OXFORD, N.C. — The southern part of Granville County near Wake and Durham counties is showing significant development that's leaving some residents worried about growing pains.

In areas like the Lyon's Farm subdivision, if the property isn't up for sale now it's because the land has been sold and building plans are on the drawing board. Senior County Planner Barry Baker is keeping track of all the proposed development. Recent proposals should put 1,200 new home sites in the area in the near future.

"Economic growth leads to population growth," said Baker.

Julia Taylor has a dozen years of experience on the county Planning Board, and she said the area has a lot to offer.

"I worry that we are growing at a rate that is too rapid, especially for the schools," Taylor said. "I hate to see so many mobile units."

County leaders say their No. 1 priority is making sure that the building boom doesn't outpace Granville's ability to provide water, sewer and school facilities.

Some proposed housing developments are so large that that their developers said it will take years before the projects are finished. They also said that those years of work on the properties should generate plenty of taxes to help the school system expand.

Another positive sign of growth in southern Granville County is the people who move there. Even a church has joined the moving craze. The Bible Baptist Church moved from Durham to southern Granville County and nearly doubled its membership.

"It seems like we've had an explosion in the last couple of years, and that's a surprise," Taylor said. "We've always known it as the best place to live."

County Commission Chairman Dave Currin said he believes Granville County has the right recipe for growth without the high-dollar homes found in neighboring counties.