A proposed 219-acre housing development for rural Douglas County was dealt a setback Wednesday night by the Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission.

Commissioners noted the project, slated for 837 E. 675 Road, south of Clinton Lake, sits outside the urban growth area surrounding Lawrence.

City and county officials are trying to steer rural development to the urban growth area. Planning staffers had recommended against approval.

“Agricultural uses should be the dominant land use in the areas beyond” the urban growth area, said planner Jeff Tully.

Developer Michael Nuffer disagreed.

“It’s not really useful for agricultural purposes. It’s totally wooded, rocky,” Nuffer said. “I’m taking something that really cannot be used for any other purpose.”

The project would include 23 lots and a 30-acre man-made lake for skiing and fishing by the residents.

Neighbors of the property opposed the project, saying it would undermine the rural character of the area.

“The portion they’re wanting to use could be pasture,” said Scott Mesler, who lives nearby. “There’s not a lack of ability to use it for agriculture.”

Commissioners voted unanimously against rezoning and platting for the project, noting that county development policies call for new residential developments to take place next to already-developed areas.

Their recommendation goes to the Douglas County Commission next month for final action.