MEINERS OAKS : Court Overturns Housing Approval

The state Court of Appeal has ruled that Ventura County planners may deny a 50-unit housing development proposed for 25.6 acres in Meiners Oaks by Franciscan West of Santa Barbara.

The ruling last week overturned a trial court decision in May allowing the project under the old Ventura County General Plan.

John Shuck, president of Franciscan West, said the original proposal for 52 residences was considered compatible with the county General Plan. But later amendments included a moratorium on development in the Ojai Valley, said David Fainer, attorney for Franciscan West.

Fainer said the court ruled that the building ban would apply to the project because public notice was given about changes to the General Plan before the developer filed a map reducing the number of residences from 52 to 50.