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A series of behind-closed-door hearings have begun to debate public and business input on Cayman’s new development plan. The PlanCayman project will determine everything from building heights and densities to the balance between conservation and construction as Cayman continues to grow. The need for a new policy framework, to replace the plan last updated in the late ’90s when Cayman’s population was less than half of what it is now, has been apparent for over a decade. The hearings represent the latest step towards achieving that. Reviewing submissions The newly appointed tribunal – headed by lawyer Sherri Bodden-Cowan – will review around 2,500 submissions from individuals, community organisations and non-profits filed during a 60-day period following the election. The hearings began on 23 Oct. and will take place every two weeks, allowing participants to elaborate on their submissions. They will not be open to the public, however. Planning Minister Jay Ebanks said the appointment of the tribunal reflected government’s intent to ensure the finished document was a collaborative plan formed in partnership with the community. “The appointment of this tribunal marks an important step in ensuring that our planning framework reflects a shared vision for the future of these islands,” he said. “The strong response from the public demonstrates a collective desire to shape a sustainable, well-balanced development strategy. “Through this process, each submission will be considered with fairness and diligence, ensuring that the outcomes of PlanCayman truly reflect the voices of our people.” Also on the tribunal are Cindy O’Hara (deputy chairperson), Andrew Gibb, Arden Parsons and Gurwin Tomlinson. The tribunal will be tasked with producing a report of inquiry to Cabinet, which will help shape the final planning statement that goes to parliament. The next phase after that will be individual area plans which will give tangible effect to the policy. Preparing area plans The end result will be a series of area plans that will determine what type of building is permitted in each area. Taller buildings could be considered for Seven Mile Beach or George Town than the rest of the island, for instance. Alternatively, higher density housing could be considered in some areas to allow for lower-cost homes. More than 2,000 people or groups have contributed opinions on the draft plan. Advocacy group Sustainable Cayman welcomed the forward momentum, but questioned why the tribunals were being held in private. “The Development Plan Tribunal process is one of the most important exercises shaping the future of our islands. While we recognise that not everyone can attend each hearing, the proceedings and recommendations should form part of the public record,” said Sustainable Cayman executive committee member Katrina Jurn. The group has called for a strategic environmental assessment and independent carrying-capacity report to be produced, arguing that the development plan needs to consider how many people Cayman can reasonably support. Sustainable Cayman has made its own submission publicly available and argues that making recordings to transcripts of the hearings public would be a positive sign. The group said the existing draft places too much emphasis on economic growth over community development, environmental sustainability and long-term community well-being. It also wants to see greater emphasis on affordable and accessible housing, equitable access to public services and preservation of community and recreation spaces. No plan to for submissions to be made public A spokesperson for the Ministry of Planning said there is no current plan for a report or compilation of submissions to be made available to the public or press. She said that any future release would need to consider “confidentiality considerations” of those who had made submissions. She added that the tribunal operates as an “independent, quasi-judicial body, established to ensure that representations and objections are reviewed fairly and without external influence or public pressure” and insisted this confidentiality was “standard administrative practice”. Speaking on Compass TV Forefront show, Leader of the Opposition Joey Hew also highlighted what he sees as a lack of progress on the development plan. Hew, who was planning minister when the latest attempt to update the framework was initiated, said there was little mention of the project in the current government’s recent Strategic Policy Statement. “There is not a lot of talk about the National Development Plan, but that is the foundation of everything else we talk about,” he said, adding that the plan was a key ingredient of a range of issues from housing and climate change to economic diversification and health. Hew said the COVID-19 outbreak had halted progress on his attempt to update the 28-year-old plan. Government’s Strategic Policy Statement did reference the development plan as one of a number of projects it hopes to complete within the electoral term. It said the government will “update and adopt a National Development Plan supported by updated development and planning legislation”.
