Overseas planning inspectors are being brought in to advise Environment Minister Neletha Butterfield on controversial plans to build a dolphin park at Sinky Bay.

The proposal, put forward by developer Dolphin Oasis, hit the headlines last year after objectors held an underwater protest at the planned site for the project.

When the initial application for planning permission was eventually rejected, Tourism Minister Ewart Brown, in an e-mail to Dolphin Oasis which was leaked to , said he backed the developers and would support them in any appeal.

Last week a Government spokeswoman said: ?The objectors have submitted their objections and Dolphin Oasis has an opportunity to respond.

?Planning inspectors are coming in from overseas to study the plans and consider all objections and the response from Dolphin Oasis.?

Overseas inspectors will then submit a report to the Minister.