Objections by neighbors of a planned Mount Forest development that would see three homes built on a lot where only one existed before was enough for Wellington North council’s committee of adjustment to defer approval of the plan and send it back to Wellington County Land Division.
Developer Steve Hummel has been seeking a minor variance on the 14,769 square foot property at the corner of Durham and Henry streets that would allow for the construction of three homes with reduced street frontages.
In early May council supported the plan despite concerns about an L-shaped lot in the development. The developer then submitted a revised plan to the county, which Land Division approved and sent back to council for further consideration.
Neighbor Bob Hill objected to the plan and the process in which it was considered. When the development was approved at the county level, notices were sent out to neighbors and the municipality.
However, Hill said council gave its support before the deadline for neighbors to file any objections.
“Land Division was generally supportive of the severance,” township planner Linda Redmond said.
She added the project is considered low density residential – despite the three homes replacing one – because it would allow for three single family homes.
Hill questioned the process in which the plan is handled at the county level before coming back to the local council.
Realtor Brian Padfield was also critical of the plan. “This proposed development is substantially inconsistent,” said Padfield, who was representing another neighbor. “It’s not appropriate.”
Committee member and councillor Dan Yake agreed.
“I don’t think three lots of this size are suitable,” Yake said. “I’m not in support of this when you see a property requiring six variances it raises a red flag.”
Hummel said he has built a similar project in Arthur.
“It’s a property that has had one home on it and a developer is trying to squeeze three lots in there. It doesn’t work.”
The developer has the option of taking the revised plan back to Wellington County Land Division.
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In an unrelated matter, council approved a reduction in the number of parking spaces needed for a townhouse development known as 740 Princess Street, near Mount Forest’s medical centre and hospital.
Peter Schlegel is in the process of developing the nine-acre parcel of land, which has already seen 25 rental townhouse units built of the 49 planned.
The developer has been seeking a minor variance from the 1.5 parking or 74 spaces required for the cluster of townhouses down to 61 parking spaces. A reduction in the number of parking spaces needed has raised concerns with some neighbors.
Warren Fink has met with council several times with concerns parking reductions would result in overflow parking on neighboring streets.
Despite the concerns, council’s committee of adjustment will allow the change.
