this winter, a Planning Department document indicates.

The hotel, which last month dramatically changed its multi-million dollar redevelopment plans to include the new rooms, needs quick approval so it can build them during the less busy winter months.

This week a senior Planning Department officer advised registered objectors about the hotel's plan for the 22-unit block on the slope below the hotel pool.

"Due to the constraints of the construction timetable for tourist properties, development must take place during the winter months,'' the planner said.

"The processing of the application is being expedited.

The Department has scheduled a decision on the hotel rooms to be made at its November 4 meeting. It asked objectors to submit written comments on the plan by October 31.

There was no comment last night from hotel management on whether a construction go-ahead would close the hotel.

Hotel manager Mr. Tim Russell has said more than once there are no plans to close the hotel.

Mr. John Jefferis, who is in charge of the hotel's overall development, could not be reached for comment.

In applications submitted to the Planning Department last month, the hotel altered plans to include the 22 new units and to move the controversial Palace Suites off the beach.

The revised plans included a river-pool waterway that will meander and cascade through the property.

Also planned are four new tennis courts on the old Fritholme Estate land just east of the hotel, three new restaurants, a European health spa around the hotel pool and a small tennis stadium behind the Palace Suites.

Only the proposal for the 22-unit block is being considered by Planning for quick approval.