The granting of a Special Development Order on the South Shore is proof the Government does not care about the environment, according to UBP senators.

Speaking in this week's Senate, Gina Spence Farmer said the granting of an SDO for a nine-storey hotel had provoked "outrage" in the community.

Developer Atlantic Development wants to build a 220-room resort on the 13.1 acre Golden Hind site, adjacent to land earmarked for another potential SDO at Southlands. Controversial plans for the 300-suite Jumeirah Southlands resort, by developers Southlands Ltd., are currently awaiting the final decision of the Environment Minister.

Atlantic Development's Grand Atlantic Resort and Residences, on the former Golden Hind site, will pave over an area of green space and zoned 'woodlands'.

Environmental campaigners want the developments stopped out of concern over the environmental impact and loss of natural habitats. Residents in Warwick are also uneasy about the loss of the shoreline as open space and the potential for congestion.

The National Trust has recently questioned the number of developers seeking to bypass the regular Planning Department application process by submitting SDOs.

However, the Government says the developments are needed in order to meet a growing demand for tourist accommodation.

In the Senate on Wednesday, Senator Gina Spence Farmer said: "There has been widespread outrage at the Southlands Project. Many have expressed concern at the impact it will have on the community and the environment.

"For the residents of Warwick to now have to deal with a Special Development Order for the neighbouring Golden Hind property, it means the Warwick community have two issues at the same time.

"This Government is environmentally insensitive. Warwick is already a densely populated area and many residents continue to share their displeasure and concerns on a daily basis.

"The Government was slow at coming forward with plans for the Club Med site in St. George's — where an approved site exists — but it is quick to allow the Warwick community to be overdeveloped without due process."

Sen. Spence Farmer added: "This Government's use of Special Development Orders is bypassing the democratic process and placing the Warwick community at risk. I urge the Government to listen to the residents of Warwick."

Senator Wayne Caines, Government Junior Minister, said: "The Golden Hind SDO — that land is mostly already zoned for tourist development.

"In Bermuda we are in the business of tourism. Our hotels are full to capacity and bursting. We have something we need to do, and get branded tourism. That's what the people of Bermuda have asked for and that's what we are doing. Developers have been working on this application for 18 months."

Sen. Caines said: "Tourism is one of the pillars of our economy. The SDO is a legal framework we can use. It was passed by the United Bermuda Party."

At this point, Senator Bob Richards interjected: "And abused by the Progressive Labour Party."

Sen. Caines continued: "This Government is concerned about the environment. That is why we pushed for emissions legislation and built a new recycling plant. At every stage, this Government has heard the cries of its people."

Senator David Burch, Minister for Public Safety and Housing, stressed the need for the development for tourism. "How many hotels have we had built in this country for the last 30 years? The answer is none," he said.