Sussex P&Z approves Ballenger

November 30, 2024 2

Sussex P&Z approves Ballenger

The Sussex County Planning & Zoning Commission granted final approval Nov. 20, to the subdivision and landscape plan for construction of Ballenger on the east side of Hollymount Road between Beaver Dam Road and Route 24.

In addition to 106 single-family homes, the plans include a recreation area in the southern portion of the 53-acre site, including a clubhouse, pool and tot lot. A walking trail and sidewalks are planned throughout the community. Amenities must be completed on or before the issuance of the 53rd certificate of occupancy.

During the Dec. 14 meeting, attorney Jim Fuqua, representing developer Ribera Development of Millersville, Md., said the parcel is located in a low-density AR-1, agricultural-residential, area as defined by the county’s comprehensive plan, where single-family houses are permitted.

Fuqua said lots would average 7,514 to 16,144 square feet, with the average at 8,555 square feet.

Fuqua said the proposed project includes a 50-foot buffer along farmlands, a 30-foot buffer along wooded areas and a 20-foot perimeter buffer on all other lands, including a landscaped buffer along Hollymount Road.

He said 16.44 acres of existing woods would be removed from the 29.5 acres of woods on the entire parcel.

The plan includes 28 acres of open space, or 52% of the site, with more than 30% contiguous tracts adjacent to farmlands and woodlands.

Other business

Also at the Nov. 20 meeting, the commission granted preliminary approval for an expansion of an existing housing development and held a public hearing on a request for a conditional use of land for a winery to begin hosting events.

The 91-lot expansion to the Anchors Run development near the intersection of Beaver Dam Road and Conleys Chapel Road outside Lewes would increase the total build out to 356 units. Each of the additional lots would cover at least 7,500 square feet.

More than 51% of lot owners in the existing development support the expansion of the development. A final vote by the commission is expected at a future meeting.

The commission also deferred its decision on a conditional-use application submitted by Twin Branch Winery in Milton, which is seeking to begin hosting events. One neighbor spoke in support of the plan, and several commissioners also indicated they were in favor of the proposal.

The conditional use would also require final approval by Sussex County Council.