The industrial park would be located along the Kansas Turnpike near the Lecompton interchange.

A plan for a business park at the northwestern edge of town passed its first hurdle Monday.

Lawrence-Douglas County Planning Commission approved a proposal for the rezoning needed to create an industrial park along the Kansas Turnpike near the Lecompton interchange. The plan ultimately will require approval from Douglas County Commission.

The planning board approved the plan 7-2, with Lisa Harris and Grant Eichhorn voting against it. Commissioner Jeff Chaney was absent.

The proposal went to the planning commission to seek approval for rezoning the land from agricultural to light-industrial use.

A group led by Steve and Duane Schwada revived plans – first proposed and rejected about four years ago – to develop 155 acres at the northwest corner of East 900 Road and North 1800 Road.

Planners have said the site could accommodate a single large warehouse or several small industrial spaces.