WINCHESTER — The Winchester Planning and Zoning Commission granted a special-permit application for a fence at 272 Birch Rock Trail in the Highland Lake District, approving application PCC 25-13 for owners/applicants James and Lynn Brandolini.

The applicants presented photographs and a site survey showing the fence’s placement and elevations. They said the fence transitions from 6 feet to 4 feet on the south side, sits at least 2 feet from the property line, and is sited below the house elevation and partially hidden in woods near the lake. The applicants told the commission the fence was intended to protect pets and grandchildren and to screen an existing chicken-wire fence and debris on adjacent property.

Chairman Willard Platt recused himself from the public hearing for PCC 25-13 and left Peter Marchand in charge of that agenda item. Commissioners and staff reviewed photos taken from multiple angles; staff reported they had inspected the site and said the wooded lot and vegetation limit view impacts. The applicants said neighboring property owners had been notified and that one neighbor had called to ask about the notice but reported no objection.

Peter Marchand moved to approve application 25-13 as a special permit under Highland Lake District rules, noting that the commission relied on materials submitted by the applicant and that the permit may be modified, suspended or revoked if the information later proves false or incomplete. The motion was seconded; the commission voted to approve the permit.

The commission recorded standard conditions consistent with the Highland Lake District and asked staff to finalize and file the signed permit form.