Mount Pearl council has given the go ahead to an application to expand the possible commercial uses of what may be the oldest building in the city.
Planning and development committee chairman Andrew Ledwell reminded his colleagues on council last week that there has been some interest lately in the vacant property at 906 Topsail Road, which is for sale.
“It is one of only two heritage properties within the City of Mount Pearl, the other one being Admiralty House,” Ledwell noted.
The two storey property at 906 Topsail Road was built in the late 1890s or early 20th century as a summer retreat for his family by Patrick McGrath, a noted journalist, senior bureaucrat and politician.
“We’ve recently receive two enquiries, both for commercial purposes regarding 906 Topsail Road, one for a clinic, the other for a salon,” Ledwell explained.
Neither use is permitted in the City’s Heritage Use Zone. But Ledwell noted both of the parties who have enquired about the property have indicated they intend to maintain some of the heritage aspects of the property.
A briefing session was scheduled in May, Ledwell added, but when the City advertised it in The Telegram, nobody responded, so it was cancelled. At first the development committee members were prepared to add the salon and clinic uses to the list of activities that can occur within a heritage property, but after some further discussion, opted to make them discretionary uses.
“That will allow council a bit more flexibility and the ability to try to retain some of the significant heritage aspects of these properties,” Ledwell added.
Put to a vote, council approved the recommendation to amend the development regulations to allow a salon or clinic in the building.
