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The area around a Morristown landmark is likely to see additional growth after a vote by the Morristown Regional Planning Commission on Tuesday.

The body approved a request for preliminary plat approval for the proposed Southwood Phase III Subdivision. The subdivision is located on Valley Home Road across from “Oscar’s,” as the locals know it.

The official name is Morristown Golf and Country Club which is located slightly to the north of Highway 160.

According to MRPC member Morristown Mayor Gary Chesney – who is also quite a history buff – Oscar’s is Morristown’s oldest golf course, established in 1925, and the site of the TSSAA’s first State Golf Championship in 1938.

Southwood Phase III consists of 31 lots on slightly over 11 acres, with the lot sizes ranging from approximately 5,900 square feet to 28,000 square feet with an average lot size of nearly 8,400 square feet. The plan includes two non-buildable common areas to be used for stormwater detention and cluster mailbox units.

MRPC also approved the annexation of 4126 Martha’s Vineyard, a single-family residential lot, into the corporate limits of the city of Morristown.

The property, part of the Stubblefield Property Subdivision, originally platted in 1955, is located just off of West Andrew Johnson Hwy, east of the Honda Dealership. According to information provided by city planning staff, housing within the subdivision was built in the early 1960s using underground waste disposal (septic) systems.

“As can happen with these older systems, they can begin to deteriorate and fail and be quite costly to replace. As there is already sanitary sewer and water service (provided by Morristown Utilities) along Martha’s Vineyard and (the) property is with in the Urban Growth Boundary area and contiguous with existing City limits, this request is fully supported by staff,” Lori Matthews, city senior planner, said.

Matthews also reported to the body that planning staff has also sent letters to owners of several of the adjoining lots to peak any interest the neighbors may have in being annexed into the City, specifically those who may be experiencing faulty septic systems, but have not yet heard from any of them.

Along with sanitary sewer and water service, Morristown Utilities will be providing electrical service as well, and, can provide FiberNet service should the applicant request it.

A plan of services for the annexation was also approved by the MRPC.

The items will be sent to Morristown City Council for its approval.