Despite the developer’s efforts to redesign a proposed housing project to avoid disturbing a 100-year-old burial site and historic tree, the Thousand Oaks Planning Commission denied the proposal last week.

Commissioners felt the Centex Homes project was too intense for the size of the property. The company had proposed building more than 70 homes on a 14-acre parcel along Ramona Road in Newbury Park. The two-story, four-bedroom homes left little room for recreational facilities. City staff had recommended denial of the project.

Earlier this year several residents protested the project that originally called for construction within 15 feet of a cemetery that contains the remains of two children of the Haigh family, Conejo Valley pioneers. A 250-year-old tree close to the proposed construction was another cause for concern. Centex changed its plans to accommodate concerns.

The company would not comment on whether or not it would appeal the decision or come up with a redesign.

––Sophia Fischer