Plans to build up to 250 new units on Fairmont Southampton grounds include the designation of Protected Conservation Areas – but how protected is that law?
New laws created in 2021 to preserve certain areas of land are being utilised in the Special Development Order for the Fairmont Southampton Hotel.
About 7.5 acres of the site will become Protected Conservation Areas – the majority of which is already zoned as Coastal, Open Space or Woodland Reserves. Only 1.2 acres is currently zoned Tourism.
It appears that none of the proposed PCAs are areas where Westend Properties had applied to build, either in the original or revised SDO.
Protected Conservation Areas can be designated following the addition of Section 25A to the Developement and Planning Act in 2021. Such an area can be added, changed or removed by agreement between the land owner and the Minister responsible for planning.
The plans for the Fairmont Southampton redevelopment have faced some public opposition.
The SDO was recommended for rejection by the Development Planning Board, although former Minister of Home Affairs Walter Roban overruled the DAB because the project was seen to be in the national interest.
The closure of the Fairmont Southampton in 2020 led to the loss of 700 jobs, and 593 rooms – about a quarter of Bermuda’s hotel rooms.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, it was the island’s principal host for conferences – a massive boom for group tourism.
Given that legislators essentially make the rules when it comes to planning, especially if a development is seen to be in the national interest, Gary Foster Skelton asked Diallo Rabain, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, if the creation of ‘protected areas’ really means anything…
“It absolutely does mean something”, Minister Rabain said, “but… we have to strike a balance in development in the national interest of the country…”
“I understand fully what some people feel about developments like this. However, we also have to understand – we have to make that balance.”
“And this is the reopening of the most iconic hotel here in Bermuda – 500-plus beds. We need to get this open for the general health of our country. And so, yes, we’re going to have to make a few decisions that may not sit well with people, but… if you want to make an omelet, you do have to break a few eggs, unfortunately.”
Click HERE to watch out extended interview abut the SDO with Diallo Rabain, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation.
