183-lot cluster subdivision on Cool Spring Road

The full picture AI research · Nov 1, 2026

A developer, reported as Schell Brothers, has proposed 183 single-family homes on roughly 95 acres on the east side of Cool Spring Road, near Stockley Road in unincorporated Sussex County. The land is zoned AR-1, an agricultural-residential district. It is now mostly open land with some forest. The county records describe the request as a cluster subdivision.

A cluster subdivision puts homes on smaller lots so that more land can stay as open space. Coverage reported about 30.7 acres of open space. Coast TV reported that most of the roughly 41 forested acres on the site would be cleared.

In December 2024 the state's Preliminary Land Use Service reviewed the plan. The state planning office objected because the site sits in a state area (Level 4) where it wants to limit growth. A local fire company also said the project would strain its resources.

What it could mean nearby

• Traffic: Coast TV cited an estimate of about 1,759 vehicle trips on an average weekday.
• Open space: about 30.7 acres would be kept as open space, but most of the 41 forested acres on site would be cleared.
• Emergency services: the Lewes Fire Department said the project would strain its resources and asked for developer contributions and a county impact fee.
• History: the state historic preservation office noted possible historic cemetery and building remains that should be investigated.

Where it stands

The plan was at the early state review stage as of December 2024. No later approval or hearing was found online. Usually a preliminary plan next goes to the county Planning and Zoning Commission for a public hearing and a decision.

• Dec 24, 2024 Cape Gazette published its report on the 183-home plan
• Dec 18, 2024 State Preliminary Land Use Service review of the proposal
• Dec 2024 Latest county filing recorded for the project (2024-12-01)

Want to weigh in? The Sussex County Planning and Zoning Commission usually holds a public hearing and makes a recommendation, and residents can comment there or in writing; the County Council may then decide on any rezoning.

Who's behind it

Schell Brothers · A homebuilder reported in coverage as the applicant; it builds single-family communities in Sussex County and nearby areas.

Around the web

• Plan calls for 183 homes off Cool Spring RoadCape Gazette · Dec 24, 2024Describes the Schell Brothers plan, 95.5 acres, 30.7 acres of open space, and the state's objections and agency comments from the December 2024 review.
• Over 180 homes proposed for Cool Spring RoadCoast TVReports the traffic estimate of about 1,759 weekday trips and the planned forest clearing.

Researched by AI from public sources on Nov 1, 2026. It can make mistakes, so check the linked sources and the municipality before relying on it.