A different type of horse than the norm for the area – horsepower, as in exotic sports cars – may be in Bedford County’s tourism future.

DHRK Enterprises, which had requested rezoning of 195 acres on Eady Road at U.S. 231 for a concrete plant last year, is now saying at least part of the land will be used as a campus for several automotive-related businesses.

Planning Director Chris White told Bedford County Planning Commission members Tuesday night he’d spent much of the day in Nashville with representatives of some of the businesses and came away highly impressed.

White described the cars as “very high-end classic and sports cars,” so high-end they were beyond words to describe them, mentioning Bugattis and Ferraris. The cars’ owners were described as “very upscale.”

The proposal involves several different businesses such as engine manufacturers, upholstery shops, and restoration-type businesses for expensive collector vehicles, not typical mechanic shops for mainstream vehicles.

Tourism will benefit as the public will be allowed to see the vehicles being worked on, White said.

The nearness of Shelbyville Municipal Airport to the proposed campus was a major factor in attracting the businesses, White said, as the vehicles’ owners will be able to fly in and see their cars’ progress.

Those behind the businesses are extremely wealthy, “legitimate investors,” and very serious about the proposed campus, White said. He was told activities would compare to the famous Amelia Island concours events, held in Florida each year celebrating the world’s fastest and most expensive cars.

The board voted to recommend rezoning from agricultural to commercial of portions of the land in question surrounding the middle acreage to the full County Commission. Rezoning for the remainder of the property will be requested soon, White said..

**Solar energy

Proposed changes in Bedford County’s zoning regulations concerning solar energy operations were recommended to Bedford County Commission by the planning commission.

The changes largely involve setbacks within property to keep large solar panels from being visible from far distances, and to keep such facilities away from areas with full infrastructure suitable for industrial development.

Solar facilities don’t require water or sewer systems, for example, and are suitable for areas such as rocky fields not particularly good for agriculture or industry, White said.

The new zoning would introduce Renewable Energy Development Districts to the county. Firms wanting to build solar energy projects outside those areas would have to seek rezoning from both the planning commission and county commission. White said proposals with strong opposition would likely be denied rezoning during that process.