Plans have been submitted for a beach bar at Coco Reef Resort.

The proposed bar and decking is earmarked for the south-western corner of the Paget resort, on land zoned as Open Space.

Hotelier John Jefferis has submitted the application with OBM Ltd. as agents. In a letter to planning, David O'Bierne of OBM states that the 'low impact beach bar and deck' is a reapplication of a similar bar approved in February 2004. The design, by Cooper and Gardner Architects, consists of a semi-circular structure set on vertical posts embedded in bedrock to a depth of four feet.

According to the previous planning file as viewed by The Royal Gazette, wooden floor sections would be installed in a fan shape around a central cupola and cedar shingle roof. The bar would have drop-down shutters and a wooden lattice skirt, to be removable in the event of a hurricane.

The 1,500 sq ft bar would have steps leading down to the beach and be situated on a natural rock formation by a stone wall. In a letter accompanying the 2003 application, Cooper and Gardner stated "environmental sensitivity was the primary consideration in the design of the proposed beach bar and deck".

However, the plans were opposed by the Bermuda National Trust, who objected "due to the extensive impact upon the Coastal Conservation Area and a picturesque natural beach, while placing at risk both the marine environment and human safety".

In a letter dated October 29, 2003, the Trust said: "Given the evident fact of sea level rise and the recent experience of Hurricane Fabian, the Trust believes no development of this nature should be entertained within the dynamic and high energy coastal zones of South Shore".

However, in February 2004, the Development Applications Board approved the plans, saying: "The application is considered reasonable."

In January of this year, Government granted a Special Development Order for 66 holiday apartments at Coco Reef, despite objections from the Bermuda National Trust that the development would encroach on Woodland Reserve and the coastline.

'Coco Villas' is to consist of a six-storey and two-storey block of suites, to be built on two former tennis courts. The plans include a spa, restaurants, and two infinity pools interconnected by a man-made river cascading down through woodland.

Among this week's Planning applications are also plans to build a ten-storey commercial and residential development in Union Street, Hamilton.

The proposal, by Sanchin Development Ltd., consists of 'studios' not yet determined as office or accommodation space, and agents Entasis Architecture say: "The building has been designed to respond to the needs of the local community that, in the final analysis, will determine the configuration of office space to residential space.

"In other words, the 'suites' with access to balconies and/or amenity space, can be developed as residential units if there is the demand."

In a letter to Planning, Entasis say the building is not within a Cathedral view corridor and that the "multi-purpose" development would "support the economic and social regeneration and environmental improvement of North East Hamilton".

Parking for the ten-storey building would be provided in the basement, with spaces for five cars and 24 motorcycles.