activists to hold their horses.

John Barritt and Michael Dunkley -- who represent Devonshire South, the constituency at the centre of the row -- called for more time to be given to discuss the plans and other options available.

And -- in their first public statement of their position -- the two MPs called for at least one public meeting for Devonshire residents so the controversial proposal can be fully discussed.

Mr. Barritt said: "What we are hoping is there won't be a rush to a hearing by the Development Applications Board, any of the parties involved or indeed the Minister.

"We have contacted the National Equestrian Federation to extend the offer and we hope they will take it up.

"It's important that they explain why they have come to the conclusions they have.'' Mr. Barritt said both he and Mr. Dunkley had taken calls from constituents on the issue -- mostly against the development.

He added: "Feelings are running very high and we would have to say the majority of calls express opposition.'' But he added: "We are not sure that everybody has the necessary information to make an informed decision.'' And Mr. Barritt said other options -- including the possibility of an alternative home for horse-lovers -- should be examined.

Neither MP has come out for or against the development. Mr. Barritt declined to comment on his personal views -- but it is understood that both Devonshire South MPs are leaning against the plans for expansion.

Mr. Barritt said: "There are going to be some hard choices made here, as is so often the case on environmental matters.

"And we have to examine what the various options are before anyone starts making a decision.'' Last night Environment Minister Irving Pearman did not rule the MPs' proposals out of bounds.

He said: "I have to have discussions with the Ministry regarding time frames -- in a democracy, if the issues are sufficiently concerning, one has to look to see whether or not there is a provision for an extension of time.

"It sounds to me like an intelligent approach, rather than the emotion which has been coming to the fore so far.'' Bermuda Equestrian Federation president Michael Cherry said his organisation would be happy to attend a meeting -- but questioned whether further delay in the plans going to DAB was needed.

He said: "We have no problem with discussing our plans -- we are doing nothing which is not subject to public scrutiny. We'd be delighted to attend any public meeting.

But he added: "What we are in favour of is having a fair hearing and having the plans submitted to the DAB in the proper manner.

"We wouldn't be happy with extra time being taken. As far as we're concerned, it should go ahead as part of the normal planning process.'' When the Federation's proposals were unveiled, they sparked a storm of opposition.

The National Trust, the Audubon Society and Save Open Spaces united to try and block the plans.

The plans involve the destruction of nearly four acres of land zoned Woodland Reserve and Open Space. And tons of rock would have to taken from a wooded hillside area.

Opponents slammed a decision by the Environment Ministry to lift the protection to allow the DAB to consider the proposals -- understood to be the first time such an order has been granted.

And activists said the quarrying would leave a cliff face the height of the Bank of Bermuda at Albouy's Point in Hamilton.

And a protest petition organised by the three environmental watchdogs and printed in The Royal Gazette attracted more than 1,000 signatures.

ENVIRONMENT ENV PLANNING PLN