A Flatts business owner is seeking Government permission to build a multi-berth marina in the inlet to improve boating safety in the congested waters.

Brightside guest house owner Michael Lightbourne wants to construct a finger-berth marina to hold over 36 boats and free up inlet waters.

According to the Planning file on the application, he has already canvassed area neighbours and boat owners to persuade them the plan is workable.

Mr. Lightbourne has also written to Marine and Ports and Works and Engineering seeking support for his proposal.

“The waterside property on the corner of Flatts Village directly adjacent to the traffic junction is a part of the Brightside property which is owned by my family,” Mr. Lightbourne wrote in a July 6 letter to Marine and Ports. This is the area where I should be able to moor my boat.”

But, Mr. Lightbourne says boat congestion has forced him to rent a mooring for his 46-foot boat at a cost of $8,000 per year.

He asked that Marine and Ports help him identify boat owners with moorings in Flatts Inlet.

“This information would be used to contact these individuals with a view to reorganising the moorings in that area,” Mr. Lightbourne wrote.

“The aim is to provide for the safe manoeuvring of all crafts, including my own, in all types of weather conditions.

“In addition, I am also hoping to provide the usual dockside amenities which are currently not available in the area.

“My hope is to have provide a first class marina similar to ones located in Royal Naval Dockyard and Royal Bermuda Yacht Club.”

Mr. Lightbourne identified 36 watercraft in the area which could be berthed in the proposed marina.

In a November 8 letter to Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott, he wrote:

“I am writing this letter in an effort to paint a picture and to present and idea which I believe is a solution for all.

“The solution is long overdue and I assure you that it is compliant with environmental and scenic requirements/expectations of that well known and picturesque area.”

The application for Planning approval in principle was submitted on November 8 and to date there are no objections to the proposal.

“Please note that I have canvassed my immediate neighbours, the Bermuda Aquarium Museum and Zoo, Flatts Gift Shop, Bell Underwater Diving and owners/residents of the new Palmetto Gardens complex and they have all indicated their tentative agreement to the project for various and different reasons,” Mr. Lightbourne wrote the Mr. Scott.

Planning are consulting with Forward Planning, Marine and Ports and Works and Engineering estate division in the departments deliberation on the proposal.

The Royal Gazette was told that Mr. Lightbourne is off the Island and could not be reached for comment.