Broadway, claiming builders are trying to cram it onto a property that is too small.

Furthermore, the split-level Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute would spoil harbour views for those driving into Hamilton, said Mr. Sanders Frith-Brown.

"They (developers) are trying to crowd a 14,000 square-foot building onto that narrow piece of property,'' he said. The proposed 62-car parking lot alone was larger than the original building that stood on the property, he added.

"I thought the only justification for (former Works Minister) Terceira's folly -- the highway leading into Hamilton -- was for elevated access to the city allowing beautiful views of the Harbour. If that building goes up, it will block all views of the Harbour.'' Mr. Frith-Brown suggested a better site would be the former Bermudiana Hotel property.

He further claimed BUEI developers were either unaware of Planning regulations regarding boundary encroachment, or "double standards'' were being set by the Department.

Architects Barker and Linberg had gone ahead and designed the institute to encroach into Hamilton Harbour (by land reclamation) and onto the boundaries of neighbouring properties, he noted.

"Aren't they aware of Planning standards that developments must be set back 25-feet from public roads, a minimum of 10 feet -- often 20 feet -- from boundaries in high density areas and 50-feet from the foreshore?,'' he asked.

Mr. Frith-Brown, a member of the Bermuda National Trust which is objecting to the plans, said he was not against the principal of the BUEI, just its size and siting.

"I think it will be a positive draw for tourists,'' he said. "I am 100 percent for it -- as long as developers follow the standards that other developers have to.'' The $10 million museum, part-funded by Fidelity International, is planned for two-acres of property next to historic Trust-owned Pembroke Hall, Fidelity's headquarters.

Its developers include Finance Minister Dr. David Saul, who is the president of Fidelity, and longtime divers Mr. Harry Cox and Mr. Teddy Tucker.

Accountant Mr. David Lines chairs the BUEI Design Committee.

The land developers want to build it on is owned by Fidnat, a partnership between Fidelity and the National Trust Endowment Company, a subsidiary of the Trust.

Fidnat has said it will not be objecting to the plans.