Richmond will not further limit the size of houses covered in the ALR

RICHMOND (NEWS 1130) – Councillors in Richmond have voted to stick with the status quo on the controversial issue of huge homes on farm land.

Despite concerns about speculation, the maximum size of housing on property protected by the Agricultural Land Reserve will stay at almost 11,000 square feet.

The decision came after a marathon public meeting that featured dozens of speakers, including doug, who is a farmer. He wanted to keep the existing limit.

“It’s fine to look at a diagram on a piece of paper and say, ‘Okay, that looks great.’ When you’ve drawn that place right up at the front of the property, next to a busy road, the quality of life issues become a problem.”

Laura wanted council to cut the limit in half.

“We are supposed to be stewards of the land, to care and nurture it — not to cover it with massive houses that are unnecessary for farming. And believe me, I don’t want to take money away from the farmers and reduce their value. But I want to see the land preserved for farming.”

Those who wanted to see the limit go down have been actively sending petitions over the last few months and even rallied ahead of the meeting.

Council also approved a motion which will allow an additional dwelling to be built without rezoning.

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