Lacombe County council has rejected a proposed licence agreement that would have allowed a fence encroachment to remain on county-owned land.

The decision came during council's May 28 meeting after councillors reviewed a draft licence of occupation prepared for a fence that extends onto county property.

The matter stems from an appeal first brought before council in March. At its April 23 meeting, council directed administration to prepare a draft licence of occupation for the encroaching fence for future consideration.

A licence of occupation is a legal agreement that allows a private party to use public land under specific terms and conditions while ownership remains with the municipality.

After reviewing the proposed agreement, council voted against approving the licence. According to meeting highlights released by the county, a motion to approve the agreement was defeated. Council then directed the county manager to order removal of the fence within 30 days of notifying the property owner.

The issue attracted council attention earlier this year after administration presented information on the encroachment and correspondence related to the matter. During the April meeting, administration provided an overview of the circumstances surrounding the fence and council directed staff to prepare a possible agreement for consideration rather than making an immediate decision.

No details were released regarding the dimensions of the encroachment or the anticipated cost of removing the fence.

The property owner will now receive notice from the county and be required to remove the encroachment within the timeline established by council. If the fence is not removed, further action may be required by the municipality to enforce the directive.