The municipal planning commission approved a height relaxation from 7 to 7.3 metres for a building west of the City of Red Deer during a meeting June 5, despite protests from neighbours that the building would be “too enormous.”The 371-square metre building with a 7.3-metre height is meant as a photography home business in a country residential district.“It is an enormous building,” said Jill Craig who lives west of the building. “It's a building with a business in a residential area. It's big enough to need a separate building.” She said it is twice the size of her house and asked the commission to defer its decision so she could review the plans in more detail.She said it can be seen from her bedroom and kitchen and if she planted trees for screening it would still take a good 10 to 15 years until they grew in.Another neighbour said he had ongoing issues with stormwater and flooding at his property. He said he had the original proposal for the building, which has since changed, reviewed by an engineer who said flooding would increase at his property.“This is a serious concern. I don't know about the new proposal,” he admitted.The applicants, Danielle and Garth Fisher, said originally they planned for two buildings but are merging them to save money. They said the size is to accommodate a proper set when shooting.“We are planning to put a substantial amount of money into the property. We want it to look good,” said Danielle Fisher.Garth Fisher said he thought the stormwater issue had been resolved and felt confident the new location wouldn't effect the water runoff.Mayor Jim Wood suggested the commission postpone making a decision so neighbours had a chance to work it out themselves.“In my mind the report covers off existing concerns,” said Div. 1 Coun. Philip Massier. Div. 4 Coun. David Hoar agreed.“I don't think it's fair to wait when we and the applicants have done due process,” he said, explaining that notices have been sent out and people had their chance to review plans already.
