WILTON – Planners approved a permit to build a garage Thursday despite concerns raised by a neighbor. Planners say the concerns are outside the scope of the town’s authority.

Ricky Enman operates an auto body and paint shop on Route 133. The property is in a farm and forest zone. Planners approved his permit to build a 24-by-32 garage. Enman said that while the addition will not increase his business, it will help him be able to do his work easier.

Neighbor Dr. Judy Gilmore faxed a letter to the board stating that she is strongly opposed to any further development of Enman’s business. She charges that the business is not in compliance with OSHA standards and should be monitored for toxic materials. Gilmore pointed out that the business is in close proximity to both farmland and Pease Pond. No specific violations were addressed in the letter.

Enman said the Maine Department of Environmental Protection visited his business Thursday to determine how he disposes of hazardous materials. He said the DEP approved of how he handles the disposal and gave him some tips about how it could be done more conveniently.

Planners said the town does not do any type of monitoring for toxic materials. If the town’s code enforcement officer finds any violations, she can pull the permit at any time, officials said.

“She (Gilmore) may be asking this board to go beyond what we are authorized to do or what we are able to do,” Planner Mike Sherrod said.

Planner Norm Gould said Gilmore owns farmland there and has frequently written to town officials in opposition to activity in the area due to concerns about the environmental impact on the farmland and the pond. Enman’s business is about 800 feet from the pond, Planners said.

Planners’ approval of the permit is contingent upon Enman obtaining any applicable state and federal permits. They will also contact DEP to ask for a letter stating that they have visited the property and hazardous waste there is being disposed of properly.

Planners also granted a permit to Boyd Bachelder to build a garage at his business, also on Route 133. Bachelder proposes to build a 36-by-60 garage at his A Tech Auto business. He will also increase the parking spaces to a total of 45. Bachelder’s property is in commercial zoning.