BRAINTREE – The proposed Banner Park life sciences development off Columbian Street has been approved by the planning board.

The original plans for the two-building complex have been modified by reducing the size of one building by 10,000 square feet, which makes the overall size of the development 240,000 square feet. Other changes include moving the buildings further away from neighboring homes in Weymouth, including a 15-foot high fence along the property line and adding more landscaping between the development and the homes on Tommy Marks Way.

Christopher Reale, of Hingham, who is developing the project with Alan MacDonald, said he is excited by the decision.

"This is a huge opportunity for Braintree," Reale said.

The development still needs the approval of state environmental officials and the town's conservation commission. Reale said he still needs to work with Weymouth officials to resolve some issues.

"I'm looking forward to taking the next step," Reale said.

The complex would be built next to the former Massachusetts State Lottery headquarters on the Weymouth/Braintree line, which has already been approved as the site for a Mass General Brigham medical complex.

Real estate: $4.3M home feels like a spa, Vermont cabin and mansion all in one - dock, too

Drinking in community spirit:Craft beer names showcase South Shore culture, history

Weymouth residents have expressed strong opposition to the Banner Park proposal, citing the proximity to their homes, environmental concerns and traffic impacts. Robert Luongo, Weymouth's director of planning and community development, said that 70% of the traffic for the development would come through Weymouth, and it would impact intersections as far away as Route 18.

"This is a project in Braintree that totally impacts Weymouth," Luongo said.

The changes weren't enough for Jeremiah Murphy, a Tommy Marks Way resident.

"Obviously, we are not happy," he said, referring to his neighbors. "We'd like to be shown more compassion."

Covered in history:Weymouth 400 wraps utility boxes with landmarks, historical photos

Plymouth: Native Americans urge boycott of 'tone deaf' Plimoth Patuxet museum

The approval is subject to a series of conditions set by the town.

Board member Kim Kroha said she thinks the changes made through the board's review "produced a better project."

The board approved a special permit and a site plan for the project by a 4 to 1 vote. Member William Grove casting the lone opposition vote.

Reach Fred Hanson at fhanson@patriotledger.com.

Thanks to our subscribers who make this coverage possible.  Please consider supporting quality local journalism with a Patriot Ledger subscription