Plans for a small, exclusive resort on Hawkins Island have had approval renewed, with some work expected to be completed before the America’s Cup.

The proposal for the resort, which would feature fewer than 30 beds, a restaurant and spa facilities, had been compared to the project at Necker Island, owned by celebrity billionaire Richard Branson.

As part of the plan, developers intend to use the roof of the guard tower as a viewing point for the America’s Cup.

The plan was initially given approval in 2011 but, while excavation at the site began, planning approval subsequently lapsed.

The Rosebud Trust has since reapplied for planning permission for the project, with the application being approved by the Development Applications Board (DAB) on June 10.

According to the minutes of the meeting, the DAB questioned technical officers about how the build-out would occur.

The minutes stated: “The technical office noted that the current intent is to build the arrival building, one of the villa units above the beach and to make the roof of the existing guard tower usable as an America’s Cup viewing point.

“Once commencement has occurred, the planning approval is held.

“There is a current building permit which can be reactivated whereas planning approval is valid for two years, building permits are valid for five years.”

The board also approved a related application, which proposed the creation of a nature trail and associated amenities on the island.