Plans for a major mixed-use development in North Adelaide have been revised from 19 to 15 apartments but several businesses are still facing the chopping block.

Leyton Property has changed its proposed development plans for 74-80 Melbourne St at North Adelaide, scaling the mixed-use complex back from 19 apartments to 15 dwellings.

The updated proposal would replace the existing single-storey commercial buildings with a six-level building and a separate two-storey, three-bedroom townhouse fronting Sussex St.

In total, the development would deliver 15 homes made up of 14 apartments within the main building that features a residential lobby and three ground-floor retail tenancies.

The mix of apartments includes one one-bedroom apartment, several two and three bedroom apartments, and a four-bedroom penthouse – all with private balconies.

According to the plans, the existing six businesses on the site would still be affected by the development, including Fika Cafe, EP Exercise Physiology + Movement, ThriveIV, The Bodyworx, Comfort & Fix footwear and Melbourne Street Laundromat.

The 20-space car park for the mixed-use building would be accessible from Sussex St, while the detached dwelling would have two off-street spaces.

The height of the six-level structure would reach about 22m, which exceeds the neighbourhood’s City Main Street zoning guidelines by two levels and 8m.

In the planning documents, Leyton Property argues that the extra height is justified because of

Melbourne’s changing character such as existing taller buildings and recent development approvals that exceed the height limit.

It also argues that the site’s large land size and significant frontage to Melbourne St give it the physical characteristics of a catalyst site – suitable for developments of three to seven or more levels – making the proposed building’s height more reasonable.

If approved, the project would revamp the 1520sq m site on the northern side of Melbourne St, which currently contains three single-storey commercial buildings and carparking.

Public consultation closes on Wednesday, August 19.