Lightship Cove plans approved

Plans for Lightship Cove, a 97-lot subdivision on 52 acres on the south side of Fisher Road west of Lewes, received preliminary approval from the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission during its Dec. 9 meeting.

Commissioner Kim Hoey Stevenson said although by the rule of law she would support the project, she still had concerns with the density and small lots, and that the subdivision will not have road frontage along Fisher Road so improvements can be made to the two-lane road with no shoulders. The subdivision will have an access road from Fisher Road.

Commission Chair Bob Wheatley asked Hoey Stevenson if she was contemplating introducing an ordinance change. “That's what it will take. It's a discussion we can have at a future time,” he said.

Hoey Stevenson noted that the cluster subdivision will have superior design elements not required in standard subdivisions.

The applicant is Schell Brothers, and the property owner is Emily McHugh of Milton.

Plans for Lightship Cove include 25-foot buffers from nontidal wetlands, a 50-foot buffer from Bundick's Branch, central water and sewer service, a 30-foot forested buffer around the perimeter of the property, and a pool and pool house. In addition, nearly 8 acres of forest will be preserved, and the subdivision will have more than 26 acres of interconnected open space.

The commission approved a condition that all amenities must be constructed on or before the issuance of the 60th building permit. A revised site plan must be submitted to the county's planning and zoning office, and the final site plan is subject to review by the planning and zoning commission.