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Only one conditional use permit applicant went home with a stamp of approval after Tuesday’s meeting of the Richmond County Planning and Zoning Board of Adjustments.

According to Planning and Zoning Director of GIS James Armstrong, several neighbors of Vickie Utley Chambers — who applied for a permit to open a scrap yard on her property at 155 Gaston McLean Road in Rockingham — appeared at Tuesday’s meeting to speak against Chambers’ plan.

Chambers said she began collecting aluminum cans until the collection grew so big she realized she could take on more metal. She said she then drove around the city limits and collected old washers, fridges and stoves that people set out on their curb. She also began collecting cardboard. She was hoping to get county approval to establish a scarp yard.

According to Chambers, although some times are hard, other times the business allows her to fully support herself and her daughter who is in high school.

“Several folks were not in favor of it,” said Armstrong. “They spoke in opposition. The board unanimously denied the permit because (Chambers) didn’t have enough property and did not meet the minimum requirement for acreage. It was not in keeping with the residential pattern.”

Chambers said she plans to seek legal advice in the matter.

“I look for the devil to work against me in any way so it didn’t surprise me at all,” said Chambers about her application rejection. “I’m waiting on God. I will pursue my business and I’m not backing down. I have an 18-year-old daughter who needs me and if I get bitter, she’ll get bitter, too.”

The board did approved Jeff Moss’ application for a permit to open a go-kart track on his property on Mercer Street in Marston, despite members of Moss’ family speaking out against it.

According to Armstrong, Moss’ uncle Gerald Beachum said he was not in favor of the plan because Mercer Street is too narrow to support heavy traffic. Other family members were also in attendance.

The go-kart track will only operate on Saturdays once a month, from 7 a.m. until 10 p.m., and no alcohol will be sold or consumed at events, county officials said.

Moss declined to comment when contacted by the Daily Journal on Wednesday.

— Staff Writer Dawn M. Kurry can be reached at 910-997-3111, ext. 15, or by email at dkurry@civitasmedia.com.