Planning Board — March 11, 2026
The meeting featured intense public testimony against a major industrial project and highlighted a sharp divide between resident fears and the board's regulatory approach.
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At the March 11 Planning Board meeting, a sharp divide emerged between Londonderry residents and board members regarding the proposed organic waste processing facility at 162 Lichfield Road.
Local residents provided emotional and pointed testimony, stating that the facility poses direct risks to their health, safety, and property values. Many neighbors expressed that the project offers "zero reward" to the community while introducing permanent concerns regarding odor, noise, and heavy truck traffic.
Despite these concerns, the Planning Board voted unanimously to approve the subdivision and the site plan. The board emphasized that their role is to act on the technical facts of the site plan and regulatory mandates rather than community sentiment. The approval included several waivers for dimensional relief, including reductions to conservation overlay district buffers and landscaping requirements.
As this industrial project moves forward, the primary tools for residents to address future issues like odor or noise will be statutory enforcement and "cease and desist" orders from the town. Stay tuned as we continue to track the impact of this development.
Public impact
Potential for significant changes to local air quality, noise levels, and residential property values.
Potential long-term shifts in zoning laws, accessory dwelling unit (ADU) regulations, and parking mandates.
Topics discussed
The board called the meeting to order, performed the pledge of allegiance, and discussed upcoming appointments for board members Steve and Ryan.
The board reviewed and voted on extension requests for the Gateway site plan and the Technology Hill Envision site plan.
Discussion regarding a request to continue the public hearing for a 40-unit residential site plan and conditional use permit for buffer impacts.
Public hearing and extensive review for the Southern New Hampshire Green Energy Campus organic waste processing facility, including subdivision of a 50-acre lot, site plan, waivers, conditional use permits, trucking/odor/traffic controls, waste composition, environmental standards, enforcement mechanisms, and public concerns on odor, health, and property values. The facility processes only organic waste and produces natural gas, clean water, and digestate.
Board reviewed and voted on additional waivers, conditional use permits, tree clearing restrictions, and traffic routing conditions for the 11.23-acre organic waste processing facility.
The Benton family presented a proposal for a two-story, 41,700 sq. ft. building featuring 12 indoor and 21 outdoor pickleball courts. Board reviewed drainage design, lighting, facility layout, and granted multiple waivers and conditional approval.
Update on audit of state law (RSA) changes affecting accessory dwelling units, zoning conflicts, and parking mandates; discussion of community housing preferences and barriers.
Controversy & dissent
Potentially controversial issues
162 Lichfield Road Organic Waste Processing Facility
Split votes
Community vs. board tension
Public comment
Decisions logged
Action items
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