CORNER BROOK, N.L. — A former building supply store could soon be torn down to make way for a new veterinary clinic.
Corner Brook city council approved a discretionary use application for the property located at 25 Poplar Road during its public meeting Monday night.
The application seeking permission to operate a veterinary clinic at the former location of Western Building Products was received by the city Aug. 16.
The proponent plans to demolish the existing structure and build a new two-storey building on the site that would meet all of today’s development and building code standards.
Western Building Products, which ceased to operate in April, was considered a non-conforming use in the residential medium density zone. The veterinary classification is also a non-conforming use, but is considered by city staff to be less intrusive than the building’s former use.
Under the city’s development regulations, a right to resume a discontinued non-conforming use of land shall not exceed six months. The proponent, who is not identified in the documents related to the decision, submitted their application within that timeline.
Before making the recommendation to approve the application, city staff sent a notice to properties within the immediate area and sought out comments through an advertisement in The Western Star.
While this process met with support for the development, it also identified a few areas of concern with regards to a rat problem, issues with rain and surface water, snow removal and a retaining wall which borders three other properties.
The rat problem will be dealt with prior to demolition, with pest control being a condition of the demolition permit.
The new engineering design will aid in addressing the water control, with all pavement areas having curb and catch basins which will direct all surface and rain water into the city storm system.
The snow removal issue was considered by city staff to be a civil matter. The city has been assured the proponent will keep all snow within their own property limits.
The retaining wall will be assessed by the project engineer. Neighbours with concerns will be advised of any changes or modifications that are to be made.
Twitter: WS_DianeCrocker
