The Holly Springs Planning and Zoning Commission voted 3-1 to deny a request from Rising Hills Church to annex and rezone over 11 acres on land off of Hickory Flat Highway, according to a press release.

Jerry Candito, representing the church said it would have a 12,000 square foot building with an appropriate amount of parking and lighting for security. The church would like to add up to three more buildings on this property only when needed, as their congregation grows. It plans to have one service on Sundays and will provide an off-duty police officer to assist with the traffic.

Although staff recommendations indicated that the project fell within accepted uses, several residents expressed concerns about traffic, noise and the financial health of the church.

The Cherokee County Board of Commissioners met on April 20 to discuss the annexation case and voted unanimously to indicate that there was no basis for an objection.