The Planning Department has authorised extensive renovations to historic Agar's Island in Pembroke, the sight of Bermuda's largest gunpowder magazine.

The Bermuda Transportation Company said it planned to build several guest houses, a swimming pool, a tennis court, and a squash court on the island near Two Rock Passage.

The company also planned to reinstate four docks fallen into disrepair and "remove the unsightly industrial use of the island''.

It plans also included removing a huge load of ground cover and dense vegetation covering the magazine.

The company also planned to divert surface water away from the magazine.

Archaeologist Dr. Edward Harris yesterday welcomed the improvements to the bunkers.

He said the island was "historically significant'' because "it is a military island and has the largest gunpowder magazine in Bermuda''.

The underground magazine was used to store gunpowder, according to Dr. Harris.

And it was built in 1870.

Dr. Harris also said Bermuda's first aquarium was located on Agar's Island around the 1920s.

The DAB also approved Warwick Riddell's Bay Golf Course's plan to build a new golf cart shed.

However, the board stipulated that the new shed must not divert water into the main road or interfere with the protective hedge around the golf course, and that it must have a Bermuda roof.

Meanwhile, the DAB deferred plans to redevelop the Waterfront Building, East Cottage, and Lane House on East Broadway until further advertising is done.

Villa Development Co. Ltd. planned to change the buildings from a restaurant and apartments into a commercial office development.

The DAB turned down an application to build a new cottage at Bridge View Lane, Sandys because it said the plans were contrary to the environmental constraints of the Bermuda Plan 1992.

It explained that the application was rejected because the plan failed to protect the environment, the natural resources, wildlife habitats, and "the natural visual qualities of undeveloped coastline''.

The DAB also turned down an application by Mr. Glenn Robinson Sr. to build a driveway through the Woodland Reserve in Warwick because the board said it was unnecessary, and there was already a road beyond the boundaries of the reserve that gave access.