the Bermuda Plan.

Mr. DeCouto, member for Smith's South, claims he is furious with the zoning of plots of land belonging to him in Smith's.

And he questioned how easy it is for Government to gain permission for major works on environmentally important land in his constituency.

The United Bermuda Party MP was objecting to the Bermuda Plan designations of his land at the Objections Tribunal in the Cabinet Office on Front Street.

He was hoping to develop a lot at Gilbert Hill for his family and two vacant lots at Verdmont Road.

A report about Gilbert Hill, from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Parks said: "Any zoning that allows development would result in not only the destruction of prime arable land but also lessen the amenity value of the area which would be contrary to the general aim of the draft Bermuda Plan 1992.'' Speaking for Mr. DeCouto, Mr. Ian Waddington said: "Mr. DeCouto was given permission to build on the land and it is grossly unfair that he cannot now build there.'' Mr. DeCouto agreed. He said: "This has cost a lot of money to go nowhere. We have been trying to get this land ready for our children and then we lose it at the stroke of a pen.

"It is dictatorial. The incinerator, Warwick Academy car park and the bus garage have all been built on green land. But when it comes to `Joe Public' it is a different story.'' Mr. DeCouto said he had spent between $150,000 and $200,000 on building a service road and laying water pipes and electricity cables for an anticipated eight lots at Gilbert Hill.

But the two lots nearest to the road have been zoned agricultural in the Bermuda Plan.

A Planning Department statement describes the land at Verdmont Road as: "Significant to the overall visual open amenity which is characteristic of a rural environment.

"On April 10, 1969, a subdivision was approved based on lots 1-6 being developed, and lots A and B being retained as arable land.'' The tribunal will make a decision in the new year.