A planning application has been submitted to turn the former St David’s Post Office into a substation for the Bermuda Coastguard.

The project was announced in March with $150,000 earmarked for it.

The planning application, advertised in the Official Gazette this week, said: “The location of the proposed Coastguard Substation was strategically selected as these eastern waters are the main port of entry for incoming marine vessels travelling to Bermuda.

“Therefore, this additional station is a necessity for effective coastguard response service for the whole Island.

“The substation facility also operates as safe lodging quarters for residences in need during hurricanes, evacuations and other disasters.”

The application proposes internal renovations to create an operations room, surveillance room, interview room, weapons safe and commander’s office, as well as a break room, lodging quarters and shower rooms.

The project also includes the creation of an 8ft boundary fence around the property and a new floating dock.

“Minor landscaping is proposed around the new exterior stair to enhance the vegetation within the coastal reserve,” the application added.

“A new fuel tank on a concrete slab with bund wall to fuel the marine fleet is also proposed as a refuelling station, to be accessible for the facility continuously, in the event of emergencies and natural disasters.

“The fuel operations will align with the Bermuda Coastguard’s current practices of effective and continuing waste maintenance programme to prevent oil/fuel seepage into the marine environment.”

The project was deemed “integral” for the Government’s mandate to improve national security.

The St David’s Post Office was one of three closed in October 2014 as part of an effort to reduce government spending.