BEDFORD -- The Bedford County Planning Commission voted unanimously Monday night to recommend rezoning for a 7,000-seat amphitheater near Smith Mountain Lake.

The 7-0 vote advances a proposed rezoning of 40 acres from low-density residential to commercial for the Sweetwater Amphitheater at Eastlake.

"It's refreshing and another one of those occasions when everyone's in favor of a project," said Steve Wilkerson, who made the motion to recommend approval. "I like that."

The rezoning request now goes to the Bedford County Board of Supervisors for consideration.

Darrin Snyder and Holly Sweet, the developers behind Sweetwater Amphitheater, were married and currently live in Tennessee, but grew up in Boones Mill and Moneta respectively. They plan to bring about 30 concerts between April and October each year to the amphitheater's planned site on 56 acres near the intersection of Virginia 122 and Hendricks Store Road (Virginia 655).

Plans include a permanent stage and under-roof area to seat 2,500, in addition to lawn seating for 4,500. The pair plan an April 2008 opening, according to the amphitheater's Web site.

The project was received with enthusiasm -- but also a little concern -- by those who came to speak at the public hearing.

Tim Saunders, 26, of Bedford County said he grew up in the area but moved away, in part because of a lack of things to do. Now that he's returned, he said he sees in the amphitheater the potential for more live music that will draw more young people back to the area.

"There's a really huge void here for concerts -- both small and large," Saunders said. "This is going to fill part of that void."

June Luck, a Moneta resident who recently moved into the lake home built by her grandfather, said the project would distinguish Bedford from other communities.

"Let's make this 56 acres something special that will make Bedford County stand out from the rest," Luck said.

One lake-area resident, however, expressed a concern.

"Why do they have to sell liquor -- alcohol?" said Marianna Smith. "These people are going to drink alcohol and then go out on the road. And what will you end up with? Accidents."

Sweet said the venue will sell beer and wine, but not liquor. Alcohol sales will cease well before events end, and off-duty police officers will help police the crowds, she said.

Snyder said he thinks selling beer and wine will actually help regulate alcohol consumption at events.

"The best way to mitigate alcohol is to serve it and control it," Snyder said.

David Anderson, a managing principal with the Timmons Group that is helping develop the amphitheater, said Sweet and Snyder have also taken precautions to address concerns about traffic and noise.

The developers will build turn lanes into and out of the project's entrance on Virginia 122. A second entrance will be built on Hendricks Store Road. During events, off-duty officers will help control traffic at each entrance.

Anderson said the amphitheater's technology will minimize the amount of sound that escapes from the natural bowl in which the venue will be built, and will provide a better experience for the audience.

"Everyone from the front to the back gets the same volume," Anderson said. "No one gets blown out."

Snyder added that they will allow shows to run no later than 10:30 p.m.