HomeMy WebLinkAboutPD-137-88 DN: 137-88
TOWN OF NEWCASTLE
`p REPORT
File #
L�Q 36 /
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_ ---- By-Law #
MEETING: General Purpose and Administration Committee
DATE: Monday, June 20, 1988
REPORT #: PD-137-88 FILE #: PLN 2.2.3
ACT: REVIEW OF THE DURHAM REGIONAL OFFICIAL PLAN
DISCUSSION PAPER N0. 2 - RURAL POLICIES
OUR FILE: PLN 2.2.3
RECOMMENDATIONS:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration
Committee recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report PD-137-88 be received; and
2. THAT Report PD-137-88 be forwarded to the Regional Planning Committee as
the Town's comments on Discussion Paper No. 2 Rural Policies.
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1. BACKGROUND:
1.1 In 1983, the Planning Act required that a review of Official Plans be
undertaken every five (5) years. Accordingly, September, 1986 Regional '
Council directed Regional Planning Staff to begin a review of the Durham
Regional Official Plan. The review would analyze the following components
of the Plan:
- industrial policies and designations;
- rural development policies;
- commercial policies, floorspace allocations and floor space;
- transportation issues and policies; and
- Regional structure.
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REPORT 00. : PD-I37-88 D&GB 2 '
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1.2 On Jaouazl, 28, 1988, the Region forwarded nDi00000iom Paper 0V. 2 -
Rural Policies" to the 9ovmx of Newcastle for review and comments.
Staff have now completed the review and provide the following comments
to be submitted to the Region for its consideration.
2. Highlight of Discussion 3
2.1 The Discussion Paper emphasizes the need to continue to balance the
conflicting demands on the use of land for settlement areas and for
rural activities related to agriculture, mineral aggregate extraction,
open space and the natural environment.
2.3 In Hamlet development, it is suggested that onuoldmratiuu be given to
the appropriateness of the limit of one Hundred and Fifty (I50)
residential units in these hamlets identified for growth and at the
same time, to clarify policies to deal with the potential of
groundwater contamination as a result of expansion.
2.3 For estate residential development, the Discussion Paper cited the
need to limit the total aomoot of estate development, limit the size
of residential developments, as well as redefine policies and criteria
to determine suitability of site for estate residential development
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without infringing on the intent of the Official Plan.
2.4 Explicit criteria for rural residential cluster is proposed to provide �
a clear direction to local 0oulciDnIitieo when amendments to local
official Plans and 3nuiug By-laws are considered. |
3.5 The Discussion Paper also contemplates tightening the existing
policies for farm related severances to elimiate retirement and iutra- !
family Iota.
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REPORT 00. : PD-137-88 PAGE 3 �~
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3. COMMENTS
3.1 Of the eight local monioipelitea in Durham Region, the Town of
Newcastle has the largest proportion of its area in the rural setting.
Being omotagiuoo to City of Oshawa and having the benefit of major
transportation corridors traversing the municipalities, development
pressure on the Town's rural area will continue to accelerate at
unprecedented rate. Given these facts, it is of extreme significance
to the Town that the policies formulated by the Region, through this
rural policy review exercise, will provide maaocauoe that the Town's
planning interests are protected. It is therefore suggested to the
Region of Durham that the following comments be taken into
consideration in its cocaI policy review.
3.2 Farm-related Severances
The suggestion to eliminate retirement lots and iutca-family lots is
ton drastic. There is no question that current policies in the Durham
Region official Plan with respect to farm-related severance have been
abused. However, there are true bona-fide farmers who should be given
consideration for retirement lots. Stemming out retirement lots is
not the answer. The solutions should be clear and tighter definitions
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given to terminology such as bona-fide farmer, facmac`a immediate
family member, and farm consolidation. For example' bona fide farmer |
could be defined as person who derives his/her main oVuzoe of income !
from farming and that be or she actively engages in farming
activities. !
3.3 Estate Residential Development . �
Staff agreed that clearly defined policies are needed to assist in the |
evaluation of estate residential development proposals. It is felt |
that this type of development should not be allowed in areas
contagious to urban areas. In addition, Staff support Regional |
Staff's suggestion that a maximum number of estate residential units
he established annually but, feel that such maximum number shall be
determined by the local municipality and not he ouifozmily applied to �
all municipalities within the Region. �
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REPORT 00. : PD-137-88 PAGE 4
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3.4 Drilled Well Policies and Enforcement
Currently, the policy of the Region requires drilled wells to be
installed for residential development in rural areas. This policy is
implemented through the Town's agreement with the developer. However,
on many occasions, purchasers of these rural lots install dogged wells
instead of drilled wells, thereby creating potential cross
contamination problem with septic systems and often these dkigged wells
do not produce sufficient quantity or acceptable quality of water
supply. Staff feel that the enforcement of drilled well installation
should not be shouldered by the Town. The issue of drilled wells is a
requirement of the Region, administered through the Region Health
Department. The Region should include such policy requirement in its
own subdivision agreement and enforce it accordingly. Staff suggest
to the Region that it abooId consider securing financial guarantee
from the developer similar to the method used for sanitary sewer and
water services, to e000ce that the developer will install a drilled
well on every lot prior to the issuance of a building permit.
3.5 Hamlet Development
The oocceut Region's policies identifying two oIaaaeo of hamlets,
/ growth and non-growth hamlets. Staff feel that this classification
should be eliminated. As we are moving towards tightening our rural
policies to preserve our rural resources and environment, we moat
balance the residential interest by providing opportunity for those
who choose a coral life style living. Hamlets should he permitted to
grow to afford this opportunity. It is therefore suggested that the
Region arrives at appropriate pnIioiao whereby hamlets be permitted to
expand provided development plans are prepared, approved by the Region
and incorporated an an amendment to the local Official Plan. |
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REPORT 00. : PD-I37-88 PAGE 5 ^^
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3.6 Agricultural Area
The Town of Newcastle noobaioo vast tracks of agricultural laud and
there are many viable farming operations. Although the existing
Official Plan policies do address to the need to preserve agricultural
land, it is felt that some policies merit revision to prohibit
non-farm ooeo intruding into the agricultural community. Strict
compliance with the Agricultural Code of Practice, prohibiting the
creation of rural cluster in prime agricultural land and specific
policies to prohibit incompatible ooea are options available to deal
with this iasue. The right to farm should be elaborated and enhanced
in the Regional Official Plan policies.
4. CONCLUSION
4.1 Staff generally feel that the rural policies contained in the Regional
official Plan are adequate. However, it would be advisable if some of
these policies are clarified, defined, and/or elaborated nw that the
intent and overall planning philosophy of the Region can be
implemented effectively by the local municipality.
4.2 All of the above comments are submitted to Council for consideration
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prior to submission to the Region. The Town will be afforded another
opportunity to review and comment on the draft policies when they are
completed by the Region.
Respectfully submitted, BacunxDeuded for presentation
to the Committee
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Franklin Wu _ Kotaeff |
Director of Planning & Development Chief atcative Officer
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*Attach.
June 5, 1988 |