recreation area claiming it would drive out the wildlife on a remote island.

Mr. Fernance Perry wants to build a store room, mess hall and toilets on part of Grace Island, in the Great Sound, plus clear an area for tents.

In addition Mr. Perry wants to re-build the existing docks as well as create a new dock and build paths for golf trolleys to take supplies.

The venture would cater for up to 50 people, both the young and the elderly, and would be run by volunteers working for a non-profit making trust controlling the venture.

It is the second time Mr Perry has applied to develop part of the island, which he owns. The first, for 140 campers, was thrown out by the Development Applications Board in 1992.

The new plan is on a smaller scale and is again being considered by the DAB which has visited the island to see at first hand the effects the development may have.

In 1992 the 5.9 acre island was designated as a Nature Reserve Conservation Area, although that was later modified so the eastern area became a Woodland Reserve and the central part of the island Green Space. The development would be within the central part of the island.

A recent meeting of the DAB was told there were 14 letters of objection, although no Government departments had objected and the development was considered to be appropriate for the island.

However, Mr. Tim Marshall, chairman of the Bermuda National Trust's environment committee, told the DAB there were few remote islands, which needed protecting to preserve their value and beauty.

"The concept of recreational activities for the youth and elderly is difficult to argue against, but in the 1990s what should be foremost in the minds of people is the natural environment,'' said Mr. Marshall.

Under Green Space policy, the priority was to maintain undeveloped land in an open state to preserve and protect it and special care should be taken when dealing with the islands, he said.

Mr. Marshall said birds such as the blue heron made the island its home and a "steady stream of people would disturb the birds and they will leave''.

He added: "Human beings cause damage and will only create an artificial environment. Therefore the development should not be allowed.'' At the DAB meeting, Mr. Perry said about 50 people would go to the island four or five times a year. He said the scheme would be run by the Grace Trust, and not in his name, and would not be affiliated to any church.

In support of his scheme, he said the development would not affect anyone on the mainland, it would create a "minimum, but good'' facility and the island could be restored to its original state.

People visiting would use the island "in a proper fashion'' and no squatters would be allowed. He said a nature reserve area would be useful for the youth of Bermuda as well as elderly, who would use the retreat.

"It was not until recent years that I felt that Grace Island would be an excellent facility for a recreational development to beautify the area.

Bermuda could be very proud of such a facility,'' he said.