The developer behind the Cedar Tree Point luxury housing project in Barbuda has defended the initiative against claims it poses an environmental threat.

Henry Anderson, head of the company overseeing the project, insists the development adheres to environmental guidelines, saying it sits more than 4,000 feet from the protected Frigate Bird Sanctuary and 400 feet from the ocean—exceeding official buffer zone requirements.

His comments come as a court prepares to rule on a legal challenge brought by Barbudan fisherman George Jeffrey, supported by the UK-based Global Legal Action Network. They allege the Development Control Authority’s approval of the project was unlawful due to its proximity to the Ramsar-listed Codrington Lagoon National Park.

Jeffrey also claims the government breached the Environmental Protection and Management Act and the Physical Planning Act by failing to publish the project’s environmental impact assessment.

However, Anderson cited findings from a marine biologist, who reported no harm to the sanctuary’s ecosystem, turtle nesting sites, or lagoon health. He also questioned why a nearby, larger hotel project has not faced similar scrutiny.