Building heights spark public debate at West Torrens Council chambers PLANS to allow buildings up to eight storeys across the western suburbs sparked heated debate at a public meeting last night. More than 150 residents packed West Torrens Council chambers to have their say on plans to allow higher density housing in their neighbourhood. Affected suburbs would be considered industrial rather than urban housing zones. This would mean height limits could be increased to up to eight story buildings across Anzac Hwy. The changes are a response by West Torrens Council DPA to the State Government's 30-year plan. Karen Hearn of Plympton, said the proposed new laws would have a "devastating impact" on her lifestyle. "Should a four-storey block be built behind my house, gone would be my solar panel that I've spent thousands on, gone would be my view of the sky, gone would be my garden, my privacy and gone would be the peaceful quiet in my backyard," Ms Hearn said. Mary Reid, of Brooklyn Park, said the council was not representing its community. "I was bluntly informed that my house could be knocked down by developers to make room for affordable multi-storey houses," Ms Reid said. The proposed laws show that character homes have not been considered character enough to preserve and no one cares about how much time and money we have put into our homes. I'm asking that we be given the recognition and respect we deserve and I hope our local council will not let us down. But Brooklyn Park resident David Bailey said he understood why the council and State Government had proposed the new changes. "I think that if it is planned properly, a sense of character around the area of Henley Beach can be further developed and the strip can be enhanced to be more of a place where people wish to see and do things," he said. West Torrens Mayor John Trainer said the council was "sandwiched between you (the residents) and the State Government." The council would review all submissions and discuss any changes.