Plans to build an "Ibiza-style" bar and restaurant at Warwick Long Bay have returned to the Planning Department for approval.

The resurgence of the plans has already sparked a reaction from the Bermuda Environment and Sustainability Taskforce, who dismissed the new application as a "waste of everyone's time."

The proposed 'Sandbar' project, headed by businessman Belcario Thomas, is made up of a temporary bar and restaurant installed next to the Beach parking lot that could be removed during the off-season.

The plans were first put forward in 2008, sparking debate throughout the community.

While Mr. Thomas stated that the project would cause no damage to the environment and provide something fresh and new for the tourism industry, environmental activists expressed concern that the site would harm the area's natural beauty.

The plan was rejected by the Development Applications Board (DAB), but was granted on appeal by Glenn Blakeney.

However, during an appeal on the Minister's decision by BEST, Government conceded that Mr. Blakeney failed to give the reasons for his decision, causing his decision to be quashed.

Mr. Thomas said at the time he was disappointed by the hurdles the project had faced, saying: "This was a project designed in the spirit of sustainable development that would allow people to enjoy a two-course meal and a glass of wine while running their toes through the sand.

"It's a tremendous disappointment to me, especially at a time when we need to introduce new concepts."

Despite the setbacks, a new application for the project appeared in Friday's edition of the Official Gazette.

BEST said yesterday that they had already received concerned calls about the application.

"We have received calls and visits from area residents and interested parties who are utterly astonished that this scheme is resurfacing.

"It may help residents and the public to remember that the previous application for the same location by the same developer was turned down by the DAB, was negated by the Independent Inspector, and the appeal to the minister was quashed by the court.

"Unless the application is substantially different, it is difficult to see it as other than a waste of everyone's time and energy to go through the exercise again."

Both BEST Chairman Stuart Hayward and Deputy leader of the BDA Dr. Kathy Michelmore said the public should look at the plans at the Planning Department.

"Warwick Long Bay is an unspoilt national park and as such is a national treasure," Dr. Michelmore said. "It deserves to be protected, and any development must be subject to public discussions, due process, and absolute transparency.

"I intend to review the application at the Department of Planning and encourage other residents to do the same."

Area MP Mark Pettingill responded to the news saying: "This is a project that residents of the area, and I believe the people of Bermuda, simply do not support and I will continue to advocate strongly that it does not go ahead.

"We must preserve the limited natural beauty that we have, and Warwick Long Bay is central to this."

Mr. Thomas was reached in connection to this story, but had not responded by press time.