Redevelopment of Tovey Cottage in Upper Rock gets unanimous planning support

The Development and Planning Commission has unanimously backed a major overhaul of Tovey Cottage in the Upper Rock Nature Reserve, clearing the way for a new two-storey conservation, education and visitor centre designed to bring people closer to Gibraltar’s environment and wildlife.

What’s planned at Tovey Cottage

Currently a vacant single-storey structure previously used as a raptor rehabilitation and education unit, Tovey Cottage will be replaced with a modern facility offering immersive learning and research spaces, a small café and shop, and improved public amenities. According to the planning presentation, the scheme includes:

• Lower level: an immersive cinematic room, a connected research hub, and adjoining administration and ticketing areas.
• Upper level: an incubator room, staff facilities, a conference room, and a café/shop with storage, opening onto a rooftop terrace.
• Site enhancements: a network of decks and boardwalks, a bird of prey area, an open-air amphitheatre, and extensive landscaping with a strong emphasis on habitat protection.

The project adopts a sustainability-first approach. Designers anticipate minimal tree intervention, limited to pruning where required. Environmental features include rainwater harvesting and recycling, Sustainable Urban Drainage Systems, photovoltaic panels, green roofs, and a high-performance thermal envelope, alongside other passive and active energy-saving measures.

Support and timeline

Heritage officials described the proposal as a clear upgrade that will deliver high-quality public, educational, and environmental benefits within the nature reserve. Environmental advocates on the commission also welcomed the plans, noting the longstanding role of the site in connecting young people with nature and praising the vision for a more modern, accessible centre. The project team indicated a construction window of roughly 12 to 18 months once all pre-commencement requirements are satisfied.

Conditions before construction

Although approved, the scheme must meet a set of technical and environmental conditions prior to breaking ground. These include a statement on PV provision, a predictive Energy Performance Certificate, an ecological management plan, and archaeological oversight to ensure protection of the site’s environmental and heritage values.

DAT rulings

Buena Vista Barracks: communal pool approved in outline

The Development and Appeals Tribunal overturned an earlier Commission refusal and granted outline planning permission for a communal swimming pool at Buena Vista Barracks. The original refusal cited insufficient cliff stability information and concerns over massing and its effect on open space and biodiversity. The Tribunal approved the scheme subject to comprehensive conditions: detailed architectural drawings, ecological and geotechnical surveys, and a landscape maintenance plan.

The permission also requires reinstatement of the public footpath from the site to Parsons Lodge, reflecting both environmental and heritage considerations. Part of the site lies within the Gibraltar Nature Reserve and will require licensing under the Nature Protection Act following consultation with the Nature Conservancy Council. As the estate forms part of the Gibraltar National Trails network, the public right of way must remain open. Planning officials confirmed the Commission is obliged to issue the outline permission in line with the Tribunal’s decision, while noting that the full planning stage will offer another opportunity to scrutinise the detailed design and conditions.

Casemates Square (Latinos): refusal upheld

For 9 and 21B Casemates Square, the Tribunal upheld the Commission’s refusal of a rooftop extension and lift. The scheme was deemed incompatible with the character and appearance of the listed monument, and the fire escape route—relying on private land—was considered unacceptable. Members also cited concerns about precedent and cumulative impact. The refusal remains in place.

87 Queensway: modernised warehouse gets green light

A redevelopment at 87 Queensway—demolition of a deteriorated warehouse and construction of a modern facility with office space, internal parking, and improved access—secured unanimous support. The scheme, intended to accommodate long-established operators relocating from the East Side development site, has been significantly refined through consultation with planners and heritage bodies.

Key revisions include a notable height reduction so the building sits below the adjacent siege wall, greater setbacks from Queensway Road and the historic defensive wall, and enhanced massing, circulation, and façade design. Sustainability features such as solar PV, greywater systems, and potential green roofing are incorporated. Safeguards will be in place to protect the listed wall throughout construction. Officials welcomed the project as a contribution to wider urban renewal.

Other planning decisions

The Aloes and Wellington Cottage extensions deferred

An outline application for two-storey extensions and alterations at The Aloes, 6 Bella Vista Close, and Wellington Cottage sites was deferred. Members discussed potential tree loss, scale and massing, and visual impacts. Although planners recommended refusal, the Commission opted to defer to allow the applicant to address the key issues raised. The motion to defer passed by eight votes to three.

Naval Hospital Garden house refused

A proposal for a two-storey detached house at Naval Hospital Garden was refused, with nine votes against and two abstentions. Members cited the need to protect limited green spaces and local wildlife, emphasising their value for future generations.

46 City Mill Lane extension approved

A single-storey extension at Flat 1, 46 City Mill Lane, below Theatre Royal Park, received unanimous approval. The design incorporates sustainability features and aligns with the character of the surrounding area. Conditions include wildlife surveys and a construction management plan to limit disturbance.

Café at Main Street/Casemates approved in principle

An application to fit out a vacant retail unit at the corner of Main Street and Casemates Square as a café was approved in principle, subject to revisions. A neighbouring shop raised concerns about outdoor seating affecting access and visibility. The applicant responded by reducing seating and removing umbrellas to maintain sightlines. Environmental officials requested confirmation of customer toilet provision, which is required for new hospitality venues. The Commission agreed that final approval will depend on updated plans clarifying the seating layout, nearby street installations, and the toilet arrangements. Steps will also be explored to reduce street “clutter” in the vicinity.

Across the agenda, the Commission emphasised sustainability, heritage protection, and public access as core planning priorities, with the Tovey Cottage redevelopment standing out as a flagship project for nature conservation and education in the Upper Rock.