The Development Control Authority-DCA

13/08/2026

𝗣𝗨𝗕𝗟𝗜𝗖 𝗕𝗘𝗔𝗖𝗛 𝗔𝗖𝗖𝗘𝗦𝗦 𝗜𝗦 𝗬𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗥𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧

The Development Control Authority (DCA), under the Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, is pleased to reaffirm and share this important public advisory concerning access to Antigua and Barbuda’s beaches.

Residents are encouraged to report instances where established public access to a beach appears to have been blocked or restricted by gates, fencing, barriers, or other measures.

Our beaches are an important part of our natural heritage, culture, recreation and tourism product. Protecting lawful and established access is therefore a matter of importance to all of us.

If you encounter a situation where public beach access appears to have been restricted, please report it to us The Development Control Authority-DCA Contact us at +1 (268) 468-5517, and visit our offices at Friars Hill Rd, Saint John's, Antigua and Barbuda

Please share this message and help us raise awareness about the importance of preserving public beach access.

𝘍𝘖𝘙 𝘐𝘔𝘔𝘌𝘋𝘐𝘈𝘛𝘌 𝘙𝘌𝘓𝘌𝘈𝘚𝘌
𝘈𝘶𝘨𝘶𝘴𝘵 11, 2026

𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗱 𝘁𝗼 𝗥𝗲𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗕𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗸𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝘂𝗯𝗹𝗶𝗰 𝗕𝗲𝗮𝗰𝗵 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀

The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, through the Development Control Authority (DCA), is encouraging residents to report instances where public access to beaches is being blocked or restricted.

The appeal forms part of efforts to protect public access to Antigua and Barbuda’s coastline and to ensure that residents and visitors can continue to enjoy the country’s beaches.

Under the message “Public Beach Access Is Your Right!”, the Ministry, through the DCA, is reminding the public that Antigua and Barbuda’s beaches are for everyone and that lawful access to these important natural spaces must be protected.

Residents who encounter barriers, gates, fencing, or other measures that appear to block or restrict established public access to a beach are encouraged to report the matter to the relevant authorities for investigation.

The DCA also notes that longstanding public use may establish access rights and that developments are required to make appropriate provisions for beach access where applicable.

With continued development in coastal areas, the Ministry and DCA are seeking to raise public awareness of the importance of preserving traditional and lawful access points.

Members of the public are therefore being encouraged to remain vigilant, and report concerns rather than allowing established access routes to disappear without being brought to the attention of the authorities.

Antigua and Barbuda’s beaches are an important part of the country’s natural heritage, culture, recreation and tourism product, making their continued accessibility an issue of national importance.

The Ministry of Social and Urban Transformation, through the Development Control Authority, is reaffirming the message:

“𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘣𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩𝘦𝘴. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘵𝘢𝘨𝘦. 𝘖𝘶𝘳 𝘳𝘪𝘨𝘩𝘵 𝘵𝘰 𝘢𝘤𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘴.”

𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗦

10/08/2026

Public Beach Access Is Your Right!

Antigua and Barbuda’s beaches are for everyone. Public access to beaches must be protected, and blocking or restricting lawful access is not acceptable.

Longstanding public use may establish access rights, and developments must provide appropriate access to the beach.

If you encounter blocked or restricted public beach access, report it to the relevant authorities and help protect access for everyone.

Our beaches. Our heritage. Our right to access.

29/07/2026

PUBLIC NOTICE: EARLY OFFICE CLOSURE

The Development Control Authority (DCA) wishes to inform the public that our offices will close early today, Wednesday, 29 July 2026, at 1:00 p.m.

This early closure will allow staff members to participate in and attend the Children’s Carnival Parade.

Regular office hours and services will resume on Thursday, 30 July 2026.

We thank the public for your understanding and cooperation.

Development Control Authority
Planning for Sustainable Development

23/07/2026

Our job is to help Antigua and Barbuda grow the right way. From a home extension to a national project, we ensure development is safe, legal and sustainable. Questions?

Call 1 (268) 468-5500 or visit Friars Hill Road.

27/05/2026

Physical Planning Act 2003 EIA Requirement Notice

Under Section 23(1) of the Physical Planning Act 2003, an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is required for development applications involving projects listed in the Third Schedule.

This process ensures environmental impacts are properly assessed before approval, supporting sustainable land use and responsible development.

Applicants are reminded that EIA compliance is mandatory where applicable, and Third Schedule projects must include an approved EIA with their submission.

For guidance, contact the Development Control Authority before applying.

19/05/2026

Before you start any construction or land development in Antigua and Barbuda, you are legally required to obtain development permission from the Development Control Authority (DCA).

Under the Physical Planning Act, 2003 (Antigua and Barbuda), no person shall carry out “development” of land without prior approval from the DCA. This includes building works, alterations, subdivisions, and other forms of land use change as defined under the Act.

This requirement exists to ensure that all developments comply with national planning policies, safety standards, environmental considerations, and orderly land use planning.

Skipping this legal step can result in enforcement action, stop notices, fines, and costly delays or demolition orders.

Apply early. Secure your DCA approval. Build in compliance.

08/04/2026

The Physical Planning Act 2003 empowers the Development Control Authority (DCA) to govern orderly land development across Antigua and Barbuda's urban and rural areas. The DCA grants development permissions, controls land use, regulates building standards, and ensures all projects align with national planning policies. Through this oversight, we protect community amenities, preserve environmental integrity, and guide sustainable growth.

26/03/2026

Public Beach Access Is Your Legal Right

Every beach must have at least one public landward access even through private developments.

If no access exists, the Government can secure access through acquisition, negotiation, or permit conditions

New developments must include free public access if they impact beach entry

No gate, fence, or development should deny beach access.

If you see or suspect restricted access, report it immediately.

Call: 1 (268) 468-5517
Visit: Friars Hill Road (next to APUA Friars Hill Power Plant)

Let’s protect our beaches these spaces belong to all of us.

25/03/2026

Build Smart. Build Legal.

Planning a construction project in Antigua & Barbuda? Start the right way, get approval from the Development Control Authority (DCA) before you build.

Ensure your plans meet safety standards
Avoid costly delays and penalties
Build with confidence from day one

Skipping this step can set your project back, so apply early and stay on track!

Your future build deserves a solid foundation legally and structurally.

12/02/2026