In a split decision, Rocky View County council rejected a Bearspaw-area rezoning application that would have split a four-acre parcel in two, Nov. 1.
The land, located about five kilometres east of Cochrane and 1.5 kilometres north of Highway 1A, is identified as development priority area three in the Bearspaw Area Structure Plan.
“It has only been five years since this residential two was created... a short five years later we want to subdivide this again,” said Councillor Lois Habberfield. “This is piecemeal subdivision and I can’t support it.”
The applicant, Dale Spicer, hoped to build another home, serviced by a well and private sewage treatment system, on the proposed subdivision. Spicer’s son, along with his family, would have moved into the existing home, serviced by a well and septic field.
The applicants proposed an unusual L-shaped lot for the two-acre parcel. A panhandle would have provided access.
The staff report cited these, along with concerns about a suitable building site, as reasons to recommend refusal of the application.
Despite the concerns, the applicants received a number of letters in support of the rezoning, with no neighbours speaking in opposition.
Van Ridout of Western Water Resources said a preliminary site assessment revealed no constraints to building.
“From my experience... there are no restrictions that would preclude the development to go forward,” he said. “I request from the chairman and council that they seriously consider this minor request.”
Several councillors were in support of the application, including Greg Boehlke.
“I don’t see this development will hurt anyone in the community,” he said. “As a matter of fact, they have huge support.”
Councillor Rick Butler was opposed to rezoning the land, saying other parcels in priority areas one and two should be developed. He also cited the need for more comprehensive planning.
“I think this is missing the big picture,” he said.
Councillors Kim Magnuson, Margaret Bahcheli, Habberfield and Paul McLean were also opposed to the rezoning application, while councillors Earl Solberg, Al Sacuta and Boehlke, along with Reeve Rolly Ashdown, wanted to see the application go forward.
