St. John’s councillors have allayed concerns, for now, over new rules for development of the city’s wetlands.

Yesterday, council balked at approving changes recommended by staff, citing the need for more expert input.

The decision came amidst criticism that the city was moving too fast with a new wetlands ranking system included in an external study.

The city’s expert panel on environment and sustainability expressed concerns with the study and the fact they weren’t consulted.

But they’ve now formally been asked to weigh in.

Mayor Danny Breen gave assurances that the end product will better protect the city’s sensitive areas.

“I don’t see how anybody could say we’re not developing or we’re taking away protection of wetlands. What we’re doing … not only are we identifying and protecting them, but we’re making it more difficult to develop them,” he said. “Right now, an application and a vote of council would allow development on a wetland. So we are in fact tightening the restrictions and the protections around wetlands.”

Council was told the expert panel usually meets every three months but will likely make an exception in this case, and provide a response “sooner rather than later.”