Under-fire Environment Minister Irving Pearman yesterday defended the planning process amid a row over plans to expand the National Equestrian Centre.

And he insisted there was nothing sinister about a Special Development Order lifting the threatened area's protected status as woodland and open space to allow the Development Applications Board to judge the scheme on all the evidence.

It is the first time that such an order has been granted in connection with a planning application.

But Mr. Pearman said: "I'm surprised and disappointed that this straightforward administrative tool, designed solely to facilitate a full and open debate on the merits of a planning application, has been met with such vigorous criticism.'' Mr. Pearman, speaking on the first day of the new House of Assembly session, told MPs that he did not intend to argue the merits and demerits of the application for the Bermuda Equestrian Federation's track at Vesey Street, Devonshire.

He said: "It would be quite improper of me to do so -- it is. after all, a planning application which is before the statutory board. I intend only to clarify the real purpose and impact of the Vesey Street Order.'' Mr. Pearman stressed that the setting aside of the protected status of nearly four acres of woodland and hillside was only to allow the DAB to consider the proposal.

He said: "The making of the order was not an irrational, unilateral decision by John Irving Pearman. It was a legitimate and judicious response to the social and environmental conditions of the day, taken by the Minister of the Environment in consultation with, and with the support of, his colleagues.'' He added planning officials had met representatives of the National Trust, Audubon Society and Save Open Spaces -- who have united to oppose the plan -- and explained the reasons behind the order.

Mr. Pearman added that objections can still be lodged and anti-development evidence heard by the DAB if the board holds a hearing. And he said the final decision would be made by the DAB.

He pointed out that the statutory two-week period to lodge objections had been extended "in the interests of natural justice.'' Mr. Pearman said that no movement had been made on the proposed and in terms of leases or work beginning.

He added: "The planning process is accustomed to dealing with controversial issues and to seeking a balance between parties with opposing views.

"The process is designed to afford all parties an equal opportunity to be heard. There can be no argument with differences of opinion and healthy debate -- and I have none.

"However, it is inexcusable for those who endlessly cry `foul' every time a planning decision goes against them -- whether they be developer or objector -- and to resort to measures which only serve to prejudice the very process they claim to uphold and thereby to jeopardise the impartial role of the board.

EQUESTRIAN RAH ENVIRONMENT ENV PLANNING PLN