Council here has supported an application to sever a large farm parcel and retain a larger-than-usual parcel for a residence.
Lorrie and Charles Spaling live on County Road 11 in old Maryborough township and have applied to divide their land located at Part Lots 18 and 19 on Concession 9 in old Maryborough township.
They propose to sell an irregular shaped parcel of 51.6 acres with 1,437 feet of frontage that has three steel clad buildings on it. They would like to retain an irregular shaped 9.3 acre parcel with 514 feet of frontage that contains an existing home and playhouse.
Mayor Bruce Whale noted county planner Sarah Wilhelm had commented the retained parcel is much larger than the county usually likes to see for such sales and she had suggested it could be reduced to one to two acres.
However, Whale said the terrain at the rear of the retained parcel is quite steep and would be “hard to farm.”
Lorrie Spaling was at council and agreed the terrain is too steep to farm, and added that dividing the lands where they are proposed provides “cleaner lines” for the two properties.
She explained the kennel use on the parcel to be sold would cease, and said she is already in the process of selling the dogs.
Whale wondered if the retained parcel is treed.
Spaling said there are “a lot of trees in our back yard.” The two properties would share a well, but she added her family would eventually drill its own well – “within a year or so.”
Clerk Patty Sinnamon told council the province permits up to five separate users on a well under the Safe Drinking Water Act.
Whale added, dryly, “As long as the users get along.”
Councillor Neil Driscoll asked if there is a house on the parcel to be sold.
Whale said there is not, and there is a clause in the agreement that there cannot be a house built on that land without a zone change. The county planning policies discourage building of homes on severed agricultural plots.
Councillor Andy Knetsh wondered if the new owner could apply for a house.
Whale said that could happen, but it would likely take a change in the planning rules for the owner to get permission.
“The planner would be likely to oppose it unless that section is removed,” he said, adding, “Council makes the final restrictions.”
Council then voted unanimously to support the proposal at the county land division committee under the usual township conditions of paid taxes, zoning compliance and a water connection or well use agreement to be confirmed in writing by the purchaser of the severed parcel.
