Planning commission approves Tennessee National master-plan update and two final plats

The Loudon City Planning Commission voted to adopt an amendment to the Tennessee National master plan and approved two final plats for development pods on the site.

Matt Rizzo, representing Tennessee National, told the commission the master-plan amendment clarifies future land-use areas, trail locations and open spaces and establishes the review sequence for preliminary and final plats. "We have been working with city staff for the past month to update the master plan for future land use areas," Rizzo said during the commission meeting.

Residents urged more direct notification to property owners and raised questions about trail standards. Gary Major, a Tennessee National resident, said it "would be nice" for affected property owners to be briefed before changes are finalized. City staff told the commission the amendment itself does not increase the total number of lots and that trail and site design details will be resolved during the required preliminary and final site-plan reviews.

The commission approved the master-plan amendment by voice vote. The body then reviewed a partial final plat for pod 15A, which converts seven lots to final status with the remainder to return for future review. Commissioners accepted a staff correction requested during public comment: the street name shown on the plat will be amended to "Black Cove Lane," not "Black Rock Lane." The motion to approve pod 15A with that correction carried by voice vote.

Pod 17, which staff said had no changes since its preliminary approval, was granted final approval after a second motion and voice vote.

Next steps: applicants must bring more detailed preliminary and final site plans to the planning commission and, where required, to city council for review of parking, access, vegetation and fire-safety systems before construction permits are issued.