Council has approved the first step for the 60-lot development in Ospringe.
County planner Sarah Wilhelm presented a report on Nov. 21, giving council its first look at the site plan for the corner of Wellington Roads 124 and 125.
The low-density residential development will feature 60 lots, a storm water management area and park land. Zoning will be considered by council at a later time.
Wilhelm said the planning department considered technical studies and consulted with the public. Through this process, 52 conditions of approval were developed for the subdivision.
“In our opinion, the proposed draft plan of subdivision and related zoning provisions are appropriate and in the public interest,” stated Wilhelm in her report.
She added concerns about drainage, traffic and impact on wells, which were raised at a public meeting in February, have been addressed through the plan and/or conditions.
“We believe that we have a plan before you that … through the refinements we did, I believe there are some improvements that were made through that collaborative process,” said Hugh Handy, of GSP Group, representing Thomasfield Homes.
Part of the development includes the installation of a municipal drain on the south side of Wellington Road 125.
Councillor John Brennan wanted clarification on the drain process.
“In essence, you the council own the drain; it is on the landowner’s property,” said Chris Simms, of GM Blue Plan Engineering.
“If there is a maintenance issue that comes up, the entire drainage head, as defined by the drainage engineer who you the council appoint, is all assessed for maintenance,” he said.
The people upstream would pay for the benefit and maintenance, while those downstream may be assessed for maintenance costs, said Simms.
Councillor Matt Sammut asked if the park land could be worked into the town’s future recreation plan.
“I think we all want to see something happen in this park. If we’re going to take a dedication, we want it to be successful,” said Wilhelm.
Handy added, “There’s often a benefit in having a park up front or closer to when people start to move in, because that tends to create community right away.”
Council supported the proposed plan unanimously. Staff will now prepare a subdivision agreement with the owner for council’s consideration.
