Council here is supporting a new severance application from the owners of a Moorefield-area grain elevator operation.
In July, council indicated its support for an application from Margaret, Stanley (Neil) and Barbara Driscoll 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.
Council has also approved rezoning of a 19.6-hectare retained parcel under agricultural commercial zoning to straight agricultural. Structures on the parcel to be retained include a dwelling and three out buildings. The rezoning was among the conditions required by Wellington County for the severance.
At the Jan. 10 meeting, council received a new severance application for the property. This application would sever a 4.04-hectare (10 acre) parcel. The new applications reduce the site of the retained parcel to 16.99 hectares (42 acres).
A report from Wellington County planner Jameson Pickard states the new configuration of the proposed severed parcel would remove approximately 2.6 hectares (6.42 acres) of currently cultivated lands.
“The applicants have submitted plans for future expansions on the property as justification for the larger site,” states the report.
“These plans include expansions to existing grain drying facilities for increased grain storing capacity, a fertilizer blending plant and a chemical and seed storage building; as well as space for an additional scale and private well and septic system.
“The future plans for the site would be consistent with the agriculture-related use definition in the PPS (provincial policy statement) and appear to be limited to the size necessary to accommodate future expansion plans and movements on the site.”
The report also notes the applicants will be required to withdraw the previous application for the smaller severance.
Mayor Neil Driscoll, one of the applicants, declared a conflict of interest and left the council chamber during consideration of proposal.
Councillor Marlene Ottens was appointed to chair the portion of the meeting dealing with the severance application.
Council approved a resolution supporting the application under several conditions, including:
– the applicants must satisfy all the requirements of the local municipality, financial and otherwise;
– taxes must be paid in full;
– zoning compliance must be attained;
– cash in lieu of parkland be provided as per the township’s fees by-law;
– driveway entrance approval and safe driveway access provided to the satisfaction of the township; and
– a lot grading and drainage plan be provided if required for any future expansion.
