TexasCHLforum.com

Unfortunately most areas use "economic development" as the overriding criteria when examining new proposals. If they have a written zoning plan then that is the starting point. Become familiar with all the points that the permit application must address. Meet with the zoning officer and ask for a copy of the application and notify him that you as an affected party wish to be copied on all correspondence activity regarding the application. You may not be successful but you will have served notice that this will contested and they will proceed more carefully.
Generally in most of Texas you are facing an uphill battle and realistically the best you hope for is to try limit the impact of the development. Ask for things like planting of visual screens, ask what the storm water run-off plans are, ask what the pollution remediation plans might be especially water ground water protection might be in place. Given that you are caught in the never land of ETJ's, you are in a much weaker position. Follow the trail of where permit fees and taxes go to find the group who will be most affected by your issues and see if you can work with them to get your concerns addressed. As you know this is a political battle and there is much that can be done before you set up a public confrontation.
I suspect that the suggestion of a consultant, might be worth exploring further. I would ask the HOA why they suggested a consultant, who they would recommend , and what experience does the consultant have in the county where you are. It might be the consultant is politically connected in your locale and can offer input to the process without ruffling feathers.
Good Luck