Proposed changes to Brocktons Official Plan could derail a planned residential subdivision near the Walkerton Business Park.
Barry Kruisselbrink — Owner of Barrys Construction and Insulation Limited out of Allenford — along with Planning Consultant Ron Davidson came to last nights Council meeting.
Kruisselbrink requested that Council grant a 3-year extension of a draft plan of subdivision agreement that was approved back in 1992 under the old Walkerton Official Plan.
The current agreement would expire this Friday and the land currently designated as residential would be changed back to agricultural.
Mayor Charlie Bagnato says there are a few other developers that would be affected by the extension and Council is holding off a decision until they are able to talk to their consultant who is helping them go over their Official Plan.
In the meantime, the Bruce County Planning Department is allowing a 3-month emergency extension of the draft plan agreement in order for the County to look into whether a long-term extension is warranted.
The County would have to look at the plan and make an Official Plan Amendment since the area in question is situated outside Walkertons urban boundaries.
Kruisselbrink says he appreciates what the Municipality and the Countys Planning Department are doing by granting a 3-month extension.
He says he hopes the planners can convince Bruce Countys Agricultural, Tourism, and Planning Committee to grant at least a one-year extension of the draft plan agreement.
The committee will be discussing the issue at their March 19th meeting.
Kruisselbrink says he hasnt been able to get started on constructing an undisclosed number of small detached homes, semi-detached homes, and townhouses because he has not been able to get an access road into the lots.
He says he has been purchasing some adjacent land in order for a road to be built but is now considering using the existing roads from the Business Park.
Kruisselbrink says if the extension is granted he hopes to start building homes within 18 months or sooner.
He says it depends whether he will be allowed to phase the homes in or if he is directed to build all the homes at once.
He adds that will also depend on whether he can get another access to the subdivision.