The Southport Planning Board approved a conditional building permit Aug. 6 for Love, LLC. and John Hennessey for constructing a commercial pier. The property is located on 317 Hendricks Hill Road. The lone condition is that only recreational boats dock at the 80-foot-by-50-foot pier.

Abutter Arthur Paquett of Austin, Texas is a seasonal resident with property on Hendricks Hill Road. He was concerned about the pier's size and how a "large" tuna boat would obstruct the view.

"You know I have about six people a day stop and take pictures, and I'm concerned about how this will impact me, my view and how it may reduce my property value."

Chairman Skip Simonds responded the planning board could only rule construction and another state agency was responsible for how the boat was docked.

The Southport Planning Board reviewing a wharves and weirs application is a rare feat. For decades, the selectmen was the venue where such matters were decided. Code Enforcement Officer Mike Thompson recently advised the planning board it had a legal responsibility to hold a hearing.

After the planning board approved a conditional permit, selectmen held a site visit at 6 p.m., and approved a building permit.

The planning board meets next at 5 p.m., on Wednesday, Sept. 3, in the town hall.