Some Cape Breton residents 'elated' by ruling against RV Park

The Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board has upheld an appeal by a group of rural residents in Cape Breton opposing an RV park proposed for their community.

Chris Skidmore, aCalgary developer, wants to build a park in Big Pond on the shores of the Bras d'Or Lake to accommodate up to 511 recreational vehicles and 64 tents.

People living near the site raised concerns about noise, traffic, dust and environmental impacts.

Last spring, councillors in the Cape Breton Regional Municipality narrowly approved a rezoningto allow the first phase, which consisted of more than 200 RV spaces, to proceed.

A group of residents appealed that decision to the UARB, which held public hearings over several days last July and September.

In a written decision issued Tuesday, the board said the zoning approved by council would offer "no protection whatsoever" against noise or "visual compatibility" for several properties nearby.

The decision goes on to say that given the higher elevation of the campground, residents living below would be able to see "most, if not all" of what happens on the campground.

Big Pond's Mike Britten said he was "elated" by the decision.

"This was a lot of work by a lot of residents in Big Pond," said Britten, adding that the group spent its own money preparing the case, which involved hours of research and presentations. "It was the wrong type of development in the wrong location."

He said the planning strategy has to consider pollution on the Bras d'Or, seawater riseand changes to rural communities. He said the whole idea of offering "reasonable protection" to neighbouring properties must be taken seriously.

It's not clear what happens now with the RV park proposalor whether the CBRMor the developerwill appeal the ruling.

An official with CBRM said the planning and legal departments are reviewing the 94-page decision.

Chris Conohan, the developer's lawyer, released a statement saying that Skidmore was "extremely disappointed"and that the decision came as a shock.

Conohan added that the decision appears to have "significant impacts on the right of the CBRM council to make decisions and exercise their discretion."

He said they are reviewing the decision and waiting to learn the CBRM's position before deciding on next steps.