CENTRAL PLANNING AUTHORITY Minutes for a meeting of the Central Planning Authority held on December 10, 2003 at 12:30 pm. in the Planning Conference Room, 3rd Floor Tower Building. 35th Meeting of the Year CPA/35/03 Mr. A. L. Thompson (Chairman) Mr. Attlee Bodden (until 3:30) Mr. Peter Campbell Mr. Dean Evans (except items 2.02-3.01, 3.018-3.024) Mr. Ernie Hurlstone (apologies) Mr. John Hurlstone (apologies) Mr. Ray Hydes Mr. Barry Martinez Mr. Steve McLaughlin Mr. Rex Miller (apologies) Mr Antonio Smith Mr. Fred Whittaker (absent) Mr. Troy Whittaker Mr. Kenneth Ebanks (Executive Secretary) Mr. Robert Lewis (Assistant Director – CP) 1. 2. Confirmation of Minutes Adjourned Applications 3. New Applications 4. Enforcements 5. Development Plan Matters 6. Matters from the Director of Planning 7. CPA Members Information/Discussions 1 APPLICANTS APPEARING BEFORE THE CENTRAL PLANNING AUTHORITY NAME REASONS TIME ITEM PAGE Snug Harbour (NAW) 2:45 3.017 58 Wireless Ventures (BES) (JAB) 3:53 3.0183.022 66-86 Cable & Wireless (RS) (BES/RL) 5:12 2.022.04 4-16 1.0 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES 1.01 Confirmation of Minutes of CPA/26/03 held on September 2003. The Minutes were adjourned pending comments from the Ministry of Planning, Communications, District Administration and Information Technology. 2.0 ADJOURNED APPLICATIONS 2.01 PROPRIETORS OF STRATA #89 Block 13B Parcel 102 (FA89-0271) (P030826) ($6,000) (EJ) Application for two (2) signs. FACTS Location: Piper Way between Seven Mile Resort and Comfort Suites, West Bay Road Zoning: Hotel Tourism Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices were served to adjacent property owners and no objections were received. Background: October 1, 2003 (CPA/28/03; item 3.17) the Authority adjourned the application in order for the sign to be reduced in size to comply with CPA signage guidelines of 32 sq. ft. LETTER FROM APPLICANT’S AGENT “Please disregard our letter dated October, 2003. On 5th November, 2003 we met with Mr. Robert Lewis at 7 Mile Beach Resort. The sign was originally designed to accommodate the 7 Mile Resort name and logo and then to list in directory form the various businesses in the local. At present the roadway is untidy and vehicle vision is obstructed by numerous signs. The idea is to combine these into one well designed and attractive sign. 2 Reduction of the sign area to 32 sq ft. will make individual listings on the sign too small to read, and therefore businesses / condos will not support the venture. The following names may appear on the sign: • 7 Mile Resort & Club Ltd. • 7 Mile Watersports Ltd. • 7 Mile Bar • Tamarind Bay Beach Villas • Marshalls Rent A Car • Don Fosters Dive Cayman • Stingers Bar • Spa La Cure Please see attached photographs of the existing signage. These illustrate the problem that we seek to resolve. We therefore request approval of the sign as submitted.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS On October 1, 2003 the Authority adjourned the proposed in order for the applicant to reduce its size to comply with CPA signage guidelines of 32 sq. ft. The applicant is requesting the Authority to reconsider approval based on the above mentioned letter. The applicant is seeking planning permission to install two (2) signs located on median at Piper Way, West Bay Road, 15’ from the road edge. The sign/display is acceptable to the Department, which is less than 8 square feet each. However, the overall 8.6’ high by 8.5’ wide structure is 73 square feet, and is in the Department’s opinion excessive. While the Department tend to agree with the applicant that the roadway is untidy due to numerous signs. If the proposed sign will reduce the number of signs in the area as implied by the applicant, the Department feels that this would be an improvement to the current situation. The CPA further discussed the following: • The applicant has not provided written confirmation from adjacent proprietors regarding sharing the monument. • The applicant has not provided revised sign illustrations indicating how signage from adjacent properties would be incorporated into the proposal. Decision: It was resolved to adjourn the application, for the following reasons: 1) Written confirmation from adjacent proprietors regarding sharing the “monument” shall be provided. 3 2) 2.02 Revised sign illustrations shall be submitted indicating how signage from adjacent properties would be incorporated into the proposal. CABLE & WIRELESS Block 32B Parcel 188 (F98-0294) (P03-0286) ($40,000) (RS) Application for a communications mast, equipment storage building and fence. Appearance at 3:15 FACTS Location: Near the Agricultural Pavilion, Lower Valley Zoning: Agricultural/Residential Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices and no objections were received Proposed Use: Communications mast and equipment storage building Background: On November 26th, 2003 (CPA/33/03; item 3.023) the CPA resolved to adjourn the application pending written confirmation of sharing agreement with at least another telecommunications provider licensed by the ICTA. On December 3, 2003 (CPA/34/03; item 2.07) the CPA resolved to adjourn the application to invite the applicant to address the Authority on December 10, 2003 at 3:15 p.m. AGENCY COMMENTS Comments from MRCU are noted below MRCU “… it is our understanding that the towers are existing free standing towers which are all painted in an appropriate manner for aircraft safety, namely with alternating red and white (or orange and white) banding. We would like to offer the following comments: • All towers / tower extensions should comply with the Aerial Spraying Protection Law (1997 Revision), attached for your information. In particular, section 3 of the law that specifies that the towers should be illuminated. • All towers / tower extensions should be free-standing and comply with the ICAO provisions for aircraft safety, including, but not limited to, the requirements for safety banding (red and white). Further details on these requirements are available from the Civil Aviation Authority.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is seeking approval for a communications mast (100’ in height) and an equipment storage building. The entire utilities compound will be enclosed 4 with an 8’ high chain link security fence. The proposal is virtually the same as several other utility compounds recently approved for Cable & Wireless. It should be noted that the applicant had indicated that this particular tower will not be shared with other communication service providers because there were no takers. However, if there is a change in this status, the Department would recommend that the CPA consider the application favourably. Status: Applicant to reconfirm whether or not the tower will be shared with at least another ICTA licensed telecommunications provider. The following individuals appeared before the CPA at 5:12 p.m. on behalf of the applicant. Charles Quinn Brian Eccles Danielle Coleman Cleavy Scott CPA: Why are these three particular sites important? Mr. Scott: These sites are crucial to us in order to deliver the required quality of service to our customers, whether they are indoor, outdoor or in their vehicles. Cayman is a top financial and tourism centre and as such it is important to attain and maintain a high level of service. We would like to reduce customer complaints. These three sites are in areas currently considered weak. CPA: The CPA has a duty to protect the people and is unlikely to accept all proposed towers. Mr. Scott: We exerted a great deal of time and effort trying to secure sharing agreements. Digicel has agreed to share eleven of our towers and we will be sharing three of theirs. This eliminates the need for fourteen additional towers. Cable & Wireless has been a leader in sharing efforts. CPA: Is the Queens Highway location critical? Perhaps Cable & Wireless could share with another company in this area. Mr. Scott: It is a critical location, close to the ideal spot. In order to achieve adequate coverage, the search ring cannot exceed a quarter of a mile. CPA: It would appear that there are three towers on the Queens Highway. Mr. Scott: Yes, including the Colliers site. CPA: Are there plans to extend the tower at the end of Sunnyfield Drive? Mr. Scott: Yes. One technical factor to consider is that for tower extensions longer cables are required, possibly resulting in reduced quality of in-building signals. The three new tower sites are crucial for in-building signals. Other companies were invited to share these towers but there were no takers. CPA: Was this due to cost issues? Mr. Scott: Cable & Wireless’ investment must be considered. We can assure the CPA that Cable & Wireless is not trying to make money by sharing infrastructure. If there are any conflicts, it is part of the remit of the ICTA to resolve them. The 5 ICTA can mandate by law its will when disputes are formally brought to its attention for mediation. CPA: Cable & Wireless has suggested at a previous CPA meeting that these three sites were not critical. Mr. Scott: I don’t recall that being said. These are critical sites for the reasons mentioned. We have a map illustrating coverage scenarios for urban, suburban and rural areas. The proposed towers will provide the needed level of service. We are sharing a government tower at Northward. We may also share a tower with Aviation Communication. CPA: Why do you require more towers than the competitors? Mr. Scott: Competitors may be seeking just initial coverage at this time for particular areas. I don’t know. CPA: Fourteen towers appear sufficient for Wireless Ventures, why not for Cable & Wireless? Mr. Scott: They may ask for more towers later on. We have made great efforts to share. CPA: What type of towers are you erecting? Mr. Scott: Mostly monopole towers where possible. On occasion for practical reasons an open-web tower is used. An example is Cayman Brac, due to crane restrictions. CPA: Are others using similar technology? Mr. Scott: Yes. CPA: Why do your towers have to be so close to each other compared to the distribution of towers by another applicant? Mr. Scott: This is explained through population density. The western side of the Island requires more towers due to its larger population. CPA: Using your logic, does this mean that as the eastern districts become more populated, additional towers will be needed? Mr. Scott: Yes, particularly if large development happen there. However, it may mean more antennae, not necessarily more towers. The necessity for towers is dictated by several factors, including: whether digital or analogue equipment is used; signal frequency; vegetation and building type. Additionally, limitations to power outputs are regulated by the FCC. Mr. Quin indicated that he had written submission for the record. He then summarized those submissions after distributing them to the CPA. LETTER FROM QUINN & HAMPSON SUBMISSIONS OF APPLICANT To: The Central Planning Authority (“CPA”) 6 1. Chronology Cable and Wireless (“C&W”) has submitted three applications for planning permission and building permits for mast and transmissions antennae:1. Lower Valley Block 32B Parcel 188 submitted on 7th April 2003 by DDL Architects (“DDL”). 2. Midland Acres Block 48C Parcel 11 submitted on 7th April 2003 by DDL. 3. Queen’s Highway Block 69A Parcel 28 REM1 submitted on 18th September 2003 by DDL. At the hearing on the 14th May 2003 before the CPA of the applications for Lower Valley and Midland Acres the CPA resolved to adjourn them until such time as confirmation had been received from the Information and Communications Technology Authority (“ICTA”) that an agreement has been reached with C&W regarding infrastructure sharing. This decision was confirmed in a letter dated 30th May 2003 from the CPA. June 2003. C&W entered into discussions with the ICTA on infrastructure and related issues. 10th July 2003. C&W entered into an agreement with the ICTA which provided for infrastructure sharing. A copy of this agreement was provided to the CPA on 6th August 2003. In addition C&W submitted a report to the ICTA on the availability of space on its existing and planned cellular and mobile towers. 2nd September 2003. C&W gave an undertaking to the ICTA to share the outstanding towers. From September throughout October and November – the ICTA chaired and sponsored several meetings between the applicant, C&W and other licensees. C&W had extended the invitation to new licensees to co-locate. 26th November 2003. AT & T Wireless Services (“AWS”) said they were not interested and they were forming an agreement with others. Also Digicel confirmed that at this stage they are not interested. C&W’s applications to the CPA were deferred. 3rd December 2003. C&W’s applications to the CPA were deferred. 2. Development and Planning Law 2.1 The three applications of C&W and filed by DDL were all served on adjacent property owners as required by the law and no objections have been submitted against any of the applications. 2.2 The three applications lodged meet all the requirements of the Development and Planning Law and Regulations. 3. Infrastructures Sharing Agreement supervised by ICTA 7 3.1 The CPA having regard to Sections 6 and 7 of the Development and Planning Law, namely the likely impact on the infrastructure and the need to consult with the ICTA (having duties and aims and objects relating to those of the CPA) adjourned these matters in May of this year for C&W to reach agreement on infrastructure sharing. 3.2 The ICTA have a Tower Plan which aim is to avoid 60 towers. The CPA have indicated that whilst there is no written maximum number of towers a desirable number would be around 30. In addition it is understood that priority will be given to towers that share with three or two co-tenants but with the clear understanding that a one-tenant tower is not precluded from being erected. 3.3 In accordance with the ICTA’s policy C&W extended invitations to share to all new licensees on a non-discriminatory basis. 3.4 C&W provided the ICTA with an undertaking to share the towers which will accommodate co-tenants either now or in the future. This process involved a great deal of expensive research and work with the ICTA. The CPA were sensibly involved in these negotiations, chaired by the ICTA. The CPA has no raised any objections to the process that was adopted nor the agreement which C&W have reached with the ICTA on tower sharing. 4. Quality of Telecommunications Service 4.1 The ICTA and C&W are committed to and required by the ICTA Law and C&W’s license to provide optimum quality telecommunications service. C&W believe that this commitment extends to outlying districts, like Lower Valley, Midland Acres and the Queen’s Highway where the service is weak and often unsatisfactory. ICTA has a policy to ensure that the percentage of dropped calls must not be less than 2%. At present because there are no towers in these areas, the signals are often too weak to initiate calls and also to receive calls. Although outside communications are reasonably satisfactory, in-car and in-building communications can be very erratic and unsatisfactory in the Lower Valley, Midland Acres and Queen’s Highway areas. C&W are to be commended for ensuring that all customers in the Cayman Islands have access to an optimum quality telecommunications service. 4.2 The ICTA recognises that in order to provide optimum quality service to the Cayman Islands and to accommodate customer demands for the new GSM mobile service, C&W needs these three towers and the ICTA have endorsed the manner in which C&W have encouraged active sharing and invested great time, effort and expense in order to provide this new GSM product. The application for these towers comply with the requirements of C&W’s license and the requirements under the law which enables the ICTA to ensure that C&W and potential future co-tenants will provide a service which will comply with the highest international standards. Should C&W’s standards drop, they would be subject to penalties from the ICTA which could actually jeopardise their license. 8 4.3 As the new licensees mature, it is highly likely that they will share these towers. At present Digicel and AWS have no need for this service. However, CaymanTel expressed an interest before withdrawing their license. Two new licensees, North Rock and Foster Cayman, are feasibly future co-tenants and in fact the ICTA have confirmed that Foster Cayman has expressed an interest. This clearly benefits C&W, customers, new licensees and it has an overall benefit for the Cayman Islands. These three applications for these special purpose development are together an issue of national importance. It is imperative that island-wide telecommunications in the Cayman Islands are of the highest possible standard so that Cayman can ensure that it maintains its competitive edge in the Tourism and International Financial Services Markets. 4.4 If the applications are not approved, the service will continue to be of poor quality. There will be constant complaints from the customers. This not only has a prejudicial effect on C&W but will have a prejudicial effect on Cayman generally and it is the customers who are suffering and will continue to suffer. 4.5 The ICTA have confirmed with C&W that they have complied with all the ICTA requirements. The ICTA fully endorses these applications before the CPA and the urgent need to have them passed as soon as possible. 5. Conclusion Cable and Wireless submitted the Lower Valley and Midland Acres applications on 7th April 2003 and the Queen’s Highway application on 18th September 2003. All three applications comply with the provisions of the Development and Planning Law and Regulations. As requested C&W have entered into an infrastructure sharing agreement under the supervision of the ICTA and now wish to ensure that they can provide an island-wide telecommunications service for Grand Cayman which accommodates and encourages tower sharing. For the reasons above we urge the CPA to grant these three applications today.” CPA: Radiant barrier insulation appears to affect in building signals. Mr. Scott: Some building materials do affect reception. There being no further discussion with the applicant’s representatives, the Chairman thanked them for appearing. They left at 5:52 p.m. The CPA further discussed the following: • No written evidence has been submitted of agreement to share the tower with another company licensed by the ICTA. Accordingly, based on the stated objective of sharing/non-proliferation of antenna, the CPA should not support the application at this time. Decision: It was resolved to adjourn the application, for the following reason: 1) No written evidence has been submitted of agreement to share the tower 9 2.03 CABLE & WIRELESS Block 48C Parcel 11 (F03-0112) (P03-00288) (P030289) (P03-0407) ($60,000) (BES/RL) Application for 100’ cellular tower and storage building Appearance at 3:15 FACTS Location: East of Midland Acres Subdivision on Bodden Town Road Zoning: Low Density Residential and Beach Resort Residential Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices were served on adjacent proprietors. No objections were received. Background: On November 26, 2003 (CPA/33/03; item 3.024) the CPA resolved to adjourn the application pending written confirmation of sharing agreement with at least another telecommunications provider licensed by the ICTA. On December 3, 2003 (CPA/34/03; item 2.07) the CPA resolved to adjourn the application to invite the applicant to address the Authority on December 10, 2003 at 3:15 p.m. Proposed Use: Same as above Parcel Size: 4,140 sq. ft. approximately Site Coverage: 7.13% Building Size: Existing - 0 Proposed - 295 sq. ft. AGENCY COMMENTS Comments from the Chief Fire Officer, MRCU and ICTA are noted below. Chief Fire Officer “Approved for planning permit only.” MRCU “… it is our understanding that the towers are existing free standing towers which are all painted in an appropriate manner for aircraft safety, namely with alternating red and white (or orange and white) banding. We would like to offer the following comments: • All towers / tower extensions should comply with the Aerial Spraying 10 Protection Law (1997 Revision), attached for your information. In particular, section 3 of the law that specifies that the towers should be illuminated. • All towers / tower extensions should be free-standing and comply with the ICAO provisions for aircraft safety, including, but not limited to, the requirements for safety banding (red and white). Further details on these requirements are available from the Civil Aviation Authority.” ICTA “The Information and Communications Technology Authority (the Authority) is in receipt of your correspondence dated 27 August 2003 concerning the above referenced matter. The Authority views as favourable the fact that the proposed towers can accommodate up to two (2) additional mobile operators/networks subject to an interference and intermodulation study. Please confirm arrangements with respect to the base station at the foot of the tower. In particular, the Authority is interested in knowing if arrangements with the land owner are on an exclusive basis, whether there is additional land to accommodate another base station, whether the Cable & Wireless base station can accommodate another Licensee and any known matters which may impede another Licensee locating their radio or microwave facilities on this site. Additionally, please confirm that subject to the above referenced study and financial arrangements with another Licensee(s), Cable & Wireless will share these three (3) infrastructure towers.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting planning permission for three separate components, which form a cellular phone utility compound. The first component is an antenna mast (100’) on a 17’ x 17’ concrete foundation base and setback 10’ from the eastern boundary and 20’ from the northern property line respectively. The second is a 295 sq. ft. utility building to contain both equipment and generator rooms. The last component is an eight feet (8’) high-galvanized chain link fence enclosure around the antenna mast and utility building. It is also the applicant’s intention to provide a landscape buffer strip along the northern boundary. The Department feels that the landscape buffer strip should be extended along the eastern and western boundaries to provide a visual buffer from all existing surrounding residential buildings in the area. With regard to the Telecommunication Officer comments, the Department would also question whether or not an additional cellular phone tower is needed in close proximity of two existing wireless facilities in the area. It should be noted that the applicant had indicated that this particular tower will not be shared with other communication service providers because there were no takers. However, if there is a change in this status, the Department would recommend that the CPA consider the application favourably. 11 Status: Applicant to reconfirm whether or not the tower will be shared with at least another ICTA licensed telecommunications provider. The following individuals appeared before the CPA at 5:12 p.m. on behalf of the applicant. Charles Quinn Brian Eccles Danielle Coleman Cleavy Scott CPA: Why are these three particular sites important? Mr. Scott: These sites are crucial to us in order to deliver the required quality of service to our customers, whether they are indoor, outdoor or in their vehicles. Cayman is a top financial and tourism centre and as such it is important to attain and maintain a high level of service. We would like to reduce customer complaints. These three sites are in areas currently considered weak. CPA: The CPA has a duty to protect the people and is unlikely to accept all proposed towers. Mr. Scott: We exerted a great deal of time and effort trying to secure sharing agreements. Digicel has agreed to share eleven of our towers and we will be sharing three of theirs. This eliminates the need for fourteen additional towers. Cable & Wireless has been a leader in sharing efforts. CPA: Is the Queens Highway location critical? Perhaps Cable & Wireless could share with another company in this area. Mr. Scott: It is a critical location, close to the ideal spot. In order to achieve adequate coverage, the search ring cannot exceed a quarter of a mile. CPA: It would appear that there are three towers on the Queens Highway. Mr. Scott: Yes, including the Colliers site. CPA: Are there plans to extend the tower at the end of Sunnyfield Drive? Mr. Scott: Yes. One technical factor to consider is that for tower extensions longer cables are required, possibly resulting in reduced quality of in-building signals. The three new tower sites are crucial for in-building signals. Other companies were invited to share these towers but there were no takers. CPA: Was this due to cost issues? Mr. Scott: Cable & Wireless’ investment must be considered. We can assure the CPA that Cable & Wireless is not trying to make money by sharing infrastructure. If there are any conflicts, it is part of the remit of the ICTA to resolve them. The ICTA can mandate by law its will when disputes are formally brought to its attention for mediation. CPA: Cable & Wireless has suggested at a previous CPA meeting that these three sites were not critical. Mr. Scott: I don’t recall that being said. These are critical sites for the reasons mentioned. We have a map illustrating coverage scenarios for urban, suburban 12 and rural areas. The proposed towers will provide the needed level of service. We are sharing a government tower at Northward. We may also share a tower with Aviation Communication. CPA: Why do you require more towers than the competitors? Mr. Scott: Competitors may be seeking just initial coverage at this time for particular areas. I don’t know. CPA: Fourteen towers appear sufficient for Wireless Ventures, why not for Cable & Wireless? Mr. Scott: They may ask for more towers later on. We have made great efforts to share. CPA: What type of towers are you erecting? Mr. Scott: Mostly monopole towers where possible. On occasion for practical reasons an open-web tower is used. An example is Cayman Brac, due to crane restrictions. CPA: Are others using similar technology? Mr. Scott: Yes. CPA: Why do your towers have to be so close to each other compared to the distribution of towers by another applicant? Mr. Scott: This is explained through population density. The western side of the Island requires more towers due to its larger population. CPA: Using your logic, does this mean that as the eastern districts become more populated, additional towers will be needed? Mr. Scott: Yes, particularly if large development happen there. However, it may mean more antennae, not necessarily more towers. The necessity for towers is dictated by several factors, including: whether digital or analogue equipment is used; signal frequency; vegetation and building type. Additionally, limitations to power outputs are regulated by the FCC. Mr. Quin indicated that he had written submission for the record. He then summarized those submissions after distributing them to the CPA. LETTER FROM QUINN & HAMPSON SUBMISSIONS OF APPLICANT To: The Central Planning Authority (“CPA”) 6. Chronology Cable and Wireless (“C&W”) has submitted three applications for planning permission and building permits for mast and transmissions antennae:1. Lower Valley Block 32B Parcel 188 submitted on 7th April 2003 by DDL Architects (“DDL”). 13 2. Midland Acres Block 48C Parcel 11 submitted on 7th April 2003 by DDL. 3. Queen’s Highway Block 69A Parcel 28 REM1 submitted on 18th September 2003 by DDL. At the hearing on the 14th May 2003 before the CPA of the applications for Lower Valley and Midland Acres the CPA resolved to adjourn them until such time as confirmation had been received from the Information and Communications Technology Authority (“ICTA”) that an agreement has been reached with C&W regarding infrastructure sharing. This decision was confirmed in a letter dated 30th May 2003 from the CPA. June 2003. C&W entered into discussions with the ICTA on infrastructure and related issues. 10th July 2003. C&W entered into an agreement with the ICTA which provided for infrastructure sharing. A copy of this agreement was provided to the CPA on 6th August 2003. In addition C&W submitted a report to the ICTA on the availability of space on its existing and planned cellular and mobile towers. 2nd September 2003. C&W gave an undertaking to the ICTA to share the outstanding towers. From September throughout October and November – the ICTA chaired and sponsored several meetings between the applicant, C&W and other licensees. C&W had extended the invitation to new licensees to co-locate. 26th November 2003. AT & T Wireless Services (“AWS”) said they were not interested and they were forming an agreement with others. Also Digicel confirmed that at this stage they are not interested. C&W’s applications to the CPA were deferred. 3rd December 2003. C&W’s applications to the CPA were deferred. 7. Development and Planning Law 2.3 The three applications of C&W and filed by DDL were all served on adjacent property owners as required by the law and no objections have been submitted against any of the applications. 2.4 The three applications lodged meet all the requirements of the Development and Planning Law and Regulations. 8. Infrastructures Sharing Agreement supervised by ICTA 3.5 The CPA having regard to Sections 6 and 7 of the Development and Planning Law, namely the likely impact on the infrastructure and the need to consult with the ICTA (having duties and aims and objects relating to those of the CPA) adjourned these matters in May of this year for C&W to reach agreement on infrastructure sharing. 3.6 The ICTA have a Tower Plan which aim is to avoid 60 towers. The CPA have 14 indicated that whilst there is no written maximum number of towers a desirable number would be around 30. In addition it is understood that priority will be given to towers that share with three or two co-tenants but with the clear understanding that a one-tenant tower is not precluded from being erected. 3.7 In accordance with the ICTA’s policy C&W extended invitations to share to all new licensees on a non-discriminatory basis. 3.8 C&W provided the ICTA with an undertaking to share the towers which will accommodate co-tenants either now or in the future. This process involved a great deal of expensive research and work with the ICTA. The CPA were sensibly involved in these negotiations, chaired by the ICTA. The CPA has no raised any objections to the process that was adopted nor the agreement which C&W have reached with the ICTA on tower sharing. 9. Quality of Telecommunications Service 4.6 The ICTA and C&W are committed to and required by the ICTA Law and C&W’s license to provide optimum quality telecommunications service. C&W believe that this commitment extends to outlying districts, like Lower Valley, Midland Acres and the Queen’s Highway where the service is weak and often unsatisfactory. ICTA has a policy to ensure that the percentage of dropped calls must not be less than 2%. At present because there are no towers in these areas, the signals are often too weak to initiate calls and also to receive calls. Although outside communications are reasonably satisfactory, in-car and in-building communications can be very erratic and unsatisfactory in the Lower Valley, Midland Acres and Queen’s Highway areas. C&W are to be commended for ensuring that all customers in the Cayman Islands have access to an optimum quality telecommunications service. 4.7 The ICTA recognises that in order to provide optimum quality service to the Cayman Islands and to accommodate customer demands for the new GSM mobile service, C&W needs these three towers and the ICTA have endorsed the manner in which C&W have encouraged active sharing and invested great time, effort and expense in order to provide this new GSM product. The application for these towers comply with the requirements of C&W’s license and the requirements under the law which enables the ICTA to ensure that C&W and potential future co-tenants will provide a service which will comply with the highest international standards. Should C&W’s standards drop, they would be subject to penalties from the ICTA which could actually jeopardise their license. 4.8 As the new licensees mature, it is highly likely that they will share these towers. At present Digicel and AWS have no need for this service. However, CaymanTel expressed an interest before withdrawing their license. Two new licensees, North Rock and Foster Cayman, are feasibly future co-tenants and in fact the ICTA have confirmed that Foster Cayman has expressed an interest. This clearly benefits C&W, customers, new licensees and it has an overall benefit for the Cayman Islands. These three applications for these 15 special purpose development are together an issue of national importance. It is imperative that island-wide telecommunications in the Cayman Islands are of the highest possible standard so that Cayman can ensure that it maintains its competitive edge in the Tourism and International Financial Services Markets. 4.9 If the applications are not approved, the service will continue to be of poor quality. There will be constant complaints from the customers. This not only has a prejudicial effect on C&W but will have a prejudicial effect on Cayman generally and it is the customers who are suffering and will continue to suffer. 4.10 The ICTA have confirmed with C&W that they have complied with all the ICTA requirements. The ICTA fully endorses these applications before the CPA and the urgent need to have them passed as soon as possible. 10. Conclusion Cable and Wireless submitted the Lower Valley and Midland Acres applications on 7th April 2003 and the Queen’s Highway application on 18th September 2003. All three applications comply with the provisions of the Development and Planning Law and Regulations. As requested C&W have entered into an infrastructure sharing agreement under the supervision of the ICTA and now wish to ensure that they can provide an island-wide telecommunications service for Grand Cayman which accommodates and encourages tower sharing. For the reasons above we urge the CPA to grant these three applications today.” CPA: Radiant barrier insulation appears to affect in building signals. Mr. Scott: Some building materials do affect reception. There being no further discussion with the applicant’s representatives, the Chairman thanked them for appearing. They left at 5:52 p.m. The CPA further discussed the following: • No written evidence has been submitted of agreement to share the tower with another company licensed by the ICTA. Accordingly, based on the stated objective of sharing/non-proliferation of antenna, the CPA should not support the application at this time. Decision: It was resolved to adjourn the application, for the following reason: 1) 2.04 No written evidence has been submitted of agreement to share the tower with another company licensed by the ICTA. Accordingly, based on the stated objective of sharing/non-proliferation of antenna, the CPA does not support the application at this time. CABLE & WIRELESS Block 69A Parcel 28 Rem1 (F01-0092) (P03-0959) (P03-0289) (P03-0960) ($60,000) (BES/RL) Application for 100’ cellular tower, storage building and fence 16 Appearance at 3:15 FACTS Location: Sunnyfield Drive, off Queen’s Highway Zoning: Agriculture/Residential Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices were served on adjacent proprietors. No objections were received. Background: On November 26th, 2003 (CPA/33/03; item 3.025) the CPA resolved to adjourn the application pending written confirmation of sharing agreement with at least another telecommunications provider licensed by the ICTA. On December 3, 2003 (CPA/34/03; item 2.07) the CPA resolved to adjourn the application to invite the applicant to address the Authority on December 10, 2003 at 3:15 p.m. Proposed Use: Same as above Parcel Size: 65 acres Site Coverage: Less than 1% Building Size: Existing - 0 Proposed - 295 sq. ft. AGENCY COMMENTS Comments from the Chief Fire Officer, MRCU and ICTA are noted below. Chief Fire Officer “Approved for planning permit only”. MRCU “… it is our understanding that the towers are existing free standing towers which are all painted in an appropriate manner for aircraft safety, namely with alternating red and white (or orange and white) banding. We would like to offer the following comments: • All towers / tower extensions should comply with the Aerial Spraying Protection Law (1997 Revision), attached for your information. In particular, section 3 of the law that specifies that the towers should be illuminated. • All towers / tower extensions should be free-standing and comply with the ICAO provisions for aircraft safety, including, but not limited to, the requirements for safety banding (red and white). Further details on these requirements are available from the Civil Aviation Authority.” 17 ICTA “The Information and Communications Technology Authority (the Authority) is in receipt of your correspondence dated 27 August 2003 concerning the above referenced matter. The Authority views as favourable the fact that the proposed towers can accommodate up to two (2) additional mobile operators/networks subject to an interference and intermodulation study. Please confirm arrangements with respect to the base station at the foot of the tower. In particular, the Authority is interested in knowing if arrangements with the land owner are on an exclusive basis, whether there is additional land to accommodate another base station, whether the Cable & Wireless base station can accommodate another Licensee and any known matters which may impede another Licensee locating their radio or microwave facilities on this site. Additionally, please confirm that subject to the above referenced study and financial arrangements with another Licensee(s), Cable & Wireless will share these three (3) infrastructure towers.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting planning permission for three separate components, which form a cellular phone utility compound. The first component is an antenna mast (100’) on a concrete foundation base and setback 10’ from the northern boundary and 69’-9” from the boundary line with Sunnyfield Road. The second is a 295 sq. ft. utility building to contain both equipment and generator rooms. The last component is an eight feet (8’) high-galvanized chain link fence enclosure around the antenna mast and utility building. It is also the applicant’s intention to provide a 6’-6” landscape buffer strip along the northern boundary. The Department feels that the landscape buffer strip should be extended along the eastern and western edges of the fence to provide a visual buffer. It should be noted that the applicant had indicated that this particular tower will not be shared with other communication service providers because there were no takers. However, if there is a change in this status, the Department would recommend that the CPA consider the application favourably. Status: Applicant to reconfirm whether or not the tower will be shared with at least another ICTA licensed telecommunications provider. The following individuals appeared before the CPA at 5:12 p.m. on behalf of the applicant. Charles Quinn Brian Eccles Danielle Coleman Cleavy Scott CPA: Why are these three particular sites important? Mr. Scott: These sites are crucial to us in order to deliver the required quality of service to our customers, whether they are indoor, outdoor or in their vehicles. Cayman is a top financial and tourism centre and as such it is important to attain 18 and maintain a high level of service. We would like to reduce customer complaints. These three sites are in areas currently considered weak. CPA: The CPA has a duty to protect the people and is unlikely to accept all proposed towers. Mr. Scott: We exerted a great deal of time and effort trying to secure sharing agreements. Digicel has agreed to share eleven of our towers and we will be sharing three of theirs. This eliminates the need for fourteen additional towers. Cable & Wireless has been a leader in sharing efforts. CPA: Is the Queens Highway location critical? Perhaps Cable & Wireless could share with another company in this area. Mr. Scott: It is a critical location, close to the ideal spot. In order to achieve adequate coverage, the search ring cannot exceed a quarter of a mile. CPA: It would appear that there are three towers on the Queens Highway. Mr. Scott: Yes, including the Colliers site. CPA: Are there plans to extend the tower at the end of Sunnyfield Drive? Mr. Scott: Yes. One technical factor to consider is that for tower extensions longer cables are required, possibly resulting in reduced quality of in-building signals. The three new tower sites are crucial for in-building signals. Other companies were invited to share these towers but there were no takers. CPA: Was this due to cost issues? Mr. Scott: Cable & Wireless’ investment must be considered. We can assure the CPA that Cable & Wireless is not trying to make money by sharing infrastructure. If there are any conflicts, it is part of the remit of the ICTA to resolve them. The ICTA can mandate by law its will when disputes are formally brought to its attention for mediation. CPA: Cable & Wireless has suggested at a previous CPA meeting that these three sites were not critical. Mr. Scott: I don’t recall that being said. These are critical sites for the reasons mentioned. We have a map illustrating coverage scenarios for urban, suburban and rural areas. The proposed towers will provide the needed level of service. We are sharing a government tower at Northward. We may also share a tower with Aviation Communication. CPA: Why do you require more towers than the competitors? Mr. Scott: Competitors may be seeking just initial coverage at this time for particular areas. I don’t know. CPA: Fourteen towers appear sufficient for Wireless Ventures, why not for Cable & Wireless? Mr. Scott: They may ask for more towers later on. We have made great efforts to share. 19 CPA: What type of towers are you erecting? Mr. Scott: Mostly monopole towers where possible. On occasion for practical reasons an open-web tower is used. An example is Cayman Brac, due to crane restrictions. CPA: Are others using similar technology? Mr. Scott: Yes. CPA: Why do your towers have to be so close to each other compared to the distribution of towers by another applicant? Mr. Scott: This is explained through population density. The western side of the Island requires more towers due to its larger population. CPA: Using your logic, does this mean that as the eastern districts become more populated, additional towers will be needed? Mr. Scott: Yes, particularly if large development happen there. However, it may mean more antennae, not necessarily more towers. The necessity for towers is dictated by several factors, including: whether digital or analogue equipment is used; signal frequency; vegetation and building type. Additionally, limitations to power outputs are regulated by the FCC. Mr. Quin indicated that he had written submission for the record. He then summarized those submissions after distributing them to the CPA. LETTER FROM QUINN & HAMPSON SUBMISSIONS OF APPLICANT To: The Central Planning Authority (“CPA”) 11. Chronology Cable and Wireless (“C&W”) has submitted three applications for planning permission and building permits for mast and transmissions antennae:1. Lower Valley Block 32B Parcel 188 submitted on 7th April 2003 by DDL Architects (“DDL”). 2. Midland Acres Block 48C Parcel 11 submitted on 7th April 2003 by DDL. 3. Queen’s Highway Block 69A Parcel 28 REM1 submitted on 18th September 2003 by DDL. At the hearing on the 14th May 2003 before the CPA of the applications for Lower Valley and Midland Acres the CPA resolved to adjourn them until such time as confirmation had been received from the Information and Communications Technology Authority (“ICTA”) that an agreement has been reached with C&W regarding infrastructure sharing. This decision was confirmed in a letter dated 30th May 2003 from the CPA. 20 June 2003. C&W entered into discussions with the ICTA on infrastructure and related issues. 10th July 2003. C&W entered into an agreement with the ICTA which provided for infrastructure sharing. A copy of this agreement was provided to the CPA on 6th August 2003. In addition C&W submitted a report to the ICTA on the availability of space on its existing and planned cellular and mobile towers. 2nd September 2003. C&W gave an undertaking to the ICTA to share the outstanding towers. From September throughout October and November – the ICTA chaired and sponsored several meetings between the applicant, C&W and other licensees. C&W had extended the invitation to new licensees to co-locate. 26th November 2003. AT & T Wireless Services (“AWS”) said they were not interested and they were forming an agreement with others. Also Digicel confirmed that at this stage they are not interested. C&W’s applications to the CPA were deferred. 3rd December 2003. C&W’s applications to the CPA were deferred. 12. Development and Planning Law 2.5 The three applications of C&W and filed by DDL were all served on adjacent property owners as required by the law and no objections have been submitted against any of the applications. 2.6 The three applications lodged meet all the requirements of the Development and Planning Law and Regulations. 13. Infrastructures Sharing Agreement supervised by ICTA 3.9 The CPA having regard to Sections 6 and 7 of the Development and Planning Law, namely the likely impact on the infrastructure and the need to consult with the ICTA (having duties and aims and objects relating to those of the CPA) adjourned these matters in May of this year for C&W to reach agreement on infrastructure sharing. 3.10 The ICTA have a Tower Plan which aim is to avoid 60 towers. The CPA have indicated that whilst there is no written maximum number of towers a desirable number would be around 30. In addition it is understood that priority will be given to towers that share with three or two co-tenants but with the clear understanding that a one-tenant tower is not precluded from being erected. 3.11 In accordance with the ICTA’s policy C&W extended invitations to share to all new licensees on a non-discriminatory basis. 3.12 C&W provided the ICTA with an undertaking to share the towers which will accommodate co-tenants either now or in the future. This process involved a great deal of expensive research and work with the ICTA. The CPA were sensibly involved in these negotiations, chaired by the ICTA. The 21 CPA has no raised any objections to the process that was adopted nor the agreement which C&W have reached with the ICTA on tower sharing. 14. Quality of Telecommunications Service 4.11 The ICTA and C&W are committed to and required by the ICTA Law and C&W’s license to provide optimum quality telecommunications service. C&W believe that this commitment extends to outlying districts, like Lower Valley, Midland Acres and the Queen’s Highway where the service is weak and often unsatisfactory. ICTA has a policy to ensure that the percentage of dropped calls must not be less than 2%. At present because there are no towers in these areas, the signals are often too weak to initiate calls and also to receive calls. Although outside communications are reasonably satisfactory, in-car and in-building communications can be very erratic and unsatisfactory in the Lower Valley, Midland Acres and Queen’s Highway areas. C&W are to be commended for ensuring that all customers in the Cayman Islands have access to an optimum quality telecommunications service. 4.12 The ICTA recognises that in order to provide optimum quality service to the Cayman Islands and to accommodate customer demands for the new GSM mobile service, C&W needs these three towers and the ICTA have endorsed the manner in which C&W have encouraged active sharing and invested great time, effort and expense in order to provide this new GSM product. The application for these towers comply with the requirements of C&W’s license and the requirements under the law which enables the ICTA to ensure that C&W and potential future co-tenants will provide a service which will comply with the highest international standards. Should C&W’s standards drop, they would be subject to penalties from the ICTA which could actually jeopardise their license. 4.13 As the new licensees mature, it is highly likely that they will share these towers. At present Digicel and AWS have no need for this service. However, CaymanTel expressed an interest before withdrawing their license. Two new licensees, North Rock and Foster Cayman, are feasibly future co-tenants and in fact the ICTA have confirmed that Foster Cayman has expressed an interest. This clearly benefits C&W, customers, new licensees and it has an overall benefit for the Cayman Islands. These three applications for these special purpose development are together an issue of national importance. It is imperative that island-wide telecommunications in the Cayman Islands are of the highest possible standard so that Cayman can ensure that it maintains its competitive edge in the Tourism and International Financial Services Markets. 4.14 If the applications are not approved, the service will continue to be of poor quality. There will be constant complaints from the customers. This not only has a prejudicial effect on C&W but will have a prejudicial effect on Cayman generally and it is the customers who are suffering and will continue to suffer. 4.15 The ICTA have confirmed with C&W that they have complied with all the 22 ICTA requirements. The ICTA fully endorses these applications before the CPA and the urgent need to have them passed as soon as possible. 15. Conclusion Cable and Wireless submitted the Lower Valley and Midland Acres applications on 7th April 2003 and the Queen’s Highway application on 18th September 2003. All three applications comply with the provisions of the Development and Planning Law and Regulations. As requested C&W have entered into an infrastructure sharing agreement under the supervision of the ICTA and now wish to ensure that they can provide an island-wide telecommunications service for Grand Cayman which accommodates and encourages tower sharing. For the reasons above we urge the CPA to grant these three applications today.” CPA: Radiant barrier insulation appears to affect in building signals. Mr. Scott: Some building materials do affect reception. There being no further discussion with the applicant’s representatives, the Chairman thanked them for appearing. They left at 5:52 p.m. The CPA further discussed the following: • No written evidence has been submitted of agreement to share the tower with another company licensed by the ICTA. Accordingly, based on the stated objective of sharing/non-proliferation of antenna, the CPA should not support the application at this time. Decision: It was resolved to adjourn the application, for the following reason: 1) No written evidence has been submitted of agreement to share the tower with another company licensed by the ICTA. Accordingly, based on the stated objective of sharing/non-proliferation of antenna, the CPA does not support the application at this time. 3.0 NEW APPLICATIONS 3.01 CABLE & WIRELESS LTD. Block 73A Parcel 19 (F01-0269) (P03-1068) ($13,000) (RS) Application to extend the height of an existing communication tower to 131.2 feet (40 metres) FACTS Location: Across from Royal Reef Resort, Colliers Zoning: Agricultural/Residential Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices and one objection was received (See “Objections” below) 23 Proposed Use: Communications mast and equipment storage building OBJECTIONS “As the registered owner of 73A 90 we have never received any notice regarding an application to the Planning Department for the erection of an antenna. However, recently we received notice that an application has been made to extend the existing antenna to 131 feet. We would like to object to this antenna for the following reasons: 1. Being the adjacent land owner the antenna will detract from the value of the property. 2. The required notices were not properly served when the original application was submitted.” Response to Objection The Department would like to respond briefly to the matter of notification of the original application for the tower. The applicant’s agent has stated that the ownership information used to send out the required notices was obtained from the Lands and Survey Department and at that time, January 9, 2003, the registered owner was Mr. Mcford McLean. It appears; however, that just prior to that date, (November, 2002) the ownership of parcel 90 was transferred to the current objectors, Mr. & Mrs. Frederick. The applicant’s agent contends that the land register information must not have been updated when they obtained the necessary land ownership information from the Lands and Survey Department and that they in fact did send the notice to the registered owner at that time. PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is seeking approval to extend the height of the existing free standing tower to 131.2 ft. ICTA has advised the Department that this tower has been identified as a tower that will be shared by communication service providers. The Department has no particular concern with the application provided the requirements of MRCU are implemented and that the Authority is satisfied that the original notification requirements for the tower were properly executed. The CPA further discussed the following: • The extension to the tower is considered acceptable Decision: It was resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions: 1) Unless specifically authorized otherwise in writing by the Central Planning Authority, the Development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans. 2) The tower shall comply with the Aerial Spraying Protection Law (1997 Revision), specifically section 3 therein regarding illumination. 24 3) 3.02 The tower shall comply with ICAO provisions for aircraft safety, including, but not limited to, the requirements for safety banding (red & white or orange & white). WESTSTAR TV LTD. Block 14C Parcel 320 (F03-0408) (P03-1026) ($1,400,000) (JAB) Application for an office building with storage. Appearance at 1:40 FACTS Location: Next to the existing TV Center, Eclipse Dr., George Town Zoning: General Commercial Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices were served to adjacent property owners. No objections were received Existing Use: Vacant Proposed Use: Office / storage Parcel Size: 0.3434 acre (14,958.50 sq. ft.) Site Coverage: 64.2% Building Size: Proposed - 18,072 sq. ft. Parking: Required - 27 Proposed – 27 AGENCY COMMENTS Comments from the Water Authority, Chief Engineer and Chief Environmental health officer are noted below. Water Authority “Please be advised that the proposed development will be approved upon compliance with the following requirements: • The developer shall provide a septic tank with a capacity of at least 2,000 US gallons. The septic tank shall be constructed in strict accordance with the Authority’s standards. • The effluent from the septic tank shall be discharged into a disposal well. The disposal well shall be constructed in strict accordance with the Authority’s standards. The discharge pipe from the septic tank shall enter the disposal well at a height of at least two feet above the water table level in the well. Please be advised that this development is situated within the Water Authority’s public water supply area and will be connected to the system upon request by the owner. The location of that connection will be at the discretion of the Water 25 Authority.” Chief Engineer “As per your memo dated October 14, 2003, PWD has reviewed the abovementioned planning proposal. Please find below our comments and recommendations. Traffic Management Issues Driveway aisles shall be a minimum of twenty-two ft wide with entrance and exit curves having no less than fifteen (15) feet radius curves. Stormwater Management Issues This is an area that is easily prone to flooding, even during relatively moderate rainfall events. PWD has observed, in the past 12 months, that the applicant’s current operation on the neighbouring parcel 14C 186 and the whole of Eclipse Drive were subject to considerable overland flow run-off due to a significant increase in impervious surface area in the last 2 years. PWD notes that, with nearly 90% site coverage as shown in this proposal, drain wells will not have sufficient capacity to accommodate all generated stormwater run-off. As an alternative and for the long-term benefit of the development, PWD would encourage the applicant to consider installing, infiltration trenches of a depth of 6-8 feet, with 1-2 drains, along the eastern and northern setback buffer. This facility would also accommodate the required system for control of roof water runoff. In an effort to maximize ground infiltration, PWD would advise the developer to use for the parking area and walkways, a grasscrete surface as opposed to asphalt or concrete. Parking areas should be sloped towards the stormwater drains. No trench drains at the driveway will be permitted. Instead, construct a hump (entrance/exit ramp) at the driveway to prevent stormwater runoff from and onto the access road.” Chief Environmental Health Officer “The following comments are submitted with respect to the above application: 1. The solid waste facility shall be site such that the service vehicle is not obstructing part of the roadway while servicing the container. 2. No wires or other overhead obstructions shall be located in the vicinity of the facility.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting permission to construct a 18,072 sq. ft. office / storage building on parcel 320. Although the proposal meets minimum requirements for site coverage and aesthetics, there is concern with the design of the parking lot, 26 setbacks, pedestrian circulation and location of service area. These concerns are noted below in detail. • Parking – the applicant has proposed a total of twenty seven (27) parking spaces to service the site. The parking area is split into two separate parking lots which leads to concerns regarding vehicular circulation. The Department would recommend a one-way connection from one parking lot to the other to alleviate the circulation problem. This will also allow the entrance, driveway and exit to be only 15’-0” wide. In addition, although the applicant has provided three (3) handicap spaces, the Department is of the opinion that all three spaces are proposed in the wrong locations as there is no direct access from these spaces to the entrance of the building. The Department would recommend that the spaces be moved closer to the entrance of the building for easier access and an additional access be proposed from the parking lot to the lobby. In addition to that stated above, at least three of the proposed spaces do not function at present due to their proposed locations. • Setbacks – Section 8(8)(b&c) of the Development and Planning Regulations (2003 revision), state that in a commercial zone the minimum road setbacks shall be twenty feet and parking areas shall not be provided within road setbacks, unless otherwise specified by the Authority. The Department would note that the building itself is setback 12’-0” from the road however the parking lot is as close as 6’-0” feet from the road boundary. • Pedestrian Circulation – the entry to the proposed building is located at the western end of the structure which means that all persons wishing to enter the building from the parking lot would have to walk completely around the building in order to do so, as there is no access to the lobby from the parking lot. The Department would recommend that the ground floor be redesigned to include an entry point from the parking lot to the lobby. • Service Area – the applicant has dedicated an area in the parking lot as a service area. However, the proposed location of the service area renders two (2) parking spaces unusable as access to and from these spaces would be obstructed any time the service area would be in use. In addition, access to the service area by delivery vehicles would be limited as the entrance to the parking lot is only 11’-6” high. In summary the Department would like to point out that although the proposed office building appears aesthetically pleasing, the parking lot does not function adequately due to the site being used to its maximum potential. It is the opinion of the Department that because parcel 320 is relatively small and does not accommodate this proposal adequately, the development should be cut back and redesigned to accommodate the concerns noted above. The applicant’s agent was scheduled to appear at 1:40 p.m., but did not appear. Decision: It was resolved to adjourn the application, for the following reasons: 27 1) 3.03 The applicant shall submit a revised site plan illustrating the following information at a minimum: a) The building shall be redesigned to conform with setback requirements per Regulation 8(8)(b) of the Development and Planning Regulations (2003 Revision), the minimum road setbacks shall be twenty feet (20’). Proposed side and rear setbacks are acceptable. b) The space allocated for servicing conflicts with at least two parking spaces. The plans shall be revised to eliminate the conflicts. c) The proposed handicap parking spaces shall be a minimum of thirteen feet (13’) in width and shall be as close as possible to the entrance of the building. d) The proposed design illustrates parking under the building without direct pedestrian access to the interior of the building. The plans shall be redesigned to address this matter. e) The applicant shall relocate the solid waste facility such that the service vehicle is not obstructing part of the roadway while servicing the container. In addition, no wires or other overhead obstruction shall be located in the vicinity of the facility. LOVISA VERNON HAMILTON Block 4E Parcel 458 (F03-0441) (P03-1125) ($190,000) (EJ) Application for duplex (2x2). The applicant was scheduled to appear at 1:20 p.m. FACTS Location: Corner of Powell Smith Road & Fig Close, West Bay Zoning: High Density Residential Notice Requirements: Letter of Consent from effected parcels received. Background: N/A Parcel Size: 0.17 acres (7,405 sq. ft.) 6,500 sq. ft. required Site Coverage: 33.14% (40% allowable) Proposed Use: Duplex LETTER FROM APPLICANT’S AGENT “Please find attached copies of Architectural drawings for submittal to the Planning Authority regarding a proposed duplex for the above-mentioned project. I would like to request a variance for this project for the infringement of the setbacks on the west and south border of this property with the following 28 explanations. My client, the owner, has found it a more practical solution for them to build a duplex on this property, as this will provide them with the additional income for them to financially maintain this project. I was instructed to design a layout suitable to my client’s requirements and needs, thus producing the attached design. The infringements on the setbacks was unavoidable as the property is a corner lot and bordered by two fronting roads on the north and west side resulting in setbacks not standard in practice by having the front, rear and one side of this property with 20’-0” setbacks and one side 10’-0” setback. I would like to also indicate that Parcel 459 is owned by my client’s family, who have no objections to the proximity of this proposed project. I hope that this explanation will suffice, as this lot does not provide flexible alternatives to my client’s needs for a duplex development. Thank you for your kind attention and we look forward to your favourable response.” LETTER OF CONSENT “This is to certify that we the undersigned do not have any objections to the building plans submitted by our daughter Lovisa Antonette Vernon-Hamilton. We agree to the proposed duplex to be situated on Block 4E Parcel 458.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting three setback variances from the Authority for the subject duplex. The proposed duplex does not meet the required 20’ road setback, proposed approximately 18’ from Powell Smith and 18’ from Fig Close, 2’ under the required regulations. The third variance is for the rear setback proposed approximately at 12’ rather than the required 20’ minimum rear setback. The proposed meets all other planning requirements for site coverage, lot width and parking. The Authority is reminded of Regulation 8 (13) Notwithstanding sub-regulation (1), Regulation 9 (6), (7) and (8), and Regulation 10, the Authority may grant permission to carry out development that does not comply with all or any of those provisions if the Authority is satisfied(a) that an exceptional circumstance exists; and (b) that there is a sufficient reason why the permission should be granted. The applicant was scheduled to appear at 1:20 p.m, but the CPA felt that the applicant’s presence was not required. The CPA further discussed the following: (a) that an exceptional circumstance exists; and (b) that there is a sufficient reason why the permission should be granted. 29 Decision: It was resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions: 1) The applicant is required to obtain a Building Permit from the Chief Building Control Officer. Construction shall not commence prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. 2) Unless specifically authorized otherwise in writing by the Central Planning Authority, the Development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans which you will receive when the above condition is complied with. Provision shall be made for the removal of solid waste, including construction and demolition waste, from the site on a regular basis during the construction period. The applicant shall provide adequate number of sanitary facilities during the construction stage. The applicant is reminded that the finished floor level should be at least five feet (5’) above mean sea level, [i.e. two ft (2’) above the Vidal Bench Mark]. The applicant is also reminded that the proposed development is subject to compliance with the Public Health Law, Fire Brigade Law, Water Authority Law and Roads Law. To prevent potential delays and save money, the applicant may wish to coordinate with the following agencies prior to commencing any construction: Caribbean Utilities Company, Cable & Wireless and the Cayman Water Company and/or the Water Authority - Cayman. The applicant shall obtain a Final Certificate (of Fitness for Occupancy) prior to occupying the building. 3.04 MICHEAL FINELLI Block 1D Parcel 352 (FA81-0282) (P03-1020) ($65,000) (EJ) Application for a one (1) bedroom house. FACTS Location: North West Point Road in West Bay. Zoning: Low Density Residential Background: N/A Existing Use: House Proposed Use: House. Parcel Size: .50 (21,780 sq. ft.) Site Coverage: 8.38% Building Size: Existing – 1,066 sq. ft. 30 Proposed – 760 sq. ft. Total – 1,826 sq. ft. Parking Required: 2 Parking Proposed: 3 LETTER OF VARIANCE “The above proposed private dwelling (with existing dwelling on site) is situated in low density residential zoning, and as such with the parcel being 21,780 sq. ft of the required 25,000 sq. ft., we are requesting a variance of 3,220 sq. ft. Our client’s father is the owner of the existing dwelling and wants to help his son. Hoping you will consider favourably our proposal.”. PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is seeking a lot size variance from the Authority for an additional one bedroom house, since the subject lot exists at 21,780 sq. ft. (3,220 sq. ft.), under the required lot size. Under the current low-density residential zone the two houses would need 25,000 sq. ft. total (12,500 sq. ft. for each house). The Department has no major concerns other than any precedence it may set for the area. The proposed meets planning regulations and requirements for site coverage, lot width, parking, front, rear and side setbacks. The Authority is reminded of Regulation 8 (13) Notwithstanding sub-regulation (1), Regulation 9 (6), (7) and (8), and Regulation 10, the Authority may grant permission to carry out development that does not comply with all or any of those provisions if the Authority is satisfied(a) that an exceptional circumstance exists; and (b) that there is a sufficient reason why the permission should be granted. The CPA further discussed the following: • The lot can be accessed from two roads and therefore can have two road frontages • That an exceptional circumstance exists and that there is a sufficient reason why the permission should be granted. Decision: It was resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions: 1) The applicant is required to obtain a Building Permit from the Chief Building Control Officer. Construction shall not commence prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. 2) Unless specifically authorized otherwise in writing by the Central Planning Authority, the Development shall be carried out strictly in 31 accordance with the approved plans which you will receive when the above condition is complied with. Provision shall be made for the removal of solid waste, including construction and demolition waste, from the site on a regular basis during the construction period. The applicant shall provide adequate number of sanitary facilities during the construction stage. The applicant is reminded that the finished floor level should be at least five feet (5’) above mean sea level, [i.e. two ft (2’) above the Vidal Bench Mark]. The applicant is also reminded that the proposed development is subject to compliance with the Public Health Law, Fire Brigade Law, Water Authority Law and Roads Law. To prevent potential delays and save money, the applicant may wish to coordinate with the following agencies prior to commencing any construction: Caribbean Utilities Company, Cable & Wireless and the Cayman Water Company and/or the Water Authority - Cayman. The applicant shall obtain a Final Certificate (of Fitness for Occupancy) prior to occupying the building. 3.05 DEXTER BUSH Block 9A Parcel 661 (F03-0448) (P03-1136) ($5,000) (EJ) Application for a three (3) lot subdivision. FACTS Location: Off Adonis Drive, west of the Shore subdivision, in West Bay Zoning: Low Density Residential Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices were served on adjacent proprietors and no objections were received. Background: N/A Parcel Size: 0.96 acres (41,818 sq. ft.) Site Coverage: 0% Proposed Use: Subdivision Subdivision: Lot A = 0.3289 acres (14,330 sq. ft.), Lot B = 0.3312 acres (14,430 sq. ft.), Lot C = 0.2997 acres (13,058 sq. ft.) Total = 0.96 acres (41,818 sq. ft.) PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting permission from the Authority to subdivide the subject parcel into three (3) lots. All exceed the minimum 12,500 sq. ft. lot size for low density residential zone. 32 The Department has no concerns since the proposed meets all planning requirements for minimum lot size, lot width and road access. Decision: It was resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions: 3.06 1) The surveyor’s final drawing shall be submitted to the Planning Department for approval prior to the survey being registered. 2) Unless specifically authorized otherwise in writing by the Central Planning Authority, the Development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans. NCB PROJECT MANAGEMENT Block 27C Parcel 743 (F03-0437) (P031118) ($3,000) (KG) Application for sign and wall. FACTS Location: Savannah Tarpon Island Drive, Sunrise Landing, off Hirst Road, Zoning: Low Density Residential Background: No previous CPA action Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices were served on adjacent proprietors and no objections were received PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting planning permission for a sign to be affixed to a wall at the above mentioned property. The size of the sign is as follows: Length: 4.6’; Width: 3.0’; Area: 13.75 sq. ft. and reads “TARPON ISLAND” In addition, the applicant is proposing a wall 6’-0” in height at its highest point and 3’-8” at it lowest point. The wall would be affixed to entrance columns 8’-9” in height similar to some other subdivisions entrances on the island. The proposed wall and sign are in keeping with the Central Planning Authority decisions on subdivision entry features. The Department has no specific concerns with the application. Decision: It was resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions: 1) The applicant is required to obtain a Building Permit from the Chief Building Control Officer. Construction shall not commence prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. 2) Unless specifically authorized otherwise in writing by the Central Planning Authority, the Development shall be carried out strictly in 33 accordance with the approved plans which you will receive when the above condition is complied with. 3.07 ADEL LTD Block 2C Parcel 68 (F03-0432) (P03-1091) ($34,000) (EJ) Application for house addition. FACTS Location: North West Point Road, near Invicta Drive, West Bay Zoning: Beach Resort Residential Background: N/A Existing Use: House, cabana and swimming pool Proposed Use: House addition Parcel Size: .80 (34,848 sq. ft.) Site Coverage: 7.01% Building Size: Existing – 2,038 sq. ft. Proposed – 405 sq. ft. Total – 2,443 sq. ft. Parking: Required – 1 Proposed - 1 LETTER OF VARIANCE “Please accept this letter as a request for a side setback variance to allow the proposed addition to remain, as shown on the attached drawings, for the following reasons: • The immediate neighbour (2C 117) has provided written consent to the location of the proposed addition. • The applicants have strong reservation in carrying out development that extends closer to the coastline in fear of possible damages from inclement weather, as has been experienced by neighbouring developments like Dolphin Point Condos. • Also, the existing house layout is such that all the sleeping rooms & gathering areas take advantage of panoramic views of Seven Mile Beach, George Town and South Sound. The proposed additional bedroom is situated to enjoy the views as mentioned above. • The section of parcel 2C 68 between the house and the fronting road does not lend itself to development due to its narrow state. • The location of the structure, in my opinion, will not be detrimental or have an adverse affect on the present status or the future of the development on the 34 adjacent parcel (2C 117). • The application is in compliance with all other requirements. I trust that this information will be adequate for the approval of this application.” LETTER OF CONSENT “I acknowledge that I have seen the drawings for a single story extension to Villa Adel 497 North West Point Road Lot 2C and Parcel 68 WB which is adjacent to my property namely Tradewinds Point 495 North West Point Road. I give my permission for a variance to be made for that extension to be within the 10 foot setback from my property line as detailed in the drawings which I have also signed provided that the extension adjoining my property is a single story.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting a variance setback from the Authority for the subject house addition, proposed 5’ from the East (side) of the existing house, which would bring the addition 5’ from the boundary instead of the required 15’ side setback. With the property existing at .80 of an acre, the Department see no reason why the subject addition could not be situated on the property to meet all setbacks, bearing in mind the close proximity of the house on the effected parcel and the Department’s usual concerns for fire etc. The proposed meets all other planning requirements for site coverage, lot width, parking, front & rear setbacks. The Authority is reminded of Regulation 8 (13) Notwithstanding sub-regulation (1), Regulation 9 (6), (7) and (8), and Regulation 10, the Authority may grant permission to carry out development that does not comply with all or any of those provisions if the Authority is satisfied(a) that an exceptional circumstance exists; and (b) that there is a sufficient reason why the permission should be granted. The applicant’s agent was scheduled to appear at 1:20 p.m., but informed the Department that he chose not to appear. The CPA further discussed the following: Facts: The proposed development does not meet regulation 15(4)(b)(I) of the Development and Planning Regulations (2003 Revision. Findings: The Central Planning Authority does not have the discretion to vary required side building setbacks in the Beach Resort Residential zone. 35 Decision: It was resolved to refuse the application, for the following reason: 1) The Central Planning Authority does not have the discretion to vary setbacks in the Beach Resort Residential zone. The Authority wishes to remind the applicant of the right to appeal pursuant to Section 48(1) of the Development and Planning Law (2003 Revision). Such appeal shall be made by Notice in writing, and referred to as a “Notice of Appeal”. It shall be signed by yourself or your attorney-at-law and filed, along the prescribed CI$50.00 filing fee, in the offices of the Permanent Secretary, Planning, Communications, District Administration & Information Technology within the fourteen (14) day period as stipulated in Section 48 (1). Immediately thereafter, the appellant shall serve a copy of the Notice of Appeal on the Director of Planning and on all parties who may have filed objections or been heard at the hearing of the application to which the appeal relates. A copy of the Appeal Rules for the Development and Planning Law may be obtained from the Clerk of the Legislative Assembly. 3.08 WESLEYAN HOLINESS CHURCH Block 5B Parcels 278 and 268 (F01-0082) (P03-1095) ($60,000) (EJ) Application for garage and storage building. FACTS Location: Off Crescent Close in West Bay. Zoning: Low Density Residential Background: N/A Existing Use: Vacant Proposed Use: Garage and storage building for car and bus. Parcel Size: .12 acres (5,227 sq. ft.) (12,500 sq. ft.) Site Coverage: 24.28% Building Size: Existing – 0 Proposed – 1,269 sq. ft. Total – 1,269 sq. ft. Parking: Required – 1 Proposed - 2 LETTER OF VARIANCE “We are asking for the dispensation of the Board over the setbacks, and enclose the written consent of the adjoining owners bounding the site on the North, South, and East of our property to the setbacks as shown on our plans. We enclose also the statutory copy of the index map of the site together with a 36 copy of the Register. We thank you for your consideration of this proposal.” LETTER OF CONSENT “We hereby confirm that we have no objections to the proposed garage being erected with the setbacks as shown on this plan.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is seeking a setback variance from the Authority for permission to construct a double garage with storage area. The proposed garage/storage structure is proposed 10’ from the rear of the boundary instead of the required 20’ setback and is under the required lot size, existing at 5,227 sq. ft. (7,273 sq. ft.) below the required minimum 12,500 sq. ft. lot size for low-density residential area. The plan is to demolish the existing garage located on parcel 268 and rebuilt it on parcel 278 which has no registered access. However, access is proposed over 268 off crescent close. The Department is of the opinion that the proposed structure could be shifted 10’ (west) to meet the required 20’ rear setback with no impact on the driveway access. The Department has no major concerns for the following reasons: 1) the applicant has received consent from the effected parcels, 2) the proposed structure is for vehicles only and not for habitation, 3) a variance is needed for the rear setback only, 4) access is switched from the busy North West Point Road to a minor road (Crescent Close), 5) lots can be combined to address accessibility/undersized lot. The Authority is reminded of Regulation 8 (13) Notwithstanding sub-regulation (1), Regulation 9 (6), (7) and (8), and Regulation 10, the Authority may grant permission to carry out development that does not comply with all or any of those provisions if the Authority is satisfied(a) that an exceptional circumstance exists; and (b) that there is a sufficient reason why the permission should be granted. The CPA further discussed the following: • The applicant should submit a revised site plan illustrating the proposed building located in compliance with the minimum required twenty feet (20’) rear setback • The subject parcel should be combined with the Church parcel. • Access should be from the Church property only. Decision: It was resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions: In addition to Building Permit requirements, conditions (1-2) listed below shall be 37 met before a Building Permit can be issued. 1) The applicant shall submit a revised site plan illustrating the following information at a minimum: a) 3.09 The proposed building at a minimum of twenty feet (20’) from the rear boundary. 2) The subject parcel shall be combined with the Church parcel (268). Proof of an application to the Lands and Survey Department to combine shall be submitted to the Director of Planning prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. 3) The applicant is required to obtain a Building Permit from the Chief Building Control Officer. Construction shall not commence prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. 4) Unless specifically authorized otherwise in writing by the Central Planning Authority, the Development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans which you will receive when all of the above conditions are complied with. 5) Access shall be from Northwest Point Road over parcel 268. EVELYN ROCKETT Block 25B Parcel 337 (F98-0157) (P03-1108) (P03-1255) ($384,000) (EJ) Application for change-of-use from house with helper’s quarters to preschool and helper’s quarters and 5’ chainlink fence. FACTS Location: Orange Drive in Prospect Park Zoning: Low Density Residential Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices sent to adjacent proprietors. The application was also advertised in a newspaper and no objections were received. Background: Three (3) bedroom house with helper’s quarters was administratively approved on August 16, 2002 Proposed Use: Preschool and helper quarters. Parcel Size: 0.64 acres (27,878 2ft) Site Coverage: 18.23% (25% allowable) Building Size: Existing – 5,083 sq. ft. Change of use to: Preschool – 4,720 sq. ft. Helper Quarters – 363 sq. ft. Total – 5,083 sq. ft. 38 Parking: Required – 10 (1:500) Proposed – 6 LETTER FROM APPLICANT “I would greatly appreciate you considering my request for a “Change of Use” for the building on Block 25B Parcel 337 from a dwelling home to a Pre School. I am presently renting the property across the road at Block 25B Parcel 74 however, the rent has increased drastically and it is impossible for me to make ends meet. Last week I was fortunate enough to have a meeting with staff members of the Planning Department who were extremely informative in guiding me through the necessary process for this change. I was informed that no structural, electrical or plumbing changes had to be made. The surrounding dwelling is mostly rental properties with a few single dwelling homes. Please find enclosed the necessary documents required for this request. Thanking you in advance for your assistance.” LETTERS OF SUPPORT/CONSENT Letter #1 “This is to confirm that I support the application for a pre-school on Orange Drive, Prospect Park: • This area of Orange Drive is easily accessed by area residents through the internal network of roads in Prospect Park without having to use the main road (Shamrock) • It is considered to be safer from a traffic perspective than the four way intersections of Orange with Logwood, Birch and Mahogany where drivers have a tendency to speed in the north-south directions.” Letter #2 (from Education Department) “Our Department is in favour of the proposed pre-school application for Ms. Evelyn Rockett. We give our permission to proceed to process the application.” AGENCY COMMENTS Comments from Chief Environmental Health Officer and Water Authority are noted below. Chief Environmental Health Officer “The following comments are submitted with respect to the above application: Kitchen 1. The proposed access to the kitchen is not secure. A means of preventing the children having access to the kitchen should be provided. 39 2. Provision shall be made for the adequate cleansing of utensils used for the preparation and service of food. To facilitate this either a three-compartment sink or a dishwasher shall be provided. 3. If a dishwasher is provided specification for the dishwater shall be submitted to the DEH for review and approval. The specifications shall include the following: • The wash capacity of the dishwasher, racks per hour • The size of the racks, inches • The volume of water per rack in the wash cycle, gallons • The wash cycle time, seconds • The pump capacity, gpm • The rinse cycle volume, gallons • The rinse cycle time, seconds 4. If it is proposed to use a three-compartment sink, the sink shall be provided with a booster heater capable of heating the water to a temperature of not less than 180 degrees Fahrenheit. 5. In addition to the two-compartment preparation sink, a wash hand basin shall be provided. This facility shall be supplied with hand sanitizer and approval hand-drying facilities. Cistern 1. The purpose of the proposed water cistern should be stated. 2. Design details for the cistern should be submitted for review and approval. The details shall include the following: • Volume of the cistern • Dimensions of the cistern • Method of pre-filtration • Method of disinfection • Plumbing layout • Pump capacity 3. The water from the cistern shall be used only for flushing the toilets. In no case shall water from the cistern be used for cooking, hand washing, or drinking purposes. Solid Waste 1. A minimum of 4 33-gallon garbage bins shall be provided. 2. The location of the onsite solid waste facility is satisfactory.” 40 Water Authority “Please be advised that the above development is subject to approval upon compliance with the following requirements: • The developer shall provide a septic tank with a capacity of at least 2,500 US gallons. The septic tank shall be constructed in strict accordance with the Authority’s standards. • All treated effluent shall be discharged into a disposal well. The disposal well shall be constructed in strict accordance with the Authority’s standards. • The discharge pipe from the septic tank shall enter the disposal well at a height of at least two feet above the water table level in the well. • The developer shall also provide a grease interceptor with a liquid volume of at least 600 US gallons to treat the wastewater from the kitchen sinks prior to discharging into the treatment plant mentioned above. The grease interceptor shall be constructed in accordance with the Water Authority standards. Please be advised that this development is situated within the Water Authority’s public water supply area and will be connected to the system upon request by the owner. The location of that connection will be at the discretion of the Water Authority.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is seeking permission to change the existing approved house with helper quarters into a pre-school, with the existing helper quarters to remain. The change is for 4720 sq. ft. for the preschool leaving the remaining 363 sq. ft. as approved for the helper quarters. There is no proposal for any additional square footage. The site plan has been revised to include six (6) parking spaces, two for staff and four for clients. Under parking requirements for commercial development, the proposed preschool would require nine (9) parking spaces (1:500) and one (1) space for the helpers unit for a total of 10 spaces. The proposal provides for a play area and some shaded trees. However, it is the Department’s opinion that additional landscaping should be required along the boundaries of the subject parcel. After consulting with the applicant, she has informed us of her concerns with children playing around hedges and being trapped. Authority should note that the applicant has been informed that there are no provisions for the usually required sidewalk. The proposed meets all other planning requirements for massing, scale, proportion, design for the area and also meets site coverage, minimum lot size, lot width, parking and all setbacks. The Authority is reminded of Regulation 8 (13) Notwithstanding sub-regulation (1), Regulation 9 (6), (7) and (8), and Regulation 10, the Authority may grant permission to carry out development that does not comply with all or any of those provisions if the Authority is satisfied41 (a) that an exceptional circumstance exists; and (b) that there is a sufficient reason why the permission should be granted. Decision: It was resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions: 1) The applicant is required to obtain a Building Permit from the Chief Building Control Officer. The change of use shall not commence prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. 2) Unless specifically authorized otherwise in writing by the Central Planning Authority, the Development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans which you will receive when the above condition is complied with. Additionally, once construction has started, conditions (3-9) shall be complied with before a final Certificate of Occupancy can be issued. 3) 4) The following requirements are applicable to the kitchen: a) The proposed access to the kitchen is not secure. A means of preventing the children having access to the kitchen shall be provided. b) Provision shall be made for the adequate cleansing of utensils used for the preparation and service of food. To facilitate this either a three-compartment sink or a dishwasher shall be provided. c) If a dishwasher is provided specification for the dishwater shall be submitted to the DEH for review and approval. The specifications shall include the following: • The wash capacity of the dishwasher, racks per hour • The size of the racks, inches • The volume of water per rack in the wash cycle, gallons • The wash cycle time, seconds • The pump capacity, gpm • The rinse cycle volume, gallons • The rinse cycle time, seconds d) If it is proposed to use a three-compartment sink, the sink shall be provided with a booster heater capable of heating the water to a temperature of not less than 180 degrees Fahrenheit. e) In addition to the two-compartment preparation sink, a wash hand basin shall be provided. This facility shall be supplied with hand sanitizer and approval hand-drying facilities. The following requirements are applicable to the cistern: 42 a) The purpose of the proposed water cistern shall be stated. b) Design details for the cistern shall be submitted for review and approval. The details shall include the following: c) 5) • Volume of the cistern • Dimensions of the cistern • Method of pre-filtration • Method of disinfection • Plumbing layout • Pump capacity The water from the cistern shall be used only for flushing the toilets. In no case shall water from the cistern be used for cooking, hand washing, or drinking purposes. The following requirements are applicable to solid waste: a) A minimum of four 33-gallon garbage bins shall be provided. 6) The applicant shall provide a septic tank with a capacity of at least 2,500 US gallons. The septic tank shall be constructed in strict accordance with the Water Authority’s standards. 7) All treated effluent shall be discharged into a disposal well. The disposal well shall be constructed in strict accordance with the Water Authority’s standards. 8) The discharge pipe from the septic tank shall enter the disposal well at a height of at least two feet above the water table level in the well. 9) The applicant shall also provide a grease interceptor with a liquid volume of at least 600 US gallons to treat the wastewater from the kitchen sinks prior to discharging into the treatment plant mentioned above. The grease interceptor shall be constructed in accordance with the Water Authority standards. Please be advised that this development is situated within the Water Authority’s public water supply area and will be connected to the system upon request by the owner. The location of that connection will be at the discretion of the Water Authority. The applicant is reminded that a TV dish, shed or sign is subject to a separate application. The applicant is also reminded that the proposed development is subject to compliance with the Public Health Law, Fire Brigade Law, Water Authority Law and Roads Law. The applicant shall obtain a Final Certificate (of Fitness for Occupancy) prior to occupying the building. 43 3.010 GARFIELD & CARLTON EBANKS Block 15C Parcel 252 (F98-0034) (P031100) ($700,000) (KG) Application for eight (8) apartment units, swimming pool and gazebo. FACTS Location: Fair Lawn Road, Off Fairbanks Road, George Town Zoning: Low Density Residential Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices were served to adjacent proprietors and no objections were received Background: March 11th 1998, CPA approved previous application for apartments for the subject site. Existing Use: Vacant Proposed Use: Apartments Parcel Size: .4360 acre (18,992.16 sq. ft.) Site Coverage: 24.7% (max. allowable 25%) Building Size: Proposed – 9,024 sq. ft. Footprint – 4,692 sq. ft. Parking: Existing – 0 Required – 8 Proposed (CPA Guidelines) – 12 AGENCY COMMENTS Comments from the Chief Fire Officer and Chief Environmental Health Officer are noted below. Chief Fire Officer “Approved for planning permit only.” Chief Environmental Health Officer “The following comments are submitted with respect to the above application: Solid Waste 1. The location of the proposed solid waste facility is not satisfactory. In order to access the facility the vehicle would have to block part of the highway. 2. The facility shall be relocated to satisfy the following conditions: • The facility should be centrally located, and so place, as to allow easy access for servicing by the Department’s vehicles. • The container must be located so that the vehicle can access the container 44 directly and have adequate room to lift it into the discharge position. • The service vehicles should be able to enter and exit the site without having to reverse onto the highway. • The facility should be located away from overhead power lines and other protrusions that can cause electrical shock, injury, or other difficulties during servicing. • Where there is a canopy or other overhead projection under which the service must pass to access the onsite solid waste facility the minimum vertical clearance of 15 feet must be provided. • Enclosures should be placed at the end of the access way or at the side of the access way. • Where an enclosure is located at the side of an access way the angle of approach should not exceed 22.5 degrees. • A minimum clear space of 50 feet should be provided directly in front of the facility to allow the vehicle sufficient area to back out of the facility. 3. The facility shall be designed to satisfy the following criteria: • The floor slab should be constructed of reinforced concrete with a minimum thickness of 6 inches. • The enclosure should be constructed of suitable material and should have a minimum height of 5 ft 6 in. • The floor slab should have a floor drain located at the center of the slab, or some other convenient point. This drain should discharge into a deep well or other approved liquid waste disposal system. • The facility should be provided with water under pressure. A tap and hose should be provided to facilitate wash down. Swimming Pool 1. Insufficient details have been submitted with this application to allow an adequate assessment as to whether the swimming pool’s recirculation system is designed to meet the environmental health requirements necessary to ensure that the quality of the water can be maintained to protect the health of the users. 2. One copy of specifications, and of drawings drawn to scale with sufficient clarity and detail to indicate the nature and character of the work, should accompany any application. Such information should include these items: (a) Plot plans with site grades, dimensioned and drawn to scale of not less than 1/8 in. to 1 ft and showing at least the following: • the proposed pool shape of the pool, • the location of existing structures adjacent to the pool, 45 • the proposed deck work configuration and its drainage, and • the overall drainage of the pool site. (b) A mechanical plan showing at least: • the volume, system flow rate in gallons per minute, and turnover in hours. • the type and size of filtration system and means of waste disposal. • the pool-piping layout with all sizes shown and types of material to be used, and showing the location of the main outlet, surface skimmers, and inlets. • the rated capacity of the pool pump in gpm at the design head with the size and type of motor indicated in horsepower. • the total dynamic head. • the method of adding makeup water.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The proposal is for a two storey, eight (8) apartments units, pool and gazebo to be located at the above mentioned site. There are six (6) two (2) bedrooms units and two (2) one (1) bedroom units. The proposal has met all of the requirements such as rear, front and side building setbacks, parking and lot size. However the Department would like to bring the Authority’s attention to the following issues. 1. Aesthetics The rear elevation should be consistent with the front façade of the building. The rear elevation consists of a series of windows, triple sliding glass doors and a very clean monolithic roof form. However, the applicant’s agent has stated that the proposed development would profoundly improve the architectural context and conditions of the area. 2. Solid Waste The garbage container would be more efficient in another location. Current placement is unsuitable (see DEH comments). The CPA further discussed the following: The location of the solid waste facility is unsatisfactory. It should be relocated to the satisfaction of the Department of Environmental Health. The aesthetics of the rear elevations should be revised. The applicant should liaise with the Planning Department in this regard. Decision: It was resolved to adjourn the application, for the following reasons: 1) The aesthetics of the rear elevations shall be revised. The applicant should 46 liaise with the Planning Department in this regard. 2) 3.011 The location of the solid waste facility is unsatisfactory. It shall be relocated to the satisfaction of the Department of Environmental Health. AMELIAH M. CARZANA Block 28C Parcel 135 (FA87-0047) (P03-1194) (KG) Application for after-the-fact duplex. FACTS Location: Butterfly Circle, off Hirst Road, Savannah Zoning: Low Density Residential Notice Requirements: N/A Background: No previous CPA action. Existing Use: Occupied residence Proposed Use: After-the-fact conversion of house to 1 by 2 bedroom duplex. Parcel Size: 0.29 acre (12,632.4 sq. ft.) Site Coverage: 18.1% (max. allowable 25%) Building Size: Existing – 1,300 sq. ft. Proposed – 988 sq. ft. Parking: Existing - 2 Required - 2 LETTER FROM APPLICANT “I would like to apply for a building permit for an existing house located on BLK 28C PARCEL 135 in the name of Ameliah Carzana. The house was constructed about sixteen years ago and subsequently changed into a duplex five years later. The house currently has one meter and now the owner would like a separate meter installed. The extension was completed without planning permission so therefore it cannot be determined where the plumbing, structure, and electrical lines are located. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me. I look forward to a prompt reply.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The proposal is to convert a single storey residence into a duplex. As stated in the above letter, this residence was constructed sixteen years ago, and was converted into a duplex five years after construction. The proposal does comply with all of the requirements such as setbacks, parking, 47 and site coverage. However, the lot size at 12,632 sq. ft. is less than the minimum required 13,500 sq. ft. for a duplex in this zone (LDR). That being said, there are several duplexes and an apartment complex of 14 units in the neighbourhood. As a result of the lot size, the applicant has requested a variance. The Authority is reminded of Regulation 8 (13) Notwithstanding sub-regulation (1), Regulation 9 (6), (7) and (8), and Regulation 10, the Authority may grant permission to carry out development that does not comply with all or any of those provisions if the Authority is satisfied(a) that an exceptional circumstance exists; and (b) that there is a sufficient reason why the permission should be granted. The CPA further discussed the following: • There are duplexes in the subdivision on similar lot sizes. • That an exceptional circumstance exists and that there is a sufficient reason why the permission should be granted. Decision: It was resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions: 1) The applicant is required to obtain a Building Permit from the Chief Building Control Officer. 2) Unless specifically authorized otherwise in writing by the Central Planning Authority, the Development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans which you will receive when the above condition is complied with. 3) The parking lot and drive way aisles surfaced with asphaltic concrete or equivalent and tire stops provided for each parking space which must be striped. The applicant shall obtain a Final Certificate (of Fitness for Occupancy). 3.012 GLACESTER VERNON Block 14D Parcel 192 (FA84-0142) (P03-1183) ($110,000) (CH) Application for one (1) dwelling unit addition to existing house to create a duplex. FACTS Location: Oak Mill Street, off Anthony Drive, Templeton Pines, George Town Zoning: Medium Density Residential Notice Requirements: N/A Background: May 16, 1984 – permission was granted for a house. July 24, 1991 (CPA/18/91; item 7.2) the Authority 48 resolved to advise the applicant that the application was being considered for refusal. October 30, 1991 (CPA/28/91; item 7.2) outline planning permission was granted for a duplex on the parcel. March 25, 1992 (CPA/07/92; item 7.6) application for proposed apartment and garage was deferred for the following reason: 1) The proposal does not comply with the current Regulation and the Central Planning Authority intends to make recommendations regarding their amendment. November 4, 1992 (CPA/26/92; item 7.6) the Authority resolved to grant planning permission for an apartment and garage. Existing Use: Single family dwelling Proposed Use: Two (2) bedroom addition to create a duplex Parcel Size: 0.21 acre (9,147.6 sq. ft.) Building Size: Existing – 1,300 sq. ft. Proposed – 1,088 sq. ft. Parking: Required – 2 Proposed – 3 LETTER FROM APPLICANT’S AGENT “The above proposed Duplex (from private dwelling) is situated in medium density residential zoning adjoining a high density residential area. As such with the parcel being 9,148 sq. ft. of the required 10,000 sq. ft., we are requesting a variance of 852 sq. ft. Hope you will consider our proposal. PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is proposing to add a two storey, two (2) bedroom dwelling unit to an existing house to create a duplex. The Department would note that the size of the subject parcel is 9,147.6 sq. ft. In accordance with Regulation 9(7)(e) of the Development and Planning Regulations (2003 Revision), the minimum allowable lot size for a duplex is 10,000 sq. ft. Consequently the applicant is requesting a variance of 852.4 sq. ft. It should be noted that a similar proposal was approved at CPA/26/92; item 7.6. A site visit conducted by the Department revealed that predominantly apartments and duplexes exist within the immediate vicinity. The Department would note that the parcel is adjacent to high density zone, therefore the proposed development is consistent with surrounding developments. Consideration should 49 be given to the agent’s letter. The application meets planning requirements regarding setbacks distances, site coverage and parking. The CPA further discussed the following: • There are duplexes and apartments in the area on similar lot sizes. • That an exceptional circumstance exists and that there is a sufficient reason why the permission should be granted. Decision: It was resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions: 1) The applicant is required to obtain a Building Permit from the Chief Building Control Officer. Construction shall not commence prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. 2) Unless specifically authorized otherwise in writing by the Central Planning Authority, the Development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans which you will receive when the above condition is complied with. 3) The parking area shall be of asphaltic concrete or equivalent hard surface. Provisions shall be made for the removal of solid waste, including construction and demolition waste, from the site on a regular basis during the construction period. The applicant shall obtain a Final Certificate (of Fitness for Occupancy) prior to occupying that part of the building. 3.013 MARTIN & NORA BURKE Block 12D Parcel 53 (F03-0276) (P03-1211) ($230,000) (CH) Application to modify (increase area of building, swimming pool/deck) planning permission, and also application for entrance gate, cabana, garbage enclosure and temporary six (6) feet chain link fence. FACTS Location: Britannia Drive off West Bay Road Zoning: Hotel/Tourism Zone Notice Requirements: N/A Background: July 16, 2003 - planning permission granted for a house, swimming pool, garage with maids quarter. The application was reviewed administratively. Existing Use: Vacant Proposed Use: Single Family Dwelling 50 Parcel Size: 0.59 acre (25,879 sq. ft.) Site Coverage: 18% (40% allowed) Setbacks: Required – front – 25’, Rear – 25’, Sides – 19’ (50% x 38) Proposed – front: 60’, rear: 10’ (pool, cabana, deck) Sides 10’ and 28’ Building Size: Approved 10, 860 sq. ft. Proposed – 1130.5 sq. ft. Total = 11,990.5 sq. ft. (Including cabana) LETTER FROM APPLICANT “Attached is the amended planning application for a single-family residence on Block 12D Parcel 53. We request variance to the side & rear set backs for the pool, pool deck and cabana. As we understand a 10’-0” side setback for a single story building can be considered acceptable. In this case a 10’-0” setback could be suitable when considering that the construction mentioned is mostly open deck and ancillary to the main residence. Additionally these items are set directly towards private land for public use (Britannia Golf Course) therefore not interfering with any privacy issues to neighboring property. Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me. Your earliest approval of this request is appreciated.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting approval to modify approved house plans, which includes increase in the area of the building (internal arrangements) and increase in pool/deck area. The proposal also includes a garbage enclosure, ten (10) feet high gate with 13’8” high columns, cabana and a temporary six (6) feet high chain link fence to enclose the parcel during construction. The applicant is seeking rear and side setback variances for the cabana and swimming pool /deck. It should be noted that the planning application is subject to Regulation 10(2) which states “In certain cases unrelated development may be permitted by Authority within a Hotel/Tourism zone but it will be required to conform to the setback requirements applicable to hotels as well as other requirements applicable to its own particular type of development.” In accordance with the aforementioned Regulation, the minimum allowable rear setback distance, including the swimming pool and stairs of the deck shall be 25’. Therefore, the applicant is seeking a setback variance of 15’ for the swimming pool/deck and cabana. Regulation 10(1)(g) states that the minimum rear setback should be 25’. The Department would like to note that the rear parcel boundary is 51 roughly 130’ from the North Sound Coastline. In a telephone conversation the agent was asked to relocate the swimming pool closer to the house so as not to infringe too much within the setback distance. The agent indicated to table the plan as proposed to CPA. The minimum allowable side setback distances should be 19’, which is 50% the height (38’) of the proposed building. The Authority should note that the building has been approved administratively at the height indicated on the plans and a setback of 15’. Subsequent changes done by the applicant was on the assumption that the height and setbacks were fine. The changes as reflected in this addition regarding building height are consistent with the earlier permission. The applicant is requesting a variance of 4’ from the side parcel boundary for the cabana. The east elevation of the proposed cabana shows that it is an open structure that faces the side parcel boundary, and having a proposed height of 16’. The applicant indicated that the cabana is ancillary; however, the Regulations state that all structures are subject to setback requirements. The CPA further discussed the following: • That an exceptional circumstance exists and that there is a sufficient reason why the permission should be granted. Decision: It was resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions: 1) The applicant is required to obtain a Building Permit from the Chief Building Control Officer. Construction shall not commence prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. 2) Unless specifically authorized otherwise in writing by the Central Planning Authority, the Development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans that you will receive when the above condition is complied with. 3) The temporary chain link fence shall be removed prior to the issuance of a Final Certificate. Provisions shall be made for the removal of solid waste, including construction and demolition waste, from the site on a regular basis during the construction period. The applicant is reminded that the finished floor level should be at least five feet (5’) above mean sea level, [i.e. two ft (2’) above the Vidal Bench Mark]. The applicant shall obtain a Final Certificate (of Fitness for Occupancy) prior to occupying the building. 3.014 MARTIN & NORA BURKE Block 12D Parcel 78 (F03-0277) (P03-1213) ($710,000) (CH) Application for house addition, swimming pool/deck area increase, entrance gate and cabana. 52 FACTS Location: Britannia Drive off West Bay Road Zoning: Hotel/Tourism Zone Notice Requirements: N/A Background: July 16, 2003 planning permission granted for a house, swimming pool and garage with maids quarter. The application was reviewed administratively. Existing Use: Vacant Proposed Use: Single Family Dwelling Parcel Size: 0.57 acre (24,786 sq. ft. Site Coverage: 21% (40% allowed) Setbacks: Required – Front – 25’, Rear – 25’, Sides: 19’ (50% X 38) Proposed – Front - 29’, Rear - 10’ (pool/deck/cabana), Sides: 10’ and 28’ Building Size: Approved 11, 055.32 sq. ft. Proposed – 3904 sq. ft. Total = 14,959.32 sq. ft. (including cabana) LETTER FROM APPLICANT’S AGENT “Attached is the amended planning application for a single-family residence on Block 12D Parcel 78. We request variance to the side & rear set backs for the pool, pool deck and cabana. As we understand a 10’-0” side setback for a single story building can be considered acceptable. In this case an 10’-0” setback could be suitable when considering that the construction mentioned is mostly open deck and ancillary to the main residence. Additionally these items are set directly towards private land for public use (Britannia Golf Course) therefore not interfering with any privacy issues to neighboring property. Should you require any further information please do not hesitate to contact me. Your earliest approval of this request is appreciated. PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting approval for modification to approved house plan, which includes an increase in the area of the building (internal arrangements) and increase in pool/deck area. The proposal also includes a ten (10) feet high gate with 13’8” high columns and cabana. The applicant is seeking rear and side 53 setback variances for the swimming pool /deck and cabana. It should be noted that the application is subject to Regulation 10 (2) which states “In certain cases unrelated development may be permitted by Authority within a Hotel/Tourism zone but it will be required to conform to the setback requirements applicable to hotels as well as other requirements applicable to its own particular type of development.” In accordance with the aforementioned Regulation, the minimum allowable rear setback distance, including the swimming pool and stairs of the deck should be 25’. Therefore the applicant is seeking a setback variance of 15’ for the swimming pool/deck and cabana. The Department would note that Regulation 10(1)(g) states “the minimum rear setbacks are 25 feet from the road edge or lot boundary as the case may be”. In a telephone conversation the agent was asked to relocate the swimming pool closer to the house so as not to infringe within the setback distance. The agent indicated to table the plan as proposed to the CPA. The minimum allowable side setback distances should be 19’, which is 50% the height (38’) of the proposed building. The Department notes that Regulation 10(1)(f) states “the minimum side setbacks are fifty per cent of the height of the building with a minimum of 15 feet”. The Authority should note that the building has been approved administratively at the height indicated on the plans and at a setback of 15’. Subsequent changes done by the applicant was on the basis of the approved side building setback. The applicant is requesting a variance of 5’ from the side parcel boundary for the cabana. The east elevation of the proposed cabana shows that it is an open structure that faces the side parcel boundary, and having a proposed height of 16’. The applicant indicated that the cabana is ancillary; however, the Regulations indicate that all structures are subjected to setback requirements. Consideration may be given to the agent’s letter pointing to the rear and side parcel boundaries adjoining public open space (Britannia Golf Course). The CPA further discussed the following: • That an exceptional circumstance exists and that there is a sufficient reason why the permission should be granted. Decision: It was resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions: 1) The applicant is required to obtain a Building Permit from the Chief Building Control Officer. Construction shall not commence prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. 2) Unless specifically authorized otherwise in writing by the Central Planning Authority, the Development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans that you will receive when the above condition is complied with. Provisions shall be made for the removal of solid waste, including construction 54 and demolition waste, from the site on a regular basis during the construction period. The applicant is reminded that the finished floor level should be at least five feet (5’) above mean sea level, [i.e. two ft (2’) above the Vidal Bench Mark]. The applicant shall obtain a Final Certificate (of Fitness for Occupancy) prior to occupying the building. 3.015 HENDERSON HOLDINGS LTD. Block 11C Parcel 311 (F03-0466) (P031175) ($5,300) (CMH) Application for two (2) lot subdivision. FACTS Location: Peninsula Ave, between Magellan Quay and Jellicoe Quay, Governor’s Harbour, off West Bay Road. Zoning: Low Density Residential Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices were served on adjacent parcel owners and no objections were received. Background: No prior CPA action on this application Size of Parcels: Parcel A – 0.500 acre (21,780 sq. ft.) Parcel B – 0.5193 acre (22,620.71 sq. ft.) PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting permission for a two (2) lot subdivision. In accordance with Regulation 9(8) of the Development and Planning Regulations (2003 Revision) the lots are sufficiently sized for detached, duplex and semi-detached development. However the lots are inappropriate for apartments and guesthouse development unless variances are granted by the Central Planning Authority. It should be noted that plans are in place to upgrade the portion of Peninsula Ave shown on the plan from an access road to a bypass. Thus access to Parcel “B” should be from Jellicoe Quay. The proposal meets all other planning requirements therefore the Department has no further concerns with the proposed subdivision. Decision: It was resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions: 1) The surveyor’s final drawing shall be submitted to the Planning Department for approval prior to the survey being registered. 2) Unless specifically authorized otherwise in writing by the Central Planning Authority, the Development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans. The applicant is advised that access to any future development on lot “B” shall be from Jellicoe Quay road. The applicant is further advised that the proposed lot 55 sizes are inadequate for apartments. 3.016 CRITON HOLDINGS Block 17A Parcel 8 Rem1 (F00-0049) (P02-0404) (P020405) (P02-0406) (P02-0228) ($1,055,000) (JAB) Application for a private marina with associated excavation. FACTS Location: North of the existing Crystal Harbour Subdivision, off West Bay Road Zoning: Low Density Residential Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices were served to the adjacent owners and notice of the application was advertised twice in the newspaper on 10th and 17th May 2002 respectively. No objections were received. Background: Decision of CPA/15/02; item 5.10(C): The applicant is advised that the Central Planning Authority will not consider seawalls, excavation, boat slips and docks until (unless) a coastal works license is granted by the Governor in Council (EXCO) for excavation of the seabed. Existing Use: Vacant / Filled Proposed Use: Private marina Building Size: Six (6) storage buildings @ 130 sq. ft. each – 780 sq. ft. Parking: 18 spaces Docks: Seven (7) docks and seawall Excavation: 10,000 cubic yards AGENCY COMMENTS Comments from the Department of the Environment and Water Authority are noted below: Department of Environment “Further to review of the above-noted, the Department provides the following for consideration. 1. The DOE has no objection to the relocation of the marina to lots 10 and 11. 2. It is noted that the retention of a mangrove buffer was not required on these lots; instead a seawall was to be constructed on the boundary. If this wall has already been constructed the DOE would recommend that it be left in place until after the excavation has been completed and internal marina walls reveted. Otherwise the DOE would insist on the installation of silt screens and other containment prevention measures for the duration of works in order 56 to mitigate sedimentation of Governor’s Creek. 3. Details as to whether the marina will house fuelling facilities have still not been provided. If so intended, plans should be submitted for review, including operation, maintenance and spill contingency procedures to the Chief Petroleum Inspector. The DOE would be happy to provide additional recommendations for such facilities based on recognized IMO guidelines for marinas, which include standard sewage pump-out requirements. 4. As noted in Figure 1, a ledge of varying depth (3.8 ft to 4.5 ft) exists offshore the subject parcels. Access to the southern lot should be uninhibited as depths from previous dredging activity place the seabed in this area at 11 ft at the cut, dropping to 16 ft final depth. While these depths could accommodate most vessels currently entering Governor’s Creek, the DOE was of the understanding that the applicant intended vessels drawing up to 8 ft to utilize this facility by dredging the nearshore to 10 ft. While Governor’s Creek channel itself has a limiting depth of 8 ft in some areas, the applicant is reminded that a coastal works licence must be secured in order to deepen the seabed offshore the subject lots.” Water Authority “With respect to the proposed excavation as indicated on the site plan: Under the Water Authority Law, the developer is required to obtain a canal permit for this excavation. A canal permit will be issued upon receipt of the following: 1. Proof of Planning Permission. 2. A completed canal permit application form. 3. The canal permit fee payable to the Water Authority. The fee for a canal permit is $0.03 per square metre. 4. Proof of third party liability insurance, if blasting will be carried out for this excavation. All blasting for the canal shall be carried out in strict accordance with the directives of the Chief Engineer of the Public Works Department. The excavation shall be carried out in a manner that ensures that no contaminants are introduced into the groundwater. All fuel and lubricant storage containers shall have secondary containment with a volume of at least 1.1 the volume of fuel or lubricant stored.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting permission to develop a private marina in the “Lalique Phase” of the Crystal Harbour Subdivision. The development was previously proposed on lot #12 of the subdivision; however, the applicant has stated that obtaining a coastal works license to access the proposed marina was deemed to be too time consuming and expensive. The applicant has now proposed to relocate the marina to lots #10 & 11 and a 57 portion of lot #12. The applicant contends that this location will not require the need to excavate outside of their parcel boundaries to access the marina, and therefore will not require a coastal works license. Based on the comments provided by the Department of Environment and 1999 aerial photography, the proposal as submitted seems feasible as opposed to the previous location which was clearly too shallow for boat access without excavating the “Queens Bottom”. As can be seen from the photographs provided, the subject property has been cleared and filled and therefore no environmental concerns should remain. However, as a result of a condition of CPA30/00; item 3.01 (regarding the original subdivision approval), which states “You are reminded that seawalls or like structures are not permitted to be constructed on parcels ten (10) to eighteen (18)”, the Authority should discuss whether to modify this condition in order to allow the proposed marina, as the seawall is an essential element for a marina. The Department is of the opinion that the aforementioned condition was included in the subdivision approval as a result of environmental concerns raised by the DOE in a memorandum to the Department dated March 16, 2000. The concerns raised in the memorandum were specifically aimed toward the development of the peninsula lots and therefore should not have as much bearing on the lots in question as they are located on the periphery of the peninsula. The current memorandum from the DOE dated November 5, 2003, also endorses the proposed location for the proposed development. The CPA further discussed the following: • Clarification is needed on whether a Coastal Works License is required. Decision: It was resolved to adjourn the application, for the following reason: 1) 3.017 Clarification on whether a Coastal Works License is required. SNUG HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT LIMITED Block 12C Parcel 373 (F010055) (P03-0995) ($0) (NAW) Modification of application to reduce Lands for Public Purposes removing 65’ in width mangrove frontage. Appearance 2:30 FACTS Location: Eastern edge of Snug Harbour development, off West Bay Road Zoning: Low Density Residential Notice Requirements: Notices were served on all residents of the snug harbour subdivision and expired on 5 December 2003. No objections were received. Existing Use: Uncleared Mangrove 58 Proposed Use: Residential Lots Lot Size 1.22 Acres Background At a meeting held on August 8, 2001 (CPA/25/01; item 4.01) an application for a 10 lot subdivision of the Lands for Public Purposes, a 6’ vinyl fence, park, and gazebo were approved for Block 12C Parcel 373. At a meeting held on December 5, 2001 it was brought to the Authority’s attention that the planning permission granted on August 8, 2001 was deficient to the extent that it did not address the complete decision of the Authority. On October 1, 2003 the applicant submitted the application to modify planning permission in order to remove the restriction to maintain a 65’ mangrove buffer on Lot A. At a meeting held on October 15, 2003 (CPA/29/03; item 6.02) the applicants letter requesting that only those members of the subdivision not previously objecting to the subdivision be notified was considered and it was resolved to invite the applicant in. At a meeting held on November 12, 2003 the letter was again considered and it was resolved that all landowners within the subdivision be notified prior to the modification being considered by the CPA. AGENCY COMMENTS Comments from the Department of Environment are noted below. Department of Environment “Further to review of the above-noted application, the Department’s Technical Review Committee provides the following comments for consideration. 1. The 65-foot mangrove buffer is on the subdivision approved plans and the Department would not be in favor of this condition being compromised. The DoE has no doubt that the CPA is aware of the importance of mangrove ecosystems to Cayman and the rest of the world. Shoreline stabilization, habitat for juvenile fish and other marine life, habitat for resident and migratory birds, and a filtration system for nutrients before they reach the North Sound are only a few of the functions this mangrove ecosystem provides. This fringing mangrove provides some storm protection to the coastal development beyond. In addition, a small mangrove cay sited offshore (parcel 366) is the nighttime roost for approximately 700 Snowy Egrets, and a smaller number of Frigate birds and other species. 2. This application has highlighted a disturbing recent trend with developments bordering mangrove ecosystems – the inclusion of buffers on plans for review, 59 only to apply to remove or alter them when the plan is approved. The Department has been given similar assurances by other developers in the recent past to maintain undisturbed mangrove buffers, only to have future requests made to trim or clear these areas at great detriment to the ecological function of the ecosystem and to the coastal development itself. If an applicant has no intention of maintaining a mangrove buffer then why put it in plans for approval? 3. The Department would like to reiterate comments provided on the initial application, dated 12 April 2001, your reference F01-55. A poor president will be set if permission is granted to remove the restriction on maintaining the mangrove buffer. Approved plans indicate a 65-foot buffer and removing this restriction will jeopardize the environmental integrity of the property. Please do not hesitate to contact the Department should you have queries regarding the above or require further assistance. APPLICANTS LETTERS Letter #1 “We refer to your letter to ourselves dated 20 December 2001 wherein you confirmed that the Central Planning Authority has granted us planning permission (“Planning Permission”) to subdivide the aforementioned parcel subject to certain conditions. Also enclosed for your ease of reference is the approved subdivision plan (“Plan”) for the aforementioned parcel. One of the conditions (“Mangrove Buffer Condition”) of the Planning Permission is that we maintain a 65’ wide mangrove buffer on Lot A shown on the Plan. Please find enclosed our application to modify the Planning Permission by removing the Mangrove Buffer Condition. Also enclosed is a fact sheet, which describes some of the significant facts in relation to our application. Please note that we intend to provide notices of our application to all of the persons to whom we provided notice of our original application. Such persons include (i) the proprietors within the notification zone surrounding Parcel 373; and (ii) the proprietors within Snug Harbour to whom we hand delivered our initial application but who did not give their consent (which group of proprietors includes all of the persons within Snug Harbour who objected to our initial application). You have indicated to us that in your view we should be required to notify all of the proprietors within Snug Harbour of our modification application, even those persons who gave their consent to our initial application. However, we respectfully ask the CPA to not require us to notify anyone other than those persons described in the preceding paragraph. As set out in the Fact Sheet, SHDL did not present to any of the proprietors who gave their consent that it would maintain a mangrove buffer on Lot A and none of such proprietors made it a condition of their consent that SHDL maintain a mangrove buffer. Accordingly, we believe that it would not achieve any useful purpose if the CPA were to require 60 us to notify the proprietors who gave their consent to our initial application. We would also respectively ask the CPA to grant us a hearing to present our case. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require anything further in order to process our application.” Letter #2 “We refer to our letter to you dated 1 October 2003 and the hearing of the Central Planning Authority (“CPA”) that took place on 12 November 2003, which we attended. At the aforementioned hearing the acting Chairman of the CPA asked us to make submissions in relation to the issue of whether Snug Harbour Development Limited (“SHDL”) should be required to provide notice of its current application to those proprietors within Snug Harbour who gave their consent to SHDL’s initial application (“Consenting Proprietors”). We understand that, notwithstanding our submissions at the aforementioned hearing, the CPA has ruled that we should notify all of the Consenting Proprietors of our current application. Accordingly, we have sent to all of the Consenting Proprietors notice of our current application. Please find enclosed copies of all of the relevant notices and the registered post receipts for those notices. We would like to emphasise the following points in relation to our current application: • As a result of the planning approval that SHDL received in December 2001, the LPP in Snug Harbour currently comprises 8.3% of the land and approximately 2/3rds of the waterfront land in Snug Harbour. In no other sub-division on Grand Cayman has the CPA placed such stringent requirements on the developer. • The mangrove buffer on Lot A is approximately 185 feet in length and amounts to only 0.3 of an acre. In the view of SHDL, the removal of such a small amount of mangrove buffer would have a relatively insignificant impact on the environment. • It should be borne in mind that the Park Parcel shown on the approved subdivision plan (“Plan”) comprises approximately 2/3rds of the waterfront land in Snug Harbour and has approximately 2 acres of mangrove buffer on it and SHDL has no intention of removing or disturbing that mangrove buffer. • Lot A has the same or similar zoning to the following parcels: the waterfront parcel on the point at the eastern end of Palm Heights Drive, the waterfront parcel on the point at the eastern end of the Britannia Development, the waterfront parcels at the eastern end of Canal Point, the waterfront parcels at the eastern end of Safe Haven, the waterfront parcels at the eastern end of the Cayman Islands Yacht Club and Vista Del Mar, the waterfront parcels at the northern end of Cayman Grand Harbour, and the waterfront parcels in Mangrove Point (which development is to the west of, and adjacent to, Sunrise Landing). None of those parcels are subject to a restriction to maintain a 61 mangrove buffer. If the CPA did not require the developers of the developments in which those parcels are located (many of whom are nonCaymanians), unlike the owners of SHDL) to maintain a mangrove buffer, we submit that it would be unfair for the CPA to require SHDL to maintain a mangrove buffer on the sole “waterfront” lot that SHDL has been able to obtain. SHDL is not seeking any special treatment in relation to it application. SHDL is simply asking to be treated in a similar manner to that in which the developers of the other waterfront developments on Grand Cayman have been treated. Please keep in mind that we are talking about only one parcel of land a relatively small amount of mangrove. It is the sole waterfront lot that the developer has been able to acquire and we feel that it is only fair that the lot should be free of mangrove buffer restrictions when you consider that (i) other similar lots are free of such restrictions and (ii) the relevant developers of those lots have not been required to incur the vast expense of enhancing the LPP in their respective developments that SHDL has been required to incur. We would respectfully ask the CPA to grant us a second hearing to allow us to present our arguments in support of our current application. Please do not hesitate to contact us should you require anything further in order to process our application.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS Lot A of the original Lands for Public Purposes was approved with a 65’ Mangrove Buffer strip. The applicant is proposing to remove this mangrove buffer strip. Contrary to the applicant’s letter this 65’ buffer was not a condition of planning approval, rather, it was introduced as part of the proposal by the applicant on the approved plan which was received May 15, 2001. As such, the Central Planning Authority had no need to impose a condition of approval for this purpose. Based on review of the application the Department would recommend that the maintaining of a mangrove buffer strip along the west coastline of North Sound has consistently been a recommendation backed by the Central Planning Authority. Such instances include but are not limited to Section 2.3(b) of the Development Plan 1997, 2.3(b) A comparable situation arises where developments are proposed in the mangrove wetlands. Consideration must be given to the type of mangrove that would be disturbed, to the ecological and biological effects and to whether the storm and hurricane protection of the Islands would be reduced. New developments proposed in the mangrove areas or wetlands may be subject to the environmental analysis provisions contained in Appendix 3 and other relevant provisions of the Statement in a manner which enables the Authority to be satisfied that62 (i) the application site is suitable for the use and form of development proposed; (ii) the development will not have a detrimental impact on the natural, human and built environments of the area; and (iii) the scale, density and design of development take proper account of a site’s physical and environmental characteristics. Sections 2.2, 3.16, 3.19 of the Proposed Amendments 2003 to the Development Plan 1997 also support maintaining such a buffer. 2.2 Ownership of land has always been an important part of the way of life in Grand Cayman, hence a flexible approach to land zoning has been adopted as the policy of this development plan. The area of Grand Cayman Island is 76.4 square miles but a substantial percentage of this area consists of "wetlands", namely the mangrove wetlands. As explained later in this statement, certain areas of mangrove must be retained since they are performing important ecological, biological and storm protection functions but there remains a considerable acreage of land available for development. 3.16(a)Clustering of lots, which may be less than the required minimum parcel size, to allow the permitted density of development to be situated on the property in such a way as to allow for the protection and retention of a variety of natural features, including but not limited to: drainage, wildlife habitat, mangroves, topographic features, and mature vegetation. 3.19 There is a high degree of interconnection between the ecological and physical processes on land and in the sea. This is of particular concern for islands such as Grand Cayman, where there is a symbiotic relationship between the land and the sea that requires that the effects of development on both systems should be considered in concert when making development decisions. This is most critical where the coastline is either beach or mangrove. Vision 2008 which has been adopted by the Legislative Assembly further supports maintaining the Mangrove on this site as stated by Strategy XI Action Plan 4(1,3) and Action Plan 8(9) which state: AP4(1) Officially declare the North Sound and its remaining fringing mangroves an area of national importance. AP4(3) Amend immediately the Planning Law to prohibit any further removal of remaining mangroves (with the exception of access channels) within 300ft. of the outer edge of the mangroves fringing the Western and Southern periphery North Sound, which contribute to any ecological, physical or aesthetical benefits related to the North Sound. 63 AP8(9) Prohibit removal (with the exception of limited access channels) of any mangroves lying within the intertidal zone. In this instance the Department would suggest exercising the powers instated in Appendix 3 of the Development Plan 1997 which allows the CPA to require an Environmental Impact Statement. Appendix 3 The submission of an environmental impact statement (EIS) for development projects which, because of the characteristics of the site or the particulars of the proposal, may be required in order for the Authority to carefully examine the potential impacts of the development prior to the determination of the application. An environmental impact statement shall include the appropriate plans, information and data in sufficient details to enable the Authority to determine, examine and assess the potential environmental impacts of the proposal. The Department would further note that it is in support of the Department of Environment’s comments. It is also recommended that the Central Planning Authority consider changing the zoning of this 65’ strip of mangrove to Mangrove Buffer. SUMMARY In summary the Department does not concur with the proposal to remove the mangrove buffer strip as proposed by the applicant. In addition, all mangrove buffer along the west coast of the North Sound should be maintained with the exception of implementation of an access channel. In this particular instance the Department does not see the need even for an access channel as it would not provide substantial public benefit as it would only appear to serve the proprietors of lot A. As such the Department recommends that the Central Planning Authority adhere to the original approved plan in accordance with CPA/25/01 and CPA/37/01. The following individuals appeared before the CPA on behalf of Snug Harbour Development (SHDL). William Reid Bryan Hunter Jennifer Hunter Mr. Hunter: SHDL would like to remove the buffer for the following reasons: • The LPP is 8.3% which is much larger than the 5% normally required. • Two thirds of the shoreline is buffer. • The coastline of no other subdivision has been restricted like this one. • The use of lot “A” is substantially reduced by mangroves. • Mr. Reid is to occupy lot “A”. He would like access to the shoreline and 64 benefit from the sea breeze. • The buffer is only 1/3 of an acre. Removing it would have insignificant impact on the environment. • The vast majority of mangrove is to be retained. • The CPA may note that the park is probably the nicest in any subdivision on the Island and is to be maintained by SHDL for ten years. SHDL spent about $280,000 on the park. Mr. Reid: The CPA should note that the park is finished. Mr. Hunter: Residents of Snug Harbour frequently use the park, including young children, and they are happy with the park. No one else has been required to do a park like ours. Lot “A” is zoned similar to others on the waterfront. No mangrove buffer was required on the waterfront of subdivisions such as Palm Heights, Britannia, Canal Point, Safe Haven, Cayman Islands Yacht Club, Vista Del Mar, Grand Harbour and Mangrove Point. It is unfair for the CPA to require SHDL to maintain a buffer on the only waterfront lot that SHDL has been able to obtain. CPA: Is the subject land adjacent to Canal Point? Mr. Reid: No, it adjoins Palm Heights. Mr. Hunter: It appears that we are being unfairly singled out. Our initial proposal for the sixty-five feet wide buffer was consistent with that of Crystal Harbour. However, that buffer was reduced by the CPA. We notified all proprietors in the area as required and there were no objections. If the CPA had required all developers to maintain 2/3 of their waterfront, there would not be an issue with the buffer. However, that has not been the case. It appears that we are now being unfairly targeted. The comments from the Department of Environment have little relevance to our plan. The CPA may note that initially Snug Harbour was filled to the sea. Mangroves have grown since then along the waterfront. We submit that our plan would cause no adverse environmental impact. We are not asking for special treatment, just fairness. This is the sole waterfront lot and other developments were not restricted. No one else was required to develop a park. There were no objections. Mr. Reid: The waterfront is 500 feet in length. Three hundred and fifty feet of it is to remain untouched. CPA: The park appears to be quite an asset to the area. You mentioned that the CPA required the applicant to develop the park. This is not the case. Mr. Hunter: It was a requirement of permission based on our application. When we asked to reduce the LPP a majority of landowners had to approve. They would only approve if amenities were installed. CPA: Did you always intend to do a park? Mr. Hunter: Yes. 65 CPA: This is not the only subdivision with a mangrove buffer. For example at Sunrise Land only three or four lots have water frontage. The original proposal for Snug Harbour included a 100 feet buffer. Mr. Reid: A previous Director of Planning designed the Snug Harbour subdivision plan. Ms. Hunter: Two-thirds of the water frontage is LPP. That is not the case at any other subdivision. Mr. Hunter: Also, no other subdivision has 8.3% LPP or amenities. There being no further discussion with the applicant’s representatives, the Chairman thanked them for appearing. They left at 3:06 p.m. The CPA further discussed the following: • Although there is a mangrove shoreline, the subject property in its entirety is zoned Low Density Residential. • Based on all the information provided, the applicant’s request appears reasonable. • The shoreline should be composed of a seawall with low foliage. The applicant should liaise with the Department in this regard. Decision: It was resolved to modify planning permission of August 8, 2001 (CPA/25/01; item 4.01) to remove mangrove frontage from lot “A”, subject to the following condition: 1) 3.018 An application shall be submitted for a seawall at the seaward edge of lot “A”. The seawall edge shall be designed to incorporate low foliage. The applicant is advised to liaise with the Planning Department in this regard. WIRELESS VENTURES Block 25B Parcel 535 (F03-0337) (P03-0863) (P030864) (P03-0865) ($260,000) (BES) Application for 117’ cellular tower, 8’ fence, telecom shelter and generator. Appearance at 3:53 FACTS Location: Poindexter Drive, Spotts Zoning: Low Density Residential. Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices were served on adjacent proprietors and objections were received (see “Objections” below) One person wrote withdrawing his objection. Proposed Use: Same as above 66 AGENCY COMMENTS Comments form the Director of Chief Environmental Health Officer and Director of Civil Aviation are noted below. The Department is awaiting comments from the Chief Fire Officer, Director of MRCU and Director of ICTA Authority. Chief Environmental Health Officer “The following comments are submitted with respect to the above application: 1. Secondary containment should be provided for the fuel tank. 2. Details of the proposed containment facility should be submitted for review and approval. 3. A toilet should be provided. 4. Provision should be made to reduce the impact of noise from the generator on the community.” Civil Aviation Authority “On June 29th, 2003, an MRCU aircraft conducting mosquito control operations in the West Bay Ares during twilight hours, narrowly avoided collision with an unlighted communications tower painted green. Fortunately the incident was a near miss, however, it may well have resulted in loss of life. In recognition of the seriousness of this breach of safety, a meeting was concluded on July 22, 2003, to determine the circumstances surrounding this mishap and to review the approval process for the erection of communication towers, in order to ensure that such an incident does not reoccur. Present at the meeting were: CAA – Mr. David Frederick, D/DCA, Mr. Kerith McCoy, Head of Airport Operations, Mr. Jeremy Jackson, Head of Air Traffic Services, Mr. Ian Scott, Head of Flight Operation; MRCU – Mr. Bill Petrie, Director; C&W – Mr. Albert Anderson & Mr. Cleavy Scott; CPA – Mr. Adrian Bodden. It was unanimously agreed by all present, that the approval process related to the erection of all future communication towers, which may constitute an aviation hazard, shall be in accordance with the following: • To ensure adequate daytime visibility, the tower shall be painted in alternative sections of orange and white or red and white. The standard related to this requirement may be found in International Civil Aviation Organisation Annex 14, Volume 1. A copy of the relevant section is attached. • To ensure adequate nighttime visibility, the tower shall be lighted in accordance with the requirements of the Aerial Spraying Protection Law, 1974. Luminescence and candela requirements may also be found in ICAO Annex 14, Volume 1. • The CPA has agreed to address the problem of temporary lighting during construction of a tower. 67 It was further agreed, that if necessary, additional meetings would be scheduled to address any further issues concerning the satisfactory resolution of this matter.” OBJECTIONS Letter #1 (signed by 13 objectors) “As a concerned group of residents who will be adversely affected by the erection of the above proposed antenna, we wish to register our objection to this venture. We feel that the proposers of this development have been remiss in their duties as they have not informed all parties likely to be affected by their development. There are 12 apartments at Willor Pointe (with a further 6 under construction, and largely pre-sold) and, as far as we can establish, only 2 of the resident owners were informed of the proposed development. In addition, the notice by the developer stated that all owners had been informed on the 21st August 2003, and had been given 21 days to submit any objections. In truth, of the two owners mentioned above, one only received the notice on the 27th August, and the other only received it on the 2nd September, thereby reducing the period in which to inform other owners and formulate an objection to only 10 days, instead of 21 days. In this regard, we feel that the actions of the developers have been misleading and irresponsible. The reasons for our objections to the erection of this antenna are fourfold: • Firstly, research suggests that in areas where base station antennas are erected, neighbouring properties generally suffer from a reduction in value to the tune of 10 – 20%. Obviously, as owners, we do not want our investments to suffer in this way. The antenna is likely to be an eyesore in what is otherwise a pleasant country lane. • Secondly, there has been much recent international press coverage about the perceived health risks associated with these masts. Various articles have been printed off the internet, and are enclosed with this letter, to substantiate this objection. Currently there is not long-term research into low-level microwave radiation exposure. What we are seeing reported in the press, are stories of people having lived for 3 years next to a mast becoming ill with cancerrelated illnesses. We believe that there is a real danger from radiation, and that we should not be experimented on. From the enclosed research, it can be deduced that those people in the vicinity of the antenna could be exposed to the following health risks: lowered melatonin production, resulting in sleep problems, lethargy, mood alterations, phychiatric disorders, impaired immune system and Alzheimers disease; altered brain activity, including EEG and reaction times, memory loss, headaches, fatigue, concentration loss and dizziness; impaired learning; altered blood pressure and heart rythym; increased risk of suicide; reduced sperm count; increased miscarriage and congenital abnormalities; damage to DNA strands and chromosome cells; increased incidence of many types of 68 cancer, including leukaemia, brain tumor, testicular cancer, genitourinary and breast cancer. • Thirdly, Government is proposing to build the new Spotts School on the adjacent site. We believe that as custodians of the adults of the future, it is Government’s duty to safeguard the health and wellbeing of these schoolchildren (and teachers), who will be exposed to low-level microwave radiation for a considerable part of each weekday. Non-thermal effects of low level emissions, such as tumours, headaches, memory loss and loss of concentration are certainly not the sort of influences you want on children in a learning environment. “Children, because of their size, tend to act as resonant aerials at cellular-phone frequencies, thus enhancing the signal levels in their bodies”. How will the futures of these schoolchildren be affected, not only in terms of their physical health and wellbeing, but also in terms of tertiary education and employment possibilities that may well be jeopardized as a result of their exposure to the emissions from the mast, and the effect that this exposure had on their learning abilities? • Fourthly, in addition to the long-term health risks posed to the schoolchildren, there exists the short-term risk of serious accidents occurring on the site of the antenna. Children, being children, are very likely to regard climbing the mast as a rite of passage and a chance to gain kudos among their peers, and regardless of the fencing or security measure taken, children will always find a way to gain access to the antenna. Serious accidents are inevitable as a result. We believe that it will be irresponsible of Government and the Planning Department to listen only to the developers, who will ensure than any evidence they present will prove their standpoint on safety. There is too much evidence available to support our view to the contrary. In the absence of exclusive evidence that this antenna will be safe, something that cannot be proven without substantial properly structured research, we believe that it is necessary to use common sense and prudent avoidance. It is not our intention, or desire, to hinder progress in Cayman, however, we do believe that the health and welfare of neighbouring residents and the pupils and staff of the proposed Spotts School will be best served by locating this antenna in a location which is less densely populated, and thereby more suitable for this purpose. We trust that a mature and responsible decision will be made regarding this application.” Letter #2 “We are the owners of 5, Willow Pointe, 80 Poindexter Road, George Town (Block and Parcel No. 25B 5261111) and reference is made to our letter of 17th October 2003. Your office has now confirmed that we should have been consulted about the 69 above application and that due to a technical issue at Lands and Survey the information the information of our ownership was not available to the applicant. We understand that it is in order for us to still make an objection to the application and we hereby do so. It may be that there are other property owners who have not been consulted and if so this needs to be rectified. Our neighbour at Number 4 told us that he had not received a letter about the application. There are a number of factors that should be taken into consideration in regard to the application by Wireless Ventures (Cayman Islands) Ltd. The area in which the antenna is proposed is a pleasant country residential neighbourhood and a mast of the stated height (or any mast) and associated buildings will ruin the ambiance of the area. With the necessary top lighting it will be a definite nuisance to residents in its vicinity. The distance from our front door to the proposed site of the mast is approximately 150 ft. This is an outrageously short distance and it is fundamentally unfair to erect such an eyesore and nuisance so close to residential accommodation. It is obviously damaging for the comfort of residents and will be a cause for the loss of value of property and thereby impact on the development of other residences. Of utmost importance and of very deep concern to us is that evidence shows that people residing in close proximity to transmission masts are likely to suffer serious health problems from the waves emitted. The diseases include cancers, stress related illness and sleep disorders to name but a few. The long-term effects are most likely to also impact on the children residing in the locality and those attending the new Prospect School. We therefore respectfully suggest that it is imperative for full consultation to be held with the Medical Officer of Health, the Director of Environment and the Chief Education Officer regarding not only this proposal but in regard to other sites for masts on all three islands. We recognise that the development of telecommunications is very important and we do not wish to hinder progress. We are however convinced that it is in the interests of the islands, the population, service providers, landowners on whose property masts are erected and the relevant authorities to seek a solution regarding the erection of masts that will benefit all and that the application should be denied.” Letter #3 “I am writing in regards for the application for planning permission for the purpose of constructing a Wireless Antenna, fence and ancillary components on Block 25B Parcel 526 near to my residence of Willow Pointe (Block 25B Parcel 526 H4). I want you to know that I strongly object to this development. Pleas refer to the previously sent petition, signed in objection by many residents of Willow Pointe. We are particularly concerned with the health problems associated with 70 prolonged exposure to wireless antennas. Not only within our residential community but the teachers and children at the future school, yards away from this proposed antenna. Having done some research, these antennas have been banned in populated areas in the UK, New Zealand and the US. Please ensure that extensive research is done before long-term problems arise here in Cayman. Not only are there health issues with the development of the antenna the value of my property will decrease dramatically. Would you want to buy or live in a home with an antenna as your view? I choose this area for its beauty. Slowly but surely this is being taken away from our community. I am also particularly concerned with the fact that not all of the residents of Willow Pointe have been notified of this development and the fact that notification was only received 10 days ago. Please ensure that they are all notified immediately. Once again please accept this fax as my objection.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting planning permission for a cellular phone utility compound. The first component is a one hundred and seventeen ft. (117’) antenna mast on a 16’-0” x 16’-0” concrete foundation base. The second is a 131.82 sq. ft. utility building to contain the telecommunication equipment. The third is a generator on an 8’-0”x12’-0” concrete pad. The last component is an eight feet (8’) high galvanized chain link fence to form an enclosure around the antenna mast, utility building and generator pad to safeguard the public from the new equipment. The Department is of the opinion that knowing the number of applications that have been submitted for facilities such as this throughout the island, the Authority should ensure that each facility is proposed to be used to its fullest potential. This can only be achieved if a number of competing cellular phone companies share existing / proposed cellular infrastructure in order to limit the number of antennae throughout the island. The Department would recommend that the Authority seriously consider each application of this nature at a national level as opposed to a site specific level in order to limit the amount of additional antennae proposed on Grand Cayman. Additionally, the Department would question whether or not an additional cellular phone tower is needed in close proximity of existing towers in the area No landscape buffer is shown. The Department would recommend the submission of a landscape plan illustrating buffering. The following individuals appeared before the CPA at 3:53 p.m. For the Applicant For the Objectors Gene Thompson Gary Murphy Samuel Jackson Melanie Cumber Nancy McGinn 71 Raul Nicholson-Coe Dale Crighton Norberg Thompson CPA: There are objections from Willow Point Development. Did all owners object? Ms. Cumber: Some did not receive a notice. Mr. Murphy: The compound has been moved further away from Willow Point. CPA: How would the objectors feel about the revised location? Ms. Cumber: Aesthetically it is better. However, there are still medical concerns, particularly to the children at the school next door. CPA: You can take the revision back to the other objectors. Ms. Cumber: I will do that. In the meantime our objections should remain. CPA: It is likely that some owners were not notified because their names have not yet been transferred to the register. Mr. Jackson: There is no accepted medical evidence that this type of development is harmful. Ms. Cumber: Our research show that this type of project is not allowed in certain areas, such as near schools. She submitted documentation supporting her opinion. Mr. Nicholson-Coe: The evidence indicate that at a height of 117 feet there is no medical issue. He submitted documentation in support of his opinion. There being no further discussion with those appearing on this application, the Chairman thanked them for their input. The objectors left at 4:10 p.m. The applicant’s representatives stayed on to discuss their other applications with the CPA. The CPA further discussed the following: • The application should be adjourned in order for the objectors to get an opportunity to review the revised plans. • The applicant has not shown proof of sharing with another ICTA licensed entity. Decision: It was resolved to adjourn the application, for the following reason: 1) 3.019 No written evidence has been submitted of agreement to share the tower with another company licensed by the ICTA. Accordingly, based on the stated objective of sharing/non-proliferation of antenna, the CPA does not support the application at this time. WIRELESS VENTURES Block 65A Parcel 62 (F03-0338) (P03-0863) (P030867) (P03-0868) ($260,000) (BES) 72 Application for 117’ cellular tower, 8’ fence, telecom shelter and generator. Appearance at 3:53 FACTS Location: Queens Highway, North East Coast Zoning: Low Density Residential. Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices were served on adjacent proprietors and objections were received (see “Objections” below) Proposed Use: Same as above AGENCY COMMENTS Comments form the Director of Chief Environmental Health Officer and Director of Civil Aviation are noted below. The Department is awaiting comments from the Chief Fire Officer, Director of MRCU and Director of ICTA Authority. Chief Environmental Health Officer “The following comments are submitted with respect to the above application: 1. Secondary containment should be provided for the fuel tank. 2. Details of the proposed containment facility should be submitted for review and approval. 3. A toilet should be provided. 4. Provision should be made to reduce the impact of noise from the generator on the community.” Civil Aviation Authority “On June 29th, 2003, an MRCU aircraft conducting mosquito control operations in the West Bay Ares during twilight hours, narrowly avoided collision with an unlighted communications tower painted green. Fortunately the incident was a near miss, however, it may well have resulted in loss of life. In recognition of the seriousness of this breach of safety, a meeting was concluded on July 22, 2003, to determine the circumstances surrounding this mishap and to review the approval process for the erection of communication towers, in order to ensure that such an incident does not reoccur. Present at the meeting were: CAA – Mr. David Frederick, D/DCA, Mr. Kerith McCoy, Head of Airport Operations, Mr. Jeremy Jackson, Head of Air Traffic Services, Mr. Ian Scott, Head of Flight Operation; MRCU – Mr. Bill Petrie, Director; C&W – Mr. Albert Anderson & Mr. Cleavy Scott; CPA – Mr. Adrian Bodden. It was unanimously agreed by all present, that the approval process related to the erection of all future communication towers, which may constitute an aviation 73 hazard, shall be in accordance with the following: • To ensure adequate daytime visibility, the tower shall be painted in alternative sections of orange and white or red and white. The standard related to this requirement may be found in International Civil Aviation Organisation Annex 14, Volume 1. A copy of the relevant section is attached. • To ensure adequate nighttime visibility, the tower shall be lighted in accordance with the requirements of the Aerial Spraying Protection Law, 1974. Luminescence and candela requirements may also be found in ICAO Annex 14, Volume 1. • The CPA has agreed to address the problem of temporary lighting during construction of a tower. It was further agreed, that if necessary, additional meetings would be scheduled to address any further issues concerning the satisfactory resolution of this matter.” OBJECTIONS Letter #1 “Reference is made to the captioned matter and to the Notice of Application for Planning Permission, dated August 21, 2003 in relation to same. I am the registered proprietor of lands at North East Coast, Block 61A, Parcel 37, (“the Objector’s Lands”) which are adjacent to the lands on which the Applicant wishes to erect a transmission antenna, fence and ancillary components. Pursuant to the provisions contained in Section 16(5) of the Development and Planning Law (1999 Revision), I write to offer my objection to the grant of the permission sought by the Applicant. The reasons for my objection are as follows: 1) Permission was granted sometime ago for the erection by Cable & Wireless (Cayman Islands) Ltd. Of a transmission tower (“the Existing Tower”) with antenna and ancillary components on lands adjacent to the Objector’s Lands, on the West side. The Existing Tower remains erected and in use. It should be possible for the appropriate authority to require that C&W permit use of the Existing Tower for the establishment of the transmission facilities not proposed by the Applicant. Modifications to the Existing Tower and the attendant facilities may be required, and presumably those cost would have to be borne by the Applicant, but the Applicant would have had to bear cost in any event, for the establishment of the facilities, the subject of this Objection. The above-suggested course would seem preferable to avoid the unnecessary proliferation of transmission tower structures in the area. 2) Users of the Objector’s lands AND users of other lands in the area are already at risk, in the event of the unintended collapse of the Existing Tower. The risks to users of the Objector’s lands is made that much greater by the erection of a second tower (as proposed by the Applicant), particularly so, as the new tower will be erected at a site where the reach of the new tower 74 (across the Objector’s lands) will be far greater than the reach of the Existing Tower. 3) There are likely available to the Applicant other sites within the district where the erection of a new transmission tower would impose less risks (as regards personal injury or property damage) to the users of land in the area. 4) The erection of a new tower on the site proposed by the Applicant will give rise to significant diminution in value to the Objector’s lands, which need not be suffered, having regard to the ground of objection at (3) above. I therefore respectfully request that the Authority give due consideration to the above grounds of my objection, and deny the Applicant the permission presently being sought. If it is considered desirable that I make further submission on the objection now made, I would be happy to make myself available and to appear before representatives of the Authority at the appropriate time. I look forward to hearing further from the Authority in relation to the Objection now made.” Letter #2 “We act for Maurice Sixbey and Teresa Sixbey, the registered proprietors of Block 61A Parcels 66, 67, 68 and 69. Our clients have received notices pursuant to Section 18(4) of the Development and Planning Law (Revised) concerning an application for planning permission by Wireless Ventures (Cayman Islands) Ltd to erect a transmission antennae, fence and ancillary components on Block 65A, Parcel 62. From our initial enquiries it would appear that the ancillary components referred to include a fuel tank but the documentation we have seen does not indicate the capacity of that tank. Our clients property is located in a residential area and given the type of development proposed, they wish to object to the application for planning permission. In the circumstances, we will be grateful if you would acknowledge receipt of this letter and in due course confirm the date and time for the hearing of this application before the Central Planning Authority.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting planning permission for a cellular phone utility compound. The first component is a one hundred and seventeen ft. (117’) antenna mast on a 16’-0” x 16’-0” concrete foundation base. The second is a 131.82 sq. ft. utility building to contain the telecommunication equipment. The third is a generator on an 8’-0”x12’-0” concrete pad. The last component is an eight feet (8’) high galvanized chain link fence to form an enclosure around the antenna mast, utility building and generator pad to safeguard the public from the new 75 equipment. The Department is of the opinion that knowing the number of applications that have been submitted for facilities such as this throughout the island, the Authority should ensure that each facility is proposed to be used to its fullest potential. This can only be achieved if a number of competing cellular phone companies share existing / proposed cellular infrastructure in order to limit the number of antennae throughout the island. The Department would recommend that the Authority seriously consider each application of this nature at a national level as opposed to a site specific level in order to limit the amount of additional antennae proposed on Grand Cayman. Additionally, the Department would question whether or not an additional cellular phone tower is needed in close proximity of existing towers in the area No landscape buffer is shown. The Department would recommend the submission of a landscape plan illustrating buffering. The following individuals appeared before the CPA at 3:53 p.m. For the Applicant Gene Thompson Gary Murphy Samuel Jackson Raul Nicholson-Coe Dale Crighton Norberg Thompson For the Objectors Arden McLean Mr. McLean: I own Block 61A Parcel 37 which is adjacent to the subject parcel. A cable & Wireless tower is already located next to me. However if is not shown accurately on the map. I am all for development and progress, but I do have a problem with another tower being placed next to my land. The CPA and the ICTA should force carriers to share and to bear the cost of any required increase in height. I would support an extension in height to the existing Cable & Wireless antenna, but not a new tower. With two towers located close to each other, users of my land when it is developed will be more at risk. With antenna located in front and to the rear, my property will be devalued. With the towers in place, I could not use my property for speculation. Government owns over 600 acres nearby. That property is about twenty feet higher than mine and Cable & Wireless. I am objecting to a second tower near me and the proliferation of towers. I have the greatest respect for the applicant, but I object to the proposed tower location. Mr. Crighton: Would it be ok if we move the tower to the east? CPA: When was the Cable & Wireless tower erected? Mr. McLean: It was either late 1999 or in 2,000. Relocation of the proposed tower on site will not satisfy me. One tower in the area is enough. If the tower is placed on higher property further away, I would not object. 76 Mr. Nicholson-Coe: There is an issue with the number of operators possible on one tower. We are negotiating with others including North Rock on sharing agreements. One tower cannot accommodate four companies. Mr. McLean: I understand the economics of the matter and the perceived need for dominance or significant market share. I know that you have to fight for customers. Pay me 1.5 million dollars for my land. In all seriousness though, my land was passed on to me by family and would like to save if for my children. Mr. Nicholson-Coe: I respect your position. However, we would not like East End to loose service due to insufficient towers. Another important matter to be considered is that if towers are shared, when it goes down there is a coverage problem. Mr. McLean: If the tower is placed away from my land, I would not object. Mr. Jackson: This is a “Not in my backyard” type of project. Like utility poles, the towers are a necessary evil which we have to put up with. In order for the tower to be refused it must be proven that demonstrable harm would result to a recognized interest. If not, the tower must be approved. There is no proof that the objector’s property would be devalued. Mr. Nicholson-Coe: The area does not exist in a pristine condition because a tower already exists. Mr. McLean: If the application is approved I may have to resort to legal recourse. There being no further discussion with those appearing on this application, the Chairman thanked them for their input. The objector left at 4:32 p.m. The applicant’s representatives stayed on to discuss their other applications with the CPA. The CPA further discussed the following: • The applicant has not shown proof of sharing with another ICTA licensed entity. • It would appear unreasonable to approve a second tower near the objector’s land. Decision: It was resolved to adjourn the application, for the following reason: 1) 3.020 No written evidence has been submitted of agreement to share the tower with another company licensed by the ICTA. Accordingly, based on the stated objective of sharing/non-proliferation of antenna, the CPA does not support the application at this time. WIRELESS VENTURES Block 75A Parcel 158 (F03-0189) (P03-0479) (P030480) ($260,000) (BES) Application for 117’ cellular tower, 8’ fence, telecom shelter and generator. Appearance at 3:53 77 FACTS Location: East End Zoning: Low Density Residential. Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices were served on adjacent proprietors and objections were received (see “Objections” below) Proposed Use: Same as above AGENCY COMMENTS Comments form the Director of Chief Environmental Health Officer and Director of Civil Aviation are noted below. The Department is awaiting comments from the Chief Fire Officer, Director of MRCU and Director of ICTA Authority. Chief Environmental Health Officer “The following comments are submitted with respect to the above application: 1. Secondary containment should be provided for the fuel tank. 2. A sanitary facility must be provided in the utility/storage building. Civil Aviation Authority “On June 29th, 2003, an MRCU aircraft conducting mosquito control operations in the West Bay Ares during twilight hours, narrowly avoided collision with an unlighted communications tower painted green. Fortunately the incident was a near miss, however, it may well have resulted in loss of life. In recognition of the seriousness of this breach of safety, a meeting was concluded on July 22, 2003, to determine the circumstances surrounding this mishap and to review the approval process for the erection of communication towers, in order to ensure that such an incident does not reoccur. Present at the meeting were: CAA – Mr. David Frederick, D/DCA, Mr. Kerith McCoy, Head of Airport Operations, Mr. Jeremy Jackson, Head of Air Traffic Services, Mr. Ian Scott, Head of Flight Operation; MRCU – Mr. Bill Petrie, Director; C&W – Mr. Albert Anderson & Mr. Cleavy Scott; CPA – Mr. Adrian Bodden. It was unanimously agreed by all present, that the approval process related to the erection of all future communication towers, which may constitute an aviation hazard, shall be in accordance with the following: • To ensure adequate daytime visibility, the tower shall be painted in alternative sections of orange and white or red and white. The standard related to this requirement may be found in International Civil Aviation Organisation Annex 14, Volume 1. A copy of the relevant section is attached. • To ensure adequate nighttime visibility, the tower shall be lighted in accordance with the requirements of the Aerial Spraying Protection Law, 78 1974. Luminescence and candela requirements may also be found in ICAO Annex 14, Volume 1. • The CPA has agreed to address the problem of temporary lighting during construction of a tower. It was further agreed, that if necessary, additional meetings would be scheduled to address any further issues concerning the satisfactory resolution of this matter.” OBJECTIONS Letter #1 “I strongly object to this proposed antenna being placed towards the back area of our parcel (75A 225). I feel that having an existing antenna towards the front area of our parcel is enough. The parcels in this area are residential and to have another antenna so near to each other will be out of character for this area. To have to see a antenna in front of us and now one will be in back, I feel will be a little too much.” Letter #2 “After receiving a registered letter, dated May 21st 2003, from the Burns Conolly Group, Ltd., regarding the above named company and Block 75A Parcel 158, we would like to voice our objection to the venture. We own property located next to this site and with the erection of the proposed antenna, fence and ancillary components we feel that this would definitely hinder any sale of our property and also reduce the residential value of the land itself. Presently there is an existing antenna to the front of our property belonging to Cable and Wireless and we believe that the addition of another commercial component will greatly diminish the aesthetic and monetary value of our investment, therefore we strongly oppose this proposed structure. If there is any further information that we can provide to you please do not hesitate to contact us. Thanking you in advance for your kind consideration.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting planning permission for a cellular phone utility compound. The first component is a one hundred and seventeen ft. (117’) antenna mast on a 16’-0” x 16’-0” concrete foundation base. The second is a 131.82 sq. ft. utility building to contain the telecommunication equipment. The third is a generator on an 8’-0”x12’-0” concrete pad. The last component is an eight feet (8’) high galvanized chain link fence to form an enclosure around the antenna mast, utility building and generator pad to safeguard the public from the new equipment. The Department is of the opinion that knowing the number of applications that 79 have been submitted for facilities such as this throughout the island, the Authority should ensure that each facility is proposed to be used to its fullest potential. This can only be achieved if a number of competing cellular phone companies share existing / proposed cellular infrastructure in order to limit the number of antennae throughout the island. The Department would recommend that the Authority seriously consider each application of this nature at a national level as opposed to a site specific level in order to limit the amount of additional antennae proposed on Grand Cayman. Additionally, the Department would question whether or not an additional cellular phone tower is needed in close proximity of existing towers in the area No landscape buffer is shown. The Department would recommend the submission of a landscape plan illustrating buffering. The following individuals appeared before the CPA on behalf of the applicant at 3:53 p.m. The objectors did not appear. Gene Thompson Gary Murphy Samuel Jackson Raul Nicholson-Coe Dale Crighton Norberg Thompson This item is considered in conjunction with items 3.021 - 3.023 below. Mr. Murphy: We have an access agreement from an area proprietor and we are also submitting an amendment. CPA: The objectors were invited but not appear. Mr. G. Thompson: We are in talks with North Rock and Telecayman. They will be providing services such as internet access. CPA: Will these companies require towers? Mr. Nicholson-Coe: They don’t need as many. Seven to ten towers will probably be enough for them. CPA: Are they licensed by the ICTA? Is the February 1st deadline feasible? Mr. G. Thompson: Yes to the first question. We are in a time crunch. WE are committed to working everyday to meet deadlines, except Christmas Day. Mr. Nicholson-Coe: Our company has already leased a number of sites. Mr. G. Thompson: We don’t want to be 2nd on the market. We are trying hard to secure co-location agreements. Fourteen towers plus two rooftop locations are needed. CPA: Cay you make do with less towers? Mr. G. Thompson: No. The towers operated as a network. Signals are passed from tower to tower. 80 Mr. Nicholson-Coe: There must be some overlap in coverage in order to attain best signals. Black spots happen due to lack of towers. Mr. G. Thompson: The CPA should note that site identification took awhile because some proprietors did not want this type of structure on their property. CPA: The applicant should recognize that the proliferation of antenna and the resulting aesthetic blight on our landscapes is of concern. The CPA is charged with protecting the population. Monopoles are less objectionable than the open web tower design. Mr. Murphy: All our towers are monopoles. Aesthetically they have minimal impact on the environment compared to the open web design. CPA: You are insisting on 14 towers. Can’t you consider less? Mr. G. Thompson: We absolutely need fourteen. Mr. Nicholson-Coe: We have already secured long-term leases for the proposed sites. Mr. Jackson: With respect Mr. Chairman, our position is that the CPA is not in a position to mandate sharing. That should only happed if policy is sanctioned by Cabinet and the L.A. Section 5 of the Development Plan is clear in this regard. The law defines the powers of the CPA. In order to avoid ad-hoc or inconsistent/arbitra4ry decisions, policy must be established in accordance with the Development Plan. Policy may be needed, but the CPA has no power legally to make policy. There fore any co-location policy established by the CPA alone must be unlawful. Each application should be considered on its merit. If the proposed development is not deemed harmful to a recognized interest, it should be approved. CPA: The national interest is important. Mr. Jackson: The legislation may be outdated, but the law is the law. That is what the courts uphold. Mr. Crighton: Due to competition, ultimately two sets of towers will be required. We tried to have a standard lease agreement with Cable & Wireless, but its terms were prohibitively costly. Their terms could maintain the status quo regarding monopoly. Mr. Nicholson-Coe: Competition on infrastructure as well as services is important to minimize monopoly. CPA: If there were price disagreements, the ICTA can mediate. Mr. Crighton: Cable & Wireless has employed stalling tactics to delay the competition. Their infrastructure is already paid for. Mr. Nicholson-Coe: We tried arbitration at one time but Cable & Wireless filed an injunction. Cable & Wireless is using towers to make money. Their terms for sharing are prohibitive. The ICTA is aware of the situation. 81 There being no further discussion with the applicant’s representatives, the Chairman thanked them for appearing. They left at 5:05 p.m. The CPA further discussed the following: • The monopole designs proposed are better aesthetically than the open web towers. • The applicant has not provided proof of sharing with another ICTA licensed entity. Decision: It was resolved to adjourn the application, for the following reason: 1) 3.021 No written evidence has been submitted of agreement to share the tower with another company licensed by the ICTA. Accordingly, based on the stated objective of sharing/non-proliferation of antenna, the CPA does not support the application at this time. WIRELESS VENTURES Block 49A Parcel 19 (F03-0190) (P03-0487) (P030486) ($260,000) (BES) Application for 117’ cellular tower, 8’ fence, telecom shelter and generator. Appearance at 3:53 FACTS Location: Off Hutland Road, near Canaan Land, North Side Zoning: Agricultural/Residential. Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices were served on adjacent proprietors and objections were received (see “Objections” below) Proposed Use: Same as above AGENCY COMMENTS Comments form the Director of Chief Environmental Health Officer and Director of Civil Aviation are noted below. The Department is awaiting comments from the Chief Fire Officer, Director of MRCU and Director of ICTA Authority. Chief Environmental Health Officer “The following comments are submitted with respect to the above application: 1. Secondary containment should be provided for the fuel tank. 2. A sanitary facility must be provided in the utility/storage building.”0 Civil Aviation Authority “On June 29th, 2003, an MRCU aircraft conducting mosquito control operations in the West Bay Ares during twilight hours, narrowly avoided collision with an unlighted communications tower painted green. Fortunately the incident was a 82 near miss, however, it may well have resulted in loss of life. In recognition of the seriousness of this breach of safety, a meeting was concluded on July 22, 2003, to determine the circumstances surrounding this mishap and to review the approval process for the erection of communication towers, in order to ensure that such an incident does not reoccur. Present at the meeting were: CAA – Mr. David Frederick, D/DCA, Mr. Kerith McCoy, Head of Airport Operations, Mr. Jeremy Jackson, Head of Air Traffic Services, Mr. Ian Scott, Head of Flight Operation; MRCU – Mr. Bill Petrie, Director; C&W – Mr. Albert Anderson & Mr. Cleavy Scott; CPA – Mr. Adrian Bodden. It was unanimously agreed by all present, that the approval process related to the erection of all future communication towers, which may constitute an aviation hazard, shall be in accordance with the following: • To ensure adequate daytime visibility, the tower shall be painted in alternative sections of orange and white or red and white. The standard related to this requirement may be found in International Civil Aviation Organisation Annex 14, Volume 1. A copy of the relevant section is attached. • To ensure adequate nighttime visibility, the tower shall be lighted in accordance with the requirements of the Aerial Spraying Protection Law, 1974. Luminescence and candela requirements may also be found in ICAO Annex 14, Volume 1. • The CPA has agreed to address the problem of temporary lighting during construction of a tower. It was further agreed, that if necessary, additional meetings would be scheduled to address any further issues concerning the satisfactory resolution of this matter.” OBJECTIONS Letter #1 “I wish to object to the erection of the transmission tower, antenna, fence and ancillary components at the above-captioned location. I am not in favour of allowing these towers to be built. They clutter the landscape, look ugly and will de-value our adjoining property.” Letter #2 “I wish to object to the erection of the transmission tower, antenna, fence and ancillary components at the above-captioned location. I am not in favour of allowing these towers to be built. They clutter the landscape, look ugly and will de-value our adjoining property.” 83 PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting planning permission for a cellular phone utility compound. The first component is a one hundred and seventeen ft. (117’) antenna mast on a 16’-0” x 16’-0” concrete foundation base. The second is a 131.82 sq. ft. utility building to contain the telecommunication equipment. The third is a generator on an 8’-0”x12’-0” concrete pad. The last component is an eight feet (8’) high galvanized chain link fence to form an enclosure around the antenna mast, utility building and generator pad to safeguard the public from the new equipment. The Department is of the opinion that knowing the number of applications that have been submitted for facilities such as this throughout the island, the Authority should ensure that each facility is proposed to be used to its fullest potential. This can only be achieved if a number of competing cellular phone companies share existing / proposed cellular infrastructure in order to limit the number of antennae throughout the island. The Department would recommend that the Authority seriously consider each application of this nature at a national level as opposed to a site specific level in order to limit the amount of additional antennae proposed on Grand Cayman. Additionally, the Department would question whether or not an additional cellular phone tower is needed in close proximity of existing towers in the area No landscape buffer is shown. The Department would recommend the submission of a landscape plan illustrating buffering. The following individuals appeared before the CPA on behalf of the applicant at 3:53 p.m. The objectors did not appear. Gene Thompson Gary Murphy Samuel Jackson Raul Nicholson-Coe Dale Crighton Norberg Thompson This item is considered in conjunction with items 3.020 and 3.022. Mr. Murphy: We have an access agreement from an area proprietor and we are also submitting an amendment. CPA: The objectors were invited but not appear. Mr. G. Thompson: We are in talks with North Rock and Telecayman. They will be providing services such as internet access. CPA: Will these companies require towers? Mr. Nicholson-Coe: They don’t need as many. Seven to ten towers will probably be enough for them. CPA: Are they licensed by the ICTA? Is the February 1st deadline feasible? 84 Mr. G. Thompson: Yes to the first question. We are in a time crunch. WE are committed to working everyday to meet deadlines, except Christmas Day. Mr. Nicholson-Coe: Our company has already leased a number of sites. Mr. G. Thompson: We don’t want to be 2nd on the market. We are trying hard to secure co-location agreements. Fourteen towers plus two rooftop locations are needed. CPA: Cay you make do with less towers? Mr. G. Thompson: No. The towers operated as a network. Signals are passed from tower to tower. Mr. Nicholson-Coe: There must be some overlap in coverage in order to attain best signals. Black spots happen due to lack of towers. Mr. G. Thompson: The CPA should note that site identification took awhile because some proprietors did not want this type of structure on their property. CPA: The applicant should recognize that the proliferation of antenna and the resulting aesthetic blight on our landscapes is of concern. The CPA is charged with protecting the population. Monopoles are less objectionable than the open web tower design. Mr. Murphy: All our towers are monopoles. Aesthetically they have minimal impact on the environment compared to the open web design. CPA: You are insisting on 14 towers. Can’t you consider less? Mr. G. Thompson: We absolutely need fourteen. Mr. Nicholson-Coe: We have already secured long-term leases for the proposed sites. Mr. Jackson: With respect Mr. Chairman, our position is that the CPA is not in a position to mandate sharing. That should only happed if policy is sanctioned by Cabinet and the L.A. Section 5 of the Development Plan is clear in this regard. The law defines the powers of the CPA. In order to avoid ad-hoc or inconsistent/arbitra4ry decisions, policy must be established in accordance with the Development Plan. Policy may be needed, but the CPA has no power legally to make policy. There fore any co-location policy established by the CPA alone must be unlawful. Each application should be considered on its merit. If the proposed development is not deemed harmful to a recognized interest, it should be approved. CPA: The national interest is important. Mr. Jackson: The legislation may be outdated, but the law is the law. That is what the courts uphold. Mr. Crighton: Due to competition, ultimately two sets of towers will be required. We tried to have a standard lease agreement with Cable & Wireless, but its terms were prohibitively costly. Their terms could maintain the status quo regarding monopoly. 85 Mr. Nicholson-Coe: Competition on infrastructure as well as services is important to minimize monopoly. CPA: If there were price disagreements, the ICTA can mediate. Mr. Crighton: Cable & Wireless has employed stalling tactics to delay the competition. Their infrastructure is already paid for. Mr. Nicholson-Coe: We tried arbitration at one time but Cable & Wireless filed an injunction. Cable & Wireless is using towers to make money. Their terms for sharing are prohibitive. The ICTA is aware of the situation. There being no further discussion with the applicant’s representatives, the Chairman thanked them for appearing. They left at 5:05 p.m. The CPA further discussed the following: • The monopole designs proposed are better aesthetically than the open web towers. • The applicant has not provided proof of sharing with another ICTA licensed entity. Decision: It was resolved to adjourn the application, for the following reason: 1) 3.022 No written evidence has been submitted of agreement to share the tower with another company licensed by the ICTA. Accordingly, based on the stated objective of sharing/non-proliferation of antenna, the CPA does not support the application at this time. WIRELESS VENTURES Block 4D Parcel 335 (F03-0195) (P03-0496) (P030497) ($260,000) (JAB) Application for an antenna mast, fence and utility building. Appearance at 3:53 FACTS Location : West Church Street, West Bay Zoning: Low Density Residential Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices were served on adjacent land owners and one (1) objection was received (see “Objections” below) Height of Antenna: 117’-0” Height of Fence: 8’-0” Building Size: 131.82 sq. ft. AGENCY COMMENTS Comments from the MRCU and Civil Aviation Authority are noted below: 86 MRCU “Although no plans were enclosed with your memo, it is our understanding that the towers are existing free standing towers which are all painted in an appropriate manner for aircraft safety, namely with alternating red and white (or orange and white) banding. We would like to offer the following comments: • All towers / tower extensions should comply with the Aerial Spraying Protection Law (1997 Revision), attached for your information. In particular, section 3 of the law that specifies that the towers should be illuminated. • All towers / tower extensions should be free-standing and comply with the ICAO provisions for aircraft safety, including, but not limited to, the requirements for safety banding (red and white). Further details on these requirements are available from the Civil Aviation Authority.” Civil Aviation Authority “I refer to your memo of November 7, 2003, regarding the extension of existing towers by Cable and Wireless Ltd. The Civil Aviation Authority have no objections to the proposed extensions provided they are lighted and marked in accordance with the requirements of ICAO Annex 14, a copy of which was submitted to your organization.” OBJECTIONS (signed by 10 objectors) “As owners of nearby parcels, we are objecting to the erection of a transmission antenna, fence and ancillary components on 4D, Parcel 335 near the West Bay Police Station. An application for planning permission was submitted on behalf of Wireless Ventures (Cayman Islands) Ltd. There is already an antenna in the area on property owned by Cable and Wireless. We believe that it would not be in our best interest to place another in a highly residential neighbourhood because antennas often emit radiation and are not attractive landscaping. Structures such as the above mentioned can depreciate residential properties because of the unattractive visual effects. For these reasons we are opposed to this project. We kindly ask that our objection be given consideration and request that in your capacity as Director of Planning you would convince the Central Planning Authority to refuse this application.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting planning permission for four separate components which form a cellular phone utility compound. The first component is a one hundred and seventeen feet (117’) antenna mast on a 5’-0” x 5’-0” concrete foundation base. The second is a 131.82 sq. ft. utility building to contain the telecommunication equipment. The third component is an 8’-0” x 12’-0” concrete 87 pad housing both a fuel tank and generator. The last component is an eight feet (8’) high galvanized chain link fence to form a 50’-0” x 50’-0” enclosure around the antenna mast, utility building and generator pad to safeguard the public from the new equipment. The proposed fence is setback 15’-0” from the neighbouring parcels. The Department is of the opinion that knowing the number of applications that have been submitted for facilities such as this throughout the island, the Authority should ensure that each facility is proposed to be used to its fullest potential. This can only be achieved if a number of competing cellular phone companies share existing / proposed cellular infrastructure in order to limit the number of antennae throughout the island. The Department would recommend that the Authority seriously consider each application of this nature at a national level as opposed to a site specific level in order to limit the amount of additional antennae proposed on Grand Cayman. The following individuals appeared before the CPA on behalf of the applicant at 3:53 p.m. The objectors did not appear. Gene Thompson Gary Murphy Samuel Jackson Raul Nicholson-Coe Dale Crighton Norberg Thompson This item is considered in conjunction with items 3.020 and 3.022. Mr. Murphy: We have an access agreement from an area proprietor and we are also submitting an amendment. CPA: The objectors were invited but not appear. Mr. G. Thompson: We are in talks with North Rock and Telecayman. They will be providing services such as internet access. CPA: Will these companies require towers? Mr. Nicholson-Coe: They don’t need as many. Seven to ten towers will probably be enough for them. CPA: Are they licensed by the ICTA? Is the February 1st deadline feasible? Mr. G. Thompson: Yes to the first question. We are in a time crunch. WE are committed to working everyday to meet deadlines, except Christmas Day. Mr. Nicholson-Coe: Our company has already leased a number of sites. Mr. G. Thompson: We don’t want to be 2nd on the market. We are trying hard to secure co-location agreements. Fourteen towers plus two rooftop locations are needed. CPA: Cay you make do with less towers? 88 Mr. G. Thompson: No. The towers operated as a network. Signals are passed from tower to tower. Mr. Nicholson-Coe: There must be some overlap in coverage in order to attain best signals. Black spots happen due to lack of towers. Mr. G. Thompson: The CPA should note that site identification took awhile because some proprietors did not want this type of structure on their property. CPA: The applicant should recognize that the proliferation of antenna and the resulting aesthetic blight on our landscapes is of concern. The CPA is charged with protecting the population. Monopoles are less objectionable than the open web tower design. Mr. Murphy: All our towers are monopoles. Aesthetically they have minimal impact on the environment compared to the open web design. CPA: You are insisting on 14 towers. Can’t you consider less? Mr. G. Thompson: We absolutely need fourteen. Mr. Nicholson-Coe: We have already secured long-term leases for the proposed sites. Mr. Jackson: With respect Mr. Chairman, our position is that the CPA is not in a position to mandate sharing. That should only happed if policy is sanctioned by Cabinet and the L.A. Section 5 of the Development Plan is clear in this regard. The law defines the powers of the CPA. In order to avoid ad-hoc or inconsistent/arbitra4ry decisions, policy must be established in accordance with the Development Plan. Policy may be needed, but the CPA has no power legally to make policy. There fore any co-location policy established by the CPA alone must be unlawful. Each application should be considered on its merit. If the proposed development is not deemed harmful to a recognized interest, it should be approved. CPA: The national interest is important. Mr. Jackson: The legislation may be outdated, but the law is the law. That is what the courts uphold. Mr. Crighton: Due to competition, ultimately two sets of towers will be required. We tried to have a standard lease agreement with Cable & Wireless, but its terms were prohibitively costly. Their terms could maintain the status quo regarding monopoly. Mr. Nicholson-Coe: Competition on infrastructure as well as services is important to minimize monopoly. CPA: If there were price disagreements, the ICTA can mediate. Mr. Crighton: Cable & Wireless has employed stalling tactics to delay the competition. Their infrastructure is already paid for. Mr. Nicholson-Coe: We tried arbitration at one time but Cable & Wireless filed an injunction. Cable & Wireless is using towers to make money. Their terms for 89 sharing are prohibitive. The ICTA is aware of the situation. There being no further discussion with the applicant’s representatives, the Chairman thanked them for appearing. They left at 5:05 p.m. The CPA further discussed the following: • The monopole designs proposed are better aesthetically than the open web towers. • The applicant has not provided proof of sharing with another ICTA licensed entity. Decision: It was resolved to adjourn the application, for the following reason: 1) 3.023 No written evidence has been submitted of agreement to share the tower with another company licensed by the ICTA. Accordingly, based on the stated objective of sharing/non-proliferation of antenna, the CPA does not support the application at this time. DIGICEL Block 19E Parcel 171 (F03-0468) (P03-1179) (P03-1180) (P03-1181) ($710,000) (JAB) Application for an antenna mast, utility building and office building. FACTS Location : Lancaster Crescent, off Sparky Drive, Industrial Park Zoning: Heavy Industrial Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices were served on adjacent land owners and no objections were received. Height of Antenna: 100’-0” Building Size: Office Building: 630 sq. ft. Utility Building: 320 sq. ft. AGENCY COMMENTS Comments from the MRCU and Civil Aviation Authority are noted below. MRCU “Although no plans were enclosed with your memo, it is our understanding that the towers are existing free standing towers which are all painted in an appropriate manner for aircraft safety, namely with alternating red and white (or orange and white) banding. We would like to offer the following comments: • All towers / tower extensions should comply with the Aerial Spraying Protection Law (1997 Revision), attached for your information. In particular, section 3 of the law that specifies that the towers should be illuminated. 90 • All towers / tower extensions should be free-standing and comply with the ICAO provisions for aircraft safety, including, but not limited to, the requirements for safety banding (red and white). Further details on these requirements are available from the Civil Aviation Authority.” Civil Aviation Authority “I refer to your memo of November 7, 2003, regarding the extension of existing towers by Cable and Wireless Ltd. The Civil Aviation Authority have no objections to the proposed extensions provided they are lighted and marked in accordance with the requirements of ICAO Annex 14, a copy of which was submitted to your organization.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting planning permission for the main switch site for “Digicel”. The proposal has three separate components which form a cellular phone switch compound. The first component is a one hundred (100’) antenna. The second is two (2) utility switch containers (320 sq. ft.) to contain the telecommunication equipment. The third component is a 630 sq. ft. office building which houses the guard house, restrooms, kitchen, storage and power room. The Department is of the opinion that knowing the number of applications that have been submitted for antenna throughout the island, the Authority should ensure that each facility is proposed to be used to its fullest potential. This can only be achieved if a number of competing cellular phone companies share existing / proposed cellular infrastructure in order to limit the number of antennae throughout the island. In this case, this proposal is for the switch center for “Digicel” which is the headquarters for the operation. The Department would recommend that the Authority seriously consider each application for “Digicel” to ensure that the individual proposals are to be used to their fullest potential. Applications of this nature should be considered at a national level as opposed to a site specific level in order to limit the amount of additional antennae and switch sites proposed on Grand Cayman. The Authority should note that as the main switch (hub) site the ICTA has indicated that this site should not be required to be shared with another telecommunications provider. The Authority may note that accordingly it has approved another hub site for Wireless Ventures at Trinity Square, off Eastern Avenue, George Town. Decision: It was resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions: In addition to Building Permit requirements, condition (1) listed below shall be met before a Building Permit can be issued. 1) The applicant shall submit a landscape plan which shall be subject to 91 review and approval by the Director of Planning. 2) The applicant is required to obtain a Building Permit from the Chief Building Control Officer. Construction shall not commence prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. 3) Unless specifically authorized in writing by the Central Planning Authority, the Development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans which you will receive when all of the above conditions are complied with. 4) The tower shall comply with the Aerial Spraying Protection Law (1997 Revision), specifically section 3 therein regarding illumination. 5) The tower shall be free-standing and comply with ICAO provisions for aircraft safety, including, but not limited to, the requirements for safety banding (red & white or orange & white). The applicant shall obtain a Final Certificate (of Fitness for Occupancy) prior to occupying the building. 3.024 DIGICEL Block 4C Parcel 139 (F03-0402) (P03-1189) (P03-1188) ($250,000) (JAB) Application for an antenna mast, fence, generator pad and two (2) utility stations. FACTS Location : Off Capt. Reginald Parsons Drive, West Bay Zoning: Low Density Residential Notice Requirements: Section 15(4) notices were served on adjacent land owners. No objections were received. Height of Antenna: 117’-0” Height of Fence: 8’-0” Building Size: 24 sq. ft. AGENCY COMMENTS Comments from the MRCU and Civil Aviation Authority are noted below. MRCU “Although no plans were enclosed with your memo, it is our understanding that the towers are existing free standing towers which are all painted in an appropriate manner for aircraft safety, namely with alternating red and white (or orange and white) banding. We would like to offer the following comments: • All towers / tower extensions should comply with the Aerial Spraying Protection Law (1997 Revision), attached for your information. In particular, 92 section 3 of the law that specifies that the towers should be illuminated. • All towers / tower extensions should be free-standing and comply with the ICAO provisions for aircraft safety, including, but not limited to, the requirements for safety banding (red and white). Further details on these requirements are available from the Civil Aviation Authority.” Civil Aviation Authority “I refer to your memo of November 7, 2003, regarding the extension of existing towers by Cable and Wireless Ltd. The Civil Aviation Authority have no objections to the proposed extensions provided they are lighted and marked in accordance with the requirements of ICAO Annex 14, a copy of which was submitted to your organization.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting planning permission for four separate components which form a cellular phone utility compound. The first component is a one hundred and seventeen (117’) antenna mast on a 24’-0” x 24’-0” concrete foundation base. The second is two (2) 12 sq. ft. radio base stations to contain the telecommunication equipment. The third component is a 4’-0” x 10’-0” concrete pad housing a generator. The last component is an eight feet (8’) high galvanized chain link fence to form a 65’-0” x 65’-0” enclosure around the antenna mast, utility stations and generator pad to safeguard the public from the new equipment. The Department is of the opinion that knowing the number of applications that have been submitted for facilities such as this throughout the island, the Authority should ensure that each facility is proposed to be used to its fullest potential. This can only be achieved if a number of competing cellular phone companies share existing / proposed cellular infrastructure in order to limit the number of antennae throughout the island. The Department would recommend that the Authority seriously consider each application of this nature at a national level as opposed to a site specific level in order to limit the amount of additional antennae proposed on Grand Cayman. Decision: It was resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions: In addition to Building Permit requirements, condition (1) listed below shall be met before a Building Permit can be issued. 1) The applicant shall submit a landscape plan which shall be subject to review and approval by the Director of Planning. 2) The applicant is required to obtain a Building Permit from the Chief Building Control Officer. Construction shall not commence prior to the issuance of a Building Permit. 93 3) Unless specifically authorized otherwise in writing by the Central Planning Authority, the Development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans which you will receive when all of the above conditions are complied with. 4) The tower shall comply with the Aerial Spraying Protection Law (1997 Revision), specifically section 3 therein regarding illumination. 5) The tower shall be free-standing and comply with ICAO provisions for aircraft safety, including, but not limited to, the requirements for safety banding (red & white or orange & white). The applicant shall obtain a Final Certificate (of Fitness for Occupancy) prior to occupying the building. 3.025 JOHN LEVY Block 67A Parcel 23 (F03-0456) (P03-1254) (P03-1255) ($478,800) (EJ) Application for two (2) three (3) bedroom houses. FACTS Location: High Rock Drive, East End Zoning: Agriculture Residential Notice Requirements: N/A. Background: Vacant Parcel Size: 1.946 acres (84,767 sq. ft.) (87,120 sq. ft. required) Site Coverage: 6.64% Proposed Use: Two (2) three (3) bedroom houses Building: Existing - 0 Proposed – 2,816.30 sq. ft. Total – 5,632.60 sq. ft. for both houses Parking: Required – 1 per house Proposed – 1 per house LETTER OF VARIANCE “We submitted this letter of variance on behalf of Mr. John Levy for a minimum parcel size variance to construct the two proposed residences which will be located in the Agriculture zoning which allows for one house per acre, with the parcel being below the required two acre required by the Development and Planning Law by approximately 2,353.00 sq. ft. (87120.00 sq. ft.). We would like to request a variance to allow the application to be approved as submitted. We would appreciate the Board’s favourable decision to our request.” 94 PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting a lot size variance for the proposed two houses. The subject lot is currently zoned agriculture residential, which requires one house per acre; however, the two houses are proposed on a parcel of land that exist at 1.946 acre, 0.054 acres (2,353 sq. ft.) under the required 2 acres. The Authority is reminded that there are several lots of similar size in the area; however, the proposed meets all other planning requirements for site coverage, lot width, parking and all setbacks. The Authority is reminded of Regulation 8 (13) Notwithstanding sub-regulation (1), Regulation 9 (6), (7) and (8), and Regulation 10, the Authority may grant permission to carry out development that does not comply with all or any of those provisions if the Authority is satisfied(a) that an exceptional circumstance exists; and (b) that there is a sufficient reason why the permission should be granted. The CPA further discussed the following: • The property size is less than required for two houses. • The applicant should be advised that an application can be submitted for a Designating Order to the Cabinet through the Ministry of Planning, Communications, District Administration and information Technology. Decision: It was resolved to adjourn the application, for the following reason: 1) The property size is less than required for two houses. Per Regulation 21 of the Development and Planning Regulations (2003 Revision) the applicant is advised to apply to Cabinet for a Designating Order. 3.026 CATHERINE KINCH Block 25C Parcel 169 (F03-0458) (P03-1157) (P031158) ($60,000) (EJ) Application for swimming pool and two (2) gazebos. FACTS Location: Shamrock Road in Spotts Zoning: Low Density Residential Background: N/A Existing Use: Vacant lot Proposed Use: Swimming pool and two (2) gazebos Parcel Size: 0.68 acre (29,620 sq. ft.) Site Coverage: 0.68% (25% allowed) Building Size: Existing – 0 (House) 95 Proposed – 200 sq. ft. (Gazebos) Parking: Existing – 0 Required - 0 APPLICANT’S LETTER “My husband and I as owners of the above mentioned parcel wish to construct a swimming pool on the parcel of land. We own the adjacent parcel to the east, Parcel 170, where we have lived for several years. Our application is in variance to the normal 50 foot setback for ironshore. We wish to set back the swimming pool a bit less than 50 feet because we feel that it would considerably improve the aesthetics of the disappearing edge, both from the poolside and from the sea. In addition, a setback of 30-35 feet fits in best with the view from our house and the elevation of our lawn on the seaside of the house. Furthermore, varying the setback by 15-20 feet would appear to make no perceptible difference to the risk of damage from the sea and it certainly would not effect erosion by the sea in any way. The parcel is on a cliff, elevated roughly 16 feet above sea level. In addition, wave action against the cliff is mild during normal conditions because there is a protective barrier reef offshore. Should you have any questions or wish further information on my application, please feel free to contact me.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting a setback variance from the Authority for the proposed swimming pool and gazebos, proposed as close as thirty ft. (30’) from what appears to be the iron shore edge or High Water Mark, twenty ft. (20’) under the required 50’ setback for ironshore. The Department would like to bring the following to the Authority’s attention: 1) The variance requested is of an aesthetic nature and not due to a physical restriction of the parcel; and 2) no major development on the subject parcel. Traditionally the Authority would not consider a ancillary application without a main application and if on separate parcels, the Authority would required subject lots to be combined. The CPA further discussed the following: • The CPA considered the proposed structures acceptable, as they would be located adjoining the applicant’s house. Decision: It was resolved to grant planning permission, subject to the following conditions: 2) The applicant is required to obtain a Building Permit from the Chief Building Control Officer. Construction shall not commence prior to the 96 issuance of a Building Permit. 3) Unless specifically authorized otherwise in writing by the Central Planning Authority, the Development shall be carried out strictly in accordance with the approved plans which you will receive when the above condition is complied with. Provision shall be made for the removal of solid waste, including construction and demolition waste, from the site on a regular basis during the construction period. 3.027 MR. & MRS. PINTARD Block 5C Parcel 308 (F03-0477) (P03-1220) ($294,000) (EJ) Application for duplex (3x3) and 4’ fence. FACTS Location: Spurgeon Close & Hillard Drive, West Bay Zoning: Low Density Residential Notice Requirements: N/A Background: N/A Parcel Size: 0.2880 acres (12,565 sq. ft.) (13,500 sq. ft. required) Site Coverage: 29.33% (25% allowable) Proposed Use: Duplex with 4’ block and steel rail fence Building Size: Existing – 0 Proposed – 3,680 sq. ft. Total – 3,680 sq. ft. Parking: Required – 2 Proposed - 4 LETTER OF VARIANCE “It with great pleasure that I am applying for the grant to an undersized lot variance. The existing square footage is 12,545 and the required amount is 13,500 sq. ft. for LDR Zoning, which is a difference of 955 sq. ft. We would also like a variance of over-site coverage proposed 29.33%, the allotted amount is 25% which is a difference of 4.33% over. We would really appreciate the opportunity to build our home in Grand Cayman, which has been a dream of mine to have a home in the land that my Grand Father is from. This really has sentimental reason to us and I hope that my request will be accepted.” 97 PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS The applicant is requesting two variances from the Authority for the proposed duplex: 1) the subject parcel is undersized existing at 12,545 sq. ft., 955 sq. ft. under the required 13,500 sq. ft. for duplexes in LDR zone, 2) the applicant is also seeking a site coverage variance of 4.33% over the maximum allowable 25% in LDR zone for a total of 29.33%. The Department has no concerns with the proposed 4’ block & steel rail wall with 5’-10” columns; however, is of the opinion that the subject duplex could be redesigned to comply with the usually required site coverage. Based on Department’s records, development in the immediate area consist of houses only. The Authority is reminded of Regulation 8 (13) Notwithstanding sub-regulation (1), Regulation 9 (6), (7) and (8), and Regulation 10, the Authority may grant permission to carry out development that does not comply with all or any of those provisions if the Authority is satisfied(a) that an exceptional circumstance exists; and (b) that there is a sufficient reason why the permission should be granted. In this instance the Department is not convinced that the reasons submitted meet the criteria. Decision: It was resolved to adjourn the application, for the following reasons: 1) The property size is less than required for a duplex in the Low Density Residential zone per Regulation 9(8) of the Development and Planning Regulations (2003 Revision). 2) The proposed site coverage exceeds the maximum allowable per Regulation 9(8) of the Development and Planning Regulations (2003 Revision). 3) Per Regulation 8(13) of the Development and Planning Regulations (2003 Revision), the Authority finds that an exceptional circumstance was not proven and there is insufficient reason why the permission should be granted. 4.0 ENFORCEMENTS 5.0 DEVELOPMENT PLAN MATTERS 5.01 DRAFT DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2003 The Department is awaiting comments from the new Minister of Planning, Communication, District Administration and Information Technology. 98 5.02 MEOW LTD. Block 11D Parcel 36 (RZ03-0005) (HP) Application to change the zoning from NEIGHBOURHOOD COMMERICAL, to HOTEL / TOURISM. FACTS Location: The site in question presently houses The Cayman Falls Shopping Plaza. Located along West Bay Road, the Safe Haven Development bounds the site on its Northern and Southern boundaries, and the Sunshine Suite Development on its eastern boundary. Directly across the street is the Westin Casuarina Resort. Zoning: Neighbourhood Commercial Existing Uses: Shopping centre with retail uses on the ground floor and apartments on the upper storey of one building. Recently Approved Development: An application to change the upper storey of one unit from a night-club to 7 Apartments was approved on March 27, 2002 (CPA/07/02 Item 5.01 (c) (P02-0162, JAB). Parcel Size: 3.206 acres BACKGROUND Site is currently home to the Cayman Falls Shopping Centre, with three retail establishments and four restaurants. The space formerly utilised by the Sharky’s night-club is now utilised for seven apartments. LETTER FROM THE APPLICANT “The surrounding properties including the adjoining property to the East, Sunshine Suites Hotel, and the property to the West, Westin Hotel Resort, and the adjacent new Ritz Carlton Resort, are all Hotel Zone properties. We wish to develop our property into a Hotel Type Development and therefore are requesting a change of zoning to “Hotel” Zone.” No documentation outlining details of the proposed development have been provided by the applicant at the time of writing this agenda report. If submitted before the meeting copies will be provided to the members at the meeting. AGENCY COMMENTS The application was circulated to the Chief Engineer, Water Authority, and Department of Tourism on April 15, 2003. Comments were received from the Chief Engineer and Water Authority. These are as follows: 99 Chief Engineer “PWD has no objections to the proposed rezone.” Water Authority “The Water Authority has no objection to the proposed rezoning of this parcel.” PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS Development Features Through meetings with the applicant’s agents the Department has learnt that this rezone is being sought to facilitate the expansion of development on the site to include three, four storey apartment buildings with a centre court yard and pool area. It is proposed, to rent or lease these units out to persons employed by the Ritz Carlton development or the Medical School. Exact details concerning the number of units are to be determined and submitted in a later development application. A letter outlining these plans was requested from the applicant’s agent. At the time of writing this agenda report no documentation outlining future development plans has been provided. If submitted before the meeting copies will be provided to the members at the meeting. Issues/Concerns At its present zoning, the applicants feel that the site would not allow them to develop their project as envisioned, as it would not allow the needed density. As the Authority is aware under the Neighbourhood Commercial zone regulations residential uses are permitted, only on one upper storey of a multi-storied building. Additionally, buildings in this zone are limited to three storeys. The current retail and restaurant uses of the existing buildings on the site can be construed as being related primarily to the needs of the tourism industry. As such would not be out of character with a change of zoning to Hotel/ Tourism. The site exceeds the minimum lot size requirement for hotels and apartments, which is half an acre. The existence of Hotel/ Tourism zoned land that abuts the parcels would make a change in zoning to Hotel/ Tourism on the site, an extension of the existing Hotel/Tourism zone. Recommendation: Discuss whether applicant has submitted sufficient detail to justify a change in zoning to Hotel/Tourism. If the Authority determines that sufficient detail has been provided, the Department recommends initiating the process for an amendment to the Development Plan 1997, as set forth in the Development and Planning Law (1999 Revision). Decision CPA/ 17/03 Item 6.02 It was resolved to initiate the process for an amendment to the Development Plan 1997, as set forth in the Development and Planning Law (1999 Revisions). 100 Decision CPA/ 26/03 Item 5.01 It was resolved to submit to the Ministry of Planning, Communication, Works and Information Technology for forward transmission to the Legislative Assembly. Prior to submission to the Ministry the Department noticed that due to a Cayman Net News error the rezone was forwarded to the Central Planning Authority prematurely and therefore must be reconsidered. FURTHER BACKGROUND Application was advertised on the following days in the Cayman Net News: 1. July 8, 2003 2. July 9, 2003 3. July 14, 2003 4. July 15, 2003. The public comment period expired on September 13, 2003 with no objections being received. Decision: It was resolved to submit to the Ministry of Planning, Communication, District Administration and Information Technology for forward transmission to the Legislative Assembly. 6.0 MATTERS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF PLANNING 6.01 ALFRED POWERY Block 13D Parcel 302 (F97-0037) (JAB) Application to modify the approval for a five (5) unit apartment building. FACTS Location: Neils Godfrey Subdivision, Woodlake Drive, George Town Zoning: High Density Residential Background: CPA/09/98; item 7.06 the Authority resolved to approve eleven (11) apartments, office and laundry building. CPA/34/98; item 7.03 the Authority resolved to grant an amendment to the original approval. The laundry building was eliminated and laundry facilities replaced the office space. CPA/26/99; item 7.02 the Authority resolved to grant an amendment to the original approval. CPA/13/03; item 3.11 the Authority resolved to grant planning permission for the 5 five apartments, subject to 101 conditions, including condition “1) regarding revised building elevations. Existing Use: Five (5) unit apartment building with laundry – Building “B” Proposed Use: Modify planning permission of CPA/13/03; item 3.11 to delete condition “1)”. Parcel Size: 0.50 acre (21,780 sq. ft. Site Coverage: 27.8% (27.4% previous approval) Building Size: Approved – 5,971 sq. ft. Parking Approved – 14 Proposed – 88 sq. ft. Parking Required – 15 Total – 6,059 sq. ft. Parking Proposed – 16 PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS Planning permission was granted for a five (5) unit apartment building (CPA/13/03; item 3.011), subject to condition 1) regarding revised elevations. The applicant has requested the deletion of that condition on the grounds that the proposed building elevations are consistent with development in the area. The CPA further discussed the following: • The Authority is in agreement with the applicant. Accordingly, condition 1) of CPA/13/03; item 3.011 should be deleted. Decision: It was resolved to modify planning permission of CPA/13/03; item 3.011 by deleting condition 1). 6.02 CHM2HILL REPORT/AGGREGATE RECOMMENDATIONS ADVISORY COMMITTEE The recommendations are to be discussed at the next CPA meeting. 6.03 BEACH REVIEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT The report is to be discussed at the next CPA meeting. 6.04 CPA MEETING SCHEDULE 2004 A draft 2004 CPA meeting schedule was endorsed by the Authority. 6.05 CRITON DEVELOPMENT LTD. Block 33D Parcel 21 Rem 5 (F03-0339) (P03-0951) (RS) Application for a subdivision. 102 FACTS Location: Rum Point Drive Zoning: Low Density Residential Background: Approval has been granted for two phases of a subdivision of the subject lands. PLANNING DEPARTMENT ANALYSIS On November 12, 2003 (CPA/32/03; 3.11) the Authority granted planning permission for Phase II of the Criton Development subdivision (167 lots). The minutes of CPA/32/03 were confirmed on December 3, 2003. It was just recently brought to the Department’s attention that a letter of objection to the proposed subdivision had been submitted to the Department on October 10, 2003, which fell within the 21 day waiting period. The letter of objection was inadvertently misfiled and was only discovered on Monday, December 8, 2003. The unfortunate misfiling of the objection letter has now created a serious procedural problem with the granting of planning permission for the subdivision. As the objector was not invited to appear before the Authority and nor was the letter available for the Authority’s consideration, there has been a clear breach of natural justice. In order to rectify this problem, the Department must strongly recommend that the Authority revoke the planning permission that was granted on November 12, 2003, pursuant to Section 17 (1) of the Development and Planning Law (2003 Revision). Subsequently, the objector and applicant can both be invited to another meeting of the Central Planning Authority at which point a new decision can be rendered. Decision: It was resolved to revoke the planning permission granted on November 12, 2003 (CPA/32/03; 3.11), for the following reason: 1) 6.06 An objection to the application was received prior to the CPA decision of November 12, 2003 (CPA/32/03; 3.11). Accordingly, the applicant and objector are invited to address the Central Planning Authority at its meeting to be held on January 14th, 2004, at 1:40 pm in the Planning Department’s Conference Room, third floor, Tower Building, George Town. CPA CHRISTMAS PARTY To be held at the Verandah, Safehaven, December 17, 2003 at 7:30. Staff is invited to attend. 7.0 CPA MEMBERS INFORMATION/DISCUSSIONS 103 7.01 FOI EXEMPTION PER SECTION 20 OF THE FOI LAW This item of the Minutes is exempt per section 20(b) and (d) of the Freedom of Information Law, 2007, which reads: “(b) its disclosure would, or would likely to, inhibit the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation;” or “(d) its disclosure would otherwise prejudice, or would be likely to prejudice, the effective conduct of public affairs. 7.02 FOI EXEMPTION PER SECTION 20 OF THE FOI LAW This item of the Minutes is exempt per section 20(b) and (d) of the Freedom of Information Law, 2007, which reads: “(b) its disclosure would, or would likely to, inhibit the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation;” or “(d) its disclosure would otherwise prejudice, or would be likely to prejudice, the effective conduct of public affairs. 7.03 FOI EXEMPTION PER SECTION 20 OF THE FOI LAW This item of the Minutes is exempt per section 20(b) and (d) of the Freedom of Information Law, 2007, which reads: “(b) its disclosure would, or would likely to, inhibit the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation;” or “(d) its disclosure would otherwise prejudice, or would be likely to prejudice, the effective conduct of public affairs. 7.04 FOI EXEMPTION PER SECTION 20 OF THE FOI LAW This item of the Minutes is exempt per section 20(b) and (d) of the Freedom of Information Law, 2007, which reads: “(b) its disclosure would, or would likely to, inhibit the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation;” or “(d) its disclosure would otherwise prejudice, or would be likely to prejudice, the effective conduct of public affairs. 104 The meeting adjourned at 6:25 p.m. The next regular meeting of the Central Planning Authority is scheduled for Wednesday 17th December 2003 at 12:30 p.m. in the Planning Department’s Conference Room, Third Floor Tower Building. A. L. Thompson Chairman cc: Kenneth S. Ebanks Executive Secretary All members of the Central Planning Authority Hon. Minister (P.C. W. & IT) Chief Immigration Officer Solicitor General Chief Fire Officer Chief Engineer, PWD Chief Education Officer Director, Department of Environmental Health Director, Department of Environment Managing Director, Caribbean Utilities Company 105 List of Applications Presented at CPA/35/03 1.01 2.01 2.02 2.03 2.04 3.01 3.02 3.03 3.04 3.05 3.06 3.07 3.08 3.09 3.010 3.011 3.012 3.013 3.014 3.015 3.016 3.017 3.018 3.019 3.020 3.021 3.022 3.023 3.024 3.025 3.026 3.027 5.01 5.02 6.01 6.02 6.03 6.04 6.05 6.06 7.01 7.02 7.03 7.04 CONFIRMATION OF MINUTES OF CPA/26/03 HELD ON SEPTEMBER 2003. ..................................................2 PROPRIETORS OF STRATA #89 BLOCK 13B PARCEL 102 (FA89-0271) (P03-0826) ($6,000) (EJ) ........2 CABLE & WIRELESS BLOCK 32B PARCEL 188 (F98-0294) (P03-0286) ($40,000) (RS) ...........................4 CABLE & WIRELESS BLOCK 48C PARCEL 11 (F03-0112) (P03-00288) (P03-0289) (P03-0407) ($60,000) (BES/RL)......................................................................................................................................................10 CABLE & WIRELESS BLOCK 69A PARCEL 28 REM1 (F01-0092) (P03-0959) (P03-0289) (P03-0960) ($60,000) (BES/RL) .....................................................................................................................................16 CABLE & WIRELESS LTD. BLOCK 73A PARCEL 19 (F01-0269) (P03-1068) ($13,000) (RS) .................23 WESTSTAR TV LTD. BLOCK 14C PARCEL 320 (F03-0408) (P03-1026) ($1,400,000) (JAB) ...................25 LOVISA VERNON HAMILTON BLOCK 4E PARCEL 458 (F03-0441) (P03-1125) ($190,000) (EJ) .........28 MICHEAL FINELLI BLOCK 1D PARCEL 352 (FA81-0282) (P03-1020) ($65,000) (EJ)............................30 DEXTER BUSH BLOCK 9A PARCEL 661 (F03-0448) (P03-1136) ($5,000) (EJ) .........................................32 NCB PROJECT MANAGEMENT BLOCK 27C PARCEL 743 (F03-0437) (P03-1118) ($3,000) (KG) .......33 ADEL LTD BLOCK 2C PARCEL 68 (F03-0432) (P03-1091) ($34,000) (EJ)..................................................34 WESLEYAN HOLINESS CHURCH BLOCK 5B PARCELS 278 AND 268 (F01-0082) (P03-1095) ($60,000) (EJ) ...............................................................................................................................................................36 EVELYN ROCKETT BLOCK 25B PARCEL 337 (F98-0157) (P03-1108) (P03-1255) ($384,000) (EJ) .......38 GARFIELD & CARLTON EBANKS BLOCK 15C PARCEL 252 (F98-0034) (P03-1100) ($700,000) (KG)44 AMELIAH M. CARZANA BLOCK 28C PARCEL 135 (FA87-0047) (P03-1194) (KG)................................47 GLACESTER VERNON BLOCK 14D PARCEL 192 (FA84-0142) (P03-1183) ($110,000) (CH) ................48 MARTIN & NORA BURKE BLOCK 12D PARCEL 53 (F03-0276) (P03-1211) ($230,000) (CH)................50 MARTIN & NORA BURKE BLOCK 12D PARCEL 78 (F03-0277) (P03-1213) ($710,000) (CH)................52 HENDERSON HOLDINGS LTD. BLOCK 11C PARCEL 311 (F03-0466) (P03-1175) ($5,300) (CMH) ....55 CRITON HOLDINGS BLOCK 17A PARCEL 8 REM1 (F00-0049) (P02-0404) (P02-0405) (P02-0406) (P02 -0228) ($1,055,000) (JAB) ............................................................................................................................56 SNUG HARBOUR DEVELOPMENT LIMITED BLOCK 12C PARCEL 373 (F01-0055) (P03-0995) ($0) (NAW)..........................................................................................................................................................58 WIRELESS VENTURES BLOCK 25B PARCEL 535 (F03-0337) (P03-0863) (P03-0864) (P03-0865) ($260,000) (BES)..........................................................................................................................................66 WIRELESS VENTURES BLOCK 65A PARCEL 62 (F03-0338) (P03-0863) (P03-0867) (P03-0868) ($260,000) (BES)..........................................................................................................................................72 WIRELESS VENTURES BLOCK 75A PARCEL 158 (F03-0189) (P03-0479) (P03-0480) ($260,000) (BES)77 WIRELESS VENTURES BLOCK 49A PARCEL 19 (F03-0190) (P03-0487) (P03-0486) ($260,000) (BES) 82 WIRELESS VENTURES BLOCK 4D PARCEL 335 (F03-0195) (P03-0496) (P03-0497) ($260,000) (JAB) 86 DIGICEL BLOCK 19E PARCEL 171 (F03-0468) (P03-1179) (P03-1180) (P03-1181) ($710,000) (JAB) .....90 DIGICEL BLOCK 4C PARCEL 139 (F03-0402) (P03-1189) (P03-1188) ($250,000) (JAB) ..........................92 JOHN LEVY BLOCK 67A PARCEL 23 (F03-0456) (P03-1254) (P03-1255) ($478,800) (EJ)........................94 CATHERINE KINCH BLOCK 25C PARCEL 169 (F03-0458) (P03-1157) (P03-1158) ($60,000) (EJ) ........95 MR. & MRS. PINTARD BLOCK 5C PARCEL 308 (F03-0477) (P03-1220) ($294,000) (EJ) ........................97 DRAFT DEVELOPMENT PLAN 2003.....................................................................................................98 MEOW LTD. BLOCK 11D PARCEL 36 (RZ03-0005) (HP) ...........................................................................99 ALFRED POWERY BLOCK 13D PARCEL 302 (JAB) ...............................................................................101 CHM2HILL REPORT/AGGREGATE ADVISORY COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS .......102 BEACH REVIEW ADVISORY COMMITTEE REPORT....................................................................102 CPA MEETING SCHEDULE 2004 .........................................................................................................102 CRITON DEVELOPMENT LTD. BLOCK 33D PARCEL 21 REM 5 (F03-0339) (P03-0951) (RS) ............102 CPA CHRISTMAS PARTY .....................................................................................................................103 CARS NEAR SAMMY’S AIRPORT INN, AIRPORT.......................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. CARS NEAR NORTH SOUND BARCADERE..................................ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. ROADSIDE LANDSCAPING AT KKG DEVELOPMENT, EAST ENDERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. CONSTRUCTION IN OPPORTUNITY ACRES, WEST BAY ........ERROR! BOOKMARK NOT DEFINED. 106
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