Residents of Bannatyne, Christ Church are fighting to prevent a section of the neighbouring Newton Plantation in the shadow of a historic slave burial ground from being subdivided for housing.
Objection letters have been sent to the Planning and Development Department and the residents are in the process of gaining all 56 homeowners’ signatures for a petition against the development of farmland now under active sugarcane cultivation that lies to the south of the community’s brow.
The Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network (BCEN) has also issued a protest against the project.
One of the island’s oldest sugar plantations, Newton, which once comprised about 420 acres, is the home of the Newton Slave Burial ground, which is owned by the Barbados Museum & Historical Society. The small, upscale Bannatyne development lies on a ridge in the centre of farmlands, bordered by Bannatyne, Small Ridge and Newton estates.
A noticeboard erected on the site stated that Newton Ltd, the applicant, is proposing to develop 12.2 acres, subdividing the land into 58 lots.
However, a group of concerned residents in Bannatyne said it is determined to see the repurposing of arable land denied. In a five-page document, residents complained that the project would have a major impact on the island’s food security, adding that the location was also part of a watercourse.
“Subdividing agricultural land for the purpose of residential development will impact our ability to feed ourselves and make Barbados less food secure,” the document read. “The field identified for subdivision is part of a more expansive area of land which has been used for agricultural production for the past several decades. The field has mostly been used for growing sugar cane but occasionally cotton has also been planted there. Currently, healthy young sugarcane, planted in October 2023, is growing in the field.
“Our government has a stated goal of increasing local food production as a means of improving Barbados’ food security. Removing agricultural land from production conflicts with the idea of increasing food production. As a small island, we need to aggressively pursue the intent to produce a much bigger share of what we eat. This request to convert agricultural land into residential housing will contribute to our island being less able to feed itself,” the residents added.
To further strengthen their point, a quote from the Barbados Final Report Land Degradation Neutrality Target Setting Programme of May 2023 was used: “Barbados is one of the most densely populated countries in the world with a rate of urban expansion that significantly exceeds the rate of population growth. This pattern of urban sprawl affects land, water resources, agricultural production and the quality and health of natural ecosystems.”
The complaint, which contained thorough mapping, highlighted that the area was flood-prone, making it unfit for a housing development.
“The topography of the area encourages natural drainage from higher ground to catchment areas in the field eventually draining to aquifers. Such drainage would not be possible through paved roads, driveways, and the footprints of 58 houses hindering water collection in our now water-scarce island. Even without the tarmac and concrete that will come with a residential development, there are times when the field is unable to absorb the water. The overflow often makes the main road impassable. One would expect that with a residential development, even more water will be forced onto the main road leading to worse flooding.”
Included in the complaint is a contour map showing the elevations and which identifies the field in question as being part of a flood plain. There is also concern that the water main currently serving 55 houses in Bannatyne will be unable to serve double the number of houses.
Residents questioned why the housing project was not proposed for several large fields in the Newton/Bannatyne area that are overrun with bush but instead for productive lands that contributed to the aesthetics of the island and provided a “refreshing atmosphere”.
They said they fear that the project would transform an “oasis of greenery to another mass of concrete, roads and rooftops”.
In a press release, the BCEN said the development would be a threat to national sustainable development. “We strongly oppose any lands at [Newton] being used for residential purposes or purposes other than commercial agricultural activities that could benefit the country and consumers,” it said.
“BCEN is of the view that arable agricultural lands are essential for sustaining local food production which contributes to the nutritional health, and social fabric of communities. Converting arable lands into residential lots at [Newton] diminishes opportunities for agricultural development which in turn impacts on consumers’ access to locally sourced produce.”
The consumer body lamented that over the years, there have been threats to local food production leading to a reduction in accessing local produce. “Pandemics like COVID-19 should have taught us that Barbados needs to safeguard its food security because if we are not careful, consumers in Barbados could find that gradually, they have little to no access to affordable locally produced nutritious foods,” it said.
Declaring that the proposed residential development directly contradicts the principles of Section 3 of the Barbados Land Use Policy, BCEN said: “[The policy aims] to balance agricultural sustainability with controlled development which is supposed to preclude converting arable lands for short-term financial gains over the long-term sustainability of natural resources.”
When contacted, a director of Newtol Ltd., who requested anonymity, declined to comment.
Christ Church East Central MP Ryan Straughan, who is also Minister in the Ministry of Finance, said some Bannatyne residents raised the concerns with him and he referred them to a process by which they could voice concerns through the Planning and Development Department.
Under the Planning and Development Act of 2019, the minister responsible for Town Planning retains sweeping powers to unilaterally earmark an area for development. But the law also provides for consultation before applying for planning permission. Senior Minister Dr William Duguid currently holds the portfolio for town planning matters.
sheriabrathwaite@barbadostoday.bb
