(CMR) The Central Planning Authority has refused an application for a new ACE building that was being proposed in the residential area of Newlands, Grand Cayman.
The two-story 20,000 building was ultimately refused on the grounds the location was not suitable for the proposed project.
The board heard from both objectors and the developer earlier this morning before rendering their decision later in the afternoon.
Several residential neighborhoods banned together with their extensive list of objections. The Stonebridge community members argued that this would be setting a dangerous precedent going forward – leading to uncertainty when purchasing property. At least 12 members of that community were in attendance at the meeting. Residents from some adjoining areas were also in attendance.
The important question of who the country is developing for was made by the objectors; who shared the history of the Hirst Road area.
In the end, the board was swayed by the volume of complainants who put forward their arguments about the development not adhering to the existing low-density residential classification. The board also considered the possible noise annoyance and increased traffic that the commercial structure would create.
In addition, the objectors indicated that s.9(3) and 9(5) of the Development and Planning Regulations would be important sections for the CPA to keep in mind in rendering their decision.
The developer, Keith Tibbetts III was there with his architect for the project, Darryl Ebanks. They focused on discussing the project with some proposed changes including relocating one of the entrances and putting up some hedges. They appeared to want to know if there was anything that they could do to appease the local community.
Speaking to CMR the community members expressed their gratitude to the CPA. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Chairman Robert Watler Jr. and CPA Chairman, A.L. Thompson recused himself from the meeting.
- Fascinated
- Happy
- Sad
- Angry
- Bored
- Afraid
