Flickr user Eleaf

(Updates at the bottom.)

Aslan Whitehall LLC, a subsidiary of Blue Ridge Group Inc., has requested the right to convert Lady's Island's Whitehall Plantation into a business and residential center -- resurrecting a development idea across the river from downtown Beaufort last heard of in 2007.

However, the Metropolitan Planning Commission doesn't seem to think it's such a good idea, as they recommended denial in a three to one vote on Monday.

Aslan Whitehall tried to develop the plantation approximately six years ago, but was unsuccessful.

The rezoning would affect the property along Harborville Circle and Harborville Drive; the remainder of Whitehall Plantation is already zoned as neighborhood commercial.

Get the full details over at The Island Packet's story here.

Next, the zoning request will go to Beaufort City Council for consideration -- a change in course by council to override a lower commission on design wouldn't be the first such incident.

Update March 1: Council heard out arguments for the proposed rezoning and concerns from area residents -- in a nutshell, it sounds as though the rezoning request is speculative so that the land would become more flexible in use and attractive to any developer.