The Hon. Diallo V. S. Rabain, JP, MP, Minister for the Cabinet Office and Digital Innovation, today announced that he has approved the appeal for the development of a crucial seniors' residential facility at the former Channel House site in Southside, St. George's.

This decision follows the Development Applications Board's (DAB) initial refusal based on the Bermuda Plan 2018's requirement for ground-floor commercial activity in Mixed-Use zones. This policy limited the project despite its clear public value.

“The approval of the Channel House facility is a positive and necessary step for seniors' care in Bermuda,” said Minister Rabain. “I want to thank the team at the Department of Planning for moving this application through the system as quickly as possible, even within the limits of the current policy framework.”

Minister Rabain emphasised that while policies are important, they must not get in the way of good projects: “Sometimes, even well-intentioned rules can slow down progress. That’s why I’m working closely with the Department of Planning to update and streamline the process, so future applications like this don’t face the same delays.

“In May I will outline reforms to make our planning system faster, fairer, and more supportive of responsible development. That includes ensuring that if a project has community value and professional backing, it can be approved, without needing to be rejected first.”

Minister Rabain also pointed to other recent appeal decisions, including one for the proposed Sankofa Hotel on Victoria Street, as part of a broader pattern: “These are not isolated cases. They show why change is needed, and that change is coming.”

“The Premier has tasked me with improving the planning system, and that’s what I intend to do. We are here to support good builders, not hold them back. The Department of Planning plays a key role, and we will continue working together to make sure the system is more responsive and works better for Bermuda.”