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Environmental Stewardship Planning Every new development or redevelopment must submit an application to the Planning Department as required by the Planning Act 1974. These submissions must adhere to the requirements of The Bermuda Plan 1992, available from the Planning Department, tel. (441)-297-7756. The Trust monitors these applications for planning consent to ensure that the proposed developments are compatible with the zoning designation governing the site in question. The Trust pays particular attention to the protective zonings of nature reserve, woodland reserve, agricultural land, green space and coastal conservation areas. In all cases, we would encourage developers and owners to contact the Trust at the conceptual stages of a project to discuss ways to resolve matters that may conflict with the Development Plan and environmental issues that arise out of the proposal. An objection will most likely be filed if there are inconsistencies between the proposal and the zoning designation and will highlight those areas of the zoning regulations that are being violated. If this is the case, the Trust will ask that the Development Application Board (DAB) deny permission to proceed. Depending on the response of the DAB, the proposing party may appeal this initial decision to the Minister of the Environment. If the Trust feels that the issue is of national importance, decisions may be argued all the way to the Privy Council in Great Britain. Conversely, letters of support are written if a project has been undertaken in a way that is especially sensitive to the environment. The Trust also makes itself available as a resource to those who are unsure as to what are environmentally sound methods of developing a property, in respect to the zonings. Lastly, the Trust serves as a monitor when projects are of such size that their execution could take years. |
