Council here is supporting an application to sever a local grain elevator and weigh scale from a rural property on Sideroad 12 east of Moorefield.
Margaret, Stanley (Neil) and Barbara Driscoll want to sever a 1.44 hectare (3.6 acres) agricultural commercial parcel in the prime agricultural area with existing grain bins, elevators and weigh scale, while establishing a right-of-way easement over the retained lands to facilitate truck traffic.
A 19.6 ha (48.4 acres) parcel would be retained with both agricultural commercial and agricultural zoning. Structures on the retained parcel would include a dwelling and three metal clad buildings.
At the June 28 meeting council passed a resolution supporting the application to the county land division committee, provided zoning and service compliance conditions are met and the requested right of way is approved.
A report from county planner Jameson Pickard indicated the application is consistent with the provincial policy statement and would generally conform to the county’s official plan.
Pickard’s report stated the county would have no concerns provided the following conditions are addressed to the satisfaction of the township:
– the agricultural commercial zoning (AC) on the retained lands is rezoned;
– zoning relief is obtained to address the required setbacks to an AC zone; and
– servicing is provided to the site.
Aside from a small (less than a hectare) portion, Pickard recommends the retained lands be rezoned back to agriculture as the uses do not require agricultural commercial zoning.
Zoning relief is also required from the township’s zoning bylaw, which requires a 121.9m setback from any portion of an AC use to a residence on an adjacent lot. The weigh scale on the severed parcel is about 70m away from the residence on the retained lands.
The planner also noted the well servicing the severed parcel would be separated as a result of the consent application.
Mayor Neil Driscoll declared a conflict of interest on the matter and left the council chambers while the consent to sever application was dealt with at the June 28 meeting. Councillor Michael Martin was appointed as chair in the mayor’s absence.
Driscoll later told the Community News in a telephone interview the severance will clear the way “if there is ever a potential sale or a need for a sale … so we have options available.”
