TOWNSEND -- Broadwater County commissioners approved earlier this week a preliminary plat application for Rolling Glen Ranch Estates.

The Estates is a back-up plan by Belgrade developer Steve Cavanaugh in case he is unable to attract investors for his original subdivision slated for the same parcel, Rolling Glen Ranch Planned Unit Development.

The 1,724-acre parcel is in southern Broadwater County, approximately 4 miles northwest of the intersection of U.S. Interstate 90 and U.S. Highway 287.

The commission had previously approved the PUD master plan in February.

The PUD, calling for 2,599 lots, is the largest subdivision ever proposed in Montana. It includes a town center, golf courses, club houses, parks and community sewer and water.

The back-up Estates plan provides for 84 lots, varying from 20 to 23 acres, all on separate wells and septic.

Cavanaugh has previously stated that if he fails to attract $15 million in investment for the PUD, he would withdraw the master plan application and proceed instead with the Estates plan.

The commission's primary concerns about the Estates plan regarded previous road improvement agreements and timelines Cavanaugh has made with the county for several earlier Rolling Glen subdivisions in the near vicinity, said Commission Chairman Jim Hohn.

Under these agreements, Cavanaugh is required to make his share of improvements to Rolling Glen Ranch Road and Wheatland Road by Feb. 13, 2008.

These were addressed in the 27 conditions for the Estates preliminary plat approval, said Broadwater County Planner Shawn Higley of WWC Engineering.

Should Cavanaugh fail to fully satisfy his previous road agreements, he will lose preliminary plat approval for the Estates subdivision, Higley said.

The improvements are to be done by the February deadline or Cavanaugh is to post a bond to cover completion of the work, said Hohn.

Cavanaugh also is required in the future to pay for Rolling Glen's proportionate share of improvements to turn lanes on U.S. Highway 287 and Price Road.

Cavanaugh told the commission he fully intended to meet his road agreements, Higley said. "So far, he is up to date (on his payments for road improvements)."

Cavanaugh also was required to establish a homeowners association that will provide maintenance of all subdivision roads and common property, Higley said.