A proposal to create a zip-line attraction at Southlands has been rejected after it failed to garner support from the National Parks Commission.

The planning application by EDI Bermuda proposed installing a series of zip lines at Southlands in Warwick to create a family-friendly attraction.

However, planning documents showed the Development Applications Board refused last week to grant it planning approval after the NPC voted against supporting it.

A letter from the NPC included in planning documents said: “The commission is concerned about contingency planning for such a large installation in a national park.

“They explained concerns related to other ventures that have been unsuccessful elsewhere on island and are now rotting in place without removal. A similar situation would severely impact the naturalness of Southlands Park.

“They noted that the previous commission in 2022 approved Southlands Park as being an appropriate space for a zip line. However, the members of the newest iteration of the ccommission disagree and stated that the proposal conflicts with the objectives of the National Parks Act.”

The letter said that the NPC was concerned that the level of noise caused by the operation may negatively impact those who visit the park to “experience calm nature”, and the proposal was rejected by a vote of four to six.

A report prepared for the DAB said the proposal would integrate into the existing woodland landscape with minimal visual impact and would involve minor refurbishment of buildings on the property.

The report said: “The siting and layout of the new zip-line routes through the park have all been carefully designed to follow the existing contours of the land, avoiding any significant land alteration, or the need for excessive cutting and filling.

“The proposal would make use of elevated timber poles, rather than new ground-based buildings, allowing the natural terrain to remain largely undisturbed.

“Significant natural features, including large native trees and key landscape buffers, are retained, and the conservation management plan includes mitigation strategies such as pruning, minimal clearing and ecological restoration.”

However, the report writer said the lack of support from the NPC meant the proposals did not comply with planning policies and raised issues with the lack of parking for the attraction.

The report said: “While the site is well served by existing public transport along South Road and is accessible by established pedestrian pathways within the park, the submitted drawings do not include any provision for visitor, staff or coach parking, nor do they identify safe pedestrian crossing measures for users arriving from outside the park.”

While the applicant said that parking for the attraction would be accommodated on other parts of the property, noting a separate planning application for amenities at Southlands, the approach raised “fundamental concerns”.

The report said: “Although the applicant relies upon the granting of planning permission on the adjacent site, it must be noted that this application proposal also does not have the support of the NPC and cannot be supported.

“Therefore, the proposal fails to comply with the objectives of the 2018 Bermuda Plan and the relevant planning policies.”

The DAB formally refused the plans during its meeting last week on the basis that it would not comply with the development restrictions on a park-zoned land, it did not have the support of the National Parks Commission and the application failed to demonstrate there was an adequate parking.

Technical officers confirmed that the refusal could be appealed to the minister.