Guelph-Eramosa councillors want more information before they can approve a property severance in Eden Mills.
The lot at 49 Ash Street measures just over 8 hectares (20 acres) in size, explained township planning consultant Mitchell Avis. The owners asked to sever a 0.725ha (1.8 acre) portion of land zoned residential with one house and two drive sheds and retain a 7.772ha (19.2 acre) portion zoned agriculture and bush to build a house.
“There’s a large swath here of green field land that has yet to be developed. The property does have some frontage onto Wilson Street as well as frontage … onto Ash Street and that’s where the dwelling is,” Avis said.
“So the property is located somewhat inside and outside of the urban boundary of Eden Mills.”
Councillor Corey Woods asked if the plan was to eventually put a subdivision on the retained parcel of land.
“The lands are designated within the hamlet area so the intent is that over the long-term that these lands would be developed for residential purposes,” Avis said.
However, he added there has been no proposal submitted indicating where the new residence would be located.
“The [Provincial Policy Statement] promotes efficient development and land-use patterns which sustain the financial wellbeing of the province and municipalities over the long term,” Avis said. “They promote development that efficiently uses land and resources.
“Through my analysis the placement of one residential lot on a 7ha piece of land is not an efficient use of land.” He said one residence on the land may be acceptable today but it needs to allow for future development.
Avis also said studies must be done to “demonstrate that the quality of service and ground water will not be degraded and that individual wells in the area will not be negatively affected.”
To date there have been no studies submitted. Avis also said he’s been told by Wellington County the Grand River Conservation Authority is not confident access to the retained portion is possible off Wilson Street due to core greenland designations.
“That is an issue if access cannot be obtained because then you’re creating a land-locked parcel and there would be no access to this house,” Avis said.
Woods responded, “So this is a real possibility then that this may not even be possible to do.”
Council deferred its decision until appropriate access to Wilson Street can be confirmed, additional studies are conducted and a concept plan is submitted.
