Goderich Council has approved a change to the zoning for the Suncoast Mall.
The change will allow for development along Bayfield Road.
Huron County senior planner Victor Kloeze says that the proposal from the developer is to convert the former mall building into externally accessed commercial space, and to establish commercial buildings along Bayfield road.
Kloeze says that the changes are in line with the new Official plan.
“There is a requirement to provide opportunities for new commercial development and also to encourage efficient development patterns for new intensification.”
Council had to approve the changes to also reduce the setback requirements from the road.
The Esso gas station that operates along that frontage would remain, but the area between the mall and that service station would see the addition of two fast food restaurants will drive-thrus.
Kloeze says that with retail developments and shopping habits changing, the Official Plan had to be adjusted to best suit those needs.
“In the Official Plan in the five-year review, we added some language recognizing that there is a changing commercial landscape.
The application also proposes to replace and simplify the existing the provisions while keeping the maximum total commercial and retail floor area.
While looking for feedback on the proposed changes, no members of the public filed concerns with the county.