The National Trust has slammed Government for hypocrisy on open spaces after it overruled the Development Applications Board to force through two developments including one at the Environment Minister's own church.

The expanded Crawl Gospel Hall on North Shore Road, Hamilton Parish, will extend 20 feet into a nature reserve and destroy several mature cedars, claims the National Trust's Edith Martin.

She also said it would be highly visible for those using the Railway Trail.

The controversial decision was taken by Acting Environment Minister Nelson Bascome in November.

At the inaugural meeting of the Open Space Committee last night, at the Cathedral Hall on Church Street, committee member Mrs. Martin said: "Twice recently the Minister has overruled the Development Application Board and not followed the recommendations of the independent inspector leading to the loss of woodland reserve and nature reserve.

"It behoves the Minister to lead by example if he is truly concerned with open spaces.

"We are appalled by this decision and we will be discussing appealing to the Supreme Court.'' Shadow Legislative Affairs Minister John Barritt, who also spoke at the meeting, said: "I am very surprised to learn of this. This case illustrates precisely that if you don't practise what you preach, then it's an empty call.'' Minister rejects DAB decision The Planning inspector had recommended turning down an appeal by the church in October.

His report said the scale of the planned extension threatened the environment and the church would have to relocate to a bigger site to cope with an expanding congregation.

However, Mr. Bascome overruled this in a footnote on the report. He said: "Having knowledge of the area, I believe this appeal should be approved.'' A letter was then sent by the Planning Inspectorate explaining their change of heart.

It said the Acting Minister "found the social arguments to be more persuasive than those relating to the protection of trees''.

But last night Mr. Bascome denied the Crawl church plan would destroy woodland.

He said: "The Crawl plan building doesn't encroach on woodland reserve space.

"It leaves intact the woodland space behind the church. We're not messing with the cedars. That was one of my concerns.'' He said the church expansion had been redirected to ensure the environment was not harmed.

Mrs. Martin also slammed Mr. Hodgson for passing a plan by the Crombie Trust to build a house on woodland on North Shore Road, Devonshire.

She said the Ministry had approved a plan which encroached on woodland reserve despite the fact that there was a way of constructing the house which left the reserve intact.