Demand is running high for fresh roof slates in the aftermath of two major storms this month, Home Affairs Minister Michael Fahy announced this morning.

The Island has one quarry only with a valid operating licence, Senator Fahy said, causing the Department of Planning to fast-track quarry applications — but both planning permission and building approval are required before quarrying can commence, he said.

“With the downturn in the economy, some of the equipment and, indeed, the skilled labour needed for quarrying operations may no longer be on island,” Sen Fahy continued. “This adds to the challenge of rapidly reopening and reactivating older quarries. We have received one quarry application so far.

“Quarrying is an engineering operation on the land and, as such, is a form of development that requires permission to take place. The planning and building permit process will establish the extent of the quarrying — depth, distance from boundaries, for example — and hours of operation. The operating licence will set conditions relating to dust emissions and control. The overall purpose, particularly if the quarry is located in a residential area, is to enable this natural resource to be excavated in a manner that is not detrimental to the neighbourhood in terms of noise, dust and general disturbance for an extended or unlimited period of time.”

Anyone aware of a suitable quarry that could be reactivated should call Planning at 298-6375.

He said Government had been “inundated” with calls about repair works, regarding works requiring Planning permission.

Sen Fahy’s remarks on these Planning details, delivered this morning, are below:

“In the aftermath of Hurricane Gonzalo, myself and some of my Cabinet colleagues have been inundated with calls and queries regarding repair-work to their homes — as to which works need planning permission and so on.

“Much of this information has been addressed already in a press release issued by the Department of Planning last week however I would like to reiterate that information once again for the sake of clarity.

“Firstly, ‘like for like’ repairs of windows, doors and roof slate will not require planning permission or a building permit if the damage is limited to non-structural issues. Owners can proceed immediately with these types of repairs as soon as it is feasibly possible.

“Repairs to buildings that received structural damage as a result of the hurricane may only commence following the receipt of a building permit from the Department of Planning. These applications will be given priority and will be processed quickly. However, the Department can allow for dangerous structural repairs to commence without a permit as long as they are made aware and structural details are submitted as an application as expeditiously as possible following commencement of work.

“The Development and Planning (General Development) Order 1999 allows for a Permitted Development Permit (PDP) to be used for damages caused by storms provided that no more than 60 percent of the structure has been destroyed and that the replacement is not greater than the existing building.

“Repairs to Listed Buildings or buildings located within Historic Protection Areas that received structural damage as a result of the hurricane may only commence following receipt of a building permit from the Department. All such permit applications will be expedited by the Department. Repairs to a Listed Building damaged as a result of Tropical Storm Fay /Hurricane Gonzalo using “like-for-like” details and materials will not require planning permission or a building permit if the damage is limited to non-structural issues. Owners can proceed immediately with repairing items such as windows, doors and roof slate with identical materials to replicate the style and detailing of the original structure.

“Seawalls and docks to be replaced will ordinarily require a building permit only. This is to ensure that the replacement structures meet the Bermuda Building Code 1998 and are structurally sound. Since seawalls and docks can have a negative impact on the natural foreshore both physically and visually, planning permission may be required in some instances. Prior to considering any repair works the Department of Planning should be consulted.

“For assistance, information and clarification of the requirements members of the public can contact the Department of Planning at 298-6375. For the most up to date information visit the Department’s website www.planning.gov.bm.”