Planning board grants waiver for golf‑cart storage structure at Newport National with neighbor screening condition

The Planning Board approved a waiver for a permanent golf‑cart storage structure at the Newport National golf course site after hearing testimony about its design, visibility and safety features.

David Martland represented Newport National Real Estate LLC and introduced architect Sean Burns, who described the proposed steel‑frame structure with fabric sides that will shelter golf carts. Burns said the structure is about 800 feet from Mitchells Lane behind the clubhouse and will use the same color palette to blend with the clubhouse. Neighbors expressed concern about visual impact and fire safety because golf carts are battery powered; Burns said the building includes smoke detection tied to the clubhouse alarm and that a fire‑protection engineer and building‑code review determined sprinklers are not required for this size and use.

Neighbor Joseph Lopes said he can see the clubhouse and parking area from his backyard and asked for additional screening. The board amended the motion to grant the waiver on the condition that Newport National and Mr. Lopes agree on a landscape screening plan that complies with existing land‑trust easement requirements and that the plan be submitted prior to issuance of building permits. The board discussed and confirmed that the fabric structure is a permanent building rather than a temporary tent and requested that the applicant submit the landscape plan to staff and that any required easement obligations be satisfied.

Next steps: Applicant to coordinate with Mr. Lopes and file a screening landscape plan with planning staff prior to building permit issuance; staff will ensure compliance with access and land‑trust requirements before construction.