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HomeMy WebLinkAboutP-07-79 CORPORATION OF THE TOWN OF NEWCASTLE PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT L.L. KRISTOF,M.C.I.P.,Director HAMPTON,ONTARIO LOB UO TEL. (416)263-2231 TO: Chairman & Members of the REPORT NO. P-7-79 Planning & Development Committee DATE: January 15, 1979 SUBJECT: Proposed Amendment to the Durham Regional Official Plan, O.P.A. #160, Jack Jacobsen Construction Ltd. Our File: OA-3-11-1 COMMENTS: In March of 1973, the above noted application was forwarded to us for comments. It was circulated in June of that year to various agencies and only two objections were received. The Ministry of Natural Resources expressed concern over the existing shoreline erosion at that site and the need to preserve public access to such a major recreational resource as Lake Ontario. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food also objected to the pro- posed amendment and indicated that the site is Class "1 " agricultural land which has no significant physical limitations in use for crops. This, combined with the fact that it is surrounded by productive agri- cultural land leads them to believe that there is no justification for locating permanent residential development on high capability agricultural j land when there exists alternative areas of low capability land suitable for residential uses. o - 2 - No other major objections having been received we are, therefore, now in a position to make a recommendation on this application. The major obstruction to approving this application, however, is the resol - ution of the objections on record. In the first instance, the objection by the Ministry of Natural Resources concerning erosion may be satisfactorily resolved by use of suitable development controls. In this regard, the proposed setback would provide 100 years of protection for the buildings. Further, restrictions respecting the location of permanent structures or facilities could be achieved through the subdivision agreement, so as to I minimize the impact upon the bluffs. The Ministry's concern over lost i recreation potential is of little concern considering the fact that the site has no direct access to the waterfront due to the extreme bluffs. Visual access may be maintained through appropriate siting of the built form which can again be controlled through the subdivision agreement. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has a much stronger objection based on provincial objectives for retaining high capability agricultural land. It is our interpretation of their comments, that their concern is more with the applicant's entire holdings rather than with the specific 6.5 ha (16 ac) proposed for subdivision. These lands are, in fact, separated from other agricultural lands by a road and we do not feel that the addition of seven residential lots would adversely affect the productive operation of these lands. However, we strongly recommend that no further residential development be permitted in this area in order to prevent further fragmentation of the agricultural lands in this vicinity. I i - 3 - RECOMMENDATION: Based on the above information and comments received, we i recommend that; "The Region of Durham be advised that the Town has no objection to the proposed amendment to the Durham Regional Official Plan for the purpose of creating seven residential i estate lots, subject to satisfactory development controls. " Respectfully submitted, TTE:lb Leslie L. Kristof, M.C. I .P. Director of Planning & Develo ent I i 1