The 4 lots purchased by Nature Walk Beach Club ( Old Seagrove Hotel -Oceanfront) are designated as Residential Preservation. This means that the current development is allowed and can remain but can not be changed. If the existing development is torn down, the code states that only 1 dwelling per lot can be rebuilt. This would be 4 houses total. THe Walton County Planning department has allowed this development to move forward based on a code that states " Development within RP areas is limited to the type, density and intensity for development that is shown in the approved plat, development order or recorded covenants and restrictions that were recorded before Dec 28, 92. Unless specified otherwise on a previously approved development order, the land use within an area designated RP shall be one dwelling unit per platted lot. Future development within an RP may proceed in accordance with the plan or development order, as originally approved. RP project areas are identified as part fo the County's Future Land Use Map series. The Walton County Planning department has based every decision they have made on covenants and restrictions that were provided by the developer which is allowing them to tear down the existing development and rebuild condos, private beach club and other facilities. In the last planning meeting on Feb 8th, it was determined that those covenants and restrictions had expired and were not valid. Even with this information recorded in the public record, the planning department is still allowing this development to move forward. Everyone should plan to attend the County Commissioners meeting on Feb 27th, 5pm at the South Annex and voice their opinion. It is the responsiblity of our elected officials to hold the developers accountible to the laws that were designed to protect Walton County. It is the tax payers that must hold the commissioners accountible in upholding these laws. Please make sure to attend and insure that the commissioners do in fact deny approval of this development which is clearly outside the legal boundaries.
