MANATEE -- The Manatee County Planning Commission Thursday OK'd plans for a 784-unit residential development near Parrish.

The board gave preliminary approval for a rezoning request and a general development plan for the project called The Aviary at Rutland Ranch.

The project site is east of 161st Avenue East and north of County Road 675, according to county documents.

Developer Rowe Ventures, LLC designed the project across 400 acres of pastureland, which is graced by Gamble Creek at one end where a trail system for residents will be built.

The site will also include a 16-acre park, and its total amount of open space would be about 37 percent, according to representatives of the developer.

"What we're trying to do is design for people who do not want to live in town, but want to live in an integrated community," said Hugh McGuire, representing the developer.

The project now goes to the Manatee County Commission for a final decision.

Sara Kennedy, Herald reporter, can be reached at 941-745-7031. Follow her on Twitter @sarawrites.com.