DAPHNE, Ala. — The Daphne Planning Commission voted 6-1 to approve the initial site plan for a Malbis retailer, but the approval of conceptual office retail space must have a separate site plan review before final approval will allow construction to commence.

Kevin Spriggs, owner of multiple businesses in the Daphne area, approached the Daphne Planning Commission for its approval of a new venture, the Malbis Ventures Retail Shops.

The property is northeast of the intersection of Highway 90 and Alabama Highway 181. The property is currently zoned B-2, which will allow for a retail shopping center to be placed on the property.

In the proposed site plan, 35 parking spaces were included and 34 would be required. However, a property of that size will require an off-street loading dock of at least 420 feet. The proposed site plan only has a 199.5-square-foot loading area.

The Daphne Planning Commission also questioned Spriggs regarding his landscaping plan, which calls for the removal of one heritage tree and the relocation of two tulip poplar trees.

Councilwoman Cathy Barnette abstained from the vote and said final approval would be stipulated on the proper obtainment of easements.

“That can be addressed at another point, but there are outstanding issues with the site plan as it is at this point,” Barnette said.

“We would submit a complete site plan if we decide to go through with this plan,” Spriggs said.