Plans have been drawn up for an eco-tourism development and organic farming project at Smith's Island, St. George's.

Joanna Pitt of The Spinnaker Trust wants to build eight cottages catering for up to 24 guests, a three bedroom house and workshop, and an organic farm on the 3.5 acre site.

But the project could run into problems because Bermuda National Trust, which owns part of the island, has objected because it will double the population of the sparse island, an destroy a unique "time capsule''.

According to the plans, the development will "reflect and draw upon the rural heritage of Smith's Island (to) create a rural guest house drawing on an old Bermuda atmosphere and 17th and 18th century buildings''.

They intend to "re-establish farming activity along the historic patterns of land use, managing woodland and green space areas to promote natural and endemic vegetation.''

The intention is also to establish a marine ecology education programme and to set up art and history-based programmes for visitors and residents.

The application has not been placed before the Development Applications Board and has been stalled because the Department of Tourism is seeking additional information about the project.

Jan Jarmula, an architect with Barker and Linberg, which is acting for the applicants, told The Royal Gazette: "It would be great for visitors looking for peace and quiet and a different type of holiday.

In a letter of objection, the National Trust states: "A large portion of the island has been set aside as nature reserve in an effort to maintain the rural character of the island.

"Because of the undeveloped nature of Smith's Island, it is like time capsule that preserves an extremely important part of both Bermuda's historic and natural heritage.

"The development proposal will virtually double the island's population, thus significantly increasing the degree of human impact on the island. The Trust strongly believes that this will serve only to degrade the rural character and natural environment of the island.''