🏗️ Cayman Islands' Central Planning Authority rejects 12-storey condo tower proposal

The Central Planning Authority (CPA) of the Cayman Islands has rejected a proposal for a 12-storey condominium tower on Seven Mile Beach. The proposed redevelopment of Aqua Bay was turned down as it exceeded the maximum building height restrictions. The CPA found that the application, which was presented as a ten-storey building, actually included two additional storeys that were not exempt from the regulations. The board stated that it could not waive the maximum height regulations unless a level meets the exempted criteria. 🏢

The Butler Development Group had applied for the redevelopment on behalf of the owners of the existing 21 condos. The proposal was to transform the complex, built in the 1980s, into a glass and steel tower containing 38 apartments. However, the application faced significant opposition from the community, with dozens of formal objections from those living within 1,000 feet of the proposed development. Despite this small victory for the community, there are concerns about the potential threat to the character of Seven Mile Beach due to numerous applications for taller buildings. 🏖️

Local lawyer Kate McClymont, representing over three dozen objectors, argued that the proposed tower was "strikingly out of keeping with the surrounding area". She also pointed out that the CPA had failed to review the National Development Plan for over 25 years, in violation of the law. McClymont urged the CPA not to permit the application without wider consultation and strategic planning, given the significant changes the project would bring to the area. 🏛️