The Columbia County Planning Commission agreed during a Thursday meeting to recommend a rezoning that will allow a new Evans shopping center.

The switch from commercial and residential zonings to a planned unit development for an almost 12-acre site at Columbia and Hereford Farm roads would allow a development anchored by a grocery store, according to county records.

"Apparently, the market has grown to the point of supporting a grocery store," said Jeff Browning, the county's director of planning and development.

Called the Village at Hereford Farm, the 180,000-square-foot development will include a 35,000-square-foot grocery store and other smaller stores.

Possibilities for the center include a dry cleaner and a pharmacy, said Matt Mills of Blanchard and Calhoun, the project developers.

"It's our intention to build a high-end neighborhood shopping center," Mr. Mills said.

Nearby residents, however, complained about increased traffic the retail center might attract.

Mr. Mills said the center will include turn lanes. He also mentioned that many area residents currently must travel to Evans or Grovetown to grocery shop. A neighborhood grocery store will both eliminate that and reduce traffic on Hereford Farm Road, he said.

The project should be completed within two years of the rezoning, according to county records.

The Columbia County Commission likely will review the rezoning at its March 18 meeting.