A London developer vows to keep building student housing on a site residents opposed to it call the "towers of spite."

More than 30 neighbours gathered for a press conference across the street to let Arnon Kaplansky know they don't want student housing.

But Kaplansky said if he loses a court battle to build duplexes and triplexes at the corner of Audrey Avenue and Huron Street, he will simply reapply for new zoning.

He offered no apologies for the appearance of the three, three-storey, five-bedroom homes he's built and a fourth he plans. That's because he plans to add to each structure until he's got three triplexes and a duplex on the site.

"I have to do something with the property," said Kaplansky, whose company, KAP Holdings Ltd., specializes in student housing and infill developments.

"I can't sit on it (the property) for two or three years waiting for the courts (to deal with it). I just have to do it in phases," he said.

Opponents say the buildings -- thin, tower-like structures compared to typical houses -- are out of keeping with the neighbourhood.

Residents were urged to voice objections to the consent authority before yesterday.

"The city has to review how this could happen so it doesn't happen again," said Rocky Moretti, who lives on Regent Street.

"In any other Canadian city, you build things that are consistent with the character and spirit of the neighbourhood. Clearly, that didn't happen here."

Ward 6 Coun. Nancy Branscombe and Controller Gina Barber, along with Marie Blosh, president of the Broughdale Community Association, said they hope new urban design policies and changes to the planning act will stop the influx of developments that threaten the character of neighbourhoods.