The massive Oxford Springs project just south of Abbeville took another step forward Monday when the Lafayette County Planning Commission approved for recommendation the development’s land-use map to the Lafayette County Board of Supervisors.

Several residents packed the board room at the Chancery Building to hear architect Corey Alger explain the land-use map is simply a guide to Patrick Sands and Lamar Adams, who was in attendance, intend to build on the 2,600 acres over a period of years.

“We’re simply here to request you adopt this land-use map as an overall guide for the property itself,” Alger told the commission. He reminded those in attendance each phase of the development must be approved by the commission and board of supervisors to meet the county’s subdivision regulations.

Many of those in attendance came to seek answers about the proposed development.

Michael Stewart, who lives in a house and manages an 80-acre farm in the middle of where the development will be located, wanted to know if surveys had been completed and an easement for access to the property he lives on.

“This family has had access to this property since the 1960s,” Stewart said. “I live and lease land on the property and want to make sure the road is not blocked.

Alger assured Stewart the easement will still be available to him and the owners of the property.  He also said the entire property was surveyed last summer.

Ron Kitchen, who owns 54 acres that adjoin 10 units in the portion of Oxford Springs on Woodson Ridge Road, said he is concerned about how the proposed development will impact his family who moved to the country to get away from such developments.

“This is going to change the atmosphere around my property,” Kitchen said.

He wanted to know if there were any plans by the developers to create noise reduction with a fence or trees.

Alger said there are currently no plans to develop that area along Woodson Ridge Road.

“If development does happen, we will have to come back before the commission,” Alger said.