Protesters have questioned the Environment Minister's support for a beach bar, arguing that the precedent-setting concessions he stated in its favour, are why it should not go ahead.

Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney outlined his reasons for giving the 'Sandbar' the go-ahead at Warwick Long Bay in yesterday's The Royal Gazette.

He said he upheld applicant Belcario Thomas' appeal in the interests of sustainable development and that nine other beach facilities have set a precedent for such concessions.

Residents and environmentalists however, said this was a reason why Government should not approve any more.

Tomorrow, they will formally launch a petition at Warwick Long Bay against the project. Commenting on previous concessions – which include Gombeys at Clearwater Beach and Horseshoe Bay, Stuart Hayward, chairman of the Bermuda Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce (BEST), said: "This list is the very reason Warwick Long Bay should be protected from commercial activity.

"Residents and visitors alike who want to experience so-called amenities already have much to choose from.

The Government has a policy of encouraging more dense development in already dense areas. "A coherent extension of this policy would be to protect pristine parklands such as at Warwick Long Bay from commercial incursion."

Mr. Hayward also criticised ten conditions imposed on Mr. Thomas as "potentially... ineffective".

These include only using 'reusable serving containers' to avoid trash, developing a pest control programme, restricting audible music to within 100 metres, and improving washroom facilities.

"These conditions are potentially as ineffective as, for example, the current laws regarding noise emitting from cars and motorcycles. When was the last time someone was successfully prosecuted for violating those 'conditions'?" said Mr. Hayward.

"The Government cannot be slack or lax in enforcing existing conditions, rules and laws, and then expect the public to feel anything but doubt that new conditions will be enforced."

Mr. Blakeney told The Royal Gazette the 'Sandbar' was approved in the spirit of "Government's commitment to sustainable development". The Minister upheld the appeal despite the Development Applications Board's refusal of planning permission.

Planning officers rejected the beach bar as Warwick Long Bay is zoned as Open Space and a National Park Conservation Area. The DAB said the 'Sandbar' was contrary both to the Bermuda National Parks Act 1986 and the Bermuda Plan 1992 Planning Statement.

On Monday, Mr. Blakeney said: "Sustainable development doesn't mean 'no' development. It means responsible development that benefits Bermuda environmentally, socially and economically.

"As the Minister responsible for this application, I am convinced that the social and economic benefits of this project are important to the continued revitalisation of Bermuda's tourism product, as well as fulfilling Government's desire to encourage Bermudian entrepreneurs."

Mr. Hayward however, responded: "Neither does it (sustainable development) mean 100 percent development. If one follows the Minister's logic, the precedent set by the list must eventually result in commercial development on all beaches.

"Such an outcome is an absurdity. To avoid such an absurdity, the question must be asked how many of Bermuda's beaches does the Minister/Government anticipate will be commercialised, ten percent, 50 percent, 100 percent?

"And if any are to be protected, which ones are they? In our view, this beach, because of its stature as one of the most pristine and picturesque of our beaches, must be at the top of the protected list. In other words, this must be the last beach on which commercial activity is permitted."

He added: "Encouraging private Bermudian entrepreneurs should not be at the expense of publicly-owned resources."

Mr. Hayward went on to describe Mr. Blakeney's pledge of "very strict guidelines to ensure minimal impact to the environment" as "habitually unenforceable".

Local resident Toni Daniels also questioned the need for another beach bar concession.

"The Minister cites nine prior precedents, but in itself this seems to present an argument for necessity of the Warwick Long Bay development," said Miss Daniels.

"How has the need for another such facility been established? Have there been any studies? Further, the Minister lists three such facilities that all occur within three miles of Warwick Long Bay.

"How has the Minister been able to make such a significant decision about the development of our public parkland, having been in his position for mere weeks?" she said.

"This is a critical matter not to be taken lightly, and such a hasty decision suggests a lack of serious and in-depth consideration and study that should be required."

Commenting on Mr. Blakeney's reference to Government encouraging entrepreneurs, she said: "Why hasn't this gone to tender?"

Residents and environmentalists say they will continue to oppose the 60-seat restaurant and cocktail bar with Town Hall meetings and "on-site protests".

One local resident, who did not wish to be named, said: "We are still determined to campaign against this. We are very disappointed that the normal (planning) process has been followed but that it has been overruled.

"We think the Minister has made the wrong decision and are going to petition the Premier directly."