outstanding environmental importance is set to be discussed in the House of Asembly today.

And the bill can be expected to become law -- but not without a stormy debate in the House of Assembly.

The Castle Harbour Redevelopment Act 1998 would allow the development of Ship's Hill, Hamilton Parish.

The land is owned by Bermuda Properties Ltd (BPL) who also own the adjacent Marriott Castle Harbour.

But the proposals aroused fury among groups dedicated to protecting the environment.

Lined up against proposals for the 26-house, a communal pool, tennis courts and a water storage tank are Save Open Spaces (SOS) and the National Trust.

SOS insisted any development would be bound to damage a cave system underneath the site -- and endanger unique marine life.

And the National Trust agreed and raised other worries in connection with land development by non-Bermudians and property zoning.

The National Trust said another site could developed -- the nearby Government Quarry, which is approaching the end of its useful life.

BPL countered that the development was vital to the future of the struggling Castle Harbour resort, which has not turned a profit in recent times.

And the plans were backed by Environment Minister Harry Soares, who only last week upheld a decision by the Development Applications Board to give the plans the go-ahead.

But permission comes with a string of conditions to safeguard the cave system and the quality of the water in them.

After Private Members Bills Committee chairman Stanley Lowe told the House last Friday that the eight-strong group had forwarded the bill to the House, Progressive Labour Party leader Jennifer Smith leapt up to underline that she wanted a debate on the issue.

But she did not rule out PLP backing for development at Ship's Hill, although she said a "compromise'' deal could possibly be reached.