An injunction stopping work on the old Post Office in St. George's was lifted yesterday as Government and conservation officials continued talks to resolve the dispute.

The St. George's Preservation Authority, which was granted the injunction on Tuesday, and the Attorney General's office for Works and Engineering, jointly applied for the stop order to be lifted.

Both sides remain in talks to end the controversy, which came to a head over the weekend when contractors for Works and Engineering ripped off the roof of the listed building before consent was obtained from the Preservation Authority.

Any work of this kind in the Old Town must first be approved by the Authority.

The Planning Department confirmed yesterday that no application has been made for any work on the listed building, so no file exists.

As both sides tried to seek a solution, a statement from the Planning Department said the law on listed buildings was "not absolutely clear''.

The Planning statement contradicted Works and Engineering Minister Alex Scott's claim on Monday that planning permission was not required because the Post Office was a Government building.

The statement confirmed that Government buildings are "not exempt from the Planning Act".

The Act states "making a material alteration to the external appearance of a listed building" is classified as "development" for which permission is needed.

However, the Planning statement claims that replacing the roof of a listed building "may not constitute 'making a material alteration'."

The Preservation Authority and Mr. Scott issued a joint statement last night saying: "It is accepted that there was much confusion and misinterpretation surrounding the development, permissions and procedures. However, both sides are currently in discussions. Those discussions are being held in an atmosphere of frankness and cordiality embracing the ultimate goal of (both), which is to preserve Bermuda's heritage for future generations.

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