A developer has been refused permission to build a $21.1 million apartment complex in West Bay because it is not in keeping with the character of the area.
The news will be welcomed by several nearby residents who said clearing protected mangroves on the site for the build could have had “catastrophic” consequences.
Jonathan Murphy’s plan was for 95 apartments within 12 apartment blocks, cabanas, a pool and a gym on a 6.34-acre plot on Willie Farrington Drive.
The application was discussed at the Central Planning Authority’s 16 Aug. meeting and their decision published in the minutes on Thursday, 24 Aug.
According to the authority, the applicant failed to demonstrate that the site, which is zoned ‘low density residential’, is a suitable location for the apartments.
It said they are not in keeping with the character of the area in terms of mass, scale and intensity of use, and will detract surrounding land owners from enjoying their properties.
‘Integral’ mangroves
The plans received three objection letters, which, as well as voicing concerns about the character of the proposed complex, spoke of the removal of mangroves.
In the meeting agenda, the Department of Environment described the plot as consisting mostly of tidally flooded mangrove forest and woodland with several small ponds and pools.
The area is very low-lying, averaging about one foot above mean sea level, it added.
The objectors referred to the area of mangroves as a ‘buffer zone’ for neighbouring properties and said at least some of it should be retained.
One said the “integral area” has long protected the neighbourhood during hurricanes.
“It should be noted that during Hurricane Ivan, the sea caused damage to homes in the area with this buffer intact,” they wrote.
“lf this buffer is removed, it could be catastrophic for the houses in this area when faced with another hurricane as intense as Ivan.”
A second objection letter said the mangroves also offer a level of privacy to nearby homes, prevent erosion from bad weather and help to preserve property values.
The writer added that the complex was planned on a “very wet and swampy” flood-risk area and said the proposed drainage was not sufficient to account for that.
The objectors also expressed concern about the natural habitats of wildlife in the mangrove forest being disturbed during development.
The application was first presented to the Central Planning Authority on 19 July, but it was adjourned in order to obtain National Roads Authority comments and confirm the objectors.
Related Videos
Cool.
While housing/residences are needed, they need to be the right type and in keeping with the area.
Now stop the Aqua Bay mega tower redevelopment on West Bay Rd. That doesn’t fit the area either. We don’t need a tower beside Cemetery Beach.