Developers presented a major land development plan for Blue Ball Farm Estates in Christiana Hundred that would create 19 single‑family lots on roughly 56 acres, New Castle County officials said at the Land Use Committee meeting.

The proposal, presented by applicant representative Sean Tucker, would cluster 19 homes at a density of about one unit per three acres under the site’s SA (suburban estate) zoning and preserve approximately 34 acres — about 60% of the site — as permanent open space, Tucker said. The applicant said about 25% open space is the code minimum for similar projects, and environmental constraints on the property increased the preserved area.

The plan also carves off a roughly 10.5‑acre parcel that is not part of the application. Tucker said the carved‑off parcel contains existing structures; the team performed a cultural resource survey and shared the study with the Historic Review Board to document the buildings’ condition.

Landscape architect Gary Burcham said the landscaping plan complies with the Unified Development Code’s landscaping and environmental requirements. He told the committee the plan includes about 20 street trees along Kirk Road, 80 large canopy trees and 34 small trees distributed throughout the development, and 468 small trees proposed for RBA reforestation areas along streams. Specimen tree replacement calls for 43 three‑inch caliper canopy trees and an additional on‑lot planting requirement of two plant units per lot, Burcham said.

Council members asked procedural and technical questions during the presentation. Councilman Carter asked whether the homes would use septic systems and wells; Tucker said SC zoning precludes sewer under the current code and confirmed the development would be on well and septic. Councilman Cartier asked whether concept elevations had been prepared; Tucker said no builder has been selected and elevations are not yet available but will be shared when they are.

There was no public comment and the committee did not take a formal vote on the Blue Ball Farm Estates plan during this meeting. Tucker said the department completed its review and had signed off on the plan’s code compliance before the presentation.

The developers and staff offered to follow up with council members on any outstanding details as the plan advances through the county review process.