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ATLANTA-Ashton Woods Homes, a subsidiary of Toronto-based Great Gulf Group, is asking Cobb County commissioners to approve the rezoning of seven acres in the existing 285-acre office and residential development on Powers Ferry Road, just south of Wildwood Parkway. The developer wants to build 55 townhomes among 12 buildings but the area is only zoned for three homes on the lengthy and narrow site.

Area construction sources tell GlobeSt.com the project could probably have an estimated hard construction cost of $5 million. Ashton Woods Homes officials couldn't be reached by GlobeSt.com's publication deadline. The county's Planning Commission has approved the project for 54 homes. However, neighboring residents oppose the townhouse-styled project. They argue the site is too small to house the development.

Ashton Woods officials have told the county access to the new development would be through its completed Riverwalk community. The company also built the nearby Riverstone townhomes.