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Planners criticise BIU president for disregard to process

Chris Furbert has been criticised by the Planning Board for showiing disregard to the planning process regarding the building of a new unit on his property.

Bermuda Industrial Union president Chris Furbert has been criticised for showing “blatant disregard” for the planning process by building at his home without approval.According to the minutes of the Development Applications Board (DAB), Mr Furbert applied for retroactive approval last June for an expanded storage area, home gym and bathroom at his Warwick Park Road property.Technical officers said the project fit setback, site coverage and accessory use policies and that no negative impacts were expected as a result.However members of the board said Mr Furbert showed “blatant disregard” for the planning process in starting the development without first receiving approval.At a DAB meeting on February 1, board members expressed concern that the structure might be intended for future use as a housing unit.“The board expressed concern about the intended future use of the storage area as a dwelling unit given its current use as a unit, the size and it having a bathroom,” the minutes read.“The technical officer indicated that several conditions of approval had been recommended to address the concern, including removal of all kitchen fittings and electrical meters associated with the unauthorised residential use.“The board queried whether more specific and onerous conditions could be formulated to ensure that the area would be suitable only as an accessory use and that would preclude its use as a dwelling unit.“The technical officer left the meeting to consult with the senior building control officer and returned to convey recommended modifications to the board which included removal of the kitchen infrastructure by sealing the pipe work in a manner that rendered them useless.”The board deferred its decision pending additional information.