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Beach bar plan turned down again

Resubmitted plans to build a temporary bar and restaurant at Warwick Long Bay have been refused by the Development Applications Board for the second time.Area residents and environmental groups had long argued it should not move forward a petition against it attracted more than 5,000 signatures.The Bermuda Regiment recently added its own fears.It argued the proposed structure would be “wholly within the left and right arc ricochet zone” of its firing range”.According to DAB minutes: “The Regiment felt that the proposal has the potential to significantly impact the operation and its function.”Developer Belcario Thomas had planned for a temporary structure next to the Warwick Long Bay parking lot. His idea was to have it operate during the summer season and be removed in the winter months.The plans were first put forward in 2008 and have encountered steady opposition since.Environmental groups argued the structure would harm the natural beauty of the site. Mr Thomas insisted it would be a boon for tourism.The DAB denied the plan in 2008 however it was approved on appeal by then Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney.That decision was later overturned. Puisne Judge Ian Kawaley ruled to quash the case after Government conceded Mr Blakeney didn't explain why he decided to give the plan the green light.The plans were resubmitted this October and rejected again by the DAB on December 8.Among the reasons cited for the refusal was a lack of information about how the structure would be put together and taken apart and what it would look like.Concerns were also voiced about the lack of parking on the site, and the impact on the natural and visual qualities of the area.