Many localities require their use to ensure adequate public facilities for growth management and subdivision approval.

He said the developer must first get subdivision approval for new lots and roads.

The town gave Holiday rezoning and subdivision approvals last December.

Under its contract, Burman must get all municipal approvals, including subdivision approval, from the town before the purchase can close.

Also, a sale required subdivision approval from the town of Roseland, which can take months.

Only three lots came up for subdivision approval.

The planning board met Wednesday night and gave the developer an extension on his subdivision approval until the end of January.

The project, which still needs final subdivision approvals, is called Avalon Commons.

"Basically, the preservation of this house was the focus of the subdivision approval," he said.

The Ghadimis then applied for subdivision approvals, which took them 12 years to obtain.