in Southampton has fallen foul of planning rules.

Sir John had applied to the Development Applications Board to build two homes.

But the DAB turned the development down, saying it would fail to protect the "environmental, visual and amenity value of undeveloped land'' and "natural resources, areas of ecological importance and wildlife habitat''.

The board added the homes would fail to reserve land for future generations and keep "visual, physical and natural breaks between'' areas of development.

In addition, the development would not maintain the illusion of open space.

The DAB also stated the homes were forbidden under the Development and Planning Act 1974.

One of the lots earmarked for a home is zoned woodland reserve and agricultural with an open space overlay. The other is zoned woodland reserve with open space.

Yesterday, Assistant Planning Director Aideen Ratteray-Pryse explained the lots were protected from development -- unless the Minister responsible for Agriculture, Pamela Gordon, said otherwise.

Ms Ratteray-Pryse said Environment Minister Ms Gordon's technical officers feared the development would damage woodland.

The case before Planning has a chequered history, with doubts raised whether Sir John's land was legally subdivided into registered building lots.

Sir John, who resigned in August as Premier but remains a United Bermuda Party MP for Paget East, could not be reached for comment yesterday.