Properties in arguments over how much land at Catchment Hill in Smith's should be zoned for development.

The position will pit them against the National Trust and the Mid Ocean Club in what promises to be the biggest development battle in years.

Director Mr. Erwin Adderley will take the unusual step of putting forward his department's reasons before a tribunal hearing objections to the 1992 Bermuda Plan which set development zones for the Island.

The department's position will go against a more restrictive zoning area proposed in Bermuda Plan.

Bermuda Properties would like to develop more than 100 condominiums at the Tucker's Town site overlooking the Mid Ocean Club and Castle Harbour Golf Course.

The Trust will argue there should be no development along the hilltop site, which was expropriated decades ago for the hotel industry.

The expropriation was justified on the basis that hotel development would benefit all Bermudians.

The Trust, represented by lawyer Mr. Tim Marshall, will argue that that benefit will only hold if the land remains untouched rather than be developed by non-Bermudians.