A building permit issued in error has caused significant financial loss for one local couple. Stephanie and Gary Nyentap were issued the permit back in December to build their dream home on Beach Road. Building was set to begin in a week’s time, but a minor variance has put the whole construction project on hold. Director of Planning and Development Phil Gerrard says the permit was issued by mistake.
The home doesn’t meet setback requirements because of an active pit behind the Nyentap property. The couple owns a construction company and had carved out six weeks to build their home, which may leave several people without work. They pleaded their case during committee of adjustment on Monday night. Gerrard says the permit had to be revoked.
Existing homes near the pit don’t meet the new setback requirements, which changed from 120 meters to 300 meters in 2012. The municipality has to pay for a compatibility report as a result of this error to see if building on the Nyentap property is possible.