By MOLLY DAVIDSON / Staff Writer

PELHAM—The Pelham Planning Commission unanimously approved the preliminary plat for Strathaven, a proposed new neighborhood in the Ballantrae development, during an Aug. 14 meeting.

The preliminary plat from Ballantrae developer, Mobley Development Inc., calls for 31 lots in the proposed single-family residential subdivision.

“This is a continuation of a conceptual plan that was done in 2006, pursuant to the master plan of Ballantrae,” owner of Mobley Development Steve Mobley said.

Pelham City Engineer Jesse Jowers noted all issues with the plat had been addressed prior to the meeting.

“There are really no issues to speak of on this one,” Jowers said. “They’ve addressed what they needed to do on the hydrants and the water comments from the Public Works review.”

Several residents of the Kenniston neighborhood in the Ballantrae development were present at the meeting. Kenniston is adjacent to the proposed Strathaven neighborhood, and residents raised concern about dirt movement from construction and potential future water drainage problems.

“We’re going to be below, in almost all instances, the elevation of existing Kenniston homes,” Mobley said addressing water and drainage concerns. “All the water that’s in this portion of the development will be self-contained within this development.

Mobley added drainage in the new Strathaven neighborhood may actually “enhance” and facilitate drainage in the Kenniston neighborhood.

James Shroyer, Kennistondale resident, expressed concern regarding a hill near his home.

“The side of that hill looks like it was sprayed by agent orange, there isn’t a tree on it,” Shroyer said, noting the dirt covering the hill.

Mobley explained the dirt is a necessary product of a construction site and promised greenery would be returned to the hill and the entirety of the Strathaven neighborhood.

“We require more trees being planted than the requirements of the city of Pelham,” Mobley said.

Mobley also addressed residents’ concern about dirt from the construction site reaching their property.

“If it’s on your land, we’re going to move it real quick,” Mobley said. “If it got on your land, we’re going to do whatever necessary to make you happy.”