Amendments to relax restrictions on development at upmarket resort Tucker’s Point were approved in the Senate yesterday.

The Tucker’s Point Resort Residential Development Special Development Amendment Order 2018 is intended to provide flexibility for those who purchase lots on the property.

Crystal Caesar, who started the debate in the Senate, said the amendment would remove blanket conditions that were “rigid and prescriptive”.

Instead, the government hydrogeologist would be given the ability to determine the restrictions on a lot-by-lot basis.

In one example, she said: “If there is not a cave found on a specific lot, there isn’t the limitation of having the water tank be a certain size.”

Changes include a clause to ensure native plants are used in landscaping rather than invasive species.

Other clauses require conservation management plans for some lots, which must be included with planning applications.

Ms Caesar said the Government had consulted the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce, the Bermuda National Trust and the Bermuda Audubon Society about the changes.

Opposition senator Justin Mathias and independent senator James Jardine both questioned what affect the changes would have on the endemic plants already located on the site.

Mr Jardine added that it might help to have a representative for the Department of the Environment involved to ensure that natural resources are protected.

Ms Caesar explained that the government hydrogeologist is employed by the Department of the Environment and is often used to give the Department of Planning an expert opinion on developments.

She also said that endemic plants on the property remain protected under the original 2011 Special Development Order.

The amendments were approved without objection.