🏗️ Central Planning Authority kicks off 2024 with busy development schedule

The Central Planning Authority (CPA) is set to review nearly three dozen applications in its first meeting of the year. The applications cover a wide range of projects, including a hotel with a rooftop pool along the Queen’s Highway, a mixed-use development at Grand Harbour, a 54-lot subdivision in Bodden Town, and nine National Housing and Development Trust homes in East End. Several applications are seeking variations from planning regulations, including high watermark setbacks, an issue that continues to cause concern due to rising sea levels. The total value of the applications surpasses $50 million. 🏢

Among the applications is a project by GH Group Ltd, which is seeking planning permission for a $16 million commercial and residential building in the congestion-prone area of Grand Harbour. However, the National Roads Authority has stated that planned road improvements in the area will mitigate any potential adverse effects from the new development. Morritt Properties Cayman Ltd has also submitted an application for a five-story hotel building with a rooftop pool in East End, seeking a reduced setback from the ocean. The Department of Environment has recommended several conditions to protect the marine environment and turtle-nesting beach during construction. 🚧

Another notable application is from RD Land Ltd, which is planning to clear land for a proposed subdivision off Manse Road in Bodden Town. The Department of Environment has urged the CPA to delay any land clearing until applications to build homes are made, to preserve important vegetation and the eco-services they provide. The CPA has stated that the project would benefit from a proposed future road corridor in the area, although the National Roads Authority has noted that this road has not been budgeted for yet. 🌳