New Market town officials are considering an annexation that would double the town's size.

The proposal to expand by nearly 400 acres is opposed by preservation and conservation groups that have sued town officials in the past over growth plans.

Annexing the properties would allow them to be used for a wider variety of purposes than allowed by Frederick County because of a New Market zoning change that took effect in October.

The proposed annexation includes a 262-acre tract northwest of town that was voted down by town residents in 2007.