Midlothian planning panel approves Ashford Estates rezoning after revisions and traffic condition

The Midlothian Planning and Zoning Commission on Monday approved an ordinance rezoning about 48.59 acres northeast of Ashford Lane and South 14th Street from agricultural to a single‑family planned development following revisions to the site plan and public comment about traffic and drainage.

Staff and the applicant said the latest plan reduces the lot count, adds transition lots, removes the previously proposed connection to Rollingwood Drive and includes about 3.3 acres of open space and landscape entry features off Ashford Lane. Mary (city staff) told commissioners the smallest lots under the revised drawing are one acre and that Rollingwood will not be connected, which “changed some people’s point of view” among neighbors.

The commission heard more than a dozen residents during public comment. Jared Orr, a Rollingwood Lane resident, said he had opposed earlier versions but now urged approval, telling the commission the revised plan “fits well with the area and will help to preserve and not damage the character of our neighborhood.” Several adjacent homeowners remained concerned about drainage, lot size and the safety of the Ashford/Sodus intersection. Dennis Barclay, who said his property backs up to the site, described existing flooding and called the roadway narrow and hazardous for added traffic. Cheryl Parker, an Ashford Lane resident, cited accident history at a bend on Ashford and asked for further infrastructure and drainage work before more homes are added.

Applicant Hunter Glass said civil engineers have sized detention and grading to address existing low spots and that the project will detain runoff and release at pre‑development rates. He told the commission the civils will be reviewed with staff and “they’ll make us increase it” if needed. Mike Adams of Public Works recommended conversion of the nearby intersection to a three‑way stop if the commission keeps the shown connection, saying from an engineering standpoint a three‑way would be appropriate if a new road is built into Ashford.

Commission discussion focused on setbacks, lot sizes and the traffic mitigation measures. A motion to approve as presented carried; the record shows a motion, a second and an affirmative vote with no recorded opposition. The approval included a direction to staff and engineering to study needed traffic controls for the Ashford intersection and to ensure required drainage and civil reviews occur through the city’s development review process.

The approval will advance the project to platting and civil review; staff said required revisions to plats and civil drawings must be submitted for administrative and engineering review before construction permits can be issued.

Residents were advised to maintain contact with city staff and the developer for specific construction timing and for any subsequent changes to the plan.