The Bermuda National Trust (BNT) said the Environment Minister was sent a very clear message by the Development Applications Board (DAB) on Wednesday that a proposed seven-storey bank is not suitable for that part of Front Street.

"The DAB has sent a very clear signal that it does not think the building is suitable for the site," BNT vice president Bill Holmes said yesterday. "They had some very clear issues with it."

Mr. Holmes said this was obviously based on the breadth of issues the DAB had with the building.

"The siting, scale, massing, height, setback encroachments, appearance and layout of the proposed development is not considered to be appropriate for this site and will not enhance the surrounding area," the DAB said.

The Trust's vice-president expected Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield to either back up the board's decision or the bank should "go back to the drawing board and start again".

"Hopefully, we know the Minister will look at the decision very carefully," Mr. Holmes said. "But we are glad she has such a clear decision to help with her decision."

Permanent Secretary of the Environment Wayne Carey said yesterday he had not yet seen the bank's appeal and would not be drawn into saying how long the appeal process could take.

"It will be reviewed by an independent planning inspector," Mr. Carey said. "That inspector will prepare a report and we submit the same to the Minister with recommendations."

Mr. Carey clarified that "independent" meant it was not associated with the DAB or Department of Planning in any way.

"I can't speculate how long it will take but we will attempt to process it as expeditiously as possible," Mr. Carey said.