BELHAVEN — Plans for Vidant Health to build a new 24/7 multi-specialty clinic in Belhaven have been interrupted over a question of zoning laws.

Wednesday night, Vidant Health and its legal counsel met the town’s Board of Adjustments to appeal the revocation of the building permit, which was originally issued in August by the town’s building inspector. However, there was a dispute on whether the board was there to hear an appeal from Vidant, or if the board was to decide whether or not to give a special use permit. Vidant originally purchased the land in December 2013, according to Vidant Health.

According to Belhaven attorney John Tate, the town put up a sign notifying residents and property owners adjacent to the land in question that there would be a BOA meeting to rule on Vidant’s request for a special use permit. However, when the meeting commenced, Vidant’s counsel said they were there to appeal the original decision on the zoning by the town’s building inspector and planning board. Both determined the land was zoned for residential/agricultural use.

At the meeting, the BOA exchanged arguments with John C. Cooke, Vidant’s attorney, and decided to table the appeal until Nov. 5 at 7 p.m.

“There wasn’t a vote, nothing was considered; in fact, they didn’t even take testimony of any witnesses, regarding the actual substance of issue,” Tate said, in regard to the meeting.

According to Vidant Health, the meeting was supposed to be publicly noticed, and Vidant didn’t get public notice until late. Tate said, at the close of the meeting, the town would reissue the notice for the date of the meeting.

“We are looking forward to being able to move forward with our plans to build a new medical facility in Belhaven,” said Christine Mackey, a corporate communications specialist with Vidant. “We are certainly disappointed with the delay, but we will come back with our plans to show the Board of Adjustments what our plans are for Belhaven.”

Tate said if the BOA denies Vidant’s appeal on Nov. 5, then Vidant would have the right to appeal to Beaufort County Superior Court for further adjudication of their rights.