As evidence that development in the Cape Region is moving inland, another project has been proposed along Robinsonville Road near Lewes, across the road from Tidewater, a recently approved subdivision.

Tanager Woods would contain 168 single-family lots on 103 acres of AR-1, agricultural-residential, and GR-1, general-residential, land.

The subdivision application, filed by Joseph A., Nina and Jasmyn Street, was presented during the Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission's Dec. 13 meeting.

Representing developer Bryton Homes, attorney Jim Fuqua said Delaware Department of Transportation did not require a traffic-impact study, but the developer would be required to contribute to DelDOT projects at Camp Arrowhead Road and Route 24, and the Robinsonville Road-Angola Road-Route 24 intersections. He said the work is scheduled to be completed in 2022.

In addition, he said, the developer would be required to widen Robinsonville Road along the frontage of the property with 11-foot travel lanes and 5-foot shoulders with a 30-foot right of way. Other improvements would include right- and left-turn lanes and a shared-use path along the frontage of the property.

Fuqua said while the property also borders Wil King Road, wetlands prevent road access.

He said the preliminary site plan includes a minimum 20-foot forested perimeter buffer and a 30-foot buffer from farmland. In addition, he said, a 50-foot setback between all lots and farmland is planned. Although not required, Fuqua said the developer has proffered a minimum 20-foot buffer from nontidal wetlands on the property.

Amenities in a 1.5-acre recreation area would include a pool, clubhouse, multiuse sports court and playground.

Two residents expressed concerns about drainage and stormwater management. “Lot drainage plans are now under new county regulations,” said assistant county attorney Vince Robertson. “There is lots more technical work on the front end and lots more monitoring, with county inspections on the back end.”

The property is adjacent to a 1,400-foot airstrip that has been in business since the 1950s.

Fuqua said a stormwater pond area would provide a sufficient buffer between the airstrip and the proposed subdivision. He suggested the commission add a condition to provide notification to prospective home buyers that an active airstrip borders the property.

The commission voted to defer; assistant county attorney Vince Robertson said he would research how the location of the airstrip would affect site design. “It bears investigation,” said Commission Chairman Bob Wheatley. “If the airstrip is regulated, there could be substantial limitations on the approach zone area.”

At the commission’s Dec. 20 meeting, the project was approved.