Photo: Nido Design

A type of neighbourhood popular in the United States but foreign to Canada could be on its way to Kelowna.

City council gave initial approval to a concept known as a "pocket neighbourhood," on Neptune Road in Kelowna.

Planner Theresa Brandt explains a pocket neighbourhood is kind of a neighbourhood within a neighbourhood.

"It's traditionally a clustered group of houses or apartments along a shared outdoor space," said Brandt.

"The outdoor space is key because it creates a sense of stewardship from the residents living there, helps contribute to a sense of community, and it is mostly pedestrian oriented."

She said this particular development, on what was the former Holy Spirit Catholic Church, will include 20 small-scale, single-detached houses.

The maximum size is 1,400 square feet.

"I think it's an interesting concept. It is kind of a unique site at the end of a neighbourhood, kind of pinched up against a hill," said Coun. Luke Stack.

"I have to applaud the applicant for taking a fresh look at how they could develop it."

Coun. Gail Given says the sheer size of the homes means they should be affordable, adding to that much needed housing stock in the city, while Mayor Colin Basran, who grew up in the neighbourhood, said he's also excited by that proposal.

"We've been asking the development community to think outside the box, and bring best practices from elsewhere, and I think this is one of those responses to that challenge," said Basran.