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TCPD approved Little Dix Bay renovation project since 2013

- Building Authority approval under Building Ordinance (Cap 234) still needed
Chief Executive Officer of the Planning Authority and Chief Planner Gregory W. Adams. Photo: VINO/File
The business days ago announced that it will be closing for a period of 18 months for renovations and as a result some 300 persons will be sent home, adding to the already grim situation resulting from the sudden closure of Biras Creek Resort last year. Photo: VINO/File
The business days ago announced that it will be closing for a period of 18 months for renovations and as a result some 300 persons will be sent home, adding to the already grim situation resulting from the sudden closure of Biras Creek Resort last year. Photo: VINO/File
Documents from Town and Country Planning Department granting conditional approval for the renovation works to go ahead at Rosewood Little Dix Bay. Photo: VINO
Documents from Town and Country Planning Department granting conditional approval for the renovation works to go ahead at Rosewood Little Dix Bay. Photo: VINO
Documents from Town and Country Planning Department granting conditional approval for the renovation works to go ahead at Rosewood Little Dix Bay. Photo: VINO
Documents from Town and Country Planning Department granting conditional approval for the renovation works to go ahead at Rosewood Little Dix Bay. Photo: VINO
ROAD TOWN, Tortola, VI – While the news of the impending lengthy closure of Little Dix Bay Resort on Virgin Gorda for renovations has come as a shock to some, including Government, the resort has been seeking to conduct the renovations for years.

According to Chief Executive Officer of the Planning Authority and Chief Planner Gregory W. Adams, Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort in Virgin Gorda had received approval for their renovations since as far back as 2013.

However, he said too that the approval granted for the renovations is conditional, and certain conditions must be met during the construction period, which will commence sometime after May 1, 2016.

The popular resort days ago announced that it will be closing for a period of 18 months for renovations and as a result some 300 persons will be sent home, bringing a distasteful reminder of the sudden closure of Biras Creek Resort days after the June 8, 2015 general elections and saw more than 70 workers placed in the unemployment line.

There have been criticisms from the public about the decision to close Little Dix Bay Resort for over a year and sever employees rather than conduct the renovations in phases since the loss of some 300 jobs could shake up the Virgin Gorda economy especially.

There are reports too that the resort is seeking to "weed out" some of the old staff members "bent in their ways", however, this information could not be confirmed and efforts to get a comment from the resort proved futile.

Added to that, Premier Dr The Hon D. Orlando Smith, in a statement issued to the media on January 15, 2016, said the decision to close Rosewood Little Dix Bay Hotel and Resort for a year and a half from May 1, 2016 for renovation was done without consultation with Government.

Again, efforts to get a response as to why the resort didn't see it necessary to consult with Government prior to making its decision for complete closure were not successful.

Premier Smith had also said he will hold the hotel accountable for its promised deadline for re-opening and providing job opportunities during the renovation stages.

Conditional approval

Having seen documents from the Town and Country Planning Department, which indicated that the Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort renovations had received conditional approval, we sought clarification from Adams who explained how the process works.

“The conditions are only met if and when the project is being constructed so we would have to monitor the construction to make sure that they are complying with whatever conditions we outlined. We have not been notified that construction has started,” said Adams.

Adams explained that there are some conditions that applicants have to meet in some cases prior to construction but in this case, he said, it is a renovation project and as such there would not be any conditions to be met prior to the commencement of construction but after such commencement.

Adams said that some of the conditions usually have to do with prevention of soil erosion and promoting proper construction practices. “Those are what we call standard conditions. If the development requires additional conditions than what is being proposed, we add those conditions on to it and we grant that approval so the conditions are only met if and when the construction starts,” said Adams.

Scope of work/Building Authority approval still needed

The scope of the project entails the construction of a swimming pool, balcony extension and renovation of five existing guests units.

According to the documents, the conditions that must be met prior to final approval are: The Planning Authority Permission to develop must be displayed at the entrance of the site at all times during construction;

The development [being] hereby approved, must be constructed wholly in accordance with the plans submitted and no variation must be made without the prior approval in writing from the Planning Authority;

The letter of approval must be attached to drawings, which must remain on the construction site at all times;

Care must be taken to minimise water and wind erosion of the topsoil. Erosion and sediment control measures (to include silt fences) must be implemented throughout the site during construction;

The areas identified for car parking on the approved plans must be reserved for this use in perpetuity and no form of development will be allowed which would interfere with the use of spaces allocated for parking (unless approved alternate arrangements are made);

The documents stated, “Approval is only valid when the above conditions are met.” It said too that the approval lapses if the development is not completed within three years of the date of approval being granted.

The documents state also the applicant still needs Building Authority approval.

See earlier stories here: 

http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/rosewood-little-dix-resort-closure-would-have-cost-ndp-election-hon-julian-fraser-ra

http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/300-jobless-when-little-dix-bay-hotel-closes-in-may-2016

http://www.virginislandsnewsonline.com/en/news/decision-to-close-little-dix-bay-hotel-was-done-without-govt-consultation

32 Responses to “TCPD approved Little Dix Bay renovation project since 2013”

  • Vg man (20/01/2016, 08:59) Like (10) Dislike (3) Reply

    Wow!!!!!!!!! well ayo look sh*t here for me dismorning.So why only now ayo decide to drop it on the people them?smfh

  • Architect (20/01/2016, 09:12) Like (24) Dislike (0) Reply
    It was approved in 2013 town planning approves you for 3 years to build so we are in 2016. question is when was build authority approval made? and also since 2013 these plans would have to be sent back to the departments to get re approved so yes the (ndp) national disr...... party Government knows about it. Cause commercial projects goes to a board that reviews and the board is out of the premier office where it reports back
    • pete (20/01/2016, 11:28) Like (16) Dislike (0) Reply
      excellent comment. And not one mention of any historic preservation in the process from TCPD. This has got to change for future projects. What if they tore down the old post office on main street for a modern glass generic building? It could happen. And there is no way to PROTECT this cultural heritage. No one is paying attention.
      This MUST be part of the equation to maintain BVI identity in the long run. That and the review boards notifying Gov and the people.
    • for real (20/01/2016, 23:45) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
      The thing is 3 years has not passed yet and it end on May 14, 2016.
    • dog (22/01/2016, 13:04) Like (8) Dislike (0) Reply
      again, not all permits have been obtained yet the project moves forward. Procedure and oversight is lacking with these projects. It is not just a matter of waiting for paperwork formality. It is re-visiting the project to see if it is being done right. The Government doesn't care. They even ignored getting permits for Brandywine Beach. Then all the planning authority did was get paperwork to make it legal. What about EIAs or social impact studies? No on respects the laws.
  • Christopher Columbus (20/01/2016, 09:33) Like (27) Dislike (0) Reply
    Somebody is a darm blasted liar.
  • Vg man (20/01/2016, 09:35) Like (28) Dislike (0) Reply

    and dr smith said he did not know he li*d

  • Jamesy (20/01/2016, 09:47) Like (38) Dislike (2) Reply
    See here thanks for this information VINO. I just love me some VINO. After three years you telling me that the NDP did not know…set of deservers and oppressors, but that is what you all voted for BAM
  • wize up (20/01/2016, 09:52) Like (8) Dislike (11) Reply
    is this a private company operating in the territory or is this a statuary body of government: as far back as I can recall(over 50 years) companies have been opening, closing, some of them left the territory owing the government money and some have filed bankruptcy; this is nothing new in the territory
  • liar liar (20/01/2016, 10:18) Like (35) Dislike (2) Reply
    Isn't dr smith the boss of this department? Well how he said that he didn't know???
    • Dari (20/01/2016, 11:54) Like (5) Dislike (11) Reply
      Strupes, so you are saying that Dr Smith knows every building project that is going on in the BVI, and he should catalog them in his brain for years to come? If he is micro managing TCP like that, then we are in a sad state of affairs. Furthermore, yes they had approved plans, so who says they weren't planning to do it in phases? But circumstances changed between now and (2013) then? Properties renovate all the time. It is sad that 300 persons are out of work. My concern is that they received proper packages and where will they find other employment? How many of them will be homeless, who are on work permits and do they leave the island? There are serious issues here that we need to be paying attention to.
    • wize up (20/01/2016, 12:22) Like (1) Dislike (4) Reply
      @ liar liar; the good gentleman had a senior moment; can you expect him to keep tabs on everything day after day...my question(how many of us can give an accurate amount of what goes on within our homes from day to day)...I personally think the country needs solutions but it is far easier offer criticism than offer up good solutions....at the end of the day and the dust settles, only the people of the territory will end up suffering.....
  • Liar liar pants on Fire (20/01/2016, 10:54) Like (27) Dislike (0) Reply
    Did our dear Premier get caught in a lie??? VINO now this is what you call proper investigate reporting. Other newsites should try it sometimes.

    Mr Adams while you are doing your job and telling the truth, this does not make NDP look good. WATCH YOUR BACK THEY WILL BE TRYING TO FIND A VERY SMART WAY TO REMOVE YOU FROM YOUR POSITION.
  • Dim Sum (20/01/2016, 11:06) Like (20) Dislike (2) Reply
    Power and privilege are being used to rig the system to increase the gap between the richest and the rest to levels we have not seen before. Far from trickling down, income and wealth are instead being sucked upwards at an alarming rate!
  • virgin gorda (20/01/2016, 11:12) Like (31) Dislike (3) Reply
    Dr Smith is exposed again his dear mom must be rolling in her grave to see what he has become in the interest of staying in power
  • right on (20/01/2016, 12:02) Like (9) Dislike (4) Reply
    Excellent investigative reporting VINO
  • ha (20/01/2016, 12:17) Like (5) Dislike (6) Reply
    Liar Liar yu pants on fire!!!!
  • virgin gorda (20/01/2016, 12:22) Like (2) Dislike (13) Reply
    Why dont these VIP suporters dont just see straight for once in their life.
    So i apply to renovate my hotel got approval, dont i start my work on my schedule.
    I only needs to advised T&CP when im begining. Do I need to asked Government if I
    can go ahead?

    Some sick loosers.
  • SMH101 (20/01/2016, 13:23) Like (10) Dislike (2) Reply
    Lawd, Lord have mercy lies after lies. What's wrong with the Government? This must stop now.
  • Billy Goat (20/01/2016, 15:29) Like (1) Dislike (16) Reply
    Some of us are over the top ridiculous.
    One day all kinda noise that NDP is a dictatorship. Well then why isn't he up in the business of private industries telling them how and when to renovate ? Dr Smith specifically stated that the hotel did not C O N S U L T with him about 18 month closure so where is the lie? Not that they have or must or are contracted with the Gov to consult about a temp closure.
    Andrew declares he has all kinda info from inside sources. How is it that he and Fraser both indigenous sons did not tell what they supposedly know?
    NDP busy with Gov business , busier with implementations and completion than any VI Gov. They definitely not slackers or are idle, They busy with Gov business.
  • affected (20/01/2016, 20:36) Like (7) Dislike (0) Reply

    I tell Ayaa dr smith jusike christopher colombus
    A damn b asted l**r

  • rattie (20/01/2016, 22:42) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Thanks for this story. Lots of people see the NDP now as can never be trusted!
  • Too mush BS (21/01/2016, 06:03) Like (0) Dislike (1) Reply
    This dude only making things difficult for investors, local builders and home builders with all of these unnecessary conditions he created. He is not advising or assisting he demanding and commanding. Im sure he upset little dix management like he did a lot of others. Bro the construction industty is crucial and vital to the bvi stop trying to kill it. Do things to help it move.
  • VG (21/01/2016, 09:27) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    This is the Government IN THE SUNSHINE that you guys voted for. As a reminder, ALL THAT GLITTERS IS NOT GOLD. This Premier is THE WEAKEST LINK... BAM
  • talk thing (21/01/2016, 10:01) Like (1) Dislike (1) Reply

    they might look to do greg like what they are doing the person in trade who is more qualified than the lady ndp put in to be in charge straight off a tv show marlon needs to get rid of her!!!!!!!! holding up progress and very b**s

  • Quince (21/01/2016, 19:24) Like (0) Dislike (3) Reply
    Seems as if only VIP supporters write blogs on VINO. Great place for observers to evaluate the mentality of past present and future losers.
  • Valley (24/01/2016, 09:41) Like (1) Dislike (0) Reply
    the government propaganda of disinformation, their trawling of lies.


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