A Christian foundation's plan to build 95 tourist cottages on the South Shore has been given the green light.

Planners have approved the complex in principle, as long as the foundation sticks by an offer to conserve a major part of the site.

The plan, by the religious Willowbank Foundation, is for the 36-acre Southlands estate -- the last major chunk of undeveloped land zoned for hotel building.

The land, on either side of South Road in Warwick, acts as a green buffer between Dunscombe Road and Rocklands estate.

The plan follows the success of the foundation's Willowbank hotel in Sandys, which does a thriving word-of-mouth trade among tourists who enjoy daily devotions and visiting speakers.

Last night, foundation chairman Mr. Fernance Perry could not give a start date for the project. But he said the number of cottages built would increase gradually.

"It all depends on how successful the first phase is, and what the economy permits.

"We intend to preserve the site as much as possible. We want the wooded area because it's a unique property. Where these units are going to be tucked, nothing is going to be spoiled.'' It is believed that an offer by the foundation to preserve about half the site helped to win over planning officials.

"We will have to sit down and negotiate,'' said Mr. Perry. "We have told Planning what we're prepared to do and I believe that when the time comes this will be resolved.

"I think Bermuda needs this type of accommodation. It will be one of the nicest properties on the Island, for people who want to be completely on their own.'' The operation would be aimed at self-catering families, with lower rates than some of the Island's more luxurious cottage colonies.

"It will be unique in the sense that it will be completely self-contained, and also because there's a price factor involved.

"We do get a lot of requests for this type of accommodation. We're not out to compete with anybody, we're just trying to attract more families at a reasonable rate.'' A restaurant and social centre would be provided for people to mix, said Mr.

Perry. But like the foundation's hotel, there would be no bar.

Non-Christians would be welcome, he added.

The foundation hopes to use proceeds from the colony to subsidise 40 homes for senior citizens, also planned for the site.

DAB members refused Mr. Skipper Tatem's plan for three homes, a pool and pool house at Darrell's boatyard in Warwick.

They said the proposal would over-develop the site and be out of keeping with its surroundings. It would also affect the appearance of the shoreline.

Mr. Fernance Perry.