the size of the St George's Club.

Now members have written to the Government's planning department branding the proposals to build new time-share units as "greedy and immoral.'' And they have asked that the application to build the timeshares on Cemetery Hill and Fort George Hill be rejected.

Mr. Ian Macdonald-Smith, spokesman for Save Open Spaces (SOS), said that the proposed development would destroy the last remaining unprotected open space in St Georges.

He added: "There is huge opposition to this -- I haven't spoken to anybody who wants to see this happen. To see this hill land developed would be a terrible shame.

"It is imperative to save these hillsides -- these hills are very important for migratory and local bird populations, which use them for feeding and protection.'' He added that the area also boasted mature casuarina forest and the undergrowth was valuable for several species of warbler.

Permission for phased expansion of the club was granted more than a decade ago -- but specific proposals have only recently been lodged with Government planners.

Mr. Macdonald-Smith said: "SOS feels that with this property and the proposed development there is more than just a decision regarding previous permission involved.

"The St. George's Club should also present justification for the expansion and demonstrate demand for all additional units, in addition to showing near complete capacitiy in their existing physical plant.'' Mr. Macdonald-Smith admitted there were no objections when the original planning permission was granted in 1983 -- but that concern for the environment and knowledge of the impact of development had increased since then.

He added that other hotels and complexes were struggling or shut altogether and simply building new facilities was not the answer.

Mr. Macdonald-Smith said: "The state of the Island's tourism industry is deplorable - but before decisions are made to allow development to proceed in the tourism sector there must be a complete review of the industry.

"To allow expansion after expansion detracts from our Island's physical beauty, while the industry is already in decline.'' He said the group had no objection to club plans to develop land next to the existing main building of the complex.

Mr Macdonald-Smith added: "This would be much more in keeping with the scale of the property and will delay the destruction of Cemetery Hill.

And he said: "If the construction must be phased, it makes more sense to start with the use of the site of the old prison and if expansion is needed due to increased business that can be considered when necessary.'' St. George's Club owner Mr.

Alastair Woolf was not available for comment last night.

Environment Minister Pamela Gordon -- who only took over the post a week ago -- said that she was aware of the application.

She added: "All objections will be taken into consideration and weighed up by the relevant officals before a decision is made.'' Ms Gordon -- who works part-time for the St. George's Club -- has already disqualified herself from hearing any appeal involving the application.