A tranquil plot of land on Jubilee Road in Devonshire is slated to become the site of a new, privately owned housing development.

The land, known as the ?marshland? comprises almost five acres and represents one of the few remaining plots of open land in the area. Community activist Rolfe Commissiong invited the media to the area yesterday to make a statement on behalf of residents who are opposed to plans to build eight, semi-detached homes.

Trees have already been cleared out of the once thickly wooded area in preparation for work to begin on the two-storey houses. Plans filed by the Rosebud Trust, who represent the developers, are currently awaiting final approval from the Development Applications Board.

Mr. Commissiong, who lives across the street from the site of the new development, said area residents are concerned that private developments are encroaching on open spaces across the Island. He is calling on Government to develop a sustainability plan to protect open land and to advise owners of the importance of preserving open spaces for future generations.

?There needs to be a balance of development with the need the public has for open spaces,? said Mr. Commissiong. ?If this is not sacred then nothing is in Bermuda. Although this is legal on the part of the Rosebud Trust, who have residential rights here, this is a signpost of what is going wrong in Bermuda in an overheated housing market.?

Mr. Commissiong said he would be opposed to the development even if the land were to be used for affordable homes.

But he estimates the two-storey homes will go for $1.2 million and said that does not serve the broader interests of Bermudians and will further overheat the housing market and lead to greater traffic congestion in the neighbourhood. ?There is a big hole in the relevant act that deals with development and planning,? he said. ?There is no provision for adequate compensation for landowners who have somewhat ideal land holdings such as these, so they can be adequately compensated.?

Director of Planning Rudolph Hollis told that the Rosebud Trust, represented by Conyers and Associates, has not yet received final permission to go ahead with the development. The area was cleared to allow the Department of Planning to conduct a topographical survey, he said.

But the private land is designated for residential purposes, he added. ?It?s not that we are not concerned about the environmental qualities of the area, and while there may be other concerns, we only apply Planning principles in assessing these applications.?

Area MP Glenn Blakeney said he was backing calls from residents who are upset that this parcel of land is slated for development.

?We need to look at what the parameters are for small land mass and develop a sustainable development strategy that balances the need for affordable housing with the need for open spaces,? he said.

Mr. Blakeney, who used to live close to this plot of land said it does not appear to be ideal for development.?This area highlights how we need to find some balance when it comes to concerns of residents and our concern for the environment.?

Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield did not return calls seeking comment yesterday.

William Cox, one of the property developers did not wish to comment when contacted by . Conyers and Associates, who represent Rosebud Trust, also did not return calls seeking comment.