Frustrations mount over GT waterfront project
Work continues on the Thompson waterfront development, October 2016
(CNS Business): Following confirmation last week that the Central Planning Authority had conceded that planning permission had been granted in error for a waterfront development in George Town, the neighbouring landowner who had appealed the CPA’s decision to grant permission has raised his concerns that the project is continuing. Chris Johnson has said he wants to see the tourist office taken down and the tarmac taken up at the site opposite the Waterfront Centre on North Church Street after the CPA conceded the mistake and overturned the decision, admitting it had fallen into error over a variance on the setbacks.
But there seems to be little sign that the project has even stopped let alone begun to be demolished.
Johnson said he was pleased that the CPA had admitted the error and quashed the planning permission but he was becoming increasingly frustrated that nothing has changed and wants to see planning issue an enforcement notice.
Johnson has always insisted that the development being carried out by the Thompson family is inappropriate for the location on a strip of land that he says is far too small for any development and undermines the aesthetics and traditional vista in that area, which he and his son have been trying to enhance rather than develop.
The project, which was originally refused planning permission, was later granted permission following modifications to the plans, despite the objections from Johnson and warnings from the National Roads Authority and the Department of Environment.
CNS Business has attempted to contact Kel Thompson regarding his plans for removing the building but we have been unsuccessful.
While the CPA should now issue an enforcement notice, Thompson still has the right to re-apply and appeal through the courts, as does Johnson if the building is not removed, which means the entire affair, which is already acrimonious following correspondence in the local newspaper between the two families, is likely to drag on without resolution for the foreseeable future.
See Planning Appeals Tribunal notice in CNS Library
Category: Construction, Local Business
Beat up on the Caymanians and let the others have there way. Building next door never had any permits.
Why is Thompson still building when the Appeals Tribunal revoked his building permit. Does the CPA not have any guts to stop him. Since the revocation he has build the illegal car park, put up ghastly fencing to keep people out and continued to build his ticket office to make more millions.
Will the Government please stop him and his hideous project. With the septic tank within 20 feet of the sea would you buy fish from next door?
No worries about the cigar bar who just did a major upgrade. What about there approval????
back off that is for tourism
So is the ticket office to rip off people going swimming. St least Johnson puts back into the community.
Cigar bar all approved. Check CPA minutes.
Checked and no record unless you got them under a different name!
Go back to go and do not collect $200.
Pissing off each other or pissing ON each other. I’m laughing my head off. Can’t think of two more deserving businessmen!
What a stupid remark. Go back to reading your comic.
Nothing more entertaining………. than to watch two rich men pissing off each other – trying to get more and more of the US dollar on the waterfront.
What an asinine remark. Can you explain how Mr Johnson is trying to make money. He has no business and receives no rent. You need get facts straight before engaging mouth. Moreover he put in the new sidewalk to save persons walking on the road. Conversely what has Thompson contributed apart from the illegal purple piss pot.
It is Mr Thompson’s land, and his application to develop it was approved. If the planning board wants to revert on their decision, they should reimbursed him of all costs to date and the land should be purchased from him by the Government like they are doing for the one beside Smith’s Cove. If he can’t do anything with it, then what’s the point? No other private owner will be able to do anything either.
You just do not get it and clearly illiterate. Thompson was opposed from the start by three nearby land owners, the DOE and NRA. The car park is illegal and the CPA had no discretion to wave the setback. Thompson did not get permission from adjoining land owners to build to the side boundaries without the usual setbacks. The CPA decision could not be supported by the AG or the Appeals Tribunal. No excuse of the law protects Thompson. Why should he seek compensation and above all following revocation of his building permit two weeks ago he should have his ass sued off.
As a Caymanian I fully support Mr Johnson.
No surprise, different sets of rules for different people, the Cayman way.
Certainly one for paper caymanians.
Yes the ones in the cigar bar!!!!
Well if planning hasn’t been approved, all utilities to the site should be cut off immediately
Very good point.
Quite right. Planning permission no longer exists so Thompson is now in breach of the law.
I drive by everyday watch them working on this site. Truly a shame.
The CPA have no balls. I cannot wait until Johnson takes this to court and no doubt he will and win. Watch for the D8. Kel you took on the wrong guy that is for sure.
So immigration have granted permits to people to do something unlawful? Not the first time.