BARTOW | Two development plans for hundreds of acres of rural land on the outskirts of Lake Wales generated debate before the Polk County Planning Commission on Tuesday.

Planning commissioners approved both projects, but denied water plants proposed to serve each of them.

One proposal drew opposition from Lake Wales officials. The other drew opposition from area homeowners.

One was a 114-home subdivision at the corner of Tindel Camp and Lake Mabel Loop roads. That was opposed by city officials. The second was a 472-home subdivision at St. Anne Shrine Road and State Road 60, which drew the homeowner opposition.

Both projects are taking advantage of a provision in the county's growth plan that allows intense development in rural areas as long as the developer sets aside enough open space.

The Lake Mabel Loop project was proposed by DGB Properties of Lakeland, of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Planning consultant Pete Bell argued his client had a right to the approval under the county's growth plan.

But Lake Wales City Manager Tony Otte said the project as proposed with its own water plant conflicted with planning the city proposed for a 5,000-acre area north of Lake Wales.

"It will take longer, but it will be much more desirable,' Otte said of the city's plans, arguing the city is planning to supply utilities, parks and other public facilities comprehensively in that area.

He said the study will take about six months.

In addition, the site falls within an area that is the subject of a study of rural land east of Dundee and Haines City, said county planner Chanda Bennett.

But Planning Commission Chairman Augie Fragala rejected the idea of waiting for a comprehensive area study.

"It's better to respond to these things after development pressure occurs,' Fragala said.

Commissioner John Ryan disagreed.

"Just because a developer is ready to seek an application doesn't mean it's in the public's best interest,' Ryan said.

The St. Anne Shrine Road project was proposed by RLF Cypress Land Holdings, the same developer that had earlier obtained approval for a project near Saddlebag Lake north of SR 60.

Lake Wales officials didn't oppose the project about four miles east of the city.

Residents at St. Anne Shrine expressed concern.

"Is it fair to have to drive through their development to get to SR 60?' asked resident Joel Lewis.

Resident Paula Nelson called it an "out of place development.'

Tim Steorts, who lives in a nearby rural subdivision, worried about an increase in density and consequent pollution.

"We live downstream,' he said "I don't see the need for this."

Lawyer Mike Gallaher responded that the subdivision offers a transition between industrial uses on SR 60 and lower density residential areas farther south.

"It's not a reasonable expectation to keep things as they are,' he said.

Both projects were approved 4-3, with Commissioners Fragala, Barbara Douglas, Ellis Hunt and John Langford voting for it and Commissioners Ryan, Laura Betts and John Frost voting against.

[ Bill Bair can be reached at bill.bair@theledger.com or 863-676-7118. ]