Shadow Environment Minister Cole Simons has called for environmentalists to march on Parliament in protest at a plan to build a beach bar on Warwick Long Bay.

And the Opposition MP said a ban on the development of any more of Bermuda's beaches and coastal parks needed to be quickly put in place.

Mr. Simons spoke out last night on Environment Minister Glenn Blakeney's decision to approve the controversial beach bar plan.

"Bermudians must come together to demonstrate their displeasure," he said. "We have to draw the line against further development in our national parks and coastal areas.

"The time to speak is now. Members of the Development Applications Board should resign to express their displeasure. BEST (Bermuda Environmental and Sustainability Taskforce), the Bermuda National Trust, Save Open Spaces, Greenrock and the Audubon Society and other groups should march on Parliament.

"Citizens should let their members of Parliament know that they do not approve of the Government's behaviour. Bermudians must stand up for protecting the natural beauty and integrity of Bermuda.

"People must become more vigilant when it comes to the desecration of our natural resources.

"They should demonstrate to their Government leaders that they intend to protect Bermuda's natural resources as though they were protecting their own property."

Mr. Simons said Mr. Blakeney's decision to allow the application on appeal followed successive PLP Environment Ministers bypassing their own planning laws and policies in favour of development.

"Here we have one of the few extensive and pristine sections of coastal beach land left in Bermuda being given over for the development of a beach bar," he said.

"In supporting his decision to ignore the recommendations against the development by the Development Applications Board and Planning Department Officers, the Minister said the decision highlighted the Government's commitment to sustainable development that benefits Bermuda environmentally. This is lip service."

The UBP Whip said a beach bar on Warwick Long Bay would not benefit the environment. "We cannot allow this irresponsible behaviour to continue," he said.

"The Bermuda Government must not allow any further development on Bermuda's coastal areas and coastal parks.

"For the sake of protecting our precious natural environment, it must adhere to Bermuda's planning and development laws and regulations."

He added: "Premier Dr. (Ewart) Brown fired the Education Minister for non-performance; he should hold the Environment Minister to the same standard."