The latest step of the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal (LPAT) case involving the Sorbara Group of Companies (Nigus Storybrook LP) and Centre Wellington has ordered that participant status be granted to Alexandra and Derek Graham and Sandra Allan on behalf of Douglas and Muriel Allan.
The decision, based on a June 20 LPAT proceeding.
The Ontario Municipal Board (OMB) is continued under the Local Planning Appeal Tribunal.
Sobara contends Centre Wellington Township failed to make a decision within the statutory time limits on permitting the creation of a range of housing units (1083 – 1178) comprising a variety of residential and commercial/mixed use.
The property in question is the Storybrook subdivison in the area of Colborne Street and Beatty Line in Fergus (Part Lots 18, 19 and 20, Concession 14).
The pre-hearing conference was held to organize a hearing on the merits of an appeal by the applicant of an application for plan of subdivision and an application for zoning bylaw amendment.
The Sorbara appealed both applications to the OMB, now the LPAT, because the township had not made a decision within the set time frame.
Abutting the settlement area of Fergus is a 70-hectare property that was included within the urban boundary by an approved Official Plan Amendment in the form of a secondary plan for the site.
The applicant is proceeding with development in three phases. Phase one is a draft plan of subdivision that is not part of these appeals.
Phase two consists of the area north of the watercourse, and the later phase three involves the area south of the watercourse.
The matters at issue relate to subdivision design and density.
Discussions are ongoing among the applicant, Wellington County and township, and the parties are hopeful that the issues will be resolved.
Derek Graham, a resident to the west of the site, requested participant status for himself and his spouse, Alexandra Graham. Sandra Allan requested participant status, on behalf of her parents Douglas and Muriel Allan, owners of land to the southwest of the site.
Derek suggested that notice be given to the broader community via print media.
The tribunal advised that notice was given in accordance with the regulations, and that interested persons may wish to stay apprised of the development through the township.
Other than the applicant, the Grahams and Allan, no other persons were in attendance.
The tribunal ordered participant status be granted to the Derek Grahams, and to Allan on behalf of her parents.
The next pre-hearing conference is set for Nov. 16 at 10am.
A subsequent meeting is slated for April 30, 2019 at 10am.
Both are set be held at Centre Wellington council chamber.
