Grenada Land Actors Inc. v The Planning and Development Authority

The case Grenada Land Actors Inc. v The Planning and Development Authority and others is a landmark judicial review brought by a grassroots environmental group (GLA) challenging the legality of the Planning and Development Authority’s approval of three large-scale resort developments at La Sagesse, Mt. Hartman, and Levera. GLA alleges that the Authority granted planning permission without adequate Environmental Impact Assessments (EIAs), failed to engage in meaningful public consultation, and breached statutory duties under the Physical Planning and Development Control Act, Cap. 241A and the Integrated Coastal Zone Management Act of 2019. The Claimant also argued that the Authority did not maintain a public register of planning decisions, which undermines transparency and public oversight. The case has gone through several procedural stages, with early objections from the developers and the Authority on the basis of standing (locus standi) and delay. However, in March 2022, the High Court allowed the case to proceed, and the Eastern Caribbean Court of Appeal affirmed this decision in March 2023. The case was heard substantively in October 2024, and written submissions were ordered to be completed by the end of that year. The outcome of this case may set important precedents in environmental law, particularly regarding the obligations of state bodies to conduct proper environmental assessments, facilitate public participation, and uphold principles of transparency and accountability in development planning.