Hopes for dense urban development in the Gwinnett Place area took a step forward Wednesday when the Gwinnett County Planning Commission approved a new zoning plan for property near I-85 at Pleasant Hill Road.

The commission unanimously approved new zoning that would allow developments up to 25 stories in an area bounded by Pleasant Hill Road to the east, I-85 to the south, Steve Reynolds Boulevard to the west and Satellite Boulevard to the north.

With the new zoning and other improvements to the Gwinnett Place area, local business and political leaders hope to transform a sprawling suburban shopping district into an urban landscape of residences, offices, restaurants and green space.

The Gwinnett Board of Commissioners must still approve the proposed zoning.