FRANKLIN—The city’s Planning Commission approved an extension for Southview subdivision to file a final plat, although it wasn’t the extension that was requested.

The subdivision is located off South Street across from the Southerly subdivision.

A one-year extension was sought, which was met with no objection from the city’s planning staff.

According to City Planner Amanda Crocker, the subdivision is awaiting final approval from a special review by the Virginia Department of Transportation because of a limited-access turn lane and awaiting a deed of easement for a new water-line extension and sanitary sewer force main.

“The developer is also requesting the extension because of the recent slump in the housing market,” Crocker said.

Commissioner Kent Stephenson said his problem was with the latter reason, noting no other developers have asked for one because of a “downturn in the market.”

Vice Chairman Lawyer Artis agreed and was also concerned that other developers would want one-year extensions.

The decision was made to grant a 180-day extension on filing the final plat.