Prince Edward County council has denied a rezoning application put forward to allow a new resort on County Road 7.
The proposed resort would be constructed at 2353 County Road 7, which has waterfront access to Adolphus Reach.
The planned resort would include 19 cabins, 12 motel-style rooms, a spa, café, assembly hall event venue, pool, golf carts and walking trails, and a removable dock.
The plans for the facility sparked opposition from surrounding landowners, with several of them speaking at the meeting against the proposed resort. Complaints by the neighbours included potential noise and light pollution, increased area traffic, and nuisance caused by having a resort in the middle of homes and farmland.
Councillors debated both the information in the application and the concerns of local residents.
Councillor Kate MacNaughton said she was concerned with the placement of a resort property surrounded by homes, and that problems have come from similar placements in the past.
“This is one of those times where it gets frustrating that we don’t get to see site plans for approval before before they move forward,” said Councillor MacNaughton. “We do get to submit comments, but we don’t get to actually approve them, this is our one kick at the can.”
Councillor David Harrison said he supported the application, and that the local road should be able to handle the increase in traffic despite resident concerns.
“That’s an arterial road, County Road 7, it’s made to service everybody,” said Councillor Harrison. “It’s one of our scenic route roads in the county.”
After two attempted amendments to the motion, the motion itself failed before the committee, with councillors voting to deny the rezoning application.
