New development approved in Berwick

Kent Field Estates plans to build nine two-storey apartment buildings

The developer submitted its original application in April 2021.

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A 72-unit apartment development in Berwick has been given the green light to proceed.

Town councillors voted unanimously to approve the application from Kent Field Estates Dec. 12 and entered into a development agreement for the property at 228 Main St. There is a 14-day appeal period that starts once the decision is advertised.

“This is probably the most thorough piece of work that we’ve done in a long time,” Deputy Mayor Mike Trinacty said.

Kent Field Estates has a purchase agreement with the town to buy four hectares at 228 Main St. It plans to build nine two-storey apartment buildings each containing eight units.

The developer submitted its original application in April 2021. Council deferred first reading of the development agreement in August 2022, directing staff to get more information from the developer regarding onsite stormwater management.

Changes have since been made. They included the addition of four stormwater retention ponds, a series of swales and ditches and connections to an offsite drainage ditch to drain water towards the Cornwallis River to the north of the proposed development.

“Staff is confident that we have provided you all the information that you need to understand this development and to make a decision,” Chrystal Fuller, of Brighter Community Planning and Consulting which provides planning services to the town, told council before the Dec. 12 vote.

A public hearing was held Nov. 6 where some of the concerns raised included flooding, stormwater management, infrastructure, traffic and impacts on property values in the area.

Fuller said stormwater management details are generally regulated at the development permit stage.

“However, the developer has done more than what was typically required as part of the development agreement to provide assurances,” she said.

While noting it is a large development for a town of Berwick’s size, Fuller said other communities are also seeing higher and denser developments being proposed due to market pressures.

Messages to Kent Field Estates were not returned before press time.