Bermudiana Hotel site are hoping for a decision in their favour within the next two weeks.

The plans are now being considered by the Development Applications Board after a day-long closed hearing yesterday. Presentations were made by developers and objectors, a Planning Department spokesperson confirmed.

"We are pleased with our presentation and have every confidence in the DAB,'' Bermuda Financial Centre Limited president Sen. Michael Winfield said last night.

He added: "Timing is critical. We submitted the application last November. It is now February and every day is expensive for us. But we understand the plans must be looked at fully in the proper way.'' He pointed out the BFCL was only seeking in-principle approval and felt that if the go-ahead was given, it would be more appropriate at that time to address more of the objectors' concerns.

The National Trust, Corporation of Hamilton, the Princess Hotel and four neighbouring guest properties are objecting to the plan on numerous grounds, including its size, traffic increases and whether there was a need for more central office space.

The Corporation, fighting the property's changed zoning (from residential to commercial), was concerned the complex might create a sprawling city outside Hamilton's existing boundaries.

The renowned Four Seasons hotel chain has made a commitment to manage the proposed 300-room hotel.

The complex will include a 1,000 seat convention hall and three office blocks.