Planners have blocked Mr. Edwin Correia's bid to turn the Rising Sun Shop in Southampton into a restaurant and boat rental business.

Now Mr. Correia is hoping to find an alternative site on the Base lands.

Mr. Correia said he was mystified by the planners' decision, describing it as "stupidity''.

"I'm very sad and upset that the plan has been turned down. It was a prime location.'' He added the building had long been used for commercial purposes.

The Development Applications Board refused the move, claiming the Middle Road site was unsuitable for the venture.

It argued the proposed restaurant would attract a lot of traffic and be too noisy for the area.

Planners advised Mr. Correia to scale down his scheme.

The Rising Sun building is presently a curiosity shop at road level and an apartment on the lower level. Mr. Correia's plan would add an extra 543 square feet to the existing 2,780 square feet of floor space.

The proposals also included a dining area with seating for 80 people.

In addition, a new cesspit would be built and renovations carried out to the building's lower level. The remaining area would be used for a boat rental business and a new wooden dock.

Earlier this month, the DAB said it would make a site visit before reaching a decision on the in principle application.

Mr. Correia told The Royal Gazette it would be too costly for him to pursue the Rising Sun scheme.

"It comes down to money, you could be talking about $60,000 to $80,000 with lawyers.'' Mr. Correia said he had hoped to employ about 15 people -- Bermudians and expatriates -- at the restaurant.