It was a bit of the “suite” life here on Oct. 4 – in this case a garden suite extensions.
Council faced back-to-back requests for zoning bylaw extensions for them.
The first was Ellen Turner, to extend the temporary use of on at 9422 County Road 124. It was first approved in 1995 with extensions in 2005 and 2008.
Erin planner Sally Stull said that under the Planning Act approvals last 10 years, but renewals are not to be longer than three. She noted a property inspection indicated no changes to the use or the property.
She added no comments were made until the Friday prior to the council meeting.
Turner said the conditions that led to the original garden suite application still exist.
“Nothing has changed since the initial application.”
The only objection, from nearby resident John White, had nothing to do with the garden suite, but site drainage.
His property lies downhill of the Turner property.
White said trees were being cut down without his permission, gravel is being added to the driveway every year, and there is a culvert that drains water from the property onto his.
“I want to see a stop put to that.”
The Turners responded that White has lived at the edge of the property for many years. That property was developed by putting in an extension of the original driveway.
The Turners argued trees from White’s property need to be clipped because they are encroaching on hydro wires, on their side of the driveway.
They said the same complaints arose the last time the garden suite extension was requested.
Turner said the culvert was in place prior to White residing there.
“We are doing nothing wrong.”
The extension will be dealt with at the next council meeting on Oct. 18.
One question that did arise is why water concerns were being brought up with a garden suite request that is 1,500 feet away from White’s property.
Councillor John Brennan recalled it from the last time the matter came before council. He asked if there was any resolution to the water concern at that time.
Stull said, “Drainage is largely a civil matter. The granny suite is 400 to 500 feet from that area and does not affect the drainage.”
She added it is a garden suite application to decide.
Brennan said, “If you have a concern about the drainage, you need to pursue that separately. It doesn’t have anything to do with this application.”
Next up was the extension request by Paul and Ellen Thomson of 5182 Trafalgar Rd.
The applicant’s approval from 1998 lapsed in 2008, and an extension was granted for a further three years at that time.
Stull said the trailer location has not changed, nor have any site issues. No concerns received.
Paul Thomson said the reason for the application is the same as 13 years ago.
His mother-in-law wishes to remain living with her remaining family.
“She’s been a resident of Erin for 15 years now and wants to continue to live here.”
Erin Mayor Lou Maieron anticipated seeing a resolution to that request on Oct. 18.
