The Fairmont Southampton has sought to renew a previously approved scheme to redevelop its beach facilities as the plans approach their expiration date.

The plans were approved by the Development Applications Board in September 2021, but the approval required that development of the project begin before September 1 this year.

Ground has yet to be broken on the project.

The latest application urged the DAB to renew planning approval for the proposal, which includes the demolition of the existing tennis court and restaurant facilities at the site in favour of new pools and other amenities.

The developers have said that the redevelopment of the beach area was a critical component of their plans for the hotel, stating it would put the resort “on the map”.

The plans showed the creation of a large swimming pool, a series of cabanas with plunge pools and a function lawn, along with a new restaurant at the western side of the beach.

The original application said the project would have “small scale, architecturally sensitive, single storey buildings” and would be decorated with native plants, trees and shrubs to “respect the Bermuda image”.

No formal objections to the plan were received and a report by a technical officer recommended its approval, noting that the proposal was “wholly appropriate” for the area.

The Government had expressed confidence that work at the hotel site would get under way by the end of the second quarter of this year with a view to reopening in 2024.

David Burt, the Premier, said in February that the complex negotiations with Gencom were on the verge of being completed, and that work was expected to start between April and June this year.

Responding to questions from the opposition One Bermuda Alliance, Mr Burt said: “We are working through the closing documentation. There are multiple parties in this transaction – two different lenders, the owners, Government of Bermuda, and also the local lenders, so there is significant work and transactions.

“The two critical timelines which all are working for is for the commencement of construction in the second quarter of this year and opening of the hotel in 2024.”

However, meeting that timeline appeared less likely in April when the resort owner submitted a revised special development order with the Department of Planning.

That application, which sparked a wave of protest from environmental groups, was yesterday still listed as being “in review”.