The One Bermuda Alliance has called on the Government to reclassify Southlands to place a heavier priority on preservation rather than development.

While Southlands in Warwick is classified as an amenities park, the OBA noted continued objections from the public to proposals for the site including a café and a zip line attraction.

The party said that requests for community feedback had resulted in calls for a “more protective approach to development, focused on passive recreation”.

The online public consultation period for a draft management plan for the park concluded this week with more than 400 comments, while a Change.org petition to halt development in the park had surged past 2,000 signatures by yesterday afternoon.

Linda Smith, the MP for Southampton West, said plans for the site needed to be reconsidered to put a greater focus on its environmental, cultural and historical merits.

“The management plan describes Southlands as a ‘Category B’ amenities park, which the plan states should be managed in a manner to encourage conservation and enjoyment of the natural, historic and educational features of the area with a minimum of commercial activity,” she said.

“The two planning applications for Southlands are in clear contradiction of that objective.

“Southlands property should be considered as a special classification that incorporates some of the protections of a ‘Category A’ nature reserve while allowing for consideration of passive development that can help cover the cost of the park’s upkeep and provide added value for the use and enjoyment of the park as a national ecological treasure and living museum.”

Ms Smith said that many members of the public were concerned about proposals which would convert green open space into parking lots, while some residents had raised safety red flags over ideas to increase use of the beach, given its terrain and difficult swimming conditions.

She also noted that Southlands had been obtained by the Government through a land swap after the public called for the property to be protected from a previous development proposal for the site.

“Before there is irreversible damage to Southlands property, it would be in Bermuda’s best interest to revisit plans for Southlands,” she said.

“The large number of objections to the current plans send a loud message, that people are not happy. Perhaps with a clearer understanding of the Government’s objectives, better ideas can be brought forward for Southlands Park.

"When it comes to Southlands, take note — once it is lost, it is lost for good.”

The Government has been approached for comment.