The Huntsville Planning Commission approved zoning that could lead to a Village of Providence-type development in the eastern part of the city.

The zoning – which must be approved by the city council – will allow single family homes, townhomes, apartments and businesses on a more than 88-acre site on both the north and south sides of Cecil Ashburn Drive, and east and west of Old Big Cove Road.

The property, across the mountain from downtown, has been a working farm belonging to the Drake family for generations. It was annexed into the city on Oct. 18, according to City Planner Lady Kassama.

The proposed development – being called Big Cove Village — is in the conceptual stage.

Residents voiced concerns about the development adding to school overcrowding and traffic congestion in the Hampton Cove-Owens Cross Roads area during an August town hall. But no one raised concerns during a public hearing at the planning commission meeting. A public hearing will also be held during the city council meeting when the zoning will be addressed again.