A small auto repair and paint shop operating illegally here will continue to operate.
Wellington North council, on the advice of a county planner, will allow Roger Villeneuve to continue operating the shop for three years.
Villeneuve had been seeking a zoning amendment to make the operation legal. The issue was brought to council’s attention in January when Villeneuve’s zoning application was brought forward and opposed by neighbour Elizabeth Ellen Wootton, who complained about noise and fumes. Villeneuve refurbishes muscle cars and antique cars in a garage on the property, but was informed by a township official that the current agricultural zoning did not allow that type of business, which he has operated since 2010.
In October last year, the businessman was told by township building official Darren Jones to cease operation due to the current zoning.
County planner Mark Van Patter said at the public meeting on Jan. 13 the current zoning did not allow for the business to operate, but he noted the business could be deemed a home industry provided that rules were relaxed.
“The use is similar to a home industry in scale; however, the setbacks to neighbouring dwellings are considerably less than that required by the home industry regulations,” Van Patter said in a report at the January meeting.
The planner, in his report to council on March 10, indicated council could approve a temporary zoning amendment of one to three years that could allow the neighours to iron out their differences.
Councillor Andy Lennox supported a three-year term, stating the business has operated since 2010 and he didn’t want the owner to come back each year to seek an extension.
The rest of council agreed.
