On November 13 Council agenda there is a staff report recommending refusal of a zoning application for a property on 10^th concession to enable a second dwelling for farm help; specifically, concept was to build a large (910 sq m or 10,000 sq ft) house and convert the current original house to one for farm help.  As reviewed in the report refusal of the application is recommended as Staff is not satisfied that it is appropriate given the guidelines in our Official Plan.  Not because of the specific recommendation I am impressed with how Staff came to their conclusion and it serves as good demonstration of the importance of  a well written Official Plan.  Our OP includes guidelines for farm help accommodation and that is what has been used to evaluate whether the permission requested should be granted.

Its my recollection that during the public meeting in September Council members asked a number of questions about the rationale for converting the house to one for farm help.  With analysis and consideration of the OP guidelines Staff determined that they are “not satisfied that the nature of the existing farm operation requires the additional accommodation for farm help.”

As always you can participate in the Council and make a deputation on this motion  in person or virtually.  For details on how to do please see Council agenda.  Or you can send an email to clerks@king.ca by Monday noon with your comments, questions/  And I welcome hearing from you directly or by making a comment on the blog.