This Tuesday's planned opening of a new underground cave attraction has been cancelled after an eleventh hour planning objection.

It had been planned to open Fantasy Cave on the Wilkinson Estate in Hamilton Parish at the beginning of the year, but those plans were abandoned because of a planning appeal which required all work to stop.

And now the latest opening date has been cancelled after the Development Applications Board refused permission for a pathway leading to the caves -- and after the Bermuda National Trust objected over concerns with a waterfall.

After the initial planning appeal, the cave developers case was upheld, work recommenced and it was planned to open on Tuesday -- the spectacular caves were even promoted in the latest issue of Outlook on Tourism.

Tourism Minister David Allen was expected to attend the opening with Premier Jennifer Smith.

However, that has now been scrapped after a new appeal lodged by the Bermuda National Trust against a waterfall in the cave, and also because the Development and Applications Board refused planning permission for the laying of an un-mortared brick pathway leading to the cave.

The Trust supported the re-opening of the cave on the basis that it would afford the public a more authentic caving experience than other show caves presently open.

However, their objection stated: "there is nothing authentic about the `Disneyfied' waterfall the developer now wishes to install''.

The Trust's latest appeal was frustrating to the developers as it was lodged at the absolute last minute, and sources have indicated that there was no service of notice of intention to appeal and as a consequence, the work in developing the waterfall was halfway completed.

As a consequence, cave consultants from the US had to be sent home for the third time during the development.

The National Trust's environmental conservation Officer, Lauren Critchley prepared the objection to the waterfall, referring to a statement by retired conservation officer, David Wingate who said: "Introducing a steady flow of freshwater over these speleothems (cave formations) would actually have the effect of dissolving the flowstone rather than enhancing it.'' He also stated that the waterfall may inadvertently cause the atmosphere of the cave to "become saturated to 100 percent humidity, producing a cave fog and reduced visibility''.

Dr. Wingate stated that his findings were based on published literature on cave geology and cave formation, consultations with scientists and inspection of the cave itself.

Ms Critchley stated: "Given the solid grounds on which these recommendations are based...it would seem that there is significant potential damage to Wonderland Cave, and its tourism potential, if this proposal is to go ahead.'' The Trust also objected to using the proposed waterfall as an educational tool to show how the caves were formed.

Dr. Wingate said the cave was formed by the redeposition of speleothems, not by the dissolving away of rock by flowing water. Therefore the inclusion of a waterfall in any "educational programme'' aimed at explaining how the cave was formed would be erroneous and misleading.

The Trust also said the proposed waterfall was an unnecessary intensification of development in the cave, adding that a knowledgeable guide could just as easily educate visitors regarding cave formation.

Planning consultant for the developer, David Summers, president of Bermuda Caribbean Engineering Consultants Ltd., said: "We are not in a position to make any comment about these two appeals as these matters are in the hands of the Minister and any comment by the appellant or respondent in the appeals would be sub judice. '' The only caves currently open to the public are the Crystal Caves.

This is quite different from pre-World War II and the construction of the airport when there were six active show caves in operation on the Island, servicing a small number of visitors compared to the number that Bermuda currently enjoys, and is seeking to expand.

The cave is not quite as large as Crystal Cave, but it has a tidal lake and the lighting and trail way have all been redeveloped by renowned cave consultant Roy Davis of Tennessee.

Tourism Minister David Allen could not be reached for comment yesterday.