Minister Roban said, “The Bermuda Plan 2018 is a development plan to guide the island's development for many years to come. It has been prepared by the Department of Planning with a great deal of public and stakeholder input. It comprises a policy document and zoning maps and is available on the Department of Planning website www.planning.gov.bm.”
“The Plan covers the entire island, except the City of Hamilton. Its overarching aim is ‘to effectively manage Bermuda's natural and built environment, resources and development and help build healthy sustainable communities.’ In support of this aim, the Plan adopts a three-pronged strategy to meet the island's development, conservation and community needs.”
“The Plan's development strategy supports the development of live/work/play centres at Dockyard, Southside and the Town of St. George, with the Mixed-Use zoning designation in these areas providing flexibility in terms of permitted land uses, building heights and densities. The Bermuda Plan 2018 offers more than enough residential land to meet the island's housing demands over the next 10 to 15 years. It also includes additional Tourism zoned land in St. George's to accommodate the new St. Regis Bermuda Resort.”
“The Plan's conservation strategy focuses on protecting ecologically sensitive areas and habitats and designating new regions for conservation, such as Southlands National Park. Preserving the island's unique cultural heritage, including its UNESCO World Heritage Site, historic areas and listed buildings, is also a key priority.”
“The Plan addresses climate change and emphasizes the need to incorporate sustainable design principles into new developments to reduce carbon dioxide emissions, minimize energy consumption and minimize our vulnerability to flooding risk and high temperatures.”
“The Plan stresses the need to protect land designated as Agricultural Reserve for agricultural, farming, horticulture, and important amenity areas. Local food production in community, home, and school gardens, and alternative means, such as hydroponics, aquaponics, vertical, and aquafarming, is encouraged.”
“The Plan's community strategy aims to foster healthier, stronger communities.”
“The new chapter on 'Healthy Communities' provides the planning policy framework to develop a more robust community planning perspective in Bermuda. The Department of Planning aims to work closely with Parish Councils, community groups, stakeholders, and other Government Departments to understand communities' needs better and identify and facilitate new amenities and services.”