The City of Hamilton plan that includes provisions for cycle lanes, increased city living space, better traffic flow and parking has been approved in the Senate.

Senator Georgia Marshall presented the proposal, which provides the strategic direction for future development and contains detailed policies on permitted uses, building heights, setbacks and parking for the majority of the city.

Ms Marshall said that community consultation was a “high priority” in drafting the plan, with input sought from key stakeholders, visitors and the general public through a variety of means including community meetings, questionnaires, surveys, a city plan booth, as well as through e-mails, social media and the Department of Planning website.

Key findings and recommendations were summarised in an accompanying document to the plan, the Report of Survey.

Ms Marshall outlined the vision of the plan during yesterday’s Senate session. She said: “The vision is to support Hamilton in its role as Bermuda’s capital city and leading commercial and tourism centre; to ensure the provision of a range of activities and facilities to meet the needs of people who live in, work in, shop in and visit the city; to ensure that new development is supported by adequate infrastructure and services.

“To encourage the growth of a sustainable, community-oriented city environment through mixed-use development, city living, universal design, energy-efficient design and a high-quality public realm; to support adaptations to climate change and address the issues of increasing temperatures and greater risk of flooding, such as by creating more green spaces and landscaping within the city; to provide a city environment which is vibrant, dynamic, comfortable, enjoyable and safe during the day and at night.

“To protect the city’s heritage and key landmarks and enhance the city’s distinctive character; to secure a high quality of design in new buildings and landscape spaces; to facilitate the efficient and safe movement of people and traffic into and within the city by improving accessibility and connectivity for pedestrians and the less mobile, encourage increased use of public transport and improving traffic-management measures.

“To promote the generation and enhancement of particular areas of the city through the programme of action plans for key areas including the waterfront and lower Reid Street; to support the economic and social regeneration and environmental improvement of North East Hamilton.”

Detailed policy for the North East Hamilton district will be presented in a separate plan and was not up for debate.

Ms Marshall added: “North East Hamilton is a unique neighbourhood deserving of special attention, with the local plan process including extensive consultation with residents, businesses and landowners.”

Ms Marshall also outlined provisions to increase building heights in certain areas for developments that could provide a significant residential and/or tourism component and community benefits.

Special studies are still being conducted for the waterfront, Par-la-Ville car park and the City of Hamilton car park, for which additional public input will be prepared.

Senator James Jardine urged expedience with regards to the waterfront.

“The study area is well worth looking at and I would urge the Corporation of Hamilton to seriously come up with some proposals,” he said.

Cycle lanes were also outlined in the plan, with Mr Jardine voicing his opposition towards them.

He said the roads were too narrow in Bermuda and an extra lane could “cause undue problems”.

Ms Marshall said that part of the plan was to encourage city living and cycling could be a good solution to the lack of parking in the city.