The developers behind a proposed restaurant at Shelly Bay have defended a proposed parking lot on a newly established Facebook page.

While the developers have applied to install a parking area to the east of the building for customers, area residents have expressed concerns about public safety, given the proposed parking area’s proximity to a playground, and questioned the need for additional parking.

About 200 people attended a town-hall meeting earlier this week, voicing a host of complaints about the project, its use of public land, and what it could mean for the future of the popular park and beach.

In a post made on Thursday, the developers said: “We are very sensitive to the heavy public use of the area and look forward to providing services and amenities for picnickers and beach goers, school and camp groups, including restrooms, ice, changing rooms and rinse-off facilities.

“During the summer day time we feel our patrons will be happy to walk a distance from the existing parking areas, and as such the proposed parking areas were not to be opened during the day, unless other parking areas were already full.

“We are also a year-round restaurant and beach destination, we will employ people year round, however, in order to support winter business in particular there needs to be parking near the building convenient for our patrons.

“During the winter we are hoping to create a cozy and comfortable dining experience, that can be enjoyed in all weather, however no one will walk through wind and rain to get to this experience.

“Effectively our proposed grass parking areas could still be used by picnickers during the daytime for summer months.”

Questioned by another Facebook user about public access to restroom and changing facilities, the developer wrote: “So long as the bathrooms we renovate are maintained and supplied water by parks and respected by the public they will be open and free.”

The developer also said that hiring Bermudians for the facility would be a priority, saying: “We will employ as many Bermudians as possible, the chef position is sometimes a challenge as local talent are often taken, however, we will work diligently on this.

“We have a great record of employing 99 per cent Bermudians at Snorkel Park Beach.”

Asked about if the public would be able to use any tables and chairs on the beach, the developer said: “If they are requested by patrons we will reserve them. Same as people save their picnic spot or place for the parade. I’d imagine this would be mostly for evening dining.”