The Twin Lakes Golf Resort development is moving on to the next round.
Regional District Okanagan-Similkameen directors voted to approve an application for a development variance permit which reduces the amount of water needed for the first phase.
Included in the first phase is the construction of 50 townhouses with a longterm plan to build over 200 homes in multiple phases.
Only four directors including Ron Hovanes mayor of Oliver, Peter Waterman, mayor of Summerland and councillor for Summerland Toni Boot along with Area G director Elef Christensen voted against the development.
Neighbours have voiced concerns that there is not enough available water in the area to sustain existing homes and the new ones if the project moves forward.
The project dates back more than two decades. The water variance first surfaced in 2012. At that time it was deferred until a hydrogeological study could be completed. The study was submitted to RDOS in January 2016.
Without RDOS approval of the variance from 8,000 litres for a single family unit/day to 5,500 litres the developer cannot apply for a water license from the province or move forward on a zoning amendment.
Ron Hovanes, Mayor of Oliver voted against the development because of the vague language in the most recent hydrological report.
Waterman echoed his statement that he also would not be able to vote on the project in the next phase and that he was concerned that climate change was not being considered in the hydrogeological reports.
A zoning amendment application could be in front of the board within the month.