Environment Ministry officials have written two separate reports which both recommend that developers of Southlands not be granted a Special Development Order. Both reports have become part of the official Planning file for a five-star Warwick Resort.

Below is a summary of what the two documents concluded.

* The proposal presents “significant direct threats to local wildlife”

* If permitted the proposal will “challenge future conservation efforts across the island”

* The proposal “impinges on several protected zones

* This structure would be “highly vulnerable to inundation during extreme hurricane conditions”

* The residential units are “in the heart of all the Woodland Reserve”

* To build on top of Bermuda’s natural beauty would seem “counterproductive” to the tourism product when Brownfield sites are available

Source: Southlands Planning file