A Southampton cottage colony closed 15 years ago could be redeveloped, according to a recent planning application.

The application, submitted by Broadview Ltd on behalf of Barefoot Resorts Ltd, proposes the demolition of the former Munro Beach Cottages in favour of a new cottage colony — the Whitney Bay Club at Munro Beach — on the same footprint.

The new colony would include eight vacation villas, including five four-bedroom units, two two-bedroom units and a single one-bedroom unit, along with a shared clubhouse and amenities.

The application stated: “Much of the proposed development will be similar in its built form as to what previously existed across the site, which was the arrangement of cottages.

“The buildings will be carefully sited, accessed and landscaped in such a manner as to retain a low density of buildings and to create a high level of open space, as well as to maximise privacy between the villas and capturing the sea views wherever possible.

“The site will offer additional amenities including a pool, a bar and a lounge area.

“Exterior finishes of the buildings will consist of an exterior plastered finish, energy-efficient glazing and timber louvres, integrated into thoughtful landscaping as a cohesive contemporary interpretation of the Bermuda vernacular.”

The application noted that the project would also realign the entrance to the property to improve access for fire trucks, while accessibility for those with disabilities would also be made better.

The proposal includes a conservation management plan intended to “establish an environmentally-based methodology for conservation management suited for a tourism site”.

The application said: “The aim is to provide a starting point for planting and landscape works that are well thought out and in keeping with coastal and woodland reserve policies and objectives.

“Endemics and native species will replace invasives to create sustainable and ecologically valuable amenity.”

The Munro Beach Cottages closed in 2007. Plans to redevelop the site were announced with an anticipated reopening in 2013 with a proposed 26 two-bedroom hotel suites spread over 14 buildings.

That project did not go ahead, and as of 2019 the five-acre property was up for sale at a listed price of $9.95 million.