Tucker’s plans approved

Controversial plans to carve up land around Tucker’s Point into development lots have been given the green light.

Five separate planning applications by the Tucker’s Point Club went before the Development Applications Board(DAB) on Wednesday.

And the Bermuda Sun understands that the DAB approved all five proposals, which is in line with a previous recommendation of approval.

The minutes of the meeting will not be released until later today.

Efforts to find out more information about the reasons for the decision were unsuccessful.

But the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) is exploring an appeal of the decision of the DAB,

Last night its chairman, Stuart Hayward, said: “This issue is too complex and too important for us to make casual comment.”

He told the Bermuda Sun: “We made extensive, multi-paged objections to the proposal and we shall have to study the Department’s recommendations to the DAB and the DAB’s reasons for its decision before responding.

“We have, I believe, a 21-day window in which to appeal the decision but will have to be fully informed before proceeding.”

BEST has consistently opposed proposals to divide up and develop on the pristine site, which is rich in history, fauna and flora.

And the group and its members have fought an ongoing campaign since the Special Development Order was granted on the property by the last Government in 2011.

The five separate planning applications approved by the DAB on Wednesday involve the creation of 22 additional lots of land as well as a new access to Paynter’s Road.

And the proposals cover areas around Glebe Hill, Paynter’s Road, Tucker’s Point Drive, Castle Mews, Stables Lane and Harrington Sound Road.

There is also a sixth similar application for several additional lots on White Crest Hill that has not come before the DAB yet.

Mr Hayward added: “This is not about losing a couple of acres of land we are losing the amenity value of the land too and that deprives the entire community.”

BEST has repeatedly raised concerns about the steepness of the three proposed lots on Glebe Hill.

And the group has called for a comprehensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to be undertaken of the area.

Previously Tucker’s Point Real Estate has said that the subdivision of the SDO parcels was a key component of Tucker’s Point’s donation of 41 acres to the Bermuda Government.

Kevin M. Cross, Member of the Executive Committee of Castle Harbour Ltd said: “As part of the rigorous requirements of the SDO, an application has been made to the Department of Planning for the subdivision of lots on Glebe Hill, Hamilton Parish.

“The application is the first step for the Glebe Hill development of three residential lots and subdivides one existing parcel into six additional lots; three for residential use as provided for in the SDO, one for a boundary adjustment, and two non-developable amenity lots.”

Mr Cross added: “As part of this subdivision application, theoretical topographical information has been provided showing the maximum extent of cut and fill on the part of the lots that may be developed. At the time of submission of an application to develop homes, complete architectural and topographical plans will be provided.

“The location of and plans to construct homes have not been developed at this time. In addition, other studies, as required by the SDO, will be provided to the Department of Planning to assess the proposed development in full compliance with the SDO and the 2008 planning statement.

“When permission is requested to develop the lots, Tucker’s Point will demonstrate that the proposed homes will be in keeping with the Bermuda image and that the homes will sit comfortably on the site.” with cut and fill requirements kept to a minimal, similar to many hillside developments in Bermuda.” n