The Central Planning Authority has referred an application to build two rugby pitches as part of an $8 million complex in West Bay to the National Conservation Council due to environmental concerns.
The application, submitted by APEC Consulting Engineers Ltd. on behalf of Cayman Rugby Football Union, was heard by the planning board on 29 April. The minutes of that meeting, which were recently released, indicate that the board resolved to refer the matter to the conservation council “as there may be potential adverse effects”.
The Department of Environment, in its feedback on the application, had advised that the proposal should be referred to the National Conservation Council.
The rugby complex proposal includes two pitches, a 7,754-square-foot, single-storey clubhouse and a 1,960-square-foot gym and storage facility, at the site off Birch Tree hill Road.
The application noted that the Cayman Rugby Union, which was founded in 1971, is growing in popularity, and has more than 2,000 registered players.
There is currently a rugby clubhouse on South Sound Road, but the union says it is in need of a second facility.
A letter of objection, received from owners of neighbouring land, raised concerns about potential flooding, stating, “Planning for appropriate drainage would be of utmost importance.”
It noted that the site where the rugby union proposes to build the facility is low-lying wetlands “that are prone to flooding”.
The matter will return to the Central Planning Authority once it has been considered by the National Conservation Council.
The issue will go before a new conservation council, which was appointed last week by the National Coalition For Caymanians government.
