A 10-storey development at the north end of Seven Mile Beach has been turned down by planners, to the delight of objectors who described the proposed building as an “ill-conceived monstrosity”.
The Central Planning Authority ruled against plans to tear down Aqua Bay Club in West Bay and redevelop the site into a glass-and-steel tower of 38 apartments over 10 floors.
The CPA ruled that since the parking garage would not be entirely below ground level, and the roof deck would be enclosed above by a floor housing mechanical equipment, both constituted additional storeys, breaching regulations which limit developments to 130 feet or 10 storeys, whichever is less.
Objectors welcomed the news and hoped the decision may mark a turning point in the drift towards more and more high-rise buildings.
Attorney for the objectors Kate McClymont told the Compass via email: “I’m pleased with the outcome and acknowledge the CPA’s willingness to engage with us on technical issues that I hope will positively impact or stop a number of the high-rise developments still in the planning process and yet to come.
“However, until the Department of Planning and Development puts in place a Development Plan that is relevant to this country’s current needs and circumstances, the self interest of individual developers will continue to trump the interests of the people of this country – most of whom won’t ever be able to live on the beach but all of whom deserve to be able to see it and engage with it as the jewel in the crown of the Cayman Islands.
“The Department of Planning needs to plan, not just react.”
The strata boards of the nearby Silver Sands and Palms complexes, who objected and sent many members to the 13 March hearing, said in a statement: “We are very pleased that the CPA has denied the Aqua Bay redevelopment application, as the development plan was clearly in violation of multiple building regulations.
“It is encouraging that the Board ‘did the right thing’ to enforce the law, and fairly represented the interest of the residents of the Cayman Islands in the face of unbridled development on Grand Cayman.
“We all know Seven Mile Beach is an international treasure, and the far northern section is still the relatively unspoiled crown jewel of that treasure.
“We sincerely hope – and request – that our friends and neighbors who are owners at Aqua Bay will now abandon the idea of this ill-conceived monstrosity, and just enjoy the priceless beauty and tranquility of the area like the everyone else.”
Developer Brian Butler was unavailable for comment.
The proposal from Butler, who built the current condo complex in the 1980s, was met with 45 letters of objection, citing inconsistencies with the low-rise character of the neighbourhood, as well as concerns over noise and pollution, traffic bottlenecks, and adverse effects on sea turtle nesting sites.
Department of Environment experts advised the committee the building would contribute to the general shift of Seven Mile Beach from low- to high-rise in nature.
Aqua Bay is one of a number of 10-storey developments which have come before the CPA in recent months, sparking concerns from some about the speed and scale of changes to Cayman’s skyline.
Last week, the committee heard plans to build the ‘The Shores’, a $30 million 10-storey development near the Cayman Tennis and Pickleball Academy on West Bay Road.
In January, the CPA gave permission for Dart’s second 10-storey office block in Camana Bay, an $87 million project.
Last summer, they granted permission for the owners of The Westin to build a 10-storey hotel block with 234 guest rooms, and the 10-storey ONE|GT tower on Goring Avenue is already close to completion.
A $95 million plan for another 10-storey George Town tower block came before planners in February, but was adjourned.
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Glad to see the old people won on this one.
What about the two “ill conceived monstrosities” they approved on the coastline of South Sound Rd. I suggest the Planning Board members go and have a look at these towers in situ now that they are almost completed. They are a classic example of planning ineptitude, towering over all the neighbouring properties which are either one or two stories, and crammed into a small plot of land.
There is no more beach front. The only way to go is up. Will it make the island look like Miami yes. Will it allow more people to live here yes. Will it destroy the environment NO. These new building are set back further than anything here now. They are safer and stronger than what is here. If another Ivan comes these new 10 stories will be the only thing left. Should the builder conform to existing regulations yes.