Written By Marlene Freeman

Kingston Mayor Andrew Swaby has welcomed the Court of Appeal overturning a decision by the Supreme Court, relating to approvals granted by local authorities for a large scale development at Bird Sucker Avenue, in St. Andrew.

This after the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Cooperation (KSAMC) and National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA) were found to have acted illegally in granting the permission.

The KSAMC filed an appeal, and in its ruling handed down last month, the Appeal Court pointed out that the lower court was incorrect in quashing the permits.

Speaking at the KSAMC monthly meeting, Mayor Swaby cited the lower court’s ruling that both the Municipal Authority and NEPA acted without proper environmental clearance.

Mayor Swaby said the Appeal Court’s ruling vindicates the actions of the KSAMC and NEPA.

Mayor Swaby said the Appeal Court ruling also reaffirms public confidence in the knowledge, skills and expertise of Municipal officers.