Environmental campaigners today attacked a move to debate a controversial special development order for Rosewood Tucker’s Point tonight.In a statement, Stuart Hayward, of the Bermuda Environmental Sustainability Taskforce (BEST), said the group was “severely disappointed” that the government has chosen to proceed with issue in the middle of the Budget debate.“As this SDO, if it is passed, will convert over 60 acres of land from protected zoning to building lots, it is far too important to be debated at the end of the day when MPs are worn, if not exhausted, from a full day debating the Budget.“And how can MPs give the SDO the time and attention needed to research the financial, economic and social ramifications in the midst of considering the most demanding debate in the Parliamentary year, the National Budget?”He said the Minister had said the public would have a opportunity to comment, but not before the SDO was debated.“Where is the public meeting for people to ask the Minister questions before the SDO is passed? Where is the website or email address or other platform where the public can ask questions or send its opinions before the SDO is a done deal?“We had thought we were entering a new era of transparency and accountability (those were the Minister’s words) yet the Minister has obfuscated the issue by telling party MPs and the public they should not worry because they will to make representation to the Planning department. But once the SDO is passed, the deal is done and 60 acres of land will have lost its protection.“A member of the public has called for people to gather at Parliament at lunchtime today. BEST is supportive of this call as it reflects the public’s concern and frustration at not having a vehicle provided by government to voice their opinions before this issue is debated.“We urge the government to postpone debate on the SDO until after the Budget debate has cleared and MPs are able to devote adequate attention to this important and complex issue. We urge the government to honour its call and provide the public with a transparent vehicle to voice their opinion before the protective zoning is stripped away by passing this SDO.”Earlier today a small group of people gathered outside the House of Assembly to protest against the SDO.A walk around the area affected is being planned for this Sunday at 2pm.A comment left on a Royal Gazette story said: "You will be surprised at the scale that is planned. Make no mistake about it, this can only be stopped by a united populace!"