COURTLAND—Given assurance that a local business would not become a junk yard, the Southampton County Board of Supervisors on Monday approved both a comprehensive plan amendment and rezoning request for a Courtland couple to continue and expand their vehicle service.

During the public hearing, attorney Tim Drewry — representing Teresa and Jonathan Gibbs — asked the supervisors to first amend the Comprehensive Plan to go from commercial to industrial in the Courtland Planning Area.

Southampton Towing and Recovery, which started in early 2005, moved to its location on 23555 Jerusalem Road, and sits on 1.39 +/- acres. The rezoning reclassified the site from Local Business District to CM-1, Conditional Limited Industrial District.

Drewry explained that the couple wants to continue their towing and minor repair service but also to add tire sales, major repairs and brake work. Further, vehicles could be stored each for a limited time. The business also does repairs and servicing of vehicles for the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office and Virginia State Police.

Beth Lewis of the Planning Commission reported the panel has already given its own approval.

John Burchette of Sebrell asked if the business would be selling used parts, to which Jonathan Gibbs said no, it would not be a salvage yard. Jason Fowler expressed concern about what kind of fence would go around the property. Lewis said it could be a chain-link fence with slats to make it essentially opaque, and therefore neighbors and passersby would not have to see the vehicles stored on site.