Developer of proposed project wants speedier approval process

SUMMERLAND — The developers of the proposed Banks Crescent project want Summerland council to speed up the approval process by holding a public hearing within 10 days.

At tonight’s meeting a representative of the developers, Lark Enterprises, will ask permission to address council on their request.

Director of development services Dean Strachan informed council that the notification process required by the Local Government Act could not be met on such notice.

He recommends that the public hearing be scheduled as soon as possible in a larger venue than council chambers and be held at a time other than a council meeting.

A councillor at each of the last two council meetings has inquired about holding a public hearing in the near future.

The rezoning application received second reading on Jan. 23, 2017.

Lark submitted information concerning the petition being circulated against the development, the fish hatchery and a traffic assessment for council’s review.

“The applicant has moved forward with a development permit application which is being reviewed in advance of referrals being sent out and reporting to Council,” Strachan wrote in his report to council.

Strachan advised council that district staff are aware that the applicants are contacting people and businesses in the community and seeking letters of support for their proposal.

This evening’s meeting of council begins with a public hearing on the zoning bylaw amendment to allow a two lot subdivision at 5010 Croil Ave.

Council will consider directing staff to proceed with the preparation of a request for proposal for the disposition of two district owned properties adjacent to Wharton St., Kelly Avenue and Brown Street for a residential development.

Council will also consider a proposed OCP amendment and rezoning application which would allow for the property at 5418 Nixon Road to be subdivided into 22 single family lots.

A development permit application to allow for construction of a single family residence within the environmentally sensitive development area for property located at 2194 Matsu Drive is also on the agenda.

Other staff recommendations to come before council are that the pickleball courts at Peach Orchard campgrounds be designated for the use of the Summerland Pickle Ball Club and that staff proceed with a request for proposals for an update to the Heritage Inventory.