After two regular Board meetings at the RDOS and a review by the Area Planning Commission (APC) in Oliver – a homesite severance matter will finally go the Agricultural Land Commission for a decision. Andre Miller pictured above says he is happy he gets to have the matter reviewed but not happy on how the application was dealt with by the Regional District.

But the issue is being forwarded with documentation of all pro and con arguments.

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Previously on ODN

The APC dealt with an application by Maria and Andre Miller to sub-divide the property located at 310 Miller Road, Oliver. This request relates to land in the Agricultural Land Reserve and is referred to as Homesite Severance.

The Commission reviewed the report received from RDOS Staff and expressed serious concerns with the apparent contradiction contained therein –  “In order for a person or persons to qualify for Homesite Severance the individual must have, amongst other things, continuously owned and occupied the property as their principal place of residence since December 21st, 1972”. It was stated in the report that “the applicants advise that they have owned the property since 1951”, however one Commission member suggested that the Millers’ son has been the occupant.

The report states “Administration is concerned that the applicant does not appear to qualify for consideration under the ALC’s (Agricultural Land Commission) Home Site Severance Policy as they have advised that they inherited the property in 1990 when their parents’ Will was probated and Title to the parcel transferred from the estate”.