Planning Commission backs early withdrawal of Oak Hill Farm from agricultural district pending conservation sale

The Loudoun County Planning Commission voted Sept. 11 to recommend that the Board of Supervisors approve an early withdrawal of 1,233.08 acres known as Oak Hill Farm from the New Oak Hill Agricultural and Forestal District (AFD). Staff said the early withdrawal would facilitate a planned sale to the Conservation Fund and eventual conveyance to the Commonwealth of Virginia as a state park if state funding is secured.

Staff told the commission the county has committed $22 million toward the transaction and the Conservation Fund is under contract to acquire the property. Benjamin Lay, attorney for the applicant, said the county’s funding agreement and deed restrictions are structured so the Conservation Fund will hold the property under deed restrictions requiring public educational and recreational use; if the Commonwealth does not accept the gift, the county has options under the agreement that would preserve the property for public use rather than allowing private development.

Commissioners asked whether the sale and any conveyance to the Commonwealth were contingent on action by the General Assembly. Lay and staff explained the county’s funding agreement is between the county and the Conservation Fund; the Conservation Fund may convey to the Commonwealth if state funding is approved, but the Conservation Fund’s acquisition of the property and the deed restrictions are structured to protect the land even if the Commonwealth does not take title.

Commissioner Jasper moved that the Planning Commission recommend approval of the early withdrawal (ALUDG‑2025‑7) because the withdrawal would facilitate sale to the Conservation Fund and foreclose opportunities for residential development. Vice Chair Miller seconded the motion. Commissioners praised the conservation outcome and the county’s due diligence; the motion carried on a recorded vote with Commissioner Frank absent.

Why it matters: Approval would shorten the AFD review/renewal timeline and allow the transaction to proceed more quickly, supporting the county and Conservation Fund’s goal to preserve the property for public recreation and conservation. The record shows commissioners wanted assurance the deed restrictions would prevent private development and that the county’s funding would be protected.

The commission’s recommendation will be transmitted to the Board of Supervisors for final action; staff noted that without early withdrawal the landowner retains a right during AFD renewal to withdraw the land by right at the renewal period.