rejected plans for a new access road near Tribe Road Number Six.

The Development Applications Board turned down Gerry Wilmot's application for the road after the National Trust opposed the plan, saying the proposed excavation would destroy a portion of woodland zoned for protection.

The Board said the 3.66 metre wide road running parallel to the Tribe Road and leading to a proposed building lot in Chaplin Estate would have required "significant excavation'' and tree removal from within an area designated as woodland reserve.

In its refusal, the DAB noted that Section 34 of the Planning Act says: "...the owner covenants not to undertake, suffer or permit any act or development within this area which would result in the diminution or destruction of woodland.'' And the environmental watchdog group, the Bermuda National Trust, sent a letter of objection to the DAB.

"The Trust is extremely concerned that construction of the proposed access would destroy a large portion of woodland on this site and create an eyesore on this highly visible hillside,'' said the letter. "The woodland provides a natural habitat for birds and other wildlife, as well as a visual amenity to residents and visitors along Harbour Road.''