imposed by the 1992 Bermuda Development Plan.

An objections tribunal, chaired by Mr. Jack Lightbourn, heard six objectors in two hearings argue for the freedom to develop their properties.

Most of the objectors said they did not have definite building plans but simply wanted to retain the right to develop the properties at some time in the future.

The Mid Ocean Club contested open space zonings for two undeveloped plots it owned on Long Lane in Hamilton Parish. The properties are contiguous with the club's golf course.

Club spokesmen said the two plots should be given "residential two'' zonings which would allow a maximum of six houses an acre.

During the hearing, a compromise solution was broached whereby one of the properties would be left as open space.

A spokesman for Mr. Reginald Tucker of Smith's argued that a garden zoning should be changed to allow for development of a cottage in the southern portion of his four-acre property at the end of Stokes Point.

Mr. John Allen of Barker and Linberg, asked the tribunal to rezone the property to residential two.

He said the new zonings imposed by the latest Bermuda Plan were unfair and onerous.

"The development potential of the property has been seriously affected,'' he said.

The garden district in the southern portion of the property "can take further development without impact on the visual amenity'' of the area.

Any new building, he said, could be hidden behind trees and topography.

Tribunal member Mr. Peter Smith said he thought a small cottage would look very nice at the site, which the tribunal visited earlier in the week.

A representative of the Planning Department then said the Department wanted to preserve the area in its natural state.

Mr. James Harrell of St. George's also argued for relaxation of zonings on his property between Cut Road and the Old Town. The property overlooks the harbour and is partly subject to coastal conservation zoning.

In 1987 and 1989, the Development Applications Board rejected proposals to build a single home on the site.

At Friday's hearing, the Planning Department said any development would damage the woodlands along the shoreline, which was considered visually important for the harbour setting.

It recommended the site's woodland reserve, as set out in the 1992 Bermuda Plan, be maintained.

Mr. Harrell's spokesman said he respected the Planning Department's position but said the property had sufficient depth to accommodate development without infringing the visual integrity of the site.

The spokesman also noted that the property was not as steep as others along the shore where housing had been allowed.

The new Bermuda Plan has set new zonings on all land in Bermuda with the aim of preserving green areas while providing sufficient development potential to meet the needs of the community.

The conservationist plan was greeted by more than a thousand objections after it was made public last year. Over the next few months, the tribunal will hear about 400 unresolvable objections. Its decisions are to be made public by year end.