Government is opposing plans by Fairmont Hotels and Resorts to develop a par three golf course because there is no provision for staff housing. The objection follows concern over lack of affordable housing in Bermuda.

On April 10, the Department of Tourism told Planning it objected to three of Fairmont?s plans. These included building 54 exclusive units at Heritage Place on Turtle Hill, 91 golf villas on the golf course, and the redevelopment of Whaler Inn. It called for revisions to include staff housing.

?The Ministry of Tourism and Transport is very conscious of the current housing issues in Bermuda, and in an effort to lure young Bermudians back into the hotel industry the provision of adequate, suitable housing is seen as a major incentive,? Director of Tourism Cherie Whitter said in a release yesterday.

?In the event that we remain required to import labour, that labour force should not be allowed to compete with Bermudians for housing but be housed by their employers, in this case the hotels. As the Minister has said repeatedly, staff housing is this Ministry?s contribution to addressing the Island?s housing issues.?

Speaking on behalf of Ms Whitter on April 10, the Department of Tourism?s Hotel Administration Manager Jasmine Smith told Planning: ?The Department of Tourism is only prepared to support the above applications if overall plans are revised to include clear and distinct plans for staff housing.?

Norman Mastalir, general manager of the Fairmont Southampton, declined to comment on the Department of Tourism?s objection.

?I am not in a position to comment at this time,? Mr. Mastalir said. ?I would like to take a look at that.?

Fairmont?s agent, David Sommers, of Bermuda Caribbean Engineering Consultant, also said he could not comment on the Department of Tourism?s objection until he saw it. He was unable to do this by the end of the business at the Planning Department yesterday.

However, he said his responses to nearly 600 objections to the Fairmont plan would be at Planning today.

The Bermuda Telephone Company said it did not object to Fairmont?s plans.