Plans to convert a large office building in St David’s into a new home for seniors have been rejected by the Development Applications Board.

The recently submitted planning application proposed converting Channel House, on Longfield Road in Southside, into a residential facility for seniors, which would be capable of housing up to 57 people.

While planning officers highlighted the need for residential care facilities, a report found that the proposal went against a policy of the Bermuda Plan 2018 concerning mixed-use zones.

“Residential uses are permitted within mixed-use zones at the board’s discretion provided that commercial uses are included on the ground floor, unless there is no reasonable form of commercial development that can be provided,” the report writer said.

“In this case, given that the existing use is commercial, in the form of offices, the application does not comply with the policy and therefore cannot be supported.

“Notwithstanding the above, the bedrooms and kitchen meet the minimum standards for group housing in keeping with policy.

“Additionally, there is a lack of residential care facilities on the island and the department considers the proposed use is appropriate for the site and would be a good reuse.”

The DAB formally turned down the application during its meeting last week, with six members voting to refuse the application and three voting to allow the plan.

According to the minutes of the meeting, one board member highlighted the “clear need” for this type of facility and expressed disappointment that they could not move forward with it.

The technical officer responded that the applicant would need to appeal the decision to the minister and, while the Department of Planning agreed this type of development was much needed, the wording of the policy made the plan difficult to approve.

Channel House was built by the US Navy in 1942 as a military security building and renovated in 1990 and 1999.

The building housed the Government’s Information and Digital Technologies Department.

In November 2023, the Government announced that it would work with developers to turn the building into a residential care facility.

Plans submitted for the site this year proposed extensive interior renovations of the property with the addition of a single-floor extension to create a 45-bedroom facility.

The building would feature a new elevator, shared community and recreation areas, a medical support room, kitchen and laundry facilities.

The project would also include the creation of two new parking spaces at the site.