Bedford County planners pan Moneta cabins

BEDFORD — Two weeks after holding a contentious public hearing on a proposed campground in Moneta, the Bedford County Planning Commission on Monday decided against it.

The commission voted 3-2 to recommend to the Board of Supervisors denial of a special-use permit that would allow the Spring Valley Campground to operate on 16 acres off Horseshoe Bend Road close to Diamond Hill Road.

Several residents of Meadors Spur Road near the campground spoke against it earlier this month, arguing that it would lower property values, possibly draw questionable activity and disrupt the area. The land, owned by Garland Simmons, is zoned agricultural residential (AR), which requires a special-use permit.

Five cabins already built on site did not acquire the proper building permits, officials have said.

After closing the hearing several weeks ago, the commission directed county planners to work further with Simmons on the proposal. Mark Jordan, a county planner advising Simmons, recommended to the commission 18 operational conditions, including a minimum occupancy of two people per cabin and a locked gate at its entrance.

Commissioner Lynn Barnes motioned Monday for denial of the permit.

“I didn’t think then it was an appropriate use,” Barnes said. “Quite frankly, I haven’t changed my mind.”

Steve Stevick, who also voted for denial, said Simmons didn’t follow procedures the county has worked hard to establish. Commissioner Rick Crockett didn’t oppose the campground itself, voting against the denial along with Commissioner Steve Wilkerson.

Chairman Fred Fralick, who held the tie-breaking vote, said he personally visited the site and didn’t think its intended use fits zoning in that specific area.

Commission members Curtis Stephens and Robin Hartman were absent for Monday’s vote.

Simmons’ son, Shannon, said they intend to move the permit forward to supervisors for final action.