Plans to upgrade facilities at Tobacco Bay and improve accessibility have been granted approval.

A report prepared by a technical officer for the Development Applications Board said that while policies were in place to limit site coverage, the changes were modest and would result in a net positive.

“These grounds are considered reasonable and acceptable to justify the board’s use of discretion,” the report said.

“Additionally, the proposed additional site coverage of the roof extends over an existing deck, meaning there is no additional site coverage outside of the existing developed area, and therefore there are no additional negative impacts on the coastal reserve.

“Furthermore, the existing shipping container, which is used for storage and partly within the nature reserve, will be removed from the site as the proposal will result in more storage within the building.

“Also, the garbage dumpsters will be moved beyond the nature reserve. The nature reserve will then be landscaped according to the landscape plan submitted, which is a conservation gain.”

The application, submitted by concession operators Beach Boys Ltd, included the creation of accessible shower facilities and additional bathroom stalls at the St George’s beach along with increased bar space and a rooftop viewing deck.

While an objector raised concerns about “discarded items, shipping containers and other miscellaneous items” at the site, the developer said that the project would remove the need for containers by expanding storage.

The applicant also added that staff work daily to clear the beach of debris and waste that washes up at the beach.

“They feel it is a chore worth their while to help keep Bermuda beautiful,” the applicant wrote. “But make no mistake, it is an ongoing effort.”

The proposed new roof would increase site coverage by 825 square feet, exceeding the planning policy limit of 250sq ft.

However, the applicant noted that the extension would cover an existing concrete deck surrounded by three existing permanent walls, along with the accessibility ramp to protect ramp users from rain or glaring sun.

The technical officer noted in the report that larger expansions can be allowed with the discretion of the board, and this was a case that fitted such discretion.

“While it can be argued that the proposed site coverage exceeds what can be considered as a minor variance, in this case it is warranted for a tourist development, particularly when the majority of proposed development is sited within the existing developed footprint,” the report said.

• UPDATE: this story has been updated as newly-published planning documents confirmed the application’s approval by the Development Applications Board