A courtroom in Bolivia could soon shape what gets built along one of Brunswick County’s busiest growth corridors. Green Hill, a proposed 1,340-home planned development near Winnabow, was denied twice by the Brunswick County Planning Board, and the developers are now asking a judge to order the county to approve it. The case is set for Brunswick County Superior Court on November 9, 2026. If you own a home between Leland and Southport, or you’re thinking about buying in the U.S. 17 corridor, here’s what’s going on and why it matters.
What Is the Green Hill Development?
Green Hill (filed with the county as PD-161) is a planned development proposed for about 785 acres of land zoned Rural Residential. According to Port City Daily’s October 21, 2026 report, the current plan calls for 1,340 single-family homes built in phases over roughly 10 years. That works out to about 1.71 homes per acre, below the 2.9-per-acre maximum the Rural Residential district allows.
The developers originally proposed 1,450 homes and trimmed the plan by 110 units. Port City Daily reports that around 200 of the acres are wetlands, and that homes would be built outside the AE flood zone.
How the Project Ended Up in Court
Two denials from the planning board
The planning board first turned the project down in November 2025, when a petition opposing it gathered nearly 1,000 signatures. The revised plan came back in April 2026 and was denied again on April 13 by a 3-1 vote. Concerns raised during the process included traffic safety where Green Hill Road meets U.S. 17, flooding and drainage, and fire-safety issues raised by the Winnabow Volunteer Fire Department’s chief.
The lawsuit and failed mediation
Developers HIC Land LLC and CLD Engineering PLLC sued the county in May, WECT reported on May 11, 2026. A mediation conference in July ended without a settlement. On October 21, the developers filed a motion asking the court to overturn the denial and order approval, according to WECT’s October 22 coverage.
The two sides’ arguments
The developers argue the board’s role was administrative: county staff found the application complete, recommended approval, and the traffic study was state-approved, so the board shouldn’t have denied it based on what they call generalized concerns. The county says staff recommendations aren’t binding, the planning board has final authority over planned developments, and the board had unresolved fire-safety concerns. The county has asked the court to dismiss the case. A judge has not ruled.
What This Means for Homeowners and Buyers
If you live near Winnabow or the U.S. 17 corridor
A project of this size would add traffic, school demand, and utility load over a decade of build-out, and it would also bring new housing supply and, eventually, the kind of nearby retail and services that tend to follow rooftops. Whether that feels like a plus or a minus depends a lot on where you live and how you use the roads. The practical step for now is to follow the November 9 hearing and any appeal that follows. Court decisions like this can take time to settle.
If you’re buying in northern Brunswick County
Green Hill is a good reminder to look past the house itself. Before you make an offer near any large tract of open land, ask what’s planned or pending next door. Brunswick County’s planning department posts development applications and planning board agendas, and those records will tell you a lot more than a listing ever will. Drive the commute at rush hour, too, especially if your route uses U.S. 17.
If you’re thinking about new construction
The case also highlights how much of Brunswick County’s future housing hinges on approvals that aren’t final until they’re final. If you’re considering a pre-sale home in any new community, ask the builder which phases are fully approved, what infrastructure is already in place, and what happens to your contract if a later phase is delayed.
If you’re selling
Buyers in our area are increasingly asking about nearby development, and some will see a pending project as a risk while others see it as a sign of growth. Either way, it helps to know the facts before you list so you can answer questions confidently. A local agent can help you frame what’s happening around your neighborhood honestly and accurately.
The Bigger Picture in Brunswick County
Brunswick County has been one of the fastest-growing parts of North Carolina for years, and the tension between new housing and the roads, water, sewer, and emergency services needed to support it shows up in nearly every big project. How the court treats a planning board’s authority to deny a project that staff says meets the written standards could influence how future large developments are reviewed. That’s worth watching whether you’re for Green Hill, against it, or simply trying to make a smart move in the market.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the proposed Green Hill development?
It’s proposed for roughly 785 acres in northern Brunswick County near Winnabow, with traffic concerns centered on the Green Hill Road and U.S. 17 intersection.
When is the court hearing?
Port City Daily reports the case is scheduled for Brunswick County Superior Court on November 9, 2026, at the courthouse in Bolivia.
Is Green Hill approved?
No. The planning board denied it twice, and the developers are challenging that denial in court. A judge has not ruled yet.
How can I find out what’s planned near a home I’m considering?
Check Brunswick County’s planning department and planning board agendas, look up the property’s zoning, and ask your agent to research pending applications nearby before you make an offer.
Thinking About a Move in Brunswick County?
Whether you’re weighing a home in Winnabow, Leland, Boiling Spring Lakes, or Southport, we can help you understand what’s being built nearby and what it means for your plans. Reach out to Aspyre Collective and let’s talk through your next step.
