County restricts D.R. Horton's building plans

The future construction of houses by D.R. Horton in Lakewood Cottages must conform with the current architectural character of the neighborhood.

Escambia County commissioners took action after residents from Lakewood Cottages wrote letters of protest to the panel for four months and met with the homebuilder. They're opposing nationally-known D.R. Horton's larger houses in their neighborhood, now defined by one-story homes, single-garages, if any, and porches.

D.R. Horton recently started building larger one- and two-story homes with two-car garages and no porches.

The development is between Lakewood Road and Seamarge Lane in the county's southwest area.

After hearing the residents' pleas, the commissioners voted unanimously on Thursday night that the county must review all plans for new D.R. Horton houses.

"I'm happy they finally took a stand," resident Aron Stevens said. "It's been a long road for us so far."

Stevens, who lives across the street from several D.R. Horton homes now under construction, said he worries the county's action could be legally challenged by the builder.

He echoed concerns of some residents that the new homes, although larger, detract from the value of existing houses because they are being constructed at lower prices per square foot than the original dwellings.

The guidelines for building in the area are listed on the site and building requirements section of the plat at www.escambiaclerk.com/MyImages/2137.pdf.

The designs for D.R. Horton's homes are at www.drhorton.com/Florida/Northwest-Florida/Pensacola/Express-Lakewood-Cottages.aspx.

D.R. Horton officials could not be reached for comment.