Despite a recommendation for refusal from Rocky View County (RVC) administration, council voted 5-3 to approve a subdivision within Glendale Estates, east of the Town of Cochrane and within the Bearspaw Area Structure Plan (BASP).
The application creates a 3.7-acre parcel with a 3.74-acre remainder on land with an existing dwelling and accessory buildings. However, according to RVC planner Jessica Anderson, the current Residential Two District land use designation requires a minimum parcel size of 3.95 acres. A redesignation to Residential One District would allow for subdivision in smaller parcels.
While the land is located within a section of the BASP that is suitable for residential development, Anderson said the plan states all applications proposing a parcel size of less than four acres requires the support of a Concept Plan – which she said has not been considered through a redesignation application.
“A concept plan would not typically be requested in this case,” Anderson said. “The proposed one-lot subdivision may not affect the development potential on lands within the quarter section as further subdivision can take advantage of existing road networks and water supply systems.”
According to Anderson, a letter from Rocky View Water Co-op confirmed that they have enough capacity to service the new lot and both lots are “suitable to accommodate” a building site.
Area Councillor Bruce Kendall moved to approve the application Oct. 13, and provided reasoning to support his motion as required by administration.
“The parcel sizes being created are relatively close in size to the requirement. I don’t believe that will impact the neighbourhood – there are no letters opposed to the application,” Kendall said. “We have the ability to waive the requirement for a concept plan, and we have done so recently in similar instances in this area.”
Kendall’s motion was passed 5-3, with Councillors Liz Breakey, Rolly Ashdown and Deputy Reeve Lois Habberfield voting in opposition.
“They’re wanting undersized (Residential Two) parcels without going through the redesignation procedure,” Habberfield said. “I think (administration) assessed it very well, and I will be supporting their recommendation.”
Council also reviewed a second subdivision request on another section of land within Glendale Estates west of Glendale Road, designated Residential One District. This subdivision creates a two-acre parcel with a 2.92-acre remainder, which is permitted under the current land use, and the application was approved unanimously.
