Word is from someone on the PAL review panel that the inverted slope driveway on the original plans is not going to get approval. Toronto is apparently trying to discourage this type of driveway because of potential drainage problems (an inverted slope driveway guides water towards the house leading to possible flooding problems if drainage is not carefully installed and maintained) but regardless, in this case, the slope of the driveway would have been too steep anyway.
The driveway/garage, then, has been replaced with a full basement and a parking pad.
Some other minor changes from the original include front window layout and backyard wall/patio layout.
One concern with the new front window area is the increased amount of summer heat it will allow into the house. Some type of exterior shading device will have to be built to prevent overheating.
