Hilton Bluffs development scaled back as New Hanover County reviews updated application

NEW HANOVER COUNTY (WWAY) — After facing opposition over a proposed development in New Hanover County, a Charlotte-based company resubmitted new plans — in hopes of gaining approval from the county to proceed. 

The controversial Hilton Bluffs development in Castle Hayne was initially envisioned as 4,000 homes. 

Copper Builders submitted a new application, and it was reviewed during a meeting Wednesday afternoon. 

The new plan calls for 1,800 units across roughly 1,800 acres — less than half of the original master plan. This application replaces two previous submittals for 230 lots and 647 units. 

 Robert Farrell is a Development Review Supervisor for New Hanover County. 

He says technical review committee meetings evaluate how a developer’s plans align with county standards, and that the committee has the final say in — “unit count.” 

“Any future approval of the TIA for 4,000 units does not entitle this site for 4,000 units. Only approval by the TRC, meaning the technical standards of the county, entitles a unit count,” said Farrell. 

The controversial development has gained a lot of attention, with an online petition against Hilton Bluffs accumulating over 12,000 signatures.  

Earlier this month, the CEO for Copper Builders told WWAY their goal for the project is quote ”to both preserve some of the natural beauty of the property and to build a really nice development that integrates with nature.”