On July 19th, Castile Holdings posted "Notice of intention to develop land" signs on the former Riddell's Bay golf course property. These notices refer to their Planning application to create 19 new residential lots and two new right of ways in Riddell's Bay on land that is currently zoned recreation. The proposed residential zoning changes are much more extensive than the plans that were originally presented two years ago. We believe that the Castile Holdings proposed “Master Plan” will have a significant and permanent impact on Riddell’s Bay and set a dangerous precedent for recreational open space land in Bermuda. For this reason, we have created a new petition to allow interested parties to object to this application. We understand that many of you are off island or may not have the ability to write a formal letter in the one-week period until the planning deadline for objections (July 26) so the new petition is another way for your voices to be heard.
Many residents are not familiar with the Draft Bermuda Plan (2018) and the Planning Act (1974) but realize these drastic rezoning changes and development will have a negative impact on Bermuda’s fragile environment and will reduce open space. While Castile Holdings has heavily marketed their plan as the best alternative for the former golf course, most experts who we have spoken to disagree. We have held extensive discussions on the Master Plan with various people and hired an experienced planning consultant to evaluate the impact of the entire plan.
We are now at a critical point in this process and it is important that we have as many objectors as possible send in their objections to the Planning Department before the deadline of Friday, July 26 (No objections will be accepted after that date) or sign the online petition. The major objection points can be seen on the attached link.
Riddells Bay Planning Application: Objection Petition:
Anyone can object. There will be people who are concerned about the project for a wide variety of reasons and it is important that all those voices are heard. Multiple family members can object. The more letters and signatures, the better our chances of having an impact, according to our advisors.
Objection letters need to be emailed to Acting Director, Victoria Pereira, VPereira@gov.bm; planning2@gov.bm; and to Cheryl Wright cwright@gov.bm and hard copy dropped off at the Planning Department in the Dame Lois Brown-Evans Building, 5th Floor before next Friday (July 26th). People who are overseas can send their (scanned, signed) objection via email only, if necessary. Let us know if you need assistance.
Please email: riddellsbaymemberscommittee@gmail.com if you have any questions.
Thank you for your support