The continuing and often contentious story of an asphalt plant proposed for the Glenvar community took another step toward resolution Tuesday night.

The Roanoke County Board of Supervisors approved by a 3-1 vote a special-use permit needed by Adams Construction Co. to build a facility near Peaceful Drive on a 17-acre parcel now owned by Appalachian Power Co.

And although public outcry over the 300-ton-per-hour asphalt plant dropped dramatically after the proposed site shifted in April from Salem's West Main Street to a remote, industrially zoned area close to the Western Virginia Regional Jail, the decision was not without some cautious opposition.

Supervisor Butch Church, who represents the Catawba District where the plant would be located, offered the single vote Tuesday night against granting the permit, although he said he respected the company and said he expected the decision would be passed anyway.