The Mid Ocean Club has sought final Planning approval to build a new restaurant and swimming pool near the former Natural Arches.

The unique Arches ? a Tucker?s Town beauty spot of two eroded rock arches high enough to stand under ? were destroyed by Hurricane Fabian in 2003.

However, Planning still asked the Department of Conservation Services to comment on the Mid Ocean Club application to develop No. 1, Mid Ocean Drive, St. George?s on May 30.

There are caves at the site of the proposed development, it said, which has an Open Space and Tourism Development Zoning.

Ted Wood of Botelho Wood Architects told Planning the south end of the pool would have a ?spill-over edge for visual drama? that faced onto a Nature Reserve and there was an area of woodland close by.

However, the architect said an existing concrete path down to the beach would not be altered.

?The Mid Ocean Club wish to expand their existing beach area amenities to include seasonal dining and cooking facilities for the members,? Mr. Wood told Planning on February 21.

Mr. Wood said an existing storage building was in poor condition and would be demolished to make room for a new kitchen and dining area that would could seat 36 people inside and 40 on an outdoor terrace.

?The full seating capacity will only be utilised for weddings and other special functions,? he said. ?The Mid Ocean Club property is approximately 180 acres and the site coverage of all existing buildings and the new pavilion is negligible.?

He said major functions are currently held under tents on the lawn and food had to be brought down from the main club house and the proposed new facilities would allow quicker service.