Residents in south Kitchener put an end to a neighbourhood medical clinic before the doors even opened.

The topic was debated at Kitchener council on Monday night, with a number of residents presenting arguments as to why the city should reverse a zoning change request for the property.

At issue is a house at 11 Pioneer Tower Road.

The applicant wants to turn the property into a naturopath medical clinic with four practitioners, staff, and parking for 20 cars.

The parking lot would be right next to someone's backyard.

People are permitted to have home businesses in the area but that permission is typically reserved for sole proprietors, not businesses with a number of staff.

The zoning change was previously approved at planning committee.

At council on Monday neighbours presented a petition stating 95 per cent of residents were against the proposed health centre.

Many speakers pointed out that viable commercial space is literally right across the street at Sports World Crossing.

 “I counted 24… empty units where this particular business could go in. And that’s a great opportunity,” said city councillor Zyg Janecki.

Councillor Sarah Marsh also changed her position on the zoning.

“I'm going to change my mind today. I can see that the residents have made some excellent points,” Marsh said.

Residents will now wait to see if the business owner will take her case to the Ontario Municipal Board.

With reporting by Max Wark.