The prospect of the operator of ?the world?s only seven-star hotel? bringing a dynamic five-star hotel resort to Southlands has met with mixed reaction.

Premier Ewart Brown is ?thrilled? but the National Trust is concerned at the increasing number of special development orders (SDOs) being used to by-pass normal planning laws and leading politicians from the United Bermuda Party are convening to review the entire matter.

A development proposal by Southlands Limited has been put lodged with the Planning Department, including requests for two SDOs to allow the scheme to progress without complying with normal planning regulations. The operator currently lined up to run the new hotel resort, which will be linked across South Road by an ambitious land bridge, is Jumeirah which operate a number of opulent hotels including the landmark Burj-al-Arab hotel in Dubai.

Premier Dr. Brown commented: ?I am thrilled that there is even a possibility that Jumeirah could come to Bermuda.

?When I visited Dubai I had the pleasure of staying at the Burj-al-Arab hotel, the world?s only seven-star property, which is a Jumeirah resort. ?In my meeting with their CEO Mr. Lawless and his team, I invited them to take a good look at Bermuda as part of their expansion plan.?

The National Trust has expressed ?grave concern? at the increasing number of SDOs being issued on the Island ? such as the two being applied for by Southlands Limited.

Dorcas Roberts, NT environmental conservation officer, said: ?Recent major tourism developments granted permission by SDOs include the former Wyndham Resort in Southampton and the new Ritz-Carlton development in the City of Hamilton.

?At present there are four additional major proposed hotel developments, three of which we know have requested an SDO from the Minister of the Environment, including a nine-storey hotel at the Coco Reef Resort, 91 villas on the golf course of the Fairmount Southampton Hotel, a nine-storey hotel and fractional/condo development at the property west of Astwood Walk and finally, a mammoth resort and residential development proposed for Southlands in Warwick...

?All four properties have developable areas, yet all four also seek additional development on land that is protected by the current planning policy, designated as conservation areas where development is prohibited.

?However, SDOs can serve to override these restrictions. The Southlands application proposes to realign South Shore Road through a tunnel in addition to developing extensively on the foreshore, on protected woodland and open/green space.

?A previous application for tourism development at this site made in 1993, although never built, warranted the Development Applications Board to grant permission with the condition that a large portion of the site be placed in a Section 34 Agreement meaning that the woodland, agricultural and open spaces be permanently preserved.

?The current application seeks to develop a large proportion of this land.?

The NT regards SDO usage as an option of last resort and not something that should be applied simply for expediency.

Meanwhile, the UBP is looking into the proposal and its implications. Shadow Tourism Minister David Dodwell expects to make a statement next week.

He said: ?There are some issues here and its important enough a matter for discussions between the UBP leader and shadow environment minister.

?We want to discuss what this means to Bermuda and reflect in the issues and the impact of these developments.?

Nelson Hunt, of Southlands Limited, declined to comment saying it would be inappropriate for him to give a comment at the moment, but adding: ?There will be a joint statement soon.?has been unable to reach Craig Christensen of Southlands or anyone at Jumeirah, whose US communications office is officially closed until the new year.