said he believed the project was too dense. He said he also opposed plans to remove two old oak trees. “But the vote was taken and I certainly wish them well with their development,” he said.

The project is in the Westlake North Specific Plan, approved in 1989. The 130-acre plot is bordered by Lindero Canyon Road, Thousand Oaks Boulevard, the city of Agoura Hills and the Ventura Freeway.

Tampa, Fla.-based Richland Westlake Ltd., which owns the land, has proposed revising the Specific Plan to reduce the amount of office and business park space in return for an increase in the number of residential units.

Under the proposed revisions, four acres that had been set aside for a park would be converted to housing.

Under that scenario, Western Pacific could conceivably purchase the four acres from Richland Westlake Ltd. and apply for permits to build more residences.

Western Pacific officials could not be reached for comment. But a published report said the company hoped to break ground this fall. City officials said that public hearings are slated to begin within two months on the proposed revisions to the Specific Plan.