this winter if its plan for 22 new rooms gets the go-ahead.

That was the message from hotel manager Mr. Tim Russell this week, following an announcement by Planning Department officials that they are rushing through a decision on the project.

Elbow Beach needs a quick ruling from Planning because if the rooms are to be built, the work has to be done during the quieter winter months.

If the decision is "yes'', construction will start in mid-November or the beginning of December, said Mr. Russell.

The decision is scheduled for November 4, and objectors have until October 31 to lodge their complaints.

The rooms would be built in a new block on the slope below the hotel pool.

Other additions planned for the South Shore property include controversial "palace suites'', four tennis courts, three restaurants, a health spa and a decorative waterway.

Approval for those plans will be decided at a later date.