Commission approves Nudd Ave cottage expansion with buffer mitigation

The Hampton Conservation Commission voted Jan. 27 to recommend approval of a Town Wetland Permit for an addition at 21 Nudd Ave that will enable a seasonal cottage to become a year‑round dwelling.

Agent Henry Boyd Jr. explained the proposed work squares off the existing footprint and relocates stairs to increase separation where feasible. Staff noted the existing cottage is approximately 37 feet from a delineated freshwater wetland and the addition will place the structure about 36 feet from the wetland at its closest point. The plan increases impervious surface by 7.5 percentage points to a total of 23.3%, which is under the local maximum. Infiltration trenches are proposed to capture roof runoff as mitigation for the added impervious area; no new paved driveway is proposed and parking will remain on grass.

Commissioners and staff discussed mitigation in the wetland buffer. John Croteau asked whether invasive phragmites could be reduced or replaced with native vegetation; Boyd cautioned that phragmites control is difficult because of rhizome spread in freshwater conditions and suggested bayberry plantings as a deterrent. Conservation Coordinator Brianna Hagan recommended planting native vegetation along the wetland edge and adding erosion control. The Commission required suitable native plantings determined with the Conservation Coordinator and installation of two Wetlands Conservation District markers as conditions of approval.

The motion to recommend approval (moved Patricia Swank; second John Croteau) passed 5‑0. Standard stipulations attached to the approval prohibit fertilizer/pesticide use in the Wetland Conservation District, require 75% planting survival through two growing seasons, and require notice to the Conservation Coordinator at mobilization and project completion. The permit will expire two years from the Planning Board grant date.