WILTON – Pamela and Peter Clements have been given Zoning Board approval for a bead-and-breakfast in their historic home in Wilton Center. However, a request to use part of the home and the barn to host small gatherings and events had been continued until May 28 to allow the Board to visit the site.

About 25 people, mostly residents of Wilton Center, attended the hearing by the ZBA on Tuesday, May 14.

While there was no opposition to the bed-and-breakfast, and only kind words for the Clements as neighbors and how they would operate a business, some residents questioned parking, added traffic, noise, and the potential use of alcohol. Since the use would require a variance for a home occupation, and a variance is granted to a property and not the current owner, several expressed concern about a future owner.

A list of those concerns will be compiled by the board so that the Clements can have the answers on May 28.

Peter Clements said they had purchased the home at 602 Isaac Frye Highway in 2015 when it was badly in need of restoration, which they have done, attempting to return it to its late 1880s condition. The house is in the middle of Wilton Center Village which was the first village in town. The area is one of mostly of older houses.

He said the business would consist of “small gatherings such as wedding showers, birthday parties, and Victorian High Tea.” All events would be by reservation only, mainly during the day, and no alcohol would be served. Nor would there be amplified music. He said they have a septic system design to accommodate the business.

Pam Clements hobby is arranging elegant tea parties, which she does for friends and neighbors. She now wants to expand that into a small business.

The major concern was for parking, which would be off-street. Several residents noted the congestion when there is a performance at near-by Andy’s Summer Playhouse, or an event at the Unitarian Red House across the street. Clements said parking would be arranged in the field near the barn and guests would be limited to 60.

Most events such as theirs “average 20 to 25 people,” he said, 15 to 20 cars.

Others noted the historic aspects of the Center, which they did not want changed, and asked about possible affects on their property values. Most agreed that the restoration of the house raised the values as a whole.

An abutter noted, “The Playhouse, the church, the Red House, all bring back the historic aspect. “(Pam’s) tea events are an experience, just amazing.” Having such events available to the public could make Wilton “a destination,” and bring business to the town. She noted that many years ago a former owner had a tea house on the property.

Board Chairman Neil Fairman said all the concerns could be listed as restrictions and limitations to the business. The list would be attached to the deed and on file at the registry. Any future owner would see it during a title search.

He added that there is a process for dealing with violations of the terms.

The continued hearing will begin at 7:30 p.m. on May 28.

In other business on Tuesday, Fairman was re-named Chairman and Joanna Eckstrom vice-chairman.

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