VIRGINIA BEACH — A state delegate who wants to protect Virginia Beach’s agricultural industry is the initiator of a proposed city charter amendment under consideration by City Council this month.

Del. Barry Knight, a retired hog farmer in southern Virginia Beach, is requesting a higher threshold in the approval process for development into the city’s most rural area.

Knight said he’s concerned about the city’s growing interest in rezoning agricultural land for industrial uses. He questions whether he and other farmers will have enough support of the City Council under the current district-based election system . One council member, Barbara Henley, represents the area.

Current law requires six affirmative votes from the 11-person council to approve intense land use applications south

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