Minor variance for barn approved

MAPLETON – A farm west of Moorefield is set to build a new sow barn a little closer to the property line than is usually allowed.

Mapleton’s committee of adjustment approved a minor variance application permitting the barn on Dec. 10.

The barn is set to be 17 metres away from the east interior property line, whereas provincial minimum distance separation rules require the barn to be 22 metres from the property line.

No members of the public spoke for or against the application, and municipal planners and relevant agencies (including Wellington Source Water Protection and the Maitland Valley Conservation Authority) did not have any concerns.

The 40-hectare property at 8667 Concession 6 is currently occupied by a home and livestock facilities and is designated prime agricultural.

“The proposed livestock facility is located within the existing farm building cluster and there does not appear to be an alternative location that will not further reduce the productive farmland,” stated township planner Linda Redmond in report. “The proposed location provides for operational efficiency.”

The report added, “Staff have no concerns with the requested relief and are of the opinion that the variance would maintain the general intent and purpose of the (county’s) official plan and (the township’s) zoning bylaw and would be desirable and appropriate for the development of the subject property.”

Wellington County planner Jamie Burns agreed the setback “appears to provide operational efficiency and maintain overall functionality of the site” and said county planning staff have no concerns with the application.

Committee member Robert Stanners asked where manure would be stored, as he was concerned that it might be too close to the property line.

Property owner Stan Brubacher addressed those concerns by assuring the committee manure would be stored underneath the new barn.

All committee members present (Stanners, Ed Benjamins and Dennis Cuomo) voted in favour of the application.

Committee members Peg Schieck and Jeff Duimering were absent.