Planning and Tourism chiefs both back an multi-million dollar plan to turn a timeshare centre into one of the best in the world, according to the man behind the scheme. The St. George's Club has submitted an $80 million application to revamp existing cottages as well as build 100 new units on Cemetery Hill. However, the scheme has drawn fire from the National Trust which has objected along with two neighbours and prominent Bermuda residents worried about the loss of open space. An original plan to develop Cemetery Hill was submitted and approved in 1983 when the previous Club owners, York Hannover, wanted to expand the centre. The group went bust in 1992 when Club President, Mr. Alistair Woolf, led a takeover by a consortium. His development plan, he says, is substantially different to the 1983 scheme and involves less buildings. "All the objectors are failing to recognise that the original scheme, which was approved, was for a larger number of units which were designed as blocks of terraced cottages.

"The redesign will not have such an impact on the open space which was effectively lost in 1983,'' added Mr.

Woolf.

"We have spent six months pursuing a common goal with the Planning Department and from what we understand they are happy with the scheme as is the Department of Tourism,'' said Mr. Woolf.

He added that the revised plan was not an application for a new development, but a redesign of the previously approved plan. It will still go before the Development Applications Board.

It is expected that if the plan gets the go-ahead it will qualify the St.

George's Club for Gold Crown Status from Resort Condominium International, the world's largest vacation exchange organisation.

Only about 70 timeshare centres in the world achieve such as status. Meanwhile a growing environmental movement is emerging in Bermuda as more people begin to realise the importance of protecting the Island's remaining open spaces, an MP believes.

Shadow Environment Minister, Mr. Leon (Jimmy) Williams, says he has been inundated with calls over projects such as the St. George's Club scheme, quarrying at Bailey's Bay and concern over fishing.

He also believes that as college students return to Bermuda they are bringing back a new green consciousness, although Mr. Williams says it is up to the older generation to respond.

"There are not many blocks of open spaces in Bermuda anymore. The woodland must be maintained. We must stick to some principles and not turn a blind eye to what is going on,'' he said.

Mr. Williams believes until properties like Club Med and the old Bermudiana hotel are filled, a block should be put on developing new complexes.

And he believes that planning applications of public interest could be debated in Parliament. At present the Development Applications Board meetings are held in private and the Environment Minister has the final say -- with reasonings behind his decisions also kept private.

Mr. Williams said it was not just open spaces, but the shoreline, ancient rock outcrops and the traditional Bermudian architecture that needed protecting.

"People seem to be growing more environmentally conscious and I really endorse what groups like Save Our Spaces are doing. We need people to speak up. We must protect the environment for our children,'' added Mr. Williams.