An application from the City of Armstrong to the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) to exclude some land for a housing development has drawn some concerns from the Township of Spallumcheen.
The city has forwarded the application to exclude property from the ALR at 3985 Wood Avenue. The west side of the property borders the boundaries of the township. The north side fronts Wood Avenue and borders a township boundary.
If successfully excluded from the ALR, the proposed development would feature 32 lots and a new road that would connect from Wood Avenue.
Adjacent properties to the west and the north side of Wood Avenue are located within township boundaries and the ALR.
“If a property is to be developed, it should be done in a way that would minimize potential future land use conflicts between the developed property and any adjacent properties located in the ALR,” said planner Greg Routley, referring to the township’s official community plan.
Coun. Todd York expressed concerns over farming and urban interfaces clashing, and wondered if the township should send its concerns direct to the ALR.
Township council unanimously agreed to send the city a letter advising it of the township’s concerns with the impact the proposed ALR exclusion of the property could have on adjacent properties.
It also voted to add a subject to its concerns, specifically that a restrictive covenant be registered on the title of the property.
The covenant would require a buffer be provided between the proposed residential development and the adjacent properties to the west which are located in the ALR.