A shuttered Southampton cottage colony could soon get new life, according to planning documents.

A proposed redevelopment of Munro Beach Cottages was given the green light by the Development Applications Board after receiving a recommendation for approval by a planning officer.

The planning application, submitted by Broadview Ltd on behalf of Barefoot Resorts Ltd, proposed replacing the existing buildings on the property with eight single-storey vacation villas and a shared clubhouse and pool.

The Whitney Bay Club proposal includes five four-bedroom units, two two-bedroom units and one single-bedroom villa, each of which would be privately owned and made available for vacation rental.

The proposed clubhouse, to be located near the site entrance, would house a gym, common room, office, bathrooms and storage.

Each unit would be have a single-car parking space and three-car and eight-bike parking spaces would be provided adjacent to the clubhouse.

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.

A conservation management plan was also included with the application, proposing the removal of invasive species and replacing them with various native plants.

A planning assessment recommended that the proposal be approved.

“The proposed contemporary predominantly flat-roofed design is considered to be of high quality and appropriate in this case,” the DAB report said.

“Whilst the existing buildings are of more traditional Bermudian design, they would all be demolished and the proposed buildings would be viewed in isolation rather than within the context of any other development whilst, as noted above, their limited height would ensure no significant visual impact.

“The proposed landscaping, as detailed below, would also enhance the appearance of the site whilst providing a conservation gain.”

The report writer noted that the proposal would have similar density to the existing site and would not burden any existing amenities or services.

“The proposed development is set away from the foreshore and nearby cliffs or any other natural features whilst a CMP has been included to enhance the quality of the coastal reserve,” the report added.

Munro Beach 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.