Rayleigh residents get their say on whether a neighbour should get to subdivide a one-hectare property into four 0.24-hectare properties.

The issue boils down to septic systems.

City development and engineering services director Marvin Kwiatkowski told council Tuesday the technology and design of the septic for the lots has changed over time and is now considered adequate.

Ross and Paula Jensen have applied to subdivide their property at 4375 Spurraway Road.

But Coun. Ken Christian, a retired environmental health manager with Interior Health, said historically, parts of the city without sanitary sewers had larger lots to accommodate septic systems.

While IHA gave its blessing to the application, it didn’t note the cumulative effect of the number of septic systems in Rayleigh, he said.

Mayor Peter Milobar said he supported the application because at some point in future, Rayleigh will probably end up with a sewer system. That’s what’s happened in Barnhartvale and Westsyde, and then residents began subdividing their large lots.

“Three lots won't make much difference.”

All of council except Christian supported the notice of intent for residents near the Jensens’ home. Coun. Nelly Dever was absent.