Timothy Williams

The County of Middlesex and the Municipality of Strathroy-Caradoc brought a joint scoping motion under s. 17(50) of the Planning Act to approve the non-contentious portions of Official Plan Amendment No. 14 (OPA-14) and bring them into force.

The appellant consented to scoping its appeal to specific policies and schedules.

Relying on uncontroverted expert planning evidence, the Tribunal found that bringing the non-contentious portions into force represents good planning, reduces unnecessary site-specific applications, and is consistent with provincial policies.

The motion was granted, and the non-contentious portions of OPA-14 were deemed in full force and effect.

The appellant appealed the municipality's decision to grant a lot severance and minor variance for a reduced rear yard setback to permit the creation of a new residential lot.

The appellant failed to appear at the hearing.

The Tribunal heard unchallenged expert planning evidence from the municipality that the applications were consistent with the Provincial Policy Statement, conformed to the applicable official plans, and met the four tests for a minor variance under the Planning Act.

The Tribunal accepted the evidence and dismissed the appeal.