By Mark Squibb
The Town of Bay Roberts last week approved construction of two vacation rental homes in the Mad Rock area, with a potential third to come.
“The developer wants to develop a couple of vacation homes right now, and later construct a third dwelling down there, which will be different from the two vacation homes,” Director of Protective Services Gregory Squires said. “The recommendation is to grant an approval in principle for a proposed three-unit detached development that will be on Water Street East.”
The development does not yet have a civic address.
Councillor Silas Badcock moved that council approved the application subject to a number of conditions, including submission of a ‘plot plan’ complete with all setbacks.
Badcock noted the property will not be eligible to avail of municipal services such as snow clearing and garbage collection. The property will also not be eligible for fire protection services during the winter months due to its location.
Should the owner ever decide to sell, the two vacation homes would need to be sold as a pair to maintain the Town’s building lot standards.
Deputy Mayor Neil Kearley said the conditions imposed on the application should alleviate any concerns council may have.
The rocky peninsula, which juts out into Spaniard’s Bay, boasts a number of walking trails and views of the famed Mad Rock and Three Sisters rock formations and has drawn countless tourists over the years.
Another developer was not quite as lucky, as council revoked a development permit for a new home on Butler Drive as the permit had been issued in error.
Councillor Badcock said the permit was awarded based on an outdated survey. The lot also lacked frontage access from Butler Drive.
The applicant will be advised of council’s decision and notified of the right to appeal.
Badcock noted any future development must adhere to the Town’s frontage and access regulations
