Marmora and Lake Council has approved a rezoning application for a piece of property on Marble Point Road that will allow for an expanded resort.
Marmora Retreat exists on 39 acres of land that was zoned Marginal Agriculture (MA) .
At its meeting on Tuesday, council voted unanimously in favour of changing the zoning to Recreation/Resort Commercial Exception #5 (RRC-5).
Currently the property offers a farmhouse and glamping dome for accommodations and the site is available for meetings and gatherings.
The owner’s proposal includes two additional glamping domes and an outdoor event space for up to 100 people.
At its meeting on Tuesday, council heard from residents opposed to the rezoning, both in person and in writing.
Concerns included noise, traffic and effects on wildlife in the area.
Staff recommended council approve the rezoning as the proposed tourism uses are consistent with the permitted uses of the Provincial Planning Statement and fall within permitted uses under the Hastings County Official Plan.
While there is environmentally protected wetland on the property, no development is proposed within the Environmental Protection area or within 30 metres of the shoreline of the Crowe River.
Following a site visit and study, Crowe Valley Conservation Authority stated it does not object to the rezoning application.
The operator plans to service the glamping domes through an existing private well and a new private septic system.
The septic system would still have to be approved under the Ontario Building Code.
Should the owner wish to pursue any further expansion on the site, additional planning approvals would be required.
