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Issue · Sunapee, NH

Newbury Glamping/Hotel Development Regional Impact

Project on town line affects Sunapee land and requires formal regional impact designation for input.

Overview

A glamping/hotel project in Newbury overlaps a small strip of Sunapee land, prompting the Sunapee Planning Board to seek formal standing via DRI designation. At its June 11 meeting the board clarified the notice source and considered requesting that Newbury grant DRI status. The board is awaiting Newbury's June 16 meeting before taking further steps.

Background

The proposed glamping/hotel development in Newbury includes a small triangle of land within Sunapee, which led the Sunapee Planning Board to receive notices even though Newbury has not classified the project as a Development of Regional Impact.

At the June 11 meeting the board clarified that receipt of the notices stemmed solely from the overlapping parcel and discussed the option of sending a letter to Newbury requesting an official DRI vote.

Residents at the meeting asked how Sunapee could secure formal standing, whether the board would comment as a body or through individuals, and whether the Select Board could participate as an abutter.

One resident explicitly advocated for DRI designation, noting it would provide legal protections and allow the regional planning commission to act as an abutter.

The board adopted a waiting posture pending Newbury's Planning Board meeting on June 16, after which Sunapee will review the situation at its next meeting.

No vote was taken on the Newbury project itself, and the board has not yet determined whether to send the suggested letter.

How it unfolded
The board discussed a proposed development of 'detached hotel-style lodgings' on the Newbury-Sunapee line and whether it constitutes a regional impact project. A developer is seeking a final site plan review in Newbury for a lodging project that borders Sunapee and involves Mountain View Lake and Chandler Brook. The board debated if this is a 'regional impact' project due to its proximity to shared water bodies and potential environmental impacts on wetlands. There was concern that Newbury's notification process might be inadequate. The board discussed attending the Newbury meeting as 'abutters' with regional impact status to provide voice/commentary, though they noted they lack direct authority over Newbury's decisions. Members may attend the Newbury Planning Board meeting on Tuesday, May 19th, at 7:00 PM.
2026-05-14Planning Board
The Board discussed why they received notices for a Newbury project. It was clarified that the project is not currently deemed a 'Development of Regional Impact' (DRI) by Newbury, but the town received notice because of a small triangle of Sunapee property within the project area. A board member suggested writing a letter to Newbury to encourage them to officially vote for DRI status to ensure Sunapee input. The Board remains in a waiting pattern until Newbury's Planning Board meets to determine DRI status.
2026-06-11Planning Board
Arguments in favor
DRI designation provides legal protections for affected towns
planning-board 2026-06-11
For
DRI status allows the regional planning commission to act as an abutter
planning-board 2026-06-11
For
Official DRI vote by Newbury would give Sunapee a formal voice in the process
planning-board 2026-06-11
For
Key voices
“advocating for the project to be officially designated as a Development of Regional Impact (DRI) because this designation provides legal protections and allows the regional planning commission to act as an abutter”
Residentplanning-board 2026-06-11
What's next

Newbury Planning Board meets on June 16th; the Sunapee Board will review the situation at their next meeting.

NewburyglampingDRIregional impact