brought in to review controversial planning applications.

The Bermuda National Trust welcomed the move by the Government to use overseas consultants to hold public inquiries and to consider written appeals in some planning applications.

But both they and pressure group Save Open Spaces had reservations over the plan that any recomendations would then be made to the Environment Minister, who would have final say in the matter.

Tim Marshall, chairman of the National Trust's environment commitee, said: "We are hopeful that in the vast majority of cases the Minister will follow the recommendations.'' Save Open Spaces trustee Ian MacDonald-Smith said the new system would lose its objectivity as the Minister could override the inspector's recommendations.

"The Minister is still making the decision,'' he said.

The plan, which would create a buffer zone between the Planning Director and the Minister, would involve a planning inspector coming over from the UK several times a year. Mr. Marshall said the plan was a great step in the right direction and the Government should be applauded for it.

However, he added the Trust had wanted to see an industrial tribunal instead of an inspector and was disappointed the Government hadn't gone that far.

GOVERNMENT GVT ENVIRONMENT ENV