Plans to create additional parking spaces for a Pembroke development have been rejected by the Development Applications Board.

The application by West Hamilton Ltd proposed additional rock cuts at 71 Pitts Bay Road to allow for the creation of parking for nine cars and 13 bikes on the property.

However, the Terrestrial Conservation Section of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources highlighted that most of the land to be excavated was part of a conservation management plan introduced to allow a previous rock cut at the property.

The report said that endemic and native species were planted in the area in “partial fulfilment” of the plan, although it appeared that a requirement to provide “periodic after-care” had not been fulfilled as invasive species had returned to the site.

A letter by Botelhowood Architects in response to the concerns stated that West Hamilton Ltd found it “very difficult” to maintain the CMP because it was difficult to access without trespassing on to the neighbouring property.

“It is also important to note that the strip of woodland is on a steep rock slope with little soil that erodes in heavy rains,” the letter said.

“This sliver of land continues to be compromised by natural erosion and invasive plants. The migration of commercial and high-density developments on all sides will continue to diminish the quality of this sliver of land.”

A technical officer recommended that the application be refused, highlighting the objections of the TCS.

“It was expected that through the CMP, the improved integrity and quality of the remaining Woodland Reserve would be achieved, identified as a public gain, as confirmed by the TCS, who is not in support of the application,” the report said.

“Maintaining this strip, in the event the residential area is developed immediately north, would maintain a solid barrier between the two lots.

“The owner’s desire to deal with each lot independently, not subject to restrictive easements, should not override the benefit derived from the initial development gain achieved in exchange for a CMP.

“To do so sets a dangerous precedent, diminishing the department’s ability to use these negotiation tools to balance the need for a reasonable form of development while conserving the remainder of any conservation zoned portion in an open and natural state.”

The plans were formally refused during the October 19 meeting of the Development Applications Board.