The City of Hamilton Plan 2015 took a step forward yesterday, as a tribunal heard objections and representations.

The capital’s new development plan was unveiled in the Senate in June by Michael Fahy, the Minister of Home Affairs.

It aims to replace a 2001 plan for the city — excluding North East Hamilton, which will have its own local plan due to its “distinct urban fabric”.

The 148-page draft document has been prepared by the Department of Planning in partnership with the Corporation of Hamilton.

It states: “While the sentiments of the 2001 plan vision to create a more sustainable city environment remain today, there is a need to provide a new, up-to-date plan for the city to reflect the current needs of the city’s users, and to guide the development and management of the city for the next ten years.

“The vision is to build on the success of the City of Hamilton as Bermuda’s leading commercial centre, to develop it further as a tourism and leisure centre and live-work community, and to create a high-quality public realm.”

After deliberations yesterday in the Government Administration Building, the three-person tribunal is set to make its recommendations to Mr Fahy, who will then present the final plan to the Legislature for approval.

•The full Draft City of Hamilton Plan 2015 is available to view online at www.planning.gov.bm