City nixes Paradise permit

By Mark Squibb | Nov. 19, 2020

An application for an accessory building in Paradise was denied because it exceeded the maximum allowable height by 400 centimetres.

The property, located at 88 Clarkes Hillview, is within the regional watershed use zone.

“Referral was sent to the City of St. Johns, as it relates to the City of St. Johns and Town of Paradise watershed agreement,” said councillor Sterling Willis.

“That application was refused by the City, as it was contrary to the agreement. The committee recommends refusal of the application as the height of 4.4 metres exceeds the maximum allowable height of 4.0 metres as outlined in the City of St. Johns and Town of Paradise watershed agreement.”

Councillor Willis further reiterated that the Town had to refer the application to St. Johns because of the watershed agreement.

Deputy Mayor Elizabeth Laurie echoed those sentiments.

“Unfortunately, for applications like this, which would have been perhaps approved in other areas of town, we have no other choice but abide by the watershed agreement.”

Council did approve a number of applications during the meeting.

First up was approval for an already existing wharf at 29 Stokes Road

“The applicant had previously obtained approval in January of 2013, however, never followed through with obtaining the approval from the province,” said councillor Sterling Willis.

Next up was an application for a subsidiary apartment at 31 Clearview, which was also approved.

Following that was an application to construct an accessory building with a floor area of 156 square metres and height of 6 metres at 24 Ellington Close. One objection was received following the publication of the Notice of Discretionary Use.

“The objection indicated possible impact on property values, and ascetics, and setting a precedent for future development,” said Willis.

Despite the objection, the application was recommended for approval, with 11 conditions, and approved unanimously.

Councillor Kimberly Street said she had visited the site, because she had heard complaints about other large secondary structures, and she felt the property was relatively private and surrounded by tall, mature trees, and therefore felt comfortable voting in favour of the application.

Finally, an application for a two-lot subdivision at Hickeys Road, which had previously been approved in 2018 and 2019, was approved once again.