Sustainability group BEST this afternoon won its appeal to stop a proposed bar on Warwick Long Bay, forcing project developers to go back to the drawing board if they want to move forward.

Minister of the Environment Glenn Blakeney had supported an appeal after the Planning Board rejected the initial proposal, that appeal was quashed by a judge this afternoon after Government conceded that the Minister did not give any reasons for his decision.

Lawyer Huw Shepheard, representing the Government, suggested that the matter return to the Minister so that he could explain his decision, but Puisne Judge Ian Kawaley instead chose to quash the matter entirely.

As a result of the ruling, the Planning Board’s initial decision to reject the proposal will stand, leaving entrepreneur Belcario Thomas to make another planning application if he wants to continue with the project.

Bermuda Environment and Sustainablility Taskforce (BEST) Chairman Stuart Hayward praised the ruling, but said it was disappointing the matter had dragged on for so long.

l For the full story, read tomorrow’s Royal Gazette.