COURTLAND—Southampton County Planning Commission on Thursday voted 7-1 to recommend rezoning six acres for a family restaurant on U.S. 58 east of Drewry Road near Drewryville.

The Board of Supervisors will make the final decision when it acts on the recommendation during its 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 29, meeting, at the County Government Center in Courtland.

Planning Commission member Freeman Harrell from the Franklin District voted against the rezoning due to opposition from residents.

“A whole bunch of people from the area have some (nearby) property and want to build homes close to it (the restaurant site),” Harrell said.

There were also concerns for increased traffic.

Supporting the rezoning were Michael Drake from the Newsoms District, Ira Barham from the Capron District, Doug Chesson from the Berlin-Ivor District, Jack Randall from the Jerusalem District, Keith Tennessee from the Drewryville District and at-large members, Dr. Alan Edwards and Oliver Parker.

Boykins-Branchville District member Michael Mann was absent.

Partners William Kemp of Virginia Beach and Ramona Rich of Drewryville would like to construct at 2,400-square-foot, 40-seat restaurant they plan to call Oak Hill. The restaurant will serve breakfast and lunch and employ five to six. They also plan to include a gift shop featuring local peanuts and artisans’ work.

Kemp owns the property.