Stung by his critics, development company boss Mr. Peter Parker yesterday fiercely defended plans to build luxury homes at Ship's Hill.

The Bermuda Properties Ltd's general manager questioned claims animals unique to the Island would be wiped out.

He said the allegations by international environmental experts Drs. Tom Iliffe and Philip Smith followed a remarkably quick visit to the site.

"They were there 20 hours. I am astounded that scientists could say anything in such a short time.'' Mr. Parker said Bermuda Water Consultants Ltd was carrying out its own -- much fuller -- survey at the site for BPL.

"When our report comes out it will be scientific and not full of innuendo and opinion. It will be made public.'' He later told The Royal Gazette : "If our study showed the development would damage the area, we wouldn't go ahead.'' BPL wants to build on Ship's Hill as part of a plan to revitalise the Marriott's Castle Harbour Resort.

Said Mr. Parker: "To say BPL will choose to destroy the very things which make this resort beautiful is ridiculous in the extreme.'' Mr. Parker, a Bermudian, went on to voice frustration at the obstacles -- and bad publicity -- BPL had run into over the scheme.

"This is a personal comment, and not a corporate one. I find it morally reprehensible for people to solicit and invite foreign investment and then when it comes here to move the goal posts and change the rules and make it impossible for investors to make a return.'' Earlier this year, a $65 million "master plan'' was unveiled for saving Marriott's Castle Harbour hotel from closure.

At its heart are plans for 46 luxury properties -- described as the "financial engine'' for the venture -- which will be put up for sale. Hotel bosses hope these home owners will use Marriott's facilities.

Other highlights include a health club and spa, equestrian and carriage centre, a shopping village, and a racquet and tennis club.

There are also plans for a new golf club, practice range and major improvements to the course.

Planning permission in principle has been granted but it is expected BPL will not apply to the Development Applications Board until next April or May for final approval.

The application will have to be presented with an environmental impact plan.

But the scheme has angered environmentalists who fear natural woodland and caves below areas earmarked for development could be ruined.

Drs. Iliffe and Smith were brought in to investigate by the Mid-Ocean Golf Club, the National Trust and the action group Save Open Spaces.

And this week they revealed some findings of their environmental assessment.

Said Dr. Iliffe: "It is my recommendation that the building should not go ahead.'' In Church and Bitumen caves, which run underneath Ship's Hill, there were about 60 species of creatures -- tiny relatives of crabs, shrimp and lobster -- which were unique to Bermuda, he said.

In addition there were three species of trees -- again unique to Bermuda -- that grow on the Hill which in 20 years could be returned to a pre-colonial state if properly managed.

Yesterday Mr. Parker held a Press conference to counter his critics. With him were Dr. Kent Simmons, from Bermuda Water Consultants and Mr. Arthur Lugo, sales manager of Marriott's Castle Harbour Resort.

Mr. Parker said he was keen to scotch any impression BPL was "money hungry'' and had no concern for the future of the site.

The "master plan'' was aimed at stemming Marriott's losses -- and giving Bermuda's tourism industry a much-needed shot-in-the-arm.

He also sought to answer criticism that BPL -- 95 percent of which is owned by Americans -- had no long-term interest in Bermuda.

The BPL board was made up of 13 directors, eight of whom were Bermudian, he stressed.

And he added there were also plans to list BPL next May or June on the local stock exchange.

Dr. Simmons, for his part, voiced surprise at the speed with which Drs. Iliffe and Smith carried out their survey.

It was not as detailed as he thought it should be, he said., "In our study we will look at all aspects of the caves and flora and see how the development impacts on them, and we will make recommendations.'' Mr. Lugo supported the scheme, saying guests at Marriott's needed more activities.

He underlined the losses the resort had suffered in the past.

"How long does one tolerate on-going losses?''