MAPLETON – A farm between Moorefield and Conestogo Lake is set to be severed into two near-equal lots.
Agricultural uses will continue on each lot.
The property, at 6815 Sideroad 15, is about 80 hectares (almost 200 acres) in size.
The applicants want to sever about 40 hectares (almost 100 acres) of vacant land from the property to be used for agriculture.
The retained parcel includes a house, a shop and a barn.
Wellington County’s official plan designates the property as prime agricultural land and core greenland, including “hazardland,” according to a Sept. 10 report to council from Mapleton planner Linda Redmond.
The county’s official plan requires new lots for agricultural operations be “an appropriate size for the type of agricultural uses common in the area and also large enough to maintain flexibility for future changes.”
This normally means a minimum of 35 hectares, the report notes.
For Mapleton the land is zoned agricultural and natural environment.
Mapleton’s building department reports no concerns with the application. Mapleton public works also reports no concerns, but notes entrance permits and drain reapportionment may be required.
Mapleton’s planning staff has no concerns with the severance.
Mapleton council followed staff’s recommendations to support the application, as long as:
- the owner satisfies all municipal requirements for development, including outstanding taxes;
- a payment of $420 is made for a letter of clearance;
- the applicant provides a municipal drain reapportionment or mutual agreement as determined by the drainage superintendent;
- driveway access to the retained/severed lands can be provided or upgraded if required; and
- a copy of the deposited reference plan be submitted to the township.
