A proposed plan for a small resort in East Penn Township needs a little more work before the project can begin.

During the monthly meeting of the Carbon County Planning Commission Tuesday, the board recommended conditional plan rejection until a number of issues were addressed with the Loft at Birch Wilds LLC., at 3236 West Lizard Creek Road, just off Route 895. The plan proposes improvements to a number of existing buildings on the 11.1141-acre lot, owned by Cheryl Roger and Rhonda Roman, including a four-unit guest house and main lodge with indoor pool; a three-unit guest house; inn keepers suite; barn/banquet hall; and the creation of an outdoor ceremony/event site.Larry S. Turoscy, director of engineering at Lehigh Engineering Associates Inc. of Walnutport, provided a little extra explanation about the proposed development prior to the commission recommendation.He explained that necessary permits and plan details are still being worked out.Roman, who was in attendance at the meeting, explained that she and Roger hope to create an intimate event venue geared toward families, the community and older adults.Outdoor events will end at 10 p.m.; while indoor events will end at midnight, she explained, noting that this decision will make sure that neighbors are not disturbed.The event hall, which will be an old barn, will hold up to 150 guests for banquets and weddings, with outdoor space for ceremonies and smaller parties. Other buildings on-site will be the guest suites."We're looking for something intimate and unique," she told the commission. "There are barns around the Lehigh Valley area but you can't have your wedding in them. They are a backdrop. We feel that this will be a nice draw."She noted that the plans for this property have been in the works for several years."All the buildings that we're renovating are currently on the property. We're not adding anything," Roman added. "We're trying to do this with the community in mind and with as little impact as possible."Ivan O. Meixell Jr., county planner, explained that the plans, as submitted, contained some areas of non-compliance with the East Penn Township Land Development Ordinance.He told Roman that once the issues he outlined are addressed, the plan can receive approval from the county. The plans now go to East Penn Township for review.The commission also reapproved the plans of Semanov Group to create a Riverside Business Center near the intersection of the Sgt. Stanley Hoffman Boulevard and North Main Lane, Lehighton. The plans would divide an existing 11.2 acre parcel into three lots. Meixell noted that the plans that were approved previously were changed by the party without going through the proper channels so the new plans show the necessary changes.John J. and Agnes J. McDonald also received conditional plan approval for a proposed subdivision at 227 N. Church Road, Lehigh Township. The plans call for subdividing 73.48 acres into two lots, a 43.98-acre lot and a 29.50-acre lot.