A proposal to erect fencing at a Warwick park has sparked a backlash from environmental groups concerned about the future of the site.

The Department of Public Lands and Buildings has submitted a planning application to install a six-foot-tall green chain-link fence and gate at Southlands Park to enclose the property’s quarry garden.

The Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce filed a letter of objection, citing the lack of a management plan for the park and the inability of the developers to consult the National Parks Commission.

The Government abolished the National Parks Commission in December 2022, claiming that its members had operated outside their remit.

Lieutenant-Colonel David Burch, the Minister of Public Works, has since confirmed that the ministry is in the process of re-establishing the oversight body.

“We have indicated previously that we will object to any applications that fail to comply with these policies until the NPC has been reinstated or the legislation amended, given the importance and value of the role of the NPC as an independent assessor,” the charity said.

“More importantly, perhaps, is the absence of a [required] management plan for the park, which means that work will likely be carried out in a piecemeal manner and which is concerning and undoubtedly contrary to good management practice.

“There isn’t even an indication in the application that explains why the quarry area is being fenced off.”

Myles Darrell, the head of natural heritage at the Bermuda National Trust, wrote in an objection letter: “It is our belief that no work should take place at Southlands Park without an approved conservation management plan.

“In fact, we are terribly concerned that so much work has already been undertaken without a clear plan of any kind.

“Walls have been built, trees removed, all without planning permission or an approved plan as required by the National Parks Act 1986.”

Mr Darrell also noted that development in parkland should involve consultation with the Parks Commission, which has yet to be reconvened.

“We understand the minister is preparing to reconvene the Parks Commission, but it is our feeling that until such a time, development in the park should cease,” Mr Darrell said.

“Further to the previous comments, there is no insight provided in the application as to the purpose of the fence, and it is our feeling that any development within a park or protected area should only be evaluated in the context of the wider/full plan.”

The Government formally obtained the 37-acre Southlands estate in 2012 as part of a land swap involving 80 acres of brownfield land at Morgan’s Point.

The move was celebrated by environmentalists, who had campaigned since 2007 to protect the site from a hotel development.

The property was formally declared a national park in 2017, but while several clean-ups have take place, concerns have been raised about the site falling into disrepair.

In 2022, the Government conducted an online survey that asked the public how the property could be improved.

The survey options included restrooms, a café, a restaurant, a visitor centre, gift shop, beach concession, picnic areas and whether it should be pet-friendly.

The survey also asked participants to rate possible uses in order of importance, including research and educational centres, weddings and events.