A redevelopment of the concessions area at Horseshoe Bay has been approved by the Development Applications Board (DAB).Phase one of the project, the construction of a new bathroom and shower area, is expected to be completed before the beginning of the next tourism season.The second phase, which includes a two-storey restaurant, is to be built this coming winter.The existing restaurant will remain in operation over the summer to service the beach's visitors.The new structure will be built in roughly the same area as the existing development, but will extend further to the north and west.The project will also alter the existing parking area: the number of parking bays will be larger and their numbers will increase. Security lights will also be installed.The application was received by the Planning Department on January 4, and was approved on February 25 after a revision of the plans.Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) had expressed concerns about trash levels, alcohol control and parking lot security. According to a summary of the DAB meeting, those issues were addressed in revisions to the plan.Bermuda National Trust sent a notice of concern about the visual and environmental impact of the project, however the DAB determined that an environmental impact assessment was not necessary.A section of the document reads: “Although within a national park, the development itself is not proposed in an area which is particularily environmentally sensitive and/or vulnerable and the development is not perceived to have complex and/or potentially adverse effects.”According to the approval, the final development will be subject to a handful of conditions that the developers receive a building permit and that the restaurant only operate between 7am and 10pm.lUseful websites: www.planning.gov.bm, www.best.org.bm, www.bnt.bm.