What would be the tallest hotel in the city’s downtown is a step closer to approval.

Council has adopted in principle the rezoning needed for the 13-storey structure, which would go up on New Gower Street, near Springdale.

And behind that, a nine-storey apartment building which would border Pleasant Street.

Some residents argued that two buildings are too much for the site and the neighbourhood, fearing they’ll add to a so-called wall along New Gower.

Staff, however, noted the application fits with the Envision St. John’s Municipal Plan.

Councillor Sandy Hickman says the project has been percolating for years, and makes good use of the land.

He says land in the downtown is “pretty compact,” noting dominance of the hills and the harbour, so he’s happy to see such a development in that space.

The re-zoning now goes to the Department of Municipal Affairs for review.

If they sign off, a public hearing must still be held before the project is approved.