As Government awaits word on the application for statutory approval for the proposed Todd Street, San Fernando, Housing Development Corporation (HDC) multi-family housing development, a group protesting the proposal also awaits an upcoming hearing of its application for judicial review of the matter.
The proposed housing development has been a controversial issue since it arose last year and has received stiff objections from certain groups– including the Opposition UNC.
Yesterday, Housing Minister Camille Robinson-Regis, responding to queries about the status of the proposal to build 72 HDC multi-family apartments at Todd Street, said: “The HDC is following the legal process of applying for the various statutory approvals. The HDC is approaching this project in a manner that is no different than any of its proposed housing developments.”
She said the application was receiving the attention of the statutory authorities. Once the process is completed, the HDC will advise the various stakeholders, she added.
However, a group of ten comprising religious organisations, residents and business owners of Todd Street, school officials and residents of neighbouring communities have protested the proposal. The group includes a UNC San Fernando West activist.
Attorneys for the group in November sent a letter to Prime Minister Keith Rowley, detailing how the group would be greatly disturbed by the plan.
The letter also signalled intent to file for judicial review challenging a Cabinet decision to transfer a hectare of State land on Todd Street to the HDC to construct the multi-family housing project.
The attorneys had sought a written response by November 28, 2022, and if not received, they stated they would conclude that the Cabinet has not/will not consider its position, prompting the filing of a judicial review claim in court.
Also yesterday, Guardian Media confirmed that “a preliminary response” was issued by the Government on its views on the matter, but “a substantive response is yet to be obtained.”
Guardian Media was told the group’s application for judicial review will be heard at the end of the month.
The group had cited correspondence from the HDC, the Education Minister, the ministry’s permanent secretary and the Town and Country Planning Division (TCPD), dating back to March 23, 2022.
That included information by TCPD and the Education Ministry’s permanent secretary against use of the land for residential purposes.