CHINA -- Planning Board members unanimously approved a new 13-lot subdivision off Lakeview Drive at Tuesday's meeting.

The subdivision, known as Candlewood Estates, will be on the east side of the road opposite The Cabins at China Lake.

The developer, Wachusetts Properties, will be allowed to sell four lots after the some roadwork is completed before providing the money to guarantee the construction of the remaining road, according to an agreement with the town. Wachusetts is owned by the Bisbee, O'Donnell and Samoiloff families.

Engineer Boyd Snowden, representing the landowners, said that because of the lot configurations, only three lots might be sold initially, with complete road access. Or, he said, the property owners might choose to build the road as far east as the old narrow-gauge railway bed.

Planners allowed up to 90 days for final action on the agreement, to match the deadline for recording the subdivision approval at the Registry of Deeds.

The project was discussed at several meetings earlier this year. At an April 28 public hearing, neighbors expressed concerns about increased runoff.

Snowden said Tuesday there should not increase runoff if the road and associated runoff controls are built according to his design and if China Code Enforcement Officer Scott Pierz makes sure the 12,000-square-foot limit for clearing on each lot is observed.