Fairmont Southampton chiefs were staying tight-lipped yesterday about the proposal to build nearly 100 villas on the hotel?s golf course, after planning officials granted a request for more time.

The Development Applications Board has agreed to a request for an ?enlargement of time? relating to the controversial development on the popular 18-hole course.

The Fairmont?s request was received on September 22, the latest minutes of the board confirm. The extension period runs out at the end of December.

Fairmont Southampton refused to comment yesterday when asked why the request for additional time had been made and whether this meant the plans could be changed.

Under normal planning rules, the hotel?s proposals would have to be rejected by the board because the golf course is classed as open space in the Bermuda Development Plan.

The Fairmont has already asked the Ministry of the Environment for a Special Development Order, which would allow permission to be granted by re-zoning the land.

In July, hotel general manager Norman Mastalir denied the golf course plans had been scrapped but confirmed they were under review.

Hundreds of residents signed protest petitions after the blueprint to build 91 villas on nearly half the acclaimed par-three course was revealed.

The development features 145 new holiday homes. Many of the 91 villas will be built on eight of the course?s 18 holes, according to the hotel?s original plans, with a further 54 exclusive holiday homes built on Turtle Hill, near the hotel.