Former Premier Sir John Swan has launched an appeal against the Development Applications Board's decision to deny him permission to build two homes on Lighthouse Hill in Southampton.

But the Bermuda National Trust has reiterated its opposition to the plan and will be levelling its objections as the appeal process begins in a few weeks time.

Initially the DAB turned the development down, saying it would fail to protect the "environmental, visual and amenity value of undeveloped land'' and "natural resources, areas of ecological importance and wildlife habitat''.

And the board added the homes would fail to reserve land for future generations and keep "visual, physical and natural breaks between'' areas of development.

In addition, the development would not maintain the "illusion of open space''. Moreover the DAB also stated the homes were forbidden under the Development and Planning Act 1974.

One of the lots earmarked for a home is zoned woodland reserve and agricultural with an open space overlay. The other is zoned woodland reserve with open space.

The case before Planning has a chequered history, with doubts raised over whether Sir John's land was legally subdivided into registered building lots.

Sir John, who resigned in August as Premier but remains a United Bermuda Party MP for Paget East, could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Bermuda National Trust director Amanda Outerbridge said her organisation understood that Sir John was appealing the DAB decision. He wants it to be heard before the Environment Minister Pamela Gordon.

"Our objection still stands because we think the DAB made the correct decision,'' Ms Outerbridge explained. "It is a very environmentally sensitive area and we wouldn't want to see woodland reserves being developed. Our position hasn't changed.'' Ms Gordon was unavailable to comment yesterday because she is off the Island.

But acting Environment Minister John Barritt said he was aware that Sir John had lodged an appeal but he had no idea when the matter would be heard.

"That's the $64,000 question,'' he said. "This is just the notice of appeal.

The process then requires the filing of grounds of appeal.

"Next the objectors must be given time to comment. I am not aware whether it is an appeal to the Minister or via an inspector. The applicant has a choice.

Typically it will be some weeks away.'' Meanwhile John Maycock who lives "a stone's throw'' from the proposed development, said he and several others who live in the area will be strenuously opposing the application.

He said the size of the proposed houses caused him great concern and he hoped that the appeal process would be "above board.'' "This is going to be two huge places with every amenity you can think of including games rooms and swimming pools and garages,'' he said.

"And it is totally out of whack with the area as well. That does not even address the reality that the builders will have to use bulldozers to travel through arable land and woodland.

"I want to see it turned down. And that is not just this one area, I think Bermuda as a whole is turning into a concrete jungle if we are not one already.'' APPEAL -- Sir John Swan