Zip line proposer may appeal planning rejection
The developer behind a proposed zip line in Southlands said it was considering an appeal after planners rejected its application.
An EDI Bermuda spokesman said that it was “exploring the available options relative to the appeal process” after the proposal was turned down last month.
He added that despite the public perception, the project would help to protect the forests within Southlands and renovate deteriorating buildings, while providing benefits to tourism and the community.
The spokesman said: “Rest assured, the forest and lands of Southlands are not going to be harmed and none of the courses are interruptive of existing walking trails and quarry gardens recently revealed by the clearing done on the estate, which to be crystal clear, has nothing to do with the zip lines.”
He also addressed concerns about parking cited in reports by the Department of Planning and the National Parks Commission.
The application proposed using an area on the southern side of South Road that is the subject of a separate planning application, which has not been debated by the Development Applications Board.
The spokesman said: “The proposed site is already used for parking by many of Southland's daily visitors and others.
“The establishment and formalising of a dedicated parking area for all Southlands is a smart move and would help to further preserve the area.”
EDI Bermuda sought planning permission to create a zip line attraction, Escape from Devil’s Isle, at Southlands featuring four zip line courses including a canopy tour, a challenge course and a “super zip line”.
The company said the project would provide both an attraction for guests, educational opportunity for students and team-building challenges for groups.
However, the commission voted against supporting the project with members finding that the attraction would be in conflict with the objectives of the National Parks Act.
A subsequent report prepared for the board said that while the proposal would integrate into the existing woodlands with a minimal visual impact, the lack of support from the NPC meant it could not be approved.
Planning officers also said the proposed approach for parking 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.”
An EDI Bermuda spokesman said that Bermuda was the only major cruise destination in the Caribbean and Atlantic that lacked a zip line attraction.
The spokesman said: “What we do lack on our island's shores is an all-family, inclusive type of outdoor adventure experience that global travellers have come to expect, something for all ages, four and up.
“Our intended zip lines are not just short runs, between points A to B as many have assumed. These are actually four very carefully planned, nature friendly, completely separate experiences, which have been designed to preserve the park, showcasing its stunning trees and all with very little actual land being used.”
The spokesman added that the project would not involve the removal of any trees and that the tree coverage was a vital element of the canopy tour.
He said: “All of our supports are non-permanent structures, completely made of wood poles and platforms, not as many have imagined or stated in videos as being made of concrete and steel.
“It is our mandate to preserve the natural flora and fauna and keep it natural.”
The spokesman said that the attraction would be able to remain open year-round, unlike most aquatic experiences on the island, and could serve as an educational opportunity for Bermudian students.
The spokesman said that EDI Bermuda also wanted to make sure all of Bermuda had the opportunity to invest in the project through a “Plank Owner Membership” initiative.
He said: “As a Plank Owner, not only do you get to be a part of this, get discounts on each visit as well as receive invites to all our special programmes, you also earn dividends.”
The spokesman added that EDI Bermuda was Bermudian-owned and had been negotiating with family-oriented non-profits to support them.
He said: “Simply put, we have recognised how we can help channel and provide Bermuda's youth with a great recreational outlet, provide job opportunities, both full and part time, with internationally recognised training with applicable credits towards degrees in outdoor education and supporting all of our island’s tourism as well.”
• For the full statement from EDI Bermuda, see Related Media
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