The first public open house for the proposed new South East Sundre area structure plan (ASP) has been scheduled for March 11, steering committee members heard on Jan. 22.
The new plan outlines development guidelines and conditions for eight sections of land in Mountain View County immediately southeast of the Town of Sundre.
Once adopted the plan will replace the existing 2007 ASP, which contains a number of conflicts with the new county-wide municipal development plan (MDP), which was adopted in July 2012. The Sundre plan must conform to the MDP.
A draft of the new ASP was presented and reviewed by steering committee members on Jan. 22. The steering committee overseeing the development of the plan includes MVC Reeve Bruce Beattie and Sundre Mayor Annette Clews.
The plan outlines 10 main objectives, including "to develop a plan that will guide future developmentî, "to provide for future land use that is sensitive to agriculture and rural surroundings and environmentî and to "encourage recreational development that recognizes natural physical features in collaboration with the Town of Sundre Recreation Plan.î
The ASP area contains a number of existing businesses, including two bed and breakfast operations, two campgrounds, a gravel pit and several other businesses.
"Given the area's location, accessibility and amenities, Mountain View County anticipates continued and potentially increased development pressure in the coming years,î the plan states.
"The county wishes to be proactive to guide development through the adoption of a land use strategy and related policies that provides for the expansion of residential, county residential, highway commercial, commercial and recreation uses.î
Regarding development in the ASP area, the draft plan states that "all multi-lot re-designation and subdivision applications proposed in the plan area should submit a concept plan that must include surface drainage and storm-water management plan, municipal and environmental reserve dedication strategy, architectural controls and guidelines, and transportation network illustrating access points and roads that meet current county standards.î
All applications for subdivision of more than one additional lot within the infill area (the northwest portion of the plan area immediately adjacent to the Town of Sundre) "must submit the density and predicted population for future development, future layout with local roads and utility corridors, and demonstration of buffering from adjacent uses.î
Regarding possible flooding, the plan states that "all future residential, commercial, recreational or other developments in the plan area will be required to conduct a detailed hydrogeological and surface water impact study by a hydro-geologist or groundwater expert.î
The special recreational area section of the plan includes that "applications for development in the plan area must complete a bio-physical and hydrological assessment. If the land is demonstrated to be environmentally sensitive, the developer must demonstrate how the proposed development will be low impact, minimize impacts on the environment, and not impact adjacent lands.î
Applications for multi-lot subdivision or large-scale development within 800 metres of Highway 27 or Highway 760 "must be supported by a traffic impact assessment.î
Regarding fire safety, the new plan would require all developers to prepare and submit wildfire hazard assessments with initial proposals, prepare emergency plans with all concept plans, and provide fire service access routes in developments with treed areas, and "all developers and landowners must demonstrate FireSmart principles in all proposals for development.î
The steering committee will be holding further meetings prior to the scheduled March 11 public hearing.
John Rusling, MVC director of planning, said changes to the draft ASP will be made as steering committee members make suggestions and comments.
The Sundre ASP is one of several such plans being developed in Mountain View County, including the Highway 2 and 27 ASP for immediately east of Olds.
