Planning Board approves special permit for Long Shores Drive lot despite wetland buffer impacts

The Barrington Planning Board voted to approve a special‑permit application for a 0.7‑acre lot on Long Shores Drive that will disturb 5,386 square feet inside a 50‑foot wetland buffer.

"Tonight we're representing Miles and Emma Kennison in a 9.6 permit over on Long Shores Drive," said Joe Berry of Berry Surveying, who presented the application and said the rear 0.5 acres of the lot are wetlands. Berry detailed erosion‑control measures and said the proposed two‑bedroom house will use a state‑approved septic system positioned outside the 50‑foot buffer.

Board members pressed the applicant on future encroachment and stormwater management. "My concern is in the future, will they be impacting the wetlands, not only the buffer, but the wetlands directly?" said Allen, a Planning Board member. Berry said the plan includes a retaining wall, a short lawn strip and proposed stone drip edges on eaves; he also proposed large boulders at the driveway terminus to deter encroachment.

Wilma Smith, a nearby resident, spoke during public comment and asked whether the leach field would affect her water source. The applicant and town staff confirmed the leach field as described would be positioned away from her frontage and that Jamie, the road/building official, would confirm septic approvals during permitting.

The board asked staff to add planning‑board comments to the notice of decision requiring the driveway be shortened toward the stair/platform area, grading to contain runoff to one side of the lot, and coordination with the road agent on drainage. Allen moved to approve the 9.6 special permit "as amended" with those conditions; the motion was seconded and passed by roll call.

The town planner will include the board's recommended conditions in the notice of decision and the applicant must address drainage and final driveway location when applying for building permits.