Jim Avram

The appellant appealed the Niagara Escarpment Commission's conditional approval of a development permit application to demolish existing structures and construct a large single dwelling on a property designated as Escarpment Protection Area.

The appellant argued the proposed development's size and visual impact would negatively affect the open landscape character and scenic resources of the area.

The Hearing Officer accepted the expert evidence of the applicant and the Commission that the proposed development is a permitted use and accords with the relevant objectives and development criteria of the Niagara Escarpment Plan.

The appeal was dismissed and the Commission's decision was confirmed.

A pre-hearing conference was held regarding appeals of the Niagara Escarpment Commission's conditional approval of a development permit application to demolish an existing dwelling and construct a new single dwelling.

The Hearing Officer addressed preliminary issues regarding notice of the application and decision, and established a procedural schedule for a two-day hearing to commence on June 26, 2019.

The appellant appealed the Niagara Escarpment Commission's conditional approval of a development permit recognizing the demolition of a barn on an adjacent property.

The appellant argued that additional conditions were required, including an archaeological assessment, a full site plan, and soil testing for contaminants that might affect his organic farm.

The Hearing Officers found that a full site plan and soil testing were unnecessary.

However, given the historical nature of the site and the likelihood of soil disturbance during demolition, the Hearing Officers recommended adding a condition requiring Phase 1 and 2 archaeological assessments.

The Minister subsequently confirmed the NEC's decision to issue the permit subject to the conditions.

The appellant appealed the Niagara Escarpment Commission's conditional approval of a development permit application to recognize the demolition of a storage barn.

During a pre-hearing telephone conference call, the property owner requested and was granted party status without objection.

The Hearing Officers also set a procedural schedule for the exchange of witness lists, witness statements, and the hearing dates.

The appellant appealed the Niagara Escarpment Commission's conditional approval of a development permit recognizing the demolition of a storage barn.

At a pre-hearing conference, the appellant raised concerns regarding environmental contamination and heritage value, and requested additional conditions.

Noting that the appellant had not received all relevant documents, the Hearing Panel ordered the parties to exchange documents and scheduled a further teleconference to identify remaining issues and set hearing dates.

The Niagara Escarpment Hearing Office held a series of pre-hearing conferences regarding appeals of a development permit approved by the Niagara Escarpment Commission.

The permit allowed the applicant to construct agricultural and retail structures on a property in the Escarpment Protection Area.

Following several teleconferences where settlement discussions and revised site plans were considered, the Hearing Officers issued a procedural order setting the schedule for document disclosure, issues lists, and the final hearing dates.