The Mountain View County municipal planning commission has defeated a development permit application for an existing aerodrome in the Westcott neighbourhood in Division 4.
The move came during the commission’s recent regularly scheduled meeting in council chambers.
The aerodrome is located approximately 330 metres east of the intersection of Twp. Rd. 312 and Rge. Rd. 33.
“The application is requesting consideration for an aerodrome (with two runways) on a 151-acre parcel zoned agricultural,” administration said in a briefing note to council. “An aerodrome is a discretionary use within an agricultural land use district and therefore can be considered.
“Development on the subject parcel consists of two existing runways only with the remainder of the parcel undeveloped. Surrounding land use is predominately agricultural with the exception of a multi-lot subdivision northwest of the subject parcel.”
The commission has received one letter of objection to the proposed permit application.
In the letter, the writer stated, in part, that, “A plane crash would likely cause a huge fire. We are quite concerned that this could result in death to people in the homes on our properties if a plane using the crosswind runway or an explosion at the oilfield compressor station on the quarter north of the field if using the other runway.
“If a plane were coming from the north or northwest on either of these runways it would be flying just as dangerously close to the home of the applicant’s own acreage and the same disastrous results could occur.”
The commission passed a motion denying the application because the existing runways “negatively impact the use and enjoyment of neighbouring properties.”
Agri-tourism business
Meanwhile, the commission has approved a development permit for a new agri-tourism business proposed for a mushroom farm in Bergen.
The move also came during the commission’s recent regularly scheduled meeting.
“The applicant is requesting consideration for business, agri-tourism and an accessory building on a 53-acre parcel zoned agricultural district,” administration said in a briefing note to the commission.
“The applicant currently operates a mushroom farm and sells spawn. After receiving some inquiries regarding the mushroom operations from the public, the applicant would like to provide opportunities for workshop and tours of the mushroom operation.
"The workshop would provide education on the health and horticultural benefits of various fungi. In addition, the business would sell and ship equipment for mushroom spawning operation.” The application has received a certificate of completion for an Alberta Farm Plan as a commitment to environmental stewardship, members heard.
Distillery facility
Meanwhile, the commission has approved a development permit application for an agri-tourism distillery facility in the Harmattan rural community.
The move also came during the commission’s recent regularly scheduled meeting.
The property involved is located about one kilometre north of Twp. Rd. 320 on the west side of Rge. Rd. 40.
The $600,000 project would include a 5,000-square-foot facility.
“The proposed business (Range Road 40 Craft Distillers Inc) will utilize the southerly portion of undeveloped agricultural land to construct a 5,000-square-foot building that will serve both as a distillery and sampling/retail store area,” administration said in a briefing note to council.
“The product will be oat-based, or oats combined with cereals (wheat, barley triticale and rye), fruit, and/or botanicals or spices to make spirits. Raw materials used to create the product will be sourced 50 per cent or more from the applicant’s property or within 100 miles of the property.”
The applicant has been blending spirits as a hobby for personal use for about 12 years, members heard.
“The proposed business would be secondary to the primary land use as the applicant will continue to grow crops, in part to supply the proposed business.”
The hours of operation for retail and/or tasting will be two days a week only, Friday and Saturday, members heard.
“Production days are variable, however it will be completed between the hours of 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will not be any additional employees other than the landowner/applicant.”
Members unanimously passed the motion approving the development permit.
