Senators have ignored calls from an environmental group to block a new planning blueprint — meaning the Bermuda Plan 2008 will be approved by Parliament before June 30.

Senator Walton Brown tabled a motion yesterday for the plan to be considered in the Upper Chamber and, unusually, asked that it be debated the same day "in light of time constraints and other matters".

All members agreed and the plan was adopted — despite a plea from Bermuda Environmental & Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) that they "reject the last-minute rush being forced on them".

Both opposition parties complained when the plan was debated in the House of Assembly on Friday, June 4, only a week after being tabled.

But Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney said the plan — the first such blueprint since 1992 — had taken far longer than expected to draft and had to be approved by Parliament before the end of this month.

During yesterday's debate, independent senator Walwyn Hughes raised the ongoing problem of the lack of sidewalks in Bermuda.

"Bermuda is so small that one of the best ways to get around is to walk but you just can't walk. It's life-threatening."

He asked why Government couldn't continue work started years ago to introduce more pavements. "Whatever it costs, it's worth it. It would make such a difference. It would be worth every penny we spent. It should be a policy to get on with it."

Opposition senator Suzann Roberts Holshouser also touched on the issue. She asked if Government had identified areas where sidewalks could be created and whether this might encroach on nearby properties.

Independent Senator Joan Dillas-Wright said: "I think it's absolutely critical that, as we go about our business, people are protected. Bermudians like to exercise, they like to walk and there is the Railway Trail. But I think in certain areas, for people's protection, there should be sidewalks."

Sen. Dillas-Wright said the Bermuda Plan was needed as "it is imperative that people are not allowed to build willy-nilly throughout the Island". She added: "The plan certainly is most comprehensive."

Government senator Thaao Dill said it was important for Bermudians to really appreciate historic buildings — as they do historical figures, concepts, movements and ideas. "They are concrete, brick and mortar chunks of who we are," he said.

UBP Senator Jeanne Atherden reiterated concerns expressed by Shadow Environment Minister Cole Simons in the House that those who objected to something in the plan only found out the outcome when it was published and had no ability to appeal.

She said the time frame from the plan first being made tabled in the House and being debated was too short.

Sen. Brown told her: "This is not a manifestation of haste; it's a manifestation of adhering to the appropriate deadlines.

Government Senator Kim Wilson praised the plan for both working to maintain the traditional Bermuda designs, and encouraging accessibility for those with limited mobility.

UBP Senator Michael Dunkley stressed the importance of maintaining the Island's green spaces, saying: "Once we use those spaces, we can't get it back."

He also stressed that areas like Devonshire Marsh need to be constantly protected because people would continue to push the boundaries of what is allowed.

While Government Senator Marc Bean said that the plan still had room for improvement, but changes could be made over time.

"I understand that it might not be perfect in all areas, but it is just a plan, and it can change as we move forward," he said.