Developer Paul Wicks' proposal to build a subdivision at the end of Exmouth Street has cleared a major hurdle.
Point Edward council has decided the 23-acre property, across from the grain elevators, is not a protected "woodlot".
That's based on an expert's report that noted the area is full of "scrub trees", most of which are considered invasive species.
Village CAO Jim Burns said it will likely be a year or two before work begins on the site.
"There are many things that the developer has to go through in terms of species at risk, noise studies, traffic studies and all that kind of stuff," said Burns. "This removes one barrier for him. He's got to do his determinations on what portion of the land can be developed because some of it is in a flood plain."
Burns said the species at risk study alone will likely take at least a year to complete.
He said the village's sewage treatment plant and water system both have the capacity to handle more homes and adds there's a high demand to live in the area.
He said if 200 homes are built, and taxed at around $4,000 each, that could generate $800,000 in annual revenue split between the village, County of Lambton, and school boards.