Watlington development on the Waterfront at Pitt's Bay Road.

But their letter of objection to the planners, has prompted a measured rebuttal from Pearman Watlington President, Mr. Harry Cox, who claimed the Trust was mistaken about the facts and was straying outside of their area of concern.

The Trust had conceded that "to a great extent the proposed concept will improve the existing site''.

But they levelled a number of objections at the plan, claiming that in some cases the buildings would be too high, detracting from the Bermuda image, and that too many luxury housing units were being proposed for the site.

In a letter from Mr. Peter Drew, the Trust's environmental officer, it was indicated that the environmental, marine environmental and historic buildings committees have considered the proposals.

The letter said that its objections were based on the current information available. Further detailed information on the elevations of the proposed office building and cluster apartment houses is needed before it could be determined whether or not the plan adheres to the Bermuda image.

The Trust sought to reserve the right to make further comment when further details of the proposals were unveiled.

Regarding the plan for an office tower containing the new Miles Market, the letter states: "The main office tower of six storeys (excluding parking facility) is excessive and should be reduced by one level. This would lessen the intrusiveness of (the) elevator shaft and reduce the massing of the building above the height of the Hamilton Princess.

"The excessive height detracts from the Bermuda image and creates block or tower development along the waterfront area outside of the City of Hamilton's limits. The massing and height as seen from both Pitt's Bay Road and Hamilton Harbour make the office building excessive.'' With respect to the residential units, the Trust said: "The four storey height of some of the residential units is also considered excessive and indicative of over massing. The units closest to the harbour should remain as two storey, with the rear units being no greater than three storeys in height.

"Parking availability and access should be considered by the board, as provisions are not clear from the concept plan. The Trust would hope that the residential parking and access could be incorporated sensitively so as to minimise hard surfacing.

"The number of residential units (35) is also considered excessive for the location and site area. A comprehensive landscaping scheme should be required to help provide a buffer, screening and green space.'' The Trust also scrutinised the foreshore encroachment, the marine fuelling station and the related marina facility, objecting to the proposed solid concrete jetty.

They argued that the solid wall would impede water flow in a poorly flushed bay, with the environmental stress increased by more boats and more people.

More boats will adversely affect the water quality, they said.

Apart from other issues raised, the Trust suggested that the marina development would generate more traffic and more demand for parking and the sea wall would be situated too close to neighbouring properties.

The National Trust proposed alternatively a floating concrete dock that would allow for water flow underneath it; an oil pollution contingency programme that included training and equipment; and, waste motor oil and battery holding tanks that could channel those waste products through a Government programme for the removal of hazardous wastes. The Trust complained too, that the White House which is now used as an office building on the development site, was a historic building and should not be demolished.

Meanwhile, in reply, PW's president, Mr. Harry Cox, wrote to the Director of Planning, Mr. Brian Rowlinson, stating: "We are totally confused by this letter, inasmuch as it seems to convey a tone which is totally in contradiction to the reception and observations made by a well attended meeting when we presented the broad concept of our proposed development to the Trust.

Trust objects to PWs development "We are now in the process of obtaining much more detailed plans with a view to taking the next logical step of obtaining bids or tenders.

"We are confident this investment will reflect the best interests of Bermuda, a consideration which is paramount in our approach to this entire project.'' With regard to the Trust's letter, Mr. Cox remarked: "It contains egregious errors in fact, as well as lending attention to areas which, in our opinion, are extraneous to the areas of concern which should properly be the domain of the National Trust.

"The National Trust seems to overlook the fact that this is an industrial zoned area and has indeed served this capacity for almost a century.

"We are confident, sir, that your universal regard for the imperatives of business and careful management of the overall resources of the Island, as well as the proper regard for the interests of the properties adjoining ours, will command your knowledgeable consideration.''