At just four feet long and 18 inches tall it could be considered to be an inoffensive little wall.

However the row it is causing is blowing out of proportion to its size and has already prompted accusations of lunacy and vindictiveness.

In the future it is also likely to pit a former bank president against a Government Minister.

The problem stems from a Development Applications Board ruling that the wall built by Donald Lines on the foreshore of his Pembroke home is illegal.

It was built without permission and the Planning Minister is being asked to take enforcement action -- which could include knocking the wall down.

Last night Mr. Lines, a former Bank of Bermuda president, attacked the decision -- although it was defended by the DAB chairman who said the board's hands were tied by Government rules.

Mr. Lines said: "You would think the DAB would have something better to do with themselves.

"This is a storm in a teapot with lunatics in charge of the regulations. The wall is four feet long, 18 inches tall and 12 inches wide.

"I did not think anything under three feet tall had to have planning permission. This whole thing is ridiculous.'' He added: "It was not doing its job and I was going to take it down anyway.

The DAB is out to lunch.'' According to Mr. Lines, chairman of the National Sports Centre trustees, he built the wall last Spring, but it was drawn to the attention of planning officials by some American neighbours.

It was inspected by Government officers who said the wall needed planning permission.

Lines, DAB in war of words The plan was considered by the DAB which turned permission down and recommended that the Environment and Planning Minister "institute appropriate action''.

It said the application was refused on the grounds that it was forbidden under the 1974 Development and Planning Act and was against the 1992 Bermuda Plan.

The ruling said: "In view of the retroactive nature of the application, the Board recommends that the Minister institute appropriate enforcement action with regard to the unauthorised development.'' Last night DAB chairman Colin Adderley defended the decision saying the Board had no discretion to exercise in the case.

Under planning rules, certain applications must go before the Agriculture Minister -- Pam Gordon, who is also the Planning Minister.

According to Mr. Adderley, Ms. Gordon, acting as the Agriculture Minister, turned the application down because it was in a protected zone.

"If the Agriculture Minister does not agree, the Board has no discretion in the case. That was the position we found ourselves in.

"When the Agriculture Minister turns something down it is standard procedure to recommend that enforcement action is taken.

"Mr. Lines' criticisms are misdirected and if he has any gripes he should address them to the Minister,'' said Mr. Adderley.

Ms Gordon is off the Island and unavailable for comment. It is her decision if enforcement action is taken or not.