Royal Bermuda Yacht Club has been given planning permission to improve its Hamilton headquarters.

According to the planning application, which was first submitted in August, the RBYC is seeking to extend an existing hardstand on the Albouy’s Point property, relocate the dry dock, and build a new marina office with a viewing platform — an extension of the hardstand used for the Youth Sailing Programme.

During the December 17 meeting of the Development Application’s Board, the board noted that the Corporation of Hamilton (CoH) had expressed some concerns about the project. “The board member representing the COH confirmed that concern laid primarily with the continued expansion of the RBYC and its resultant encroachment into the harbour which therefore further limits public access to the waterfront.

“The CoH confirmed that through negotiations, part of the proposal was revised to consider some of the CoH’s concerns but that the RBYC was not in agreement to relocating other existing infrastructure — namely the previously approved ‘Opti’ floating dock which is not subject of the application.

“The CoH confirmed that in 2012, a floating dock was approved which limits dock access at the eastern end of the Barr’s Bay dock frontage.

At this time, the CoH did not have an application detailing its master plan. This plan has now been submitted to the Department of Planning.” The board noted that the previously approved dock was not the focus of the application, and should not have any bearing on its decision. While the corporation representative abstained from voting, the other members of the board supported the recommendation of the Planning Department and approved the application.