The Bermuda National Trust wants a $250-million project slated for Morgan's Point delayed until developers complete proposed environmental studies.

And in a further blow to the project, international conglomerate Belgium-based Tractebel SA is no longer associated with the proposed development.

The National Trust has lodged a formal objection against Morgan's Harbour Investment Ltd.'s planning application to transform the former Southampton Naval Annex into an upscale golf, tourist and community resort.

If the planning application is rejected, the project's timetable could be delayed until the necessary studies and revisions are made.

In its brief filed with the Planning Department, the Trust calls on the Development Applications Board (DAB) to reject Morgan's Harbour's in-principle plan until the company submits a more detailed proposal on how it intends to prevent harm to the environment during construction.

The National Trust also wants the developer to fund a "thorough survey and assessment of the marine ecology'' surrounding Morgan's Point before construction proceeds.

The Trust is concerned about the environmental impact extensive dredging and land reclamation planned for the site will have on the Great Sound.

"There is the serious danger that if the development goes ahead without more being known about the site, the existing contamination will be spread throughout the Great Sound and the Little Sound,'' Edith Robinson of the Trust's environmental committee told The Royal Gazette .

And the National Trust wants the company to make parklands planned for the 250-acre site more accessible to the general public.

The DAB last week cancelled an informal presentation by Morgan's Harbour because of the Trust's objection. The company plans on building a 18-hole championship golf course, a 318-home community, a luxury 200-bedroom spa and conference cottage colony, a 400-berth marina, and a village centre.

British-based Renaissance Resorts International Ltd. -- a major shareholder in Morgan's Harbour -- is the master developer of the site. Renaissance managing director Robert Davies told The Royal Gazette the company expects to make its presentation before the DAB "within the next few weeks'' when the project application comes up for review.

He said discussions with the National Trust have been going on for the past six months. The company has so far submitted a 77-page environmental report of the project to the Planning Department. The report was done by UK-based consultancy Sir William Halcrow & Partners Ltd.

He said the company's funding was in place and reports that Jack Nicklaus had pulled out of the design of the golf course were untrue.

Setbacks for developer A member of Mr. Nicklaus' design team was at the Morgan's Point site two weeks ago along with a representative of the British Professional Golfers Association.

"We have adequate money to do exactly what we need to do,'' Mr. Davies said.

"...We are fully subscribed.'' However he confirmed responsibility for the construction management of the site was now being put up for bid. When Renaissance Resorts tendered its proposal to the Bermuda Land Development Co. in competition with other developers it did so in conjunction with Belgium-based Tractebel Development.

The tender proposal submitted to the Bermuda company responsible for the development of the former military baselands was prepared by both Renaissance and Tractebel.

"We have chosen subsequently for various strategic reasons to take a more competitive route,'' Mr. Davies said yesterday. "That's not to say they are excluded from the project. I wouldn't want that said. We are keeping our options open because we want this project first to have the most competitive pricing and second the involvement of local contracting firms as well. We are assessing which is the right route.'' While Tractebel does not have any equity in Morgan's Harbour, it would have brought the weight of an international conglomerate skilled in the providing communications, real estate, engineering, technical installations and services to communities.

"We are basically talking to more than one contractor because this is a competitive situation,'' Mr. Davies said. "Tractebel is certainly in the frame and there are others.'' A spokesman for the Bermuda Land Development Co. said he was unable to make a comment at this time until he had spoken to Mr. Davies about the matter.

During the tendering process to win the chance to develop the site, Morgan's Harbour beat out four other proposals, including one by BCM McAlpine owner Alan Burland which was shortlisted.