Whereas there are a number of properties in Oldcastle Hamlet that are designated “Hamlet Development” in the current Official Plan; and
And Whereas these Oldcastle “Hamlet Development” properties are part of a number of properties that were previously changed from an “Agricultural” designation to “Hamlet Development” in the settlement areas in the existing Official Plan in order to accommodate future growth needs; and
And Whereas the “Hamlet Development” Official Plan polices establish that only agricultural uses are currently permitted on these properties; and
And Whereas the “Hamlet Development” Official Plan policies further establish that this land use designation is intended to be changed to land use designations that have the effect of permitting specific types of urban development once an appropriate planning study has been undertaken; and
And Whereas Town Administration has advised in the past that a special planning study will most appropriately be undertaken once a new Official Plan has been adopted by Council and approved by the approval authority (the County of Essex); and
And Whereas it is anticipated that the new Official Plan will continue to designate the subject properties in a “Hamlet Development” designation or some similar “future development” type of designation pending the completion of a special planning study; and
And Whereas it is anticipated that a new Official Plan will be adopted and ultimately approved by early 2020; and
And Whereas Town Administration has advised in the past that a special planning study should most appropriately have a rigorous and thorough public consultation component that engages with a range of stakeholders; and
And Whereas a number of residents in Oldcastle have expressed a strong desire in seeing that the necessary steps be undertaken by the Town to confirm the preferred, ultimate urban land uses for the “Hamlet Development” lands, with an expressed interest in seeing the majority of these lands ultimately being considered for residential use; and
And Whereas Town Administration is currently in the process of developing the proposed 2020 Budget for Council’s deliberation over the next number of months; and
And Whereas it is appropriate and in the best interests of the Town, residents, stakeholders and directly affected property owners that a commitment to the timely preparation of the noted special planning study for the “Hamlet Development” lands in Oldcastle be considered as part of the 2020 and 2021 Budgets and associated work plans;
Now Therefore Be It Hereby Resolved
- That funds be allocated in the proposed 2020 and 2021 Budgets to undertake a special planning study over the years 2020 and 2021 regarding the “Hamlet Development” lands in Oldcastle that will have the effect of determining the preferred urban land uses of these properties and which study will include a rigorous and thorough public consultation component that engages with a range of stakeholders;
And that Town Council consider this funding as part of their review and approval of the 2020 and 2021 Budgets.