The Progressive Labour Party has been warned to tread carefully with their historic buildings policy to avoid it becoming a political hot potato.

The United Bermuda Party, which found -- to its expense -- that the listing of structures and subsequent planning differences is not welcomed by everyone, believe the issue could become a problem if not handled properly.

Shadow Environment Minister Gary Pitman said the new Government should look very carefully at the policy before deciding upon its final draft.

A hasty decision or the wrong option could prove to be a serious headache, he said.

"I am 100 percent in favour of the policy,'' he said. "But it does get tricky when people do not want to be part of it. They need to listen to the reasons and make their decision from there.

"If those 200 objectors remain determined, then Government does have a problem on their hands.'' Government has vowed to target 300 people who have not responded to their correspondence in relation to the policy.

Announcing the first 300 buildings on the list, Environment Minister Arthur Hodgson said he was concerned many owners had not replied to letters relating to a list of structures considered important to the nation's heritage.

But he would not say whether those people who did not want to be part of the list would be forced to take part.

The Minister said he hoped that those who were reluctant to "list'' their buildings would see the advantages and not fear that it would make the upkeep more expensive and restrict development.

Mr. Hodgson said a significant difference from the UBP scheme is the inclusion of Government structures.

That factor was recommended by Premier Jennifer Smith, he said.

"We have to be fair to everybody and we have to be fair to Bermuda and our heritage,'' he said. "I am satisfied that we will be able to work out an agreement that makes everybody happy.'' Over 800 buildings had been earmarked by the Historic Buildings Advisory Committee that are important in the past of Bermuda.

The committee spent several years surveying and documenting homes, churches, forts, Dockyard buildings, gateposts and commercial premises.

Owners of 300 properties have agreed to be included in the list -- which provides requirements for alterations and planning processes.

Another 200 people have raised objections, but Mr. Hodgson said he was confident their problems could be worked out.

The 300 who have not replied to correspondence from the Department of Environment are to receive another letter to establish what their point of view is.

One of the main fears when the scheme was initially announced by the previous Government was that owners would have their hands tied into expensive renovations dictated by the Planning department.

But the Minister stressed that he wanted to work with people to find amicable solutions to the issues.

And he said he wanted to encourage people to discuss their plans with the planning department and Historic Buildings Advisory Committee to minimise any potential conflict.

However, he would not say whether compensation would be available to those who were disadvantaged by the policy.

"There are a number of schemes that are presently being considered. I wouldn't want to prejudice any final decision by making a decision at this stage.

"Bermudians have a good track record of looking after our heritage. Therefore I am satisfied that the owners of these buildings will want to manage them in the best interests of Bermuda.'' Gary Pitman said the Government would be best advised to look long and hard at the question of compensation, with consultation in Cabinet, before going down that route -- especially as the burden could fall to taxpayers.

Two members of the HBAC, John Adams and Mrs. Margie Lloyd, joined the Minister at the press conference. Two new members will be announced in the near future.

Mr. Hodgson said the policy would bring together buildings and history created by Bermuda's two societies.