The Council of the Township of Whitewater Region voted to refuse the amendment to Ross Zoning By-law No. 23-92 for the property described as Part of Lot 2, Concession 3 based on the reasons set out in this report.
Burton said that the applicants, Norma and Sylvia Crane, were not registered present, and were not thought to be in attendance.
“Essentially we have an property that is landlocked, meaning that it does not have any frontage for municipal or county roads.”
It has a private right-of-way that gives access to the Zion Line.
He said it had 130 acre, and was essentially a ‘bush lot’, but the applicants wanted to build a single family dwelling on the property.
“Essentially the development of the parcel does not constitute appropriate development of the region.” He said. “This could be perceived as setting a precedent. Generally, rural areas have frontage, and have access to these roads. This does not constitute an appropriate use of the land.”
He said the right-of-way, which was created in 1993, would ‘likely not be supported’ if requested today, and was not intended for use for a single-family home.
‘It was always indicated that it would serve as a Bush-lot.”
He said that the applicants may submit a proposal for a private road to give that access.
Ivan said he recommended the Council reject the application.
Councillor Nicholson confirmed that the ‘private’ road is permission to drive over another person’s property, and they would have to purchase that property.
Burton confirmed that a private road would have to be six meters wide to meet Township standards
Nicholson commented that private roads “all abide by different standards”, as he discovered due to the flood, and can’t easily be brought to standard.
Councillor McLaughlin asked if any emergency vehicles could use the private easement.
Burton could not confirm if it was suitable at this time.
The motion to reject was carried.
