Oceanside

Eager to save Mission San Luis Rey from being drowned in a sea of development, the Oceanside City Council on Wednesday unanimously approved an intricate blueprint for what can be built in the region surrounding the historic structure.

The prime goal of the 40-page planning document is to develop a historical architectural theme within about half a mile of the mission in hopes of creating a distinct identity for the area.

It also calls for development of a historic core with a commercial village area as well as enhancement of landscape along streets to reinforce the character of the area.

“This plan is practical, it’s realistic, it’s achievable,” said Richard Remello of The Planning Center, a Newport Beach land-use consulting firm that drafted the plan. “It’s not something that should be rolled up and put on the shelf.”

Built in 1795, the mission has long been surrounded by grassy fields and rolling hills. In recent years, however, housing subdivisions and shopping centers have begun to creep nearer.