Council for the Rural Municipality of Hanover had to decide last week whether or not to make an exception within its zoning bylaw.

David Plett recently purchased a site down road 30E, northwest of the community of Mitchell. That site, previously owned by Larry Peters is also the home of the Old Church Bakery. Peters attempted to sell the bakery to another party, but the transaction stalled as a result of being in non-compliance with Hanover's zoning bylaw.

The Old Church Bakery is considered a home based business and Reeve Stan Toews says their zoning bylaw states the requirements for a home based business are that the owner lives on site and operates the business.

Plett, who appeared before Hanover Council stated closing the bakery, "would be a great loss to the community." The bakery is attached to the residence.

In the end council decided to give the green light. Toews notes their decision was based largely on the fact the business is attached to the home. Councillor Dylan Barkman stated this proposal would be different if the home based business in question was a manufacturing shop detached from the home.

Toews says he doesn't think this will set a precedent, adding it is a very unique situation.

It was noted at the hearing that this application generated no opposition from the public.