In acting on any site development plan application, the Planning Board shall take into consideration the recommendations of the Town Development Plan, the provisions of Chapter
177, Flood Damage Prevention, Chapter
340, Wetlands and Watercourse Protection, the existing topography and site conditions, including wetlands, watercourses, water bodies, adjacent areas, floodplains, steep slopes, soil conditions, rock outcroppings, vegetation and stone walls, the proposed location, height and bulk of buildings, traffic circulation within and without the site, provision of off-street parking space, location and provision of off-street parking for the handicapped, exterior lighting, buffer areas and other open spaces, appearance of utility lines and display of signs, so that the impact of development on the environmental quality and scenic character of the site will be minimized, so that it will have a harmonious relationship with the existing or permitted development of contiguous land and of adjacent neighborhoods and so that pedestrian and vehicular traffic will be handled adequately and safely within the site and in relation to the adjoining street system. Where determined appropriate, the Planning Board may forward for review and report one copy each of the application to the Conservation Board (mandatory in the case of properties listed on the open space index), the Architectural Review Board, the Housing Board, the Town Engineer and the Town Wetlands Consultant.
