The process has begun and we need your help! The new owners of the former Riddell's Bay Golf and Country Club have submitted a request to the Department of Planning for permission to re-zone two lots next to the Clubhouse from recreational to residential 2. If they receive approval to re-zone these lots, we are very concerned that it will set a precedent for them to then obtain permission to re-zone the entire golf course. Our objections are outlined below and we hope that you share your concerns with the Director of Planning as well as your MP's and the new Minister of Planning and Environment, Sylvan Richards Jr., JP, MP.  Proposed change in zoning from Recreation to Residential 2 would violate the Development and Planning Act 1974 (“the Act”) and set a precedent that would jeopardize all golf courses and other area that are currently protected under the Bermuda Plan (2008). Bermuda has limited green space and a portion of the Bermuda Plan (2008) is zoned Recreation which includes sports fields, school playing fields, playgrounds, golf courses and general recreation areas, such as Bernard Park. These areas have historically been protected from zoning changes in order to maintain land for recreational purposes. If an exception is made to allow real estate development in areas that are currently zoned Recreation it could lead to the possible closure and redevelopment of other Bermuda golf courses and protected recreational areas.  In Chapter 18: Recreation (REC) of the Act: The purpose of the Recreation zone is to conserve land for a variety of recreational activities. The areas designated under the Plan as Recreation include public and private playing fields, sports facilities and golf courses, and they are important components of the overall network of linked open spaces across the Island.  The Application includes changing the zoning of the existing parking area for the golf club from Recreation to Residential 2. The parking area is an important requirement for the golf course or any recreation facility.  The Applicant is requesting to increase the lot size with a boundary adjustment which would include areas zoned Recreation that were formerly part of the golf course and changing all zoning to Residential 2. Riddell's Bay is a golf course and we need everyone to understand that it can and must remain a golf course, just like it has remained for nearly 100 years. Bermuda does not need more concrete and houses. At nearly 90 acres, Riddell's Bay Golf Course is an incredibly important property for the island that needs to be preserved for future generations. Please help us save Riddell's Bay from greedy land developers who only care about money.