The Grotto Bay Resort has been refused planning permission to create 67 new hotel suites, parking and tennis courts because of the proposed development?s impact the environment.

The Development Applications Board (DAB) said insufficient information was submitted.

In particular Grotto Bay?s plan did not include protection areas or a known cave, it said, adding that the proposal appeared to impact nature reserves and protected zones including woodland reserve, green space, open space and caves.

The siting, massing and scale of the development in the environmentally sensitive site went against the 1992 Bermuda Plan, it said.

The new development would have a negative visual impact on the area, it said, as it could be seen from the Causeway.

The new rooms were planned to be built where the tennis courts now stand and the existing courts would be moved on the other side of the driveway where there is now an overflow parking area. Grotto Bay general manager Johannes Martens made the application for 11 Blue Hole Hill, Hamilton Parish, in January.

Mr. Martens could not be reached for comment but said in February that the extension was part of Grotto Bay?s overall master plan, which began in 1996 with renovations to the pool and beach area, guest rooms and main building.

The Hamptons in Southampton have received final planning permission to further develop a hillside near St. Anne?s Road. Kevin Cross, president of development company WhiteCross Developments was given permission to build four detached homes and eight town houses at 62 St. Anne?s Road by the Development Applications Board. Mr. Cross originally wanted to build 40 homes, but the number was reduced thanks to pressure from local residents.