Developers for the proposed project at Southlands have taken the opportunity to rebut more than 100 letters of objection sent to the Department of Planning.

In a methodical letter of their own, written in numbered bullet points, the development team attempted to debunk issues raised by members of the public in opposition to the luxury resort and staff living quarters.

The letter stated: “... there is no reason to stall or delay a viable development that will benefit Bermuda and be enjoyed by Bermudians.”

On the issue of open space the letter stated: “... the new Woodlands, landscaping, and open spaces will surpass any development in Bermuda.”

Some citizens objected to the cliff’s edge structure being a potential danger to people and to the environment.

The letter responded with: “... the existing, unstable, and eroding cliffs at the west end of the site will be reinforced and protected.”

And on the topic of South Road, part of which would be tunnelled underground, the developers said: “The realignment of South Road has been designed in consultation with Works and Engineering, independent road engineers and traffic consultants.” Although the project received a high number of objection letters from the public — more than four times as much as the new Bank of Bermuda project on Front Street — the development team can flaunt a powerful endorsement from the Ministry of Tourism.

It’s believed the Ministry of Tourism endorsement came while Lt. Col. David Burch was running the Ministry for a short period during a Government leadership shuffle.

The current Tourism Minister, Premier Ewart Brown, has also welcomed the project.

The letter from developers ended with this summary: “Tourism has proven to be an appropriate form of development for Bermuda and offers employment, with the associated social and economic benefits, to a wide range of the population.

“Both the Government and Bermudian owners of Southlands recognise this.”

Southlands, Ltd. is seeking two special development orders from the Minister of the Environment, one each for the hotel building and the dormitory.

Ultimately developers hope to turn the 37-acre property into a five star resort with condominiums and living quarters for staff, while putting part of South Road underground so that the campus can stretch seamlessly to both sides of the roadway.