Developers have submitted plans for a five-storey office block on Front Street.

The Swiss Timing building would be demolished to make way for the property, but developer James Tucker insists it will maintain the traditional Bermudian verandah style.

If approved, the 2,682 square foot block will house "local professional firms", according to Mr. Tucker. The plans include a basement, ground floor retail outlet and four storeys of offices.

The block would be set back nine feet from the pavement, and have a maximum three-storey height as viewed from Front Street.

In a letter with his application, Mr. Tucker says: "The proposed building's architectural massing and detailing are rendered in a very traditional Bermudian style which is in keeping with the character of Front Street.

"The upper verandahs are to be constructed of eight-inch by eight-inch Virginia Cedar posts with cedar top plate and cedar railings of traditional proportions."

Separately, Planning officers have rejected a seven-storey office building due to its excessive height. The Development Applications Board said the proposed structure, on the corner of King Street and Victoria Street, "exceeds the maximum overall height of 138 feet O.D. as specified in the City of Hamilton Plan 2001."

Developers Rachel Enterprise Ltd. planned to demolish 42 King Street to make way for the 5,275 square foot block. It included parking space for 22 cars and 25 motorcycles on an underground level.

Architects Cooper and Gardner said in a letter: "The site is located in North East Hamilton and the Department has specifically stated that higher buildings are to be located in this area.

"The application represents the kind of investment and confidence in North East Hamilton that the Plan and Government have been calling for in this area. We believe that an approval of this application is truly in the public interest.

"The proposed building will blend in with the City skyline, as the development maximums prescribed in the Plan are realised in the city."

However, the DAB said the structure would affect "the visual dominance of the Cathedral" as it was 20 feet higher than the maximum 138 feet allowed — the height of the Cathedral's ridge — in the City of Hamilton Plan.

The DAB said: "Technical officers do not consider that this elevated site is appropriate for a building that exceeds the maximum overall height limit.

"The building is entirely commercial office space and it is not considered that the applicant has submitted sufficient grounds for the Board to exercise its discretion with respect to a relaxation of the maximum overall height provision."