The United Bermuda Party is accusing the Premier of using the Southlands hotel development as a pre-election political ploy.

A statement from Shadow Environment Minister Cole Simons says: “We have studied the plans and can only conclude that the push for Southlands is driven by the Premier’s agenda for a Big Announcement prior to an election.

“The Southlands plans, such as they are, contain so many unanswered questions about the impact of the development that there can be no other explanation.”

Southlands developers are seeking a Special Development Order (SDO) to bypass some of the environmental protections currently in place — allowing the construction of a five-star cliff side resort on a sprawling piece of south shore property.

The SDO request is under review at the Ministry of the Environment. The Royal Gazette visited the Ministry yesterday in the hope of learning how many objection letters had been received during the public comment phase which closed March 23, 2007.

Permanent Secretary Wayne Carey said: “We’re not releasing anything at this time.”

The UBP wants the Ministry to halt its review altogether, at least until more environmental assessment can be completed.

Mr Simons said: “What we are witnessing is a high-risk venture that puts politics before the environment.

“As a former Planning Director said, ‘the draft SDO in effect gives the whole store away without requiring detailed commitments from the developers’.”

The Premier and Tourism Minster Ewart Brown is already firmly behind the planned resort’s SDO request as is former Premier Alex Scott. Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield has the final say. She has not tipped her hand, but the Opposition describes the decision as a fait accompli.

It voices particular concern over sewage treatment, woodland management, utility demands and the timetable for staff housing.

“All of this strikes us as a rush job which needlessly endangers the environment and sound planning going forward.

“We call on the government to take their foot off the gas pedal, ease up and stop putting politics before the environment. Let’s get this project on track for a smart decision-making that includes the public.”