THE Bermuda National Trust is calling on Government to review and update the 1992 Development Plan because of the need to ensure the island's ongoing development boom is in the public's best interests.Following recent reports in the press concerning the so-called "outdated" 1992 Development Plan — intended to set Government parameters on construction — environmental conservation officer with the Bermuda National Trust, Dorcas Roberts said the 15-year-old strategy had been overtaken by events.

The three-fold Bermuda Development Plan — first introduced by Government in 1974 and supposedly subject to periodic updates — is intended to control development, make the best use of the island's limited resources and maintain the quality of life in Bermuda.

Mrs. Roberts said the current Development Plan has become outmoded and Government should make it a priority to both re-assess and update the document.

"In fact Section 9 of the Development and Planning Act 1974 — the legislation that calls for the Development Plan — stipulates that development plans be reviewed every five years and a report on the review submitted to the Legislature," she said.

Mrs. Roberts said the current 1992 Development Plan should have undergone at least two reviews to date.

She added that other provisions within the Act allow for alterations and additions to the plan to be put forward at any time and enable the Government to amend the plan to reflect the development needs of the island "whether driven by economic, social or environmental changes".

"What does seem to have become optional is compliance with its regulations," said Mrs. Roberts.

Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield was not available for comment this week.