CHINA -- Planning Board members quickly and unanimously approved both applications on Tuesday evening's agenda.

They allowed Thadius Barber to put a 10-foot-by-32-foot addition on Fieldstone Quick Stop on Route 3 and to amend the plan of Sunset Estates subdivision near Three Mile Pond to enlarge his house lot.

Surveyor Elwood Ellis, representing Barber on both issues, explained that the market addition is to allow stocking coolers from outside, reducing congestion inside the building.

Ellis said that, under current state regulations, substituting a roofed area for the present paved area is considered to reduce the amount of phosphorus runoff. The addition will eliminate one parking space, he said. Planners attached two conditions to the approval: Barber is to ban angle parking near the addition to make sure emergency vehicles can still reach the back of the store, and he is to obtain letters from China Rescue Unit Chief Danny McKinnis and South China Fire Chief Richard Morse saying the project will allow adequate emergency vehicle access.

Redrawing a lot line in the subdivision has no environmental effects, Ellis said. Legally, it will create two lots that conform to land use standards.

Three Planning Board members' terms expire in November; two of the three said they are not candidates for re-election.

Blaine Bronson, representing District 3, the southeastern part of China; and alternate member Scott McCormac, elected from the town at large, each cited lack of time as his reason for not seeking another term.

James Wilkens, representing District 1, the northwestern part of town, said he will run again.

Nomination papers are available at the Town Office. Signed papers must be returned by 11 a.m. Sept. 19.