Two conflicting reports on the effects on a multi-million dollar development on Ship's Hill are being studied by environment experts in England.

The Bermuda Planning Department has sent the Bermuda Properties environmental impact study and the results of studies by Save Open Spaces to the Institute of Environmental Assessment.

It will not make any recommendations but it will review both reports for their professionalism and compare statistics.

Yesterday Planning Department director Brian Rowlinson said: "The Institute will assess the reports and let us know where there may be gaps in the information or shortcomings in the conclusions that have been drawn.'' He added that his department was also carrying out a thorough review of both the BPL and SOS report.

Bermuda Properties Ltd recently unveiled full plans for its development of Ship's Hill for luxury homes.

The development has drawn fire from SOS and the National Trust who are both opposed on the grounds that it will harm the environment, including cave structures below the hill.

BPL say its plans will enhance the area, will not endanger caves and will give native plant species a chance to thrive.

Objectors to the plan have until October 25 to register their complaints with the Planning Department.

The National Trust is in the process of compiling its response, but yesterday chairman of the Trust's environment committee Tim Marshall said the group was being handicapped because it could not see the Institute's report.

Mr. Marshall also said he had asked for an extension to the objection deadline, but was turned down.

"Planning is forcing everyone to go with what information we have now. It seems like it is all being rushed to no-one's benefit.

"We are having to put in our objections based on only three-quarters of the information,'' added Mr. Marshall.