Berryville Planning Commission reviews Battletown Run, a proposed 110-home subdivision by The Christopher Companies. Homes will vary in design, average 3,000 SF, and include open space. Rezoning from DR-1/DR-2/OSR/BP to DR-4 is required, with follow-up discussion on December 18.
A proposed subdivision in northeast Berryville, called Battletown Run, was outlined to the Berryville Planning Commission, according to reporting by The Winchester Star. The project would be developed on approximately 42.5 acres currently owned by Friant family LLCs and would potentially include up to 110 single-family homes, contingent on rezoning approvals.
John Regan, president of The Christopher Companies, explained that homes would be built sequentially as buyers commit to purchasing lots and designs. A limited number of model homes may be constructed in advance. The developer emphasized that house designs would vary in style, exterior, and color to avoid identical appearances on adjacent lots. Homes are expected to range from 1,500 to 9,500 SF, with an average size of approximately 3,000 SF and an average price near $650,000.
The property is currently zoned Open Space Residential, DR-1, DR-2 Detached Residential, and BP Business Park. The Friant family has requested rezoning to DR-4 Detached Residential to allow the full subdivision buildout. Under current DR-1 zoning, only 24 homes could be constructed on the eastern portion of the property. DR-4 zoning would allow lot sizes from 7,500 to 20,000 SF.
The developer intends to allocate at least 50 percent of the land for open space, potentially including sidewalks, passive parks, a dog park, a pavilion, a fire pit, and walking or jogging trails with exercise equipment. The homeowners’ association would maintain open space and manage insurance coverage. Landscaping, particularly evergreen trees, is planned to buffer the subdivision from public view.
Access to the subdivision would connect to Battletown Drive, with a primary street extending to East Main Street. A traffic analysis conducted by Galloway & Company indicated that the greatest impact would occur at the East Main and Va. 7 intersection, while emergency access would be established along Bel Voi Drive. Virginia Department of Transportation officials have reviewed potential signal improvements but currently do not propose additional measures.
The Planning Commission will continue reviewing the proposal, with a follow-up discussion scheduled for December 18. The commission makes recommendations to the Berryville Town Council, which has final authority over rezoning approvals. The subdivision proposal follows a previous plan by D.R. Horton to develop the property with 214 homes, later scaled back due to public concerns, which was ultimately withdrawn.
The developers stated that they aim to work collaboratively with local officials and residents to design a subdivision consistent with Berryville’s community expectations while addressing land-use, traffic, and open space considerations.