The Bermuda National Trust (BNT) and the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST) have formally objected to a proposed parking lot at Shelly Bay.

While the developer has said the project — part of a plan to redevelop the existing concessions area — would benefit customers and would not impact summer picnicking in the area, members of the area have raised a series of concerns. In a letter of objection, signed by the chairwoman of the BNT’s Advocates for the Environment Committee Alma Dismont and filed with the Planning Department on Friday, the group criticised the potential environmental and social impact of the proposed parking area.

“The green space has historically been enjoyed by the full spectrum of our community, from babies to seniors, locals and tourists, for walking dogs, playing children and of course family picnics,” the letter states.

“Where all of those activities used to occur that contribute to the wellbeing of the community there, is to now be a car park instead? This is both ugly and impractical.

“Green space brings together a community as well as enhancing one’s wellbeing. The proposed car park will only serve to take away from our community.”

The BNT further said that the proposed parking area would directly impact the environment in the area, noting a nearby marsh, while lighting proposed would “intrude on an otherwise natural setting”. The letter also expressed concerns that the additional parking would increase traffic at the beach and, in turn, increase litter. “While we want to encourage people to enjoy the beach, if the beach and park is overpopulated with people, it will lose its attractiveness as a destination,” the letter said. The project’s proximity to the Shelly Bay playground also raised concerns. Putting up fencing will split the park available to children in half,” the letter states. “No longer will it be a park, but a car park with a fenced-in area for children.” The letter concluded: “The proposed plans will disturb the community’s sense of wellbeing, as well as having an impact on our environment by reducing green space.”

Meanwhile BEST suggested that if parking was to be placed in the area, it should be limited to handicapped parking. BEST chairman Stuart Hayward also expressed concerns about the project that fall outside the purview of planning, such as the sale of alcohol on the beach property.

“Even though alcohol-influenced bad behaviour is just as possible when beverages are brought to the beach in the family hamper, we are concerned about the increased likelihood for mal-behaviour from drinks bought at a bar to be consumed at the beach,” he said.

“Our other concern is the potential for litter. We encourage the community to identify what we collectively want and develop a pathway to accomplish it. As a next step, BEST will be looking to begin discussions with the Bermuda Tourism Authority and hear of and give input to their beach development plans.”