A developer has shaved five storeys off a proposed downtown highrise that would overlook Victoria Park, seeking to quell opposition from city staff and nearby residents.

The QV On The Park project from Auburn Developments was proposed at 22 storeys on Wellington Street, just north of Centennial Hall — drawing fire from neighbours in the heritage-heavy Woodfield community and city staff, who recommended against its approval.

But the developer told council’s planning committee this week it would reduce the height to 17 ­storeys, closer to the 10-storey limit recommended in the surrounding heritage conservation district.

“Intensification brings change and that change also infringes on others,” said Steve Stapleton, Auburn’s vice-president.

“The 17-storey proposal . . . is something we believe softens that encroachment, but still fulfils (the goal of) ­intensification.”

After a lengthy public-input session, council’s planning committee sent the project back to city staff for more consultation with the builder.

“I’m pleased with the direction (Auburn) has gone” in terms of height, Coun. Maureen Cassidy said.

“I would love to see (them) work further with our staff to see if we can find some common ground here.”

The project is proposed for 560 and 562 Wellington St., just north of Centennial Hall and city hall. Auburn promises main-floor commercial uses including a cafe “to animate the street” and fit with Victoria Park activities.

But nearby residents argue the building doesn’t fit with the neighbourhood.

City staff recommended against approving the project at 22 storeys, saying the surrounding Woodfield neighbourhood’s “consistent heritage character” would be dramatically altered.

There’s also a concern the project would be “setting precedent for future development around the park.”

While it’s a “very good-looking, high-quality, well-designed building,” city staff say that, at 22 storeys, it’s “fundamentally ­inconsistent with the existing neighbourhood.”