A proposed new subdivision took another step forward Tuesday with Planning Commission approval.

Moores Point LLC hopes to build 161 residences, including 114 single-family homes and 47 townhomes, on a 49-acre site between Portsmouth Boulevard and Nansemond Parkway. The site already has received City Council approval of its rezoning, which happened in March 2015. Tuesday’s action approved the preliminary subdivision plat, which does not need to go back to City Council.

The land currently includes an auto salvage yard and a vacant dwelling.

The main entrance for the subdivision will be located off Portsmouth Boulevard. A second point of access will be through the Nelms Ridge Subdivision off Nansemond Parkway. Two existing cul-de-sacs, Golden Maple Drive and Blossom Court, will be converted to through streets and connect to the new subdivision.

The subdivision would include 11 acres of open space, including picnic tables, covered shelters, a playground and a trail.

The developer has proffered money for middle and high school capacity, as well as various other things like landscaping and the formation of a homeowners’ association.

Also at the meeting, backyard hens cleared another hurdle.

The commission voted to have the committee on ordinances consider the topic of backyard hens, a request that came from City Council following much discussion at its June 15 meeting. A report is expected at a future meeting of the committee on ordinances, although it is not known how long staff will take to prepare the report.