Knoxville, TN (WOKI) Despite public outcry, the Knox County Commission voted Monday night to rezone more than 40 acres of farmland off Northshore and Harvey Road for residential use.

The tract of land hasn’t been in use for the last few years.

A group of protestors from the area gathered at the meeting to voice their concerns over safety and overcrowding.

Some argued that bringing more homes to the area would add to what they believe to be an already dangerous stretch of road in the county.

Despite those voicing opposition to the change, the county commission approved the plans to rezone the land after nearly an hour of discussion.

While the move now paves the way for housing to be built, there are no specific plans in place to build as of now.

The agreement upon which the county commission voted allows up to three housing units per acre of this land.