Shapleigh Planning Board approves Golden Heart Estate wedding venue

The Shapleigh Planning Board voted to approve a conditional use permit for the Golden Heart Estate wedding and events venue on Ross Corner Road, limiting events to 150 people and setting conditions on noise, lighting, signs, and portable toilets. The board also reviewed incomplete paperwork for several other properties and discussed holding a workshop on application deadlines and enforcement.

Key points

• The board approved the wedding and events venue for the banquet barn and Heron Hall only, with capacity capped at 150 people based on the Fire Marshal's approval for Heron Hall.
• Conditions include hours of operation from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. with no music or loud noise after 10 p.m., a required light near the basketball court, 17 caution signs along Ross Corner Road, and portable toilets when events exceed 15 people.
• The board will not review or approve use of the residence, also called the mansion, in connection with the venue, based on a legal opinion from the town attorney.
• The board accepted evidence that landline phones were installed in Heron Hall and the banquet barn, satisfying a condition from the June 23 meeting.
• A neighbor, Grant Southerd of 134 Indian Village Road, submitted a letter raising concerns about excavation, potential damage to his cottage, and shoreline banking for a proposed full foundation at 130 Indian Village Road.
• The board discussed ongoing problems with applicants submitting required paperwork after the Wednesday deadline, which has kept several applicants off meeting agendas.

Next steps

• The board will require a written statement from Code Enforcement Officer Brian Paul confirming the wastewater system meets state standards for events over 15 people before the venue operates.
• The board will send notice of violation letters regarding unmet completion deadlines and missing photos or survey letters for properties on Pine Cone Drive and Cedar Drive.
• The board plans to hold a workshop with the Code Enforcement Officer on application deadlines and enforcement.
• The board will gather more information on the proposed foundation at 130 Indian Village Road and the retaining wall project at 260 Indian Village Road.

Read the full transcript