Continued neglect of the north of Hamilton, unfair height restrictions and an unrealistic emphasis on two-wheeled modes of transportation are among the objections that are still outstanding with regard to the City of Hamilton Plan.

The remaining 20 objectors will be taking their issues up with a tribunal charged with hearing grievances from October 29 to 31.

The objections have already been dealt with by the Department of Planning but some groups and individuals still wish to see the plan amended and will be taking issues through the tribunal procedure chaired by Craig Tucker.

A group of some twelve businesses and organisations - including Esso Bermuda, CableVision, Bermuda Industrial Union (BIU), Bank of Bermuda and the Bermuda Society for the Blind - have banded together to make their objections through architects OBM Limited.

With small modifications in their individual letters of objection the group held to 12 main points of contention with the proposed plan.

Among the points are that the height restrictions based on the eaves of the Cathedral are unfairly restrictive in some areas, hampering the groups' ability to expand.

Writing for the 12 objectors, Colin Campbell of OBM said: "The Plan correctly establishes the concept of the Cathedral, and by virtue of location and the height, the House of Assembly, to be the two dominant socially and skyline features in Hamilton."

But, the letter continues, the Plan inhibits building as much as an additional two storeys around the city with the exception of one property at the top of King Street.

"Such constraints add to the burdensome cost of business in Bermuda and Hamilton in particular. In a global economy, we all cannot afford the potential loss of business advantage."

The group also take up the position of North Hamilton saying the height requirements "perpetuate the economic unfeasibility" of locating businesses in that area.

Among the 12 points are a request for provision of at least one additional park and parking lot as well as the suggestion that while the Plan stresses city dwelling as a goal, it lacks a concrete vision of how this transition will be achieved.

In answering the objections for Planning, Peter Adwick said that the height restrictions only apply to viewing corridors of the City's major landmarks and that provisions are made for exceptions to height in the case of buildings adding residential elements - the "residential bonus".

Mr. Adwick also pointed out that historically more than twice as many people lived within Hamilton and the Plan was developed with considerable consultation with those who live in North Hamilton presently.

And the Plan highlights the knock-on effect a move to urban living will have in terms of reducing current traffic congestion.

But one commuter who objects to the Plan, Dr. Ronda James, suggested the proposal of prioritising two-wheel transportation was unrealistic.

"Besides the logistical challenges for many commuters, bikes are not as safe as cars," she writes. "Spend some time in the Emergency Room at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital (KEMH) and you will have to agree."

Dr. James said that commuters with cars are often ferrying children which cannot be safely done on a bike and that inclement weather often forces people into cars.

She also suggested the idea of promoting pedal bikes was overly ambitious.

"As for pedal bikes, I think the City Plan is dreaming. I can't imagine people returning to them in any meaningful numbers," she wrote.

"City workers would not be inclined to start work sweating."

Dr. James suggested the plan consider stipulating that buildings include staff showers if the suggestion of a move to pedal power is at all serious.

An objection has also been lodged by Mount St. Agnes Academy with regard to maximum heights and mandatory setbacks.

Writing on behalf of the school, Cox, Hallett & Wilkinson lawyer Kim White said the school has no objection to the plan should the property cease to be used for a school in the future but, while it is a school, would like relief from some of the plan restrictions.

Mr. White points out that the school - the only one within city limits - has no option to relocate and educates some 600 children.

"Bermuda's children must be educated," he said.

Once the tribunal procedure is completed a report on the Plan will be sent to Environment Minister Terry Lister who hoped to bring the matter to Parliament before it breaks for Christmas.