Planning approval in-principle has been given for the demolition of three buildings on the corner of Front and Queen Streets in Hamilton and the construction of a new 65,000-square-foot, five-storey retail and office development on the site.

But an appeal of the Development Application Board's approval is likely to come once the principal objector to the development -- the Bermuda National Trust -- has a chance to consider the decision.

Pembroke Stores Ltd. is the owner of the three buildings at 29 Front Street, 5 Queen Street and 3 Queen Street which house Smugglers Reef, the Bermuda Bookstore, Treasure Chest and Flying Colours. The area is known as Heyl's Corner.

In granting the approval, the Development Applications Board ruled: "Notwithstanding the fact that this application seeks in-principle approval only, those details relating to the siting, use, means of access to the site are hereby approved; however, the Board reserves for its final approval all details relating to design and external appearance of the buildings and landscaping of the site.'' Pembroke Stores spokeswoman Tana Tucker said the developers were pleased with the decision to grant in-principle planning approval. Pembroke Stores belongs to the Cox and Zuill families.

When asked when work on the site would get underway, she replied that the developers were not ready to release that information and pointed out that the planning approval was in-principle only at this stage.

Yesterday the chairwoman for the Trust's environmental committee, Edith Martin, told The Royal Gazette that although the Trust hated to see an historical building like the Bermuda Bookstore demolished, it was more concerned with the overall impact the development would have on the "much loved and photographed corner''.

"The five-storey glass office tower will certainly detract from the old Bermuda charm of the area and change the profile and character of Par-la-Ville Park,'' she said.

Ms Martin said the community had to ask itself whether another office block was needed in Hamilton and, if so, was this the right place for it.

She added: "The environmental committee has not had a chance to consider the DAB's decision yet but it is likely that an appeal will be filed.'' The Bermuda National Trust originally objected to the plans on the grounds that it felt the development would destroy a Hamilton landmark and ruin the area's ambiance.

The five-storey building would alter Hamilton's skyline, the Trust argued.

Heyl's Corner now: The corner of Front and Queen Streets is facing a dramatic make-over following the granting of in-principle planning approval to Pembroke Stores Ltd.