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Winchester Planning Board schedules July hearings on data centers, housing density and considers master‑plan update
Summary
At its June 15 meeting the Planning Board set a public hearing for July 6 and a work session for July 20 to address data centers, density, manufactured housing, studio apartments and tiny homes; staff reported consultant SWRP can support a master‑plan update and will provide an outline of options.
The Winchester Planning Board on June 15 set a public hearing for July 6, 2026 and a work session for July 20 to address several land‑use topics, including data centers, housing density, manufactured housing, definitions for studio apartments, and distinctions between tiny homes on wheels and tiny homes on foundations.
Kathy Morehouse, the Land Use Administrator (LUA), told the board she had contacted consultant SWRP about options for updating the town’s Master Plan. SWRP will email a PDF outlining what it can offer and example scopes of work; the board was told it can pursue either a full update (maps, chapters, forums, surveys and committees) or pick discrete components 'a la carte.' SWRP indicated consultant availability would be a few months out and that towns may nominate two commissioners to participate in SWRP’s annual meetings.
Vice Chairman Neal Stetson raised a clarification about the difference between a site plan and a plot plan and the distinction between commercial and residential site reviews; the discussion noted the board will need to refine definitions and review standards ahead of the July sessions. No formal policy decisions were made at the June meeting; the board directed staff to collect consultant materials so members can draft a proposal of desired assistance and prioritize components for the Master Plan update.
The board’s next steps are to review SWRP’s outline, decide which Master Plan elements to pursue, and prepare for the July public hearing and the July 20 work session.
